Here are the top reasons for your Instant Pot not sealing. This guide helps you troubleshoot a common problem most Instant Pot users encounter: the Instant Pot won’t come to pressure. Learn how to seal your Instant Pot correctly the first time, and how to avoid the issue.
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➡ Need more help? Check out my Instant Pot troubleshooting guide!
Pressure Release Valve Parts
Here are some of the parts that I refer to throughout this article. The steam release mechanism varies by Instant Pot model; some newer models may look slightly different.
- Float Valve: a metal pin that pops up once the Instant Pot has pressurized.
- Steam Release Valve: Steam is released through the vents in the steam release valve. It’s also referred to as the Instant Pot pressure valve, pressure release valve, or venting knob.
- Steam Release Handle: Steam is released through the vents in the steam release handle. To seal the Instant Pot pressure cooker, turn this pressure knob to the Sealing position, and to release pressure, move it to the Venting position. The steam release handle is sometimes referred to as the Instant Pot venting knob or pressure valve.
- Steam Release Button: Click it counterclockwise to spring it up into the Sealing position. To release pressure, push the button until it clicks down into place in the Venting position.
- Steam Release Switch: To put it in Sealing mode, slide it into the Seal position. To release pressure, slide it into the Vent position.
- Silicone Sealing Ring: a flexible ring that creates a seal between the Instant Pot’s base unit and the lid, allowing pressure to build up and pressurize the Instant Pot. It’s also referred to as a gasket.
- Float Valve: a metal pin covered with a silicone cover on the inside of the lid, which keeps it in place. It can be removed and cleaned.
- Anti-block Shield: metal cover that prevents food particles from entering and blocking the steam release pipe. The anti-block shield covers the exhaust valve and can be removed and cleaned.
Why Is Your Instant Pot Not Sealing?
One of the most common issues people encounter with Instant Pot (aka Instapot) is that their Instant Pot won’t pressurize or seal.
This happens to me, and I’m sure it happens to most electric pressure cooker users. Usually, it’s an easy fix!
New Instant Pot users, in particular, have difficulty troubleshooting what’s wrong when their Instant Pot is not sealing.
If the countdown timer has begun and the float valve is not rising, the Instant Pot won’t seal.
If the Instant Pot is not pressurizing but counting down, timer has begun and the float valve is not rising, the Instant Pot won’t seal.
I’ve compiled a list of possible reasons why your Instant Pot is not pressurizing. You’ll most likely be able to troubleshoot your issue in one of the following cases.
Another common problem when the Instant Pot is trying to come to full pressure is the Burn or Food Burn Message, so I encourage you to read that article too!
📍 PRO TIP
- There are various reasons for sealing problems, ranging from the Instant Pot sealing ring not being in place to the pressure release handle being in the Venting position. I’ll go into detail shortly.
- Once you diagnose the reason for your Instant Pot not coming to pressure, make sure you have enough liquid in the Instant Pot before you continue with pressure cooking.
- Often, some of the liquid evaporates while the steam is leaking. If you restart the pressure cooking process without compensating for the lost liquid, you will likely have more sealing issues.
Should steam come out of the Instant Pot when pressurizing?
Yes, steam will escape from the steam release and float valves until the Instant Pot is sealed.
When you initially program the Instant Pot to pressure cook, the display says On. After a few minutes (anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes, depending on the quantity and temperature of the food), you’ll see steam coming out of the pressure release (steam release) handle and/or float valve on the top of the lid. This is perfectly normal.
After some hissing, steaming, and hesitation, the float valve usually rises to the Up position, and the Instant Pot is sealed. After a few minutes, the display should start counting down from the number of minutes you programmed the Instant Pot to pressure cook.
Should steam come out of the Instant Pot once sealed?
No heavy steam should come out once the float valve is in the sealing position (up position).
However, I have occasionally seen tiny wisps of steam when it’s sealed, and this is not a cause for concern. This usually happens when cooking something with a lot of liquid, such as soup.
1. The Instant Pot Pressure Valve is in Venting Position
Different models of Instant Pot have different pressure release mechanisms.
- Steam Release Handle: The venting knob can be turned from Venting to Sealing.
- Steam Release Button: When the button is up, it seals, and when it’s down, it vents.
- Steam Release Switch: The switch can go from Vent to Seal.
When using the Instant Pot for something other than Slow Cook, Yogurt, or Sous Vide, the pressure release needs to be in the Sealing position.
SOLUTION: Open the Instant Pot and make sure there’s enough liquid. If too much liquid has evaporated, the Instant Pot won’t pressurize, so add more liquid if necessary. Close the Instant Pot, ensure it’s in Sealing position, and resume pressure cooking.
If you have trouble closing the lid, it’s probably because the contents are hot. Move the steam release handle to the Venting position and make sure the lid is properly closed. Then, move the steam release handle to the Sealing position.
2. The Silicone Sealing Ring (Sealing Gasket) is not Properly Seated
If the ring cannot be rotated around in the sealing ring rack, it’s not seated correctly. You should be able to turn it in place, maybe with a bit of effort. If the sealing ring hasn’t been installed correctly, you may find that steam is leaking out of the sides of the lid.
SOLUTION: Open the Instant Pot and push down the sealing ring all the way around the ring rack to make sure it’s properly seated. Then, try turning it in the ring rack. It should move/rotate around the ring rack. A new sealing ring can be harder to move, but you should be able to.
3. Sealing Ring is Missing/Misplaced
It’s possible that the sealing ring or gasket was removed for cleaning and not placed back in the Instant Pot lid’s ring rack. If your sealing ring is missing, you will see the Instant Pot leaking steam from the sides of the lid.
SOLUTION: Replace the Instant Pot gasket.
4. Not Enough Liquid in Instant Pot to Build Pressure
This is one of the most common Instant Pot issues when it’s trying to come to pressure. According to the official manual, the Instant Pot requires at least 1 cup of liquid. I’ve used as little as ½ cup and done fine with many Instant Pot recipes. Remember that it needs to be thin liquid such as water, broth, lemon juice, and soy sauce.
Some liquids like canned tomato sauce are too dense and require thinning out with broth or water. If your Instant Pot isn’t sealing, this is one of the more common reasons.
SOLUTION: Add more water or broth. If the final result is a dish that’s too thin or liquidy, you can use the Saute function and let the liquid reduce and thicken, or you can add a thickener like cornstarch, flour, potato flakes, etc.
5. Food is Scorched at the Bottom of the Inner Pot
If food is scorched on the bottom of the pot, the liquid won’t make contact with the bottom, and the Instant Pot won’t build steam. Here are a few of the reasons food gets scorched on the bottom of the Instant Pot:
- After browning or sauteing, if browned bits are sticking to the bottom of the pot, you need to deglaze the pot. Deglazing involves adding liquid (e.g., water, broth) to the heated pot and stirring to allow the browned bits to come free.
- The liquid is too thick. This can happen with thick sauces such as tomato sauce, mole sauce, or pasta sauce. Thick sauces should be placed at the top without stirring them in, and you can also thin them out with water or broth.
- Starchy foods are making contact with the bottom of the inner pot. Starchy foods, such as pasta, rice, etc., should be layered on top of other ingredients without stirring them in.
- The Instant Pot is overfilled with food and there isn’t enough room for the liquid to circulate.
SOLUTION: Open the Instant Pot, transfer the contents to a large bowl, and clean the inner pot by scraping it with a plastic or wooden scraper. (You might even need to soak it with warm water and dish detergent for a bit.)
I have several of these pan scrapers that work well. Once the inner pot is clean, resume cooking, but add more liquid.
[Read More about layering problem ingredients such as sauces, pasta, rice, etc.]
6. The Sealing Ring has Expanded Too Much and Instapot Won’t Seal Properly
The sealing ring naturally expands when it’s heated. Once cool, it should return to its natural state. If you’ve just finished cooking something, the sealing ring may still be in its expanded state, preventing the Instant Pot from sealing.
SOLUTION: Try placing the Instant Pot sealing ring in the freezer or running it under cold water to contract it. You can also try turning the sealing ring over and replacing it.
7. Instant Pot Sealing Ring has Debris or Food
The Instant Pot sealing ring must be clean to create a proper seal.
SOLUTION: Make sure no food is stuck to the sealing ring and clean it with soap and water.
8. Too Much Water has Evaporated Before Problem was Fixed
If the pot wasn’t initially sealed properly and you corrected the problem, it’s possible that too much liquid evaporated, leaving the pot without enough liquid in the pot to create the required steam. This can cause the Instant Pot to not pressurize.
SOLUTION: Open the Instant Pot and check the quantity of liquid. You need ½ cup to 1 cup. Add more liquid if necessary.
9. The Sealing Ring is Damaged or Torn
If your seal is heavily used or pulled on too hard, it can wear out or tear, and you may need a new seal.
SOLUTION: Purchase a new sealing ring. Keeping a spare sealing ring on hand is always a good idea.
10. Timer Function was Used Instead of Manual or Pressure Cook
Some older models of the Instant Pot have a Timer button. The Timer button allows you to set a delayed start time. When you press the timer button, the time that shows up is the number of hours until cooking starts. So, if your Instant Pot timer is not starting, this could be the reason.
SOLUTION: Press Cancel to cancel the timer. Select Manual or Pressure Cook mode (or another cooking option, e.g., Poultry or Meat) and wait a few seconds for the Instant Pot display to change to On. If you wish to use the timer functionality, select the cooking function (e.g., Manual, Pressure Cook, Poultry) first, then press Timer or Delay Start (on newer models).
11. The Instant Pot Lid Area or Liner is Dirty
The Instant Pot lid and the area where it fits on the base unit need to be clean and free of food debris.
If food is stuck to the rim of the Instant Pot inner pot, the seal will not be tight when you close the Instant Pot lid, and steam can escape.
SOLUTION: Open the Instant Pot lid and use a cloth or clean toothbrush to wipe around the rim of the Instant Pot lid and the base unit. Thoroughly clean the inside, outside, and rim of the inner pot.
12. The Instant Pot Float Valve or Anti-Block Shield Has Debris
When you cook pasta or other messy foods, the Instant Pot valve and anti block shield can become dirty and obstructed.
SOLUTION: Remove the anti-block shield and float valve and clean with a clean toothbrush and soapy water. Clean the hole that the float valve goes into with a brush or pipe cleaner. Clean all parts of the lid. Dry well and replace the parts.
See my Instant Pot Beginner’s Guide to find out how to remove these.
13. Food is Frozen
Frozen food takes longer to cook, and the Instant Pot takes longer to come to pressure.
SOLUTION: If you’ve added frozen food to the pot, wait a bit longer to see if the Instant Pot will seal. If you’re cooking a large quantity of frozen food, I recommend thawing it first, because it will take a very long time to come to pressure and cook!
14. Large Quantity of Liquid in Instant Pot
If you’re making soup or cooking a larger quantity of food in the Instant Pot, you may have a lot of liquid. The more liquid you have, the longer it takes for the Instant Pot to seal.
You also need to ensure that your ingredients do not exceed the Max Fill mark (⅔ full). For foods that expand (e.g., rice, beans, and pasta), you should not exceed the ½ full mark.
SOLUTION: Wait longer to see if the Instant Pot will seal. If you’re above the recommended max fill lines, split up the recipe and cook it in two batches.
15. The Float Valve is Up, but Instant Pot Just Says On and the Countdown Timer Not Starting
If the Instant Pot just says ‘On,’ it could be because there is a delay between the float valve rising up and the timer starting to countdown.
I’ve had this happen when I’ve used less liquid than is recommended. The Instant Pot comes to pressure, and the float valve comes up, but the display says ‘On‘ and never counts down. In my case, it was just a one-time thing.
SOLUTION: Wait a bit to let the timer begin. The float valve coming up locks the lid but the Instant Pot may need more time to pressurize in order for the timer to start. If the ‘On‘ never changes to counting down, you must set an external timer and press Cancel when the time’s up. Try doing a water test to make sure the problem doesn’t recur. If the problem persists, open a support ticket.
16. The Power Cord is Loose
Some Instant Pots have detachable power cords. The power cord needs to be pushed into the base unit all the way. It can come loose if you move the Instant Pot or accidentally bump it.
SOLUTION: Push the power cord all the way into the base unit. Also, make sure the power cord is securely attached to the wall outlet. Test the outlet to make sure it is working with another appliance or an electrical outlet tester.
17. The Wrong Size Inner Pot was Used
If you have multiple Instant Pots of different sizes, you may be using the wrong stainless steel inner pot/liner. The 6-quart inner pot fits into the 8-quart Instant Pot. It’s an easy mistake and a common issue!
SOLUTION: Make sure you use the correct inner pot.
18. The Float Valve is Missing
If you remove the float valve while cleaning the Instant Pot lid, you may forget to replace it.
SOLUTION: Put the float valve back in and replace the silicone cover.
19. The Steam Release Handle is Missing
If you remove the steam release handle while cleaning the Instant Pot lid, you may forget to replace it.
SOLUTION: Put the steam release handle back onto the lid and push it down to make sure it’s properly seated on the steam release pipe.
20. The Lid Locking Pin is Stuck
The spring-loaded pin (lid locking pin) on the rim at the back of the lid could be stuck in the retracted position and this means your Instant Pot lid won’t close properly.
SOLUTION: Push on it from the inside and outside of the lid or gently jiggle it to get the spring mechanism to reset the pin.
21. The Exhaust Valve is Loose
In rare cases, the exhaust valve inside the anti-block shield can become loose, such as during shipping.
SOLUTION: Carefully tighten the valve so it’s not loose anymore. Don’t overly tighten it.
22. The Steam Release Handle is Not Properly Seated
If you remove the Instant Pot steam release valve or handle while cleaning the lid, it may not be put back correctly. It needs to be pushed in all the way. If it isn’t securely seated, steam will leak from the valve or handle.
SOLUTION: Push in the Steam Release Valve and move it from Sealing to Venting a few times so it sits properly.
23. Instant Pot Display Says noPr
If the Instant Pot is showing the noPr error message, it could be that it couldn’t reach a high enough temperature during the pre-heating stage. This could be due to the quantity of food or liquid, frozen ingredients, or any of the reasons in this article.
SOLUTION: If you’re not making any of the above mistakes but get the noPr error, press Cancel and try restarting the pressure cooking program again.
24. Instant Pot Leaking Steam Even Though the Float Valve is Up
There’s a metal safety clip inside some older pressure release valves. It appears to prevent the Instant Pot from overpressurizing.
Unfortunately, this metal ring can get bent over time or through shipping. This causes the steam release handle to tilt in the sealing position as if it were set to the Venting, allowing steam to escape.
Newer models of the steam release handle and sealing valve do not have this problem since they now have a silicone retaining ring that prevents them from being improperly seated on the steam release pipe, thus creating a good seal.
SOLUTION: Purchase a new steam release handle or remove the metal ring, straighten it with a pair of pliers, and put it back in. Here’s a Youtuber who’s posted a video on how to fix the Instant Pot not building pressure due to this issue:
I thank Donald Task and the Reddit Instant Pot community for bringing this problem and solution to my attention!
25. No Liquid for Pot in Pot Cooking
The pot-in-pot cooking method is used for cakes, eggs, lasagna, and other dishes that require steaming. If you don’t add water to the bottom of the pot, it will not come to pressure.
I hope this Instant Pot troubleshooting guide has helped you find out the reason for your Instant Pot float valve not sealing so you can get back to cooking your favorite Instant Pot recipes. Over time and with experience, you should encounter this problem less frequently.
If you continue to have issues with the Instant Pot not pressurizing, try to do a water test to see if it’s an issue with your unit. If the water test fails, you should either return the Instant Pot to the place of purchase or contact Instant Pot customer service to file a support ticket.
✅ Why Trust Neena at Paint the Kitchen Red?
I’m Neena, and I have a lifetime of experience working with pressure cookers. I know how to maximize the potential of a pressure cooker to consistently produce delicious and easy meals. With my Instant Pot expertise, I can provide valuable insights, troubleshooting advice, and innovative recipe ideas so you can trust me on all things Instant Pot!
➡ New to the Instant Pot? Get my Instant Pot instructions for beginners.
If you’re new to the Instant Pot and aren’t familiar with how to use it, here are my guides on how to use some popular Instant Pot models:
- Instant Pot Directions for Beginners
- Instant Pot ULTRA Beginner’s Manual
- Instant Pot DUO EVO PLUS Beginner’s Manual
- Instant Pot DUO NOVA Beginner’s Manual
- Instant Pot DUO GOURMET Beginner’s Manual
- Instant Pot PRO Beginner’s Manual
- Instant Pot DUO CRISP Beginner’s Manual
- Instant Pot PRO CRISP Beginner’s Manual
- Instant Pot PRO CRISP vs DUO CRISP
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Troubleshoot Common Instant Pot Problems
Find out some of the frequently encounter Instant Pot problems and how to fix them. From the burn message to error codes, these resources will help you out.
Bruce Gillett says
Our pot used to cook rice perfect, but now its soupy and crunchy, checked seals, is it a sensor?
Paint the Kitchen Red says
Bruce, have you changed rice brands? Or are you using a different bag of rice? It could be the rice itself. Try to buy a small bag of another rice and try it out. Sometimes that makes a difference.
Joan A. Benner says
My Instant Pot is counting down, but still hissing away as though it is not sealed. I have checked everything.
Paint the Kitchen Red says
Joan, for the most part, the Instant Pot is pretty silent when pressurized but I have occasionally encountered some mild hissing during the pressure cooking process, usually when it’s a dish with a lot of liquid. If you find this to be consistently happening, make sure you clean the lid and parts thoroughly and retry with a water test.
Tara says
Thank you so much, I tried another website’s tips but yours was the one that helped. In my case I think there was a smear of food on the lid of the inner pot that I didn’t see until closer examination.
Paint the Kitchen Red says
Tara, I’m glad to be of help!
Jodi Levins says
Mine will seal and get up to temperature then suddenly beat and switch over to warm. Its driving me nuts!!! I have been fighting with it for over half and hour… I have tried everything.
Paint the Kitchen Red says
Jodi, how frustrating. You might have electrical issues. I would open a support ticket with Instant Pot support. Are you using it in the country it was intended for (i.e. not using a voltage converter, etc.)?
P D says
What a great, comprehensive list! Our Instant Pot ring sometimes seems loose as if it has over-expanded, and won’t seal properly. I’ll try the cold water / freezer tricks next time.
Pierre
rob says
Having a seemingly unique problem with the float valve function. The float valve will not travel upwards far enough to seal the pot. When the silicon seal is removed from the bottom of float valve, and lid is inverted, the float valve itself is supposed to fall out, but doesn’t. It looks as if the c-clip which in proper function prevents the float valve from falling into the pot during normal operation, has moved somehow and now prevents the valve from coming to full up and sealed position. No amount of effort can cause the float valve to be removed from lid, i.e. forced with a hammer. Also, no amount of manipulation of the c-clip allows the float valve to be removed from lid. Everything appears clean, I don’t think this is a cleaning issue. It appears to be a true mechanical malfunction of the float valve retaining mechanism. Anyone have this problem or know how to fix it?
Paint the Kitchen Red says
Rob, I would suggest posing the question in the official Instant Pot Facebook group or in the instant pot sub reddit. I have not heard of this issue before – is your Instant Pot past warranty?
Brenda says
Need help! My IP Duo Plus 6-qt started having problems so IP sent me a brand new replacement pot (this one is ‘Version 2’ which has the auto seal function on the lid.) But when doing the initial water test — AFTER it came to pressure and AFTER the pin popped up — steam began POURING out of the release valve. it did this for a full minute. I called IP and they said the pressure sensor was likely bad and they sent me a replacement unit. But the exact same thing happens with the new machine too. My old IP never did this. Once sealed no steam would come out of the release valve. Yes, the sealing ring is in place, yes there is enough water (3 cups), yes the unit is set to ‘sealing’. Can anyone please tell me if this is common/normal/OK, or if these replacement pots are defective? Has IP quality tanked? I don’t know what to make of this. Thanks.
Paint the Kitchen Red says
Wow, the same issue twice?! Slight amounts of steam coming out can be normal but not as you described it. I would send it back again.
Leslie says
Trying to pressure cook chuck roast, and used 3 cups of stock. Pressed “Manual” and set time for 80 minutes. It was releasing steam the entire 80 minutes, and the stock evaporated and burned the bottom of pan. There was plenty of liquid in there! It also did not cook the meat until tender.
I’ve refilled the pot with more liquid, but this time set it to “Meat/Stew” for another hour, and the steam is no longer escaping after a few minutes.
Does “Manual” not induce pressure cook? The steam was escaping the entire time?
Must I select “Meat/Stew” in order for it to pressure cook? I thought that Manual meant pressure cook? This is my first time using the instant pot.
Thank you
Paint the Kitchen Red says
Leslie, from your description it sounds like your Instant Pot was not sealed properly the first time – are you sure the float valve came up? Manual and Meat settings work in the same way. The Meat/Stew setting is essentially just a preset like you would have on your microwave. I think it was probably a one-off problem and if you had a successful pressure cook the second time, you shouldn’t have anything to worry about. However, I would just try to do a basic “water test” on Manual mode: pressure cook 2 cups of water for 5 minutes. Make sure that the float valve comes up, do a quick release when the time’s up and check to make sure the water didn’t evaporate. I hope that helps!
Dolanna says
I’m a new Instant Pot owner. While running the initial test run the float valve rose but the display never changed to the cook time countdown. After 40 minutes I hit cancel and then restarted and it immediately started the cook time countdown. Then I started a recipe for my first dinner and it did the same thing! What am I missing?
Paint the Kitchen Red says
40 minutes does seem like a long time for it to begin the countdown. That being said, depending on the temperature of the ingredients and amount of liquid in the Instant Pot, it can take quite a while (possibly even 40 minutes?) for the ‘On’ to change to a countdown timer. Did you add a lot of water for the water test/initial test run? I would try a water test with about 1.5 to 2 cups of water, pressure cook 2 minutes. If the On never changes to a countdown or it takes more than 20 minutes, there may be something wrong with yout unit, I would try and return it. Best of luck.
Suzanne says
Has anyone had issue with liquid leaking? It doesn’t seem to be from the vent, but we can’t figure it out. Made soup today and there was broth on the counter after cooking 30 minutes.
Chris says
THANK YOU! Solution #5 saved my beef stew! I literally gave up a whoop when I heard it seal! I am so proud of myself for troubleshooting the problem myself on the Internet and not having to call in my husband, lol! THANK YOU for being the resource I needed! I am going to share this on the IP FB page I am a member of 🙂
Paint the Kitchen Red says
You’re so welcome, Chris. It’s an easy mistake to make, especially starting out. All the best!
Colleen says
Hi – I have both a 6 & 8 qrt instant pot – last night my 8 started having issues – it seals – goes to full pressure (button pops) all good then about 45 seconds later it starts spewing steam??
Cleaned everything real good ran it through starter test this morning with 2 cups of water did exact same thing…any ideas?
Thank you!
Paint the Kitchen Red says
Colleen, although I’ve not experienced it, a pressure cooker can release some steam to maintain the appropriate level of pressure. Have you tried to wait it out and see what happens? Does the steam stop at some point and is the food being cooked properly? Try doing a thorough cleaning and it might even be worth getting a new sealing ring. Good luck.
Colleen says
Hi
Thank you for the feedback-
This is all new for the 8 – normally it seals under pressure & doesn’t release until you flip the valve at the end
I’ve just ordered new parts & hope that it corrects this
Thank you again!
Florida cook says
Well, gee, let’s take a look. The pots are made in China. There’s a ton of play in the lid gasket, as there is a lot of play between the pot and the lid. I can get it to seal if I apply pressure to to lid. But, that’s not how it’s supposed to work. Bad design. Worse manufacturing. Bad all around. When are we going to stop buying this stuff from China and lining a repressive regime’s pockets with American cash?
Barb says
My instant pot lid won’t close. The sealing ring appears to be okay and no debris anywhere that I can see. The only problem I can detect is the release button is extended and won’t allow me to close the lid. Any suggestions please.
Paint the Kitchen Red says
Barb, if either the float valve is stuck in the up position or the lid-locking pin on the side of the lid is pushed out, you will have trouble closing your lid. Try to gently wiggle it to get it unstuck. Good luck.
D says
Here’s another one. You had to buy a new float valve and put the wrong little mini gasket on. You need to use the one that looks like a cap not the one that has a hole in the middle.
Stephanie Manley says
I am assuming you will read this, you have a coding error right after what’s there is more
Paint the Kitchen Red says
Oh no! Thank you so much – that’s so nice of you to take the time to let me know! I will fix it ASAP 🙂
Susan says
My issue with my Instant Pot is the pop up valve is releasing so much steam before it actually pops up that I end up getting a burn notice. Should it be releasing steam? I usually have to nudge is several times with the end of a spoon before it pops up.
Paint the Kitchen Red says
Susan, yes, it will release steam and that’s perfectly normal. And the amount of steam that’s released and time it takes to come to pressure is directly related to the amount of liquid in the Instant Pot. My best guess is that it’s something else that’s causing your burn message – i.e. it’s related to the recipe you’re making. Please try and read the burn message post.
Priscilla says
My issue is that the lid does not seal correctly if I put it on while the unit is plugged in. I tried to make potatoes last weekend and three times steam is coming out of the front lip and not the top valve. Thankfully they were on the smaller side and they actually cooked enough by the third fail. I was about to have a nervous breakdown. Had a house full of people and this thing is not working. If I put the lid on and then plug it in, it usually works fine. So frustrating! It makes me feel crazy sometimes but I still love my instant pot.
Paint the Kitchen Red says
That is very odd, Priscilla. I would try and troubleshoot with the company. Maybe they can help you figure out what’s happening. Sorry for your trouble 🙁
Molly Spradley says
IP should be paying you…you are giving much better customer support than them and I thank you for it. After a search around for info on the NoPr screen luckily I landed here. I have a 6qt Ultra less than a year old and only have had a burn warning a few times and nothing else until today. This morning I’d made hard boiled eggs with no problem but then this afternoon trying to make bone broth had trouble. Thanks to your article I narrowed it down to possibly some of the frozen ingredients, perhaps splash-up that blocked the float valve or dirtied the ring or too much liquid after everything had thawed. I unplugged, let it cool, rewashed all the lid parts and around the container lid and tried again. It is cooking away just fine now. Thank you for all the great suggestions and information!
Paint the Kitchen Red says
Thanks, Molly – what a nice compliment 🙂 I’m happy to hear you figured it out!
Robert Birchenough says
I have one more reason the instant pot won’t pressurize: The pressure release is on backwards. Ensure the pressure release is installed as shown in the picture. If you remove it to clean it, then put it on facing the opposite direction, it won’t seal properly and will not allow the instant pot to achieve the desired pressure.
Don’t ask me how I know this. I’m sure I would never make such a ridiculous mistake! 🙂
Paint the Kitchen Red says
Haha, I’m guessing that there are many others who’ve also learned the hard way. Thanks for taking the time to share that. Next time I update the post I’ll be sure to add that as a reason.
LStefani says
Thank you for this info. I’ve been an IP user for years and never had a problem with IP not pressurizing until tonight. After reading your post, I checked for scorching and that was the problem (plus the sauce may have been too thick). I cleaned the bottom of the pot, thinned the sauce and it worked. You saved my dinner and the cost of another IP. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Paint the Kitchen Red says
You’re very welcome – glad I could be of help 🙂