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Home » Tips and Guides

Instant Pot Troubleshooting – Common Problems and How to Fix Them

Published: Nov 29, 2018 | Updated: Jan 7, 2025 | Author: Neena Panicker

How to solve Instant Pot Common Problems

Whether it’s your Instant Pot not working, not sealing, having error codes or the food burn message, or leaking steam, this Instant Pot troubleshooting guide tells you how to fix the most common Instant Pot problems encountered by beginners and experienced users.

How to solve Instant Pot Common Problems

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the disclosure.

➡ Are you getting an error code like C7 or PrSe? Head over to my post about Instant Pot error codes and how to solve them!

I’ve owned a few Instant Pot electric pressure cookers over the years, and I’ve learned a thing or two about them. Through my blog and on social media, I hear from owners who ask for help with various problems with their Instant Pot.

In this article, I share a list of common pressure cooker problems and solutions.

Instant Pot Terminology 

Here are some of the parts that I refer to throughout this article. The steam release mechanism varies according to the Instant Pot model; some newer models may look slightly different.

Collage of different types on Instant Pot lids with labels of the parts.
  • 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.
Float Valve Anti Block Sealing Ring in Lid
  • Silicone Sealing Ring: a flexible ring that creates a seal between the Instant Pot’s base unit and the lid, allowing it to build up to the correct pressure and pressurize it. 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.

1. Instant Pot is Not Sealing | Instant Pot Leaking Steam and Not Building Pressure

This is one of the most common Instant Pot issues new owners encounter, and it’s easy to fix in most cases.

If you find your Instant Pot float valve not sealing, it’s probably because there isn’t enough steam to build pressure. Here are the more common issues for your Instant Pot not coming to pressure:

Problem Solution
The sealing ring is not pushed in all the wayInstall sealing ring properly
Steam release is in the Venting positionMove the steam release handle, button, or switch to the Sealing position
Food is stuck on the bottom of the inner pot (This usually happens after using the Saute function)Clean the inner pot (insert) thoroughly. Thoroughly deglaze after using the Saute function
There isn’t enough liquid in the pot to create steam and make the Instant Pot come up to pressureAdd more liquid
The lid is not closed properlyOpen the lid and close again, turning clockwise all the way
The Food Burn message has appeared on the display panel– Use the recommended quantity of liquid. If you’re using thick sauces like tomato sauce or pasta sauce, it must be thinned with a clear liquid such as water or broth.
– Layer foods by adding clear liquids first, meat and vegetables next, and rice, pasta, and dense ingredients on top.

But that’s not all – there are many more reasons. Find out more reasons why your Instant Pot is not sealing and what you can do to fix this problem. 


2. Instant Pot is Leaking Steam

Should steam come out of the Instant Pot while pressurizing? Yes, it’s normal to have steam escape from the steam release handle/valve and float valve while pressure is building.

Small amounts of steam will come out of the float valve and steam release valve until the Instant Pot is pressurized and the float valve is up.  There’s no need for concern; it’s not a problem.

Once it’s pressurized, it’s normal for tiny wisps of steam to escape, especially if you’re cooking foods with a lot of liquid.

If you’re making a recipe with a lot of liquid, such as soup or stew, your Instant Pot will also take a longer time to come to pressure.

If steam is coming out of the Instant Pot in Sealing position and continues to come out, this will keep the pot from reaching pressure, and you may need to check a few things.

Why is your Instant Pot leaking steam from the sides?

ProblemSolution
The sealing ring is missingInstall sealing ring
The sealing ring is stretched outPut the sealing ring in the freezer for a few minutes
The sealing ring has food debrisRemove the sealing ring and thoroughly clean it
The sealing ring is damagedPurchase a new sealing ring
Instant Pot Ultra Remove Float valve -Paint the Kitchen Red

Why is your Instant Pot leaking steam from the float valve?

If the Instant Pot valve is leaking continuously for over 2 minutes, and you find the float valve not rising, here are some reasons:

ProblemSolution
There’s food debris on the float valve or its silicone coverClean the float valve silicone seal
The float valve silicone cover has worn outReplace the float valve silicone cover
Instant Pot Ultra Steam - Paint the Kitchen Red

Why is your Instant Pot leaking steam from the steam release valve?

If the steam release valve is not working correctly and steam is leaking continuously, here are some reasons:

ProblemSolution
Steam release is in the Venting positionMove the steam release handle  to the Sealing position
Steam release valve is not seated properlyMake sure the steam release valve is  pushed in all the way down (it will be wobbly – that’s normal)
Pressure control failureCreate a support ticket with customer service.

[Read More: Reasons your Instant Pot is Not Sealing]


3. Instant Pot Not Turning On – Instant Pot Stopped Working – Instant Pot is Dead

Instant Pot Duo Gourmet collage - plug being attached, display says off
  • If your Instant Pot won’t turn on, it could be because it hasn’t been plugged in correctly. Test the outlet to make sure it is working with another appliance or an electrical outlet tester. Or use a different outlet.
  • If your Instant Pot has a detachable cord, it might be loose.  Check the cord and make sure it’s pushed in all the way. It can come loose if you move the Instant Pot or accidentally bump it.
  • If your Instant Pot display is dead, it’s possible that an Instant Pot fuse needs to be replaced. It could be faulty due to a power surge or other electrical issue.  Create a support ticket with customer service to get help.
  • Also, if you find your Instant Pot not heating, try out the hack mentioned in Instant Pot Problem #19.

4. Float Valve Won’t Go Up | Float Valve is Stuck

Instant Pot float valve up and down for duo and ultra - Paint the Kitchen Red
  • Different models of the Instant Pot have different positions that the float valve can be in when sealed, so it might be in the Up position, and you don’t realize it (See above image). Note: Some models have a red-colored float valve.
  • If your float valve is stuck in the Up position, it could be due to debris or stickiness from food.  Use a long spoon or chopstick to gently push down on the float valve.
  • If your float valve is stuck in the Down position, it’s probably because your Instant Pot is having trouble sealing. See Problem #1.

5. Instant Pot is Taking Too Long to Cook Food

Total Cook Time = Time to Come to Pressure + Pressure Cooking Time + Time for Natural Release of Pressure (NPR)

For example, if your Instant Pot recipe says to pressure cook for 10 minutes, the Instant Pot may take 15 minutes to come to pressure.  Pressure cooking takes 10 minutes, and naturally releasing of pressure can take another 5 to 20 minutes.

The quantity, density, and temperature of liquid and food in the pot determine how long it takes for the Instant Pot to come to pressure. The quantity of food also determines how long it takes to release pressure.

If you’re wondering why your Instant Pot is taking so long to come to pressure, it could be because you’re cooking frozen food or a large quantity of food.


6. Instant Pot Display Says Burn or Food Burn

Instant Pot Display Says Burn - Paint the Kitchen Red

If you’re a new Instant Pot owner, the Burn message is a problem you’ll have at one point or another.  There are many reasons for the Burn error.

It all comes down to the fact that the Instant Pot is overheating.  Here are some of the ways you can prevent this issue:

  • Make sure there’s enough thin liquid (water or broth), and it has reached the bottom of the inner pot. If you need to, lift the food with a spatula to make sure the liquid covers the bottom.
  • Allow the Instant Pot to cool down after using the Saute function.
  • Use the layering technique to prevent scorching: layer starches like pasta and thick sauces. See problem #7 below.
  • Always deglaze the inner pot after you’ve used the Saute function.  This means that after sauteeing your food, add a couple of tablespoons of liquid and scrape up the brown bits so there’s nothing stuck on the bottom.

But that’s not all. Find out all the reasons for the Food Burn error and how to avoid it.


7. Instant Pot Won’t Come to Pressure When Making Recipes With Tomato Products or Store-Bought Sauces

This is another common problem Instant Pot owners have.  Tomato products (e.g., tomato sauce, tomato paste, tomato puree) in the pressure cooker can be tricky. Tomato products can be thick and dense, which can lead to scorching.

Many store-bought sauces (e.g., alfredo sauce) have a high sugar content or fillers like corn starch or flour, which can also cause scorching. This can cause the Burn message.

Here are some things you can do to prevent the problem:

  • Layer these sauces on top without stirring.
  • Thin sauces with water or broth to make them less dense.
  • Use the Pot in Pot method of cooking.

8. Recipes Mention ‘Cook on Manual’ and You Don’t Have Manual Mode

Instant Pot Duo panel for older vs newer models with Manual and Pressure Cook circled - Paint the Kitchen Red

Some (older) versions of the Instant Pot have the Manual button rather than Pressure Cook.   Many recipes that are posted online are created by people who own the older version.

If a recipe refers to Manual mode, use Pressure Cook mode instead.  It’s the same thing.


9. How to Turn Off Instant Pot Beep

I love that chime, but many people don’t like it.  Here’s how you turn off the beep.

On models without a knob, such as Instant Pot LUX, DUO:
Press and hold the Minus (-) button for 3 seconds to turn off the sound. Press and hold the Plus (+) button for 3 seconds to turn the sound back on.

On models that have a knob, such as ULTRA, PRO: 
Press the knob for 5 seconds. In the menu, Sound will be highlighted. Press the knob to select Sound. Turn the knob to select Off (it will be blinking). Press Start to confirm your selection.


10. How to Use All the Different Instant Pot Buttons

Yes, there are many programs, basically presets, as you would have on your microwave.

For example, the Soup function is preset to cook for 30 minutes at high pressure.  The Meat/Stew button is preset to cook for 35 minutes at high pressure.

However, you don’t need to use the presets.  You can use the Pressure Cook program and manually set the pressure cooking time.  You can get by with using just a few programs/buttons (varies by model):

  • Pressure Cook (also called Manual on some models)
  • Saute
  • Keep Warm
  • Cancel
  • Start

Barbara over at Pressure Cooking Today has one of the most comprehensive guides covering most models: Which Instant Pot Buttons to Use.


11. Instant Pot Lid Smells | Sealing Ring Smells

Instant Pot Sealing Rings - one red and one blue

The sealing ring is made of silicone, and it will retain the odors of whatever you last cooked (and more!)

There are many ways to try and remove the odors (e.g., keep it out in sunlight, soak it in denture cleanser, use lemon juice, vinegar, etc), and I’ve tried them all.  They work okay, but the odors never completely go away.

I don’t find that the odor from the sealing ring transfers to whatever dish I’m cooking. So I don’t worry about the smell unless I make a dessert.

I have a second sealing ring for desserts.  You can purchase sealing rings in multi-colored packs, which will help you remember which one is used for sweet or savory dishes.

Instant Pot Lid Stored Upside Down - Paint the Kitchen Red

You should never store the Instant Pot closed, with the sealing ring in the lid.  I always store my lid upside down on the unit. This helps with reducing odors.


12. How to Clean Instant Pot | Inner Pot/Liner Has Rainbow Stains

Instant Pot Clean Inner Pot Collage - dirty, barkeepers friend being poured in, being cleaned, clean - Paint the Kitchen Red

Sometimes, your inner pot (liner) can get a rainbow or blue-purple stain, especially when the pot is overheated.  This happens to stainless steel pots, in general.

Barkeeper’s Friend is my favorite product for cleaning my Instant Pot inner pot. I use it to clean all my stainless steel pots and kitchen sink.

You can get Barkeeper’s Friend in powder or liquid form. I prefer the liquid. Be sure to shake it up before using it.

The inner pot, lid, sealing ring, pressure valve can all be washed in the dishwasher. Wipe down the outside of the Instant Pot with a damp cloth after every use.


13. Meats are Dry and Tough

One of the most common complaints I hear from new Instant Pot users is that they pressure cook meat or chicken, and it comes out dry and tough.

The Instant Pot is best for meats that have a higher fat content, like chicken thighs, pork shoulder, and beef chuck.

Chicken breasts, pork chops, pork tenderloin, and beef tenderloin are lean cuts of meat and don’t do as well in the Instant Pot. Don’t cook these cuts too long if you want to use them.

For example, if you’re substituting pork tenderloin for pork shoulder, you can’t cook it for the same time as pork shoulder because it’ll become tough! I cook pork tenderloin for about 4 minutes compared to pork shoulder, which can take 50 minutes!

Some newer Instant Pots come with the Sous Vide smart program. You can make perfectly cooked tender and moist chicken breast and lean meats if you have that functionality.

Another key to preventing meats from becoming dry is to use Natural Pressure Release (NPR).  Allow the float valve to go down on its own.

This allows the meat to rest, the fibers to relax, and the juices to be re-absorbed into the meat rather than evaporating.  This applies particularly to meat that is not immersed in liquid (like soups, stews, curries, and gravies.

Finally, contrary to a lot of advice about pressure cookers, more is not always better when it comes to meat.  Meat becomes tender in about one-third the time it takes for conventional cooking.  Pressure cooking meat for too long can cause it to become dry and tough.

As meat overcooks, the muscle fibers are depleted of fat and juices.  To salvage the meat from this stage, you can cook the meat even further until it breaks down to the point it’s falling apart.  You’ll lose flavor and nutrients, but you’ll have tender meat!

Laura from Hip Pressure Cooking has some great articles, including Choosing the Right Cut of Meat.


14. Placed Instant Pot on Stove and the Instant Pot Bottom Melted

Instant Pot Placed on Stove and Bottom Burned - Paint the Kitchen Red


My thanks to Dale Falconer for providing the above photographs

Believe it or not, this is a common problem! Many people leave their Instant Pots on the stovetop, thinking they’ll be fine as long as they don’t turn on the burner.

But the problem is that someone in the household accidentally turns on the burner, or the Instant Pot is placed close to an adjacent burner that’s on.

If this happens, I suggest you get a replacement unit because you don’t want to risk damaging the circuitry.

There are a few places you can go to for Instant Pot spare parts, including base units, lids, and valves:

  • The Instant Pot company website: Replacement parts (Disclosure: if you purchase from the site, I will receive a small commission)
  • Instant Pot Facebook group for parts: Instant Pot Parts Swap or Sale
  • ebay.com

15. Accidentally Poured Water into Instant Pot but Forgot to Put in Inner Pot / Liner

Forgetting to put in the inner pot and accidentally pouring liquid into the Instant Pot base unit is a common problem!

People wash the inner pot in the dishwasher and forget to put it back in the Instant Pot base unit before cooking.

If this happens to you, don’t panic!  According to the Instant Pot Company, here’s what you can do for water or food spills:

  • Unplug the Instant Pot right away!
  • Wipe the inside of the Instant Pot base unit and heating element with a dry cloth to remove as much liquid as possible.
  • Place the base unit upside down to let all the liquid drain from the cooker base.
  • There is a plastic vent cover on the bottom of the base that you can take off by unscrewing the screws.
  • While you have the cover off, please be gentle with the wires and circuitry.
  • Try to carefully reach up into the cooker housing to see if you can remove any food debris (if necessary).
  • Clean and dry everything as much as possible for 72 hours.  Use a fan to speed up the drying out.
  • Put everything back together, insert the inner pot, and plug the unit in.
  • If it turns on, attempt to heat 2 cups of water in Saute mode.
  • If that test is successful, do a water test to check if the Instant Pot works. If it is, you’re all set.
  • If there is a burning smell at any point, turn the unit off and unplug it.  Create a support ticket with Instant Pot customer service.
  • If you can’t get the Instant Pot to turn on and successfully complete a water test, it’s probably time to get another Instant Pot. *

If oil spilled into the base unit, you can attempt to turn the pot upside–down to allow it to drip out.  However, there is no safe way to determine whether it’s safe to use. Turning on the pot even to test would be a fire hazard.

* There are a few places you can go to for Instant Pot spare parts:

  • The Instant Pot company website: Replacement parts (Disclosure: if you purchase from the site, I will receive a small commission)
  • Instant Pot Facebook group for parts: Instant Pot Parts Swap or Sale
  • ebay.com

The best way to prevent this problem is to put something in the base unit while the inner pot is out that will help you remember to replace the inner pot (e.g., a long wooden spoon or ladle).


16. Upper Kitchen Cabinets are Getting Damaged

Instant Pot Problems - instant pot on counter but away from cabinets, steam release facing the side - Paint the Kitchen Red

When the Instant Pot is placed on the countertop, the steam release can shoot straight toward the upper cabinets.

Many people solve this problem by placing their Instant Pot on the stovetop. But this can cause even more significant issues.  See Instant Pot Problem #15 above.

What I do is carefully turn the Instant Pot so that the steam release opening is toward the front or side, allowing the steam to be directed away from my upper cabinets.

Just be very careful when you release the pressure using the quick release (QR) method; keep your hands and face away from the flow of steam!

Another solution is to use the Instant Pot on a side table or cart, away from the cabinets.


17. Instant Pot Says On But No Timer

Several readers have reported this problem recently, and I experienced it the other day for the first time. The Instant Pot display says On, and the float valve comes up, but it never starts counting down, but the food gets cooked.

If this happens to you, after the float valve comes up, just set a separate timer for the desired cook time and press Cancel when the time is up. Do a pressure release according to your recipe and continue as usual. [Read More: Instant Pot Natural Release or Quick Release?]

Clean out the Instant Pot thoroughly and do a water test, and most likely, you’ll find out that it was a one-time problem. If the problem persists, you might want to contact Instant Pot Support and open a ticket.

In my case, I suspect it could have been too little liquid when I was cooking my Instant Pot Boiled Eggs. But that’s just a guess.

If your Instant Pot says On and your float valve does not go up, then your Instant Pot is not coming to pressure.


18. The Instant Pot Keypad is Unresponsive. Instant Pot Buttons Don’t Work.

First, check the power supply: make sure your Instant Pot plug is pushed into the outlet all the way, and if you have a detachable power cord, make sure it’s pushed into the Instant Pot base unit properly.

Once you’ve checked the power supply, if you’re still having the issue, it’s worth trying out this solution from one of my readers that actually works for some people. Thank you for sharing this hack, David!

“I have an Instant Pot DUO-60 and the keypad became unresponsive. When switched on, the keypad went straight to the Saute setting and wouldn’t do anything else.  I discovered that by holding down the Cancel button BEFORE switching the mains power on, then releasing the button, the keypad reset itself and it is now working fine. I hope someone finds this tip useful..”

— David

If the issue persists, your keypad’s electronics/circuit board is likely faulty. You will probably need to contact Instant Pot Customer Service and open a ticket.

19. Instant Pot Saute Not Working

If you’re having trouble using the Saute mode, make sure that:

  • The Instant Pot lid is not on.
  • The Saute temperature isn’t set too low.
  • The Saute time hasn’t run out. The Saute function has a timer that counts down and shuts it off when the time’s up. If you’ve changed it from the default of 30 minutes, that may be the reason it’s shutting off.
  • You haven’t pressed Delay Start instead of Start.

If the Instant Pot Saute turns off automatically after just a few minutes, it could be an electrical issue, and the heat sensor in the Instant Pot may be defective. There are YouTube videos that show you how to fix the issue (if you’re handy!) Search for Instant Pot repair heat sensor. However, your best bet is to contact customer service.

20. Only the Instant Pot Pressure Cook Button Not Working

If you’re having trouble using the Pressure Cook mode only:

  • Clean the float valve. Remove it and scrub it with a brush even if it looks clean.
  • Clean the sealing ring. Wash the sealing ring and the sealing ring rack.
  • Unplug it and plug it back in.

If you’re still having issues with just the Pressure Cook button but the other buttons work fine, it could be that the mechanism behind that button in the display panel is messed up. Contact customer service.

You can get around the issue by using one of the other presets, such as Meat or Soup. They’re basically the same thing as Pressure Cook.

21. Only the Instant Pot Rice Button Not Working

If you’re having trouble using the Rice mode only:

  • Clean the float valve. Remove and scrub it with a brush, even if it looks clean.
  • Clean the sealing ring. Wash the sealing ring and the sealing ring rack.
  • Unplug it and plug it back in.

If you’re still having issues with just the Rice button but the other buttons work fine, it could be that the mechanism behind that button in the display panel is messed up. Contact customer service.

You can get around the issue by using Pressure Cook. Set the pressure level to Low and the time to 12 minutes.

22. How to Start Instant Pot

Some models of Instant Pot start automatically after you program them. For example, select the pressure cooking time and pressure level, and after a few seconds, the display will automatically turn to On, and the Instant Pot will start.

Other models have a Start button. You need to press Start after programming it. e.g., press Pressure Cook, set the time, set the pressure level, and press Start.

23. Instant Pot Won’t Open

If the Instant Pot has completed pressure cooking and the float valve is still up, it’s probably still under pressure. Wait until the float valve drops to open, and remove the lid. You can also release pressure using the Quick Release method to make the float valve go down.

If you’ve waited for hours and the Instant Pot won’t release pressure, you might think that the Instant Pot is not venting. But it could be that the pressure has already released, but the float valve is stuck.

If the pressure has already released and it still won’t open:

  • Press Cancel and unplug the Instant Pot.
  • Gently push down on the float valve with a wooden chopstick or ladle in case it’s stuck in the Up position.
  • The lid may have been put on incorrectly, and you might have to use some force to open it. Make sure it’s completely cooled down. I’ve had to place the Instant Pot on the floor, lift it up, and rotate it by the lid in a counterclockwise direction. Be careful not to swing it too hard!
  • If you have a model with the Ultimate lid (e.g., Duo Crisp with Ultimate lid), lift the Instant Pot by the lid and firmly tap it on the counter several times.

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

If you found this article to be helpful, please share it on social media using the social media share buttons at the top and bottom of this post. Thank you so much!

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Comments

  1. Margaret Bazzell says

    January 18, 2021 at 11:17 am

    i tried to roast a 4.6 chicken in my instant pot but it just press acooked it. did not look or have any taste too it.If i us the saute buttom do have to put the lid on to use

    Reply
    • Paint the Kitchen Red says

      January 19, 2021 at 3:58 pm

      Margaret, you can pressure cook the chicken and then broil it afterwards, either in the oven or using the [eafl id="14160" name="air fryer lid" text="air fryer lid"] attachment, but there’s no way to roast a chicken in the Instant Pot. When you use the Saute function, you cannot have the Instant Pot lid on, but you can use a [eafl id="12997" name="Instant Pot glass lid with a venting hole" text="glass lid"] that comes from the Instant Pot company.

      Reply
  2. DEBORAH HOWELL says

    January 17, 2021 at 2:47 pm

    I was making Chicken TIkka Masala. All went well until I slid the slider on top to Vent. It vented steam for over 12 minutes! while the chicken continued to cook. I finally gave up, unplugged the pot and opened the lid. Chicken was way overdone and burned on the bottom. What could cause it to take so long to depressurize?

    Reply
    • Paint the Kitchen Red says

      January 19, 2021 at 4:04 pm

      Deborah, that sounds like a LONG time! Did it actually release steam for that amount of time? It could be that the float valve was just stuck in the UP position but the steam had already released. That can happen. I would try another recipe and maybe it was just a one-time thing.

      Reply
  3. Deb says

    January 12, 2021 at 11:44 am

    I’m hoping you can help me.

    I have an Instant Pot Ultra and the steam release button fell off. I see that there’s a small screw inside the lid but it’s not stable and retreats into the lid whenever I try to screw the button back on.

    I called Customer Service and was told that they don’t sell replacement parts or repair Instant Pots and that I needed to buy a new lid, as I’ve had it for 3 years and it’s no longer under warranty.

    Any suggestions?

    Reply
    • Paint the Kitchen Red says

      January 19, 2021 at 4:19 pm

      Deb, you might want to visit the Facebook group where people sell and swap Instant Pot parts. Maybe you can get a lid that goes with the Ultra.

      Reply
  4. Sur says

    January 11, 2021 at 5:57 pm

    My duo 8 qt cooks fine, but after pressure is reached and cook time is complete it no longer goes to “L” w a timer, it just goes to off. Am I suddenly doing something wrong? My pot has the “Manual” button.

    Reply
    • Paint the Kitchen Red says

      January 16, 2021 at 3:18 pm

      Sur, it’s most likely because the Keep Warm function is off. Turning it on will cause the L000 to show up after cooking is done.

      Reply
  5. Elizabeth says

    January 11, 2021 at 12:42 pm

    We received an instant pot duo evo for Christmas. The first few times it worked fine. Now the last few times we tried the instant pot pressures up and starts cooking. Then the lid chimes sound and the lid error flashes. It starts cooking and this repeats . I tried replacing the seal with the extra seal and the same thing happens. When I tried to sautee it just says lid and wont heat up. I can’t find an answer and am having a hard time getting through to ther company. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

    Reply
    • Paint the Kitchen Red says

      January 16, 2021 at 3:25 pm

      Elizabeth, I think you may have a faulty sensor. I would try to return or exchange the unit if you can.

      Reply
  6. Don says

    January 09, 2021 at 9:49 am

    Within 10 seconds of turning my IP to Saute, the whole unit shut off. I have tried several fixes found on the internet and none of them work.

    Reply
    • Paint the Kitchen Red says

      January 09, 2021 at 9:51 am

      Don, I’m not sure why that’s happening. You don’t have the lid on, right?

      Reply
      • Don says

        January 09, 2021 at 10:43 am

        Correct!

        Reply
      • Don says

        January 09, 2021 at 11:20 am

        I figured it out. After you touch Saute, you have to touch “Start”. Who knew?
        Thank you!

        Reply
        • Paint the Kitchen Red says

          January 10, 2021 at 3:15 pm

          Ahhh, I forgot to mention that pressing the Start button is required for some models.

          Reply
  7. Rebecca Flaugh says

    January 07, 2021 at 8:34 am

    I got an IP for Christmas and have tried to use it several times. It never seals the first time. Sometimes Ill take off the lid after about 30 min. to make sure it hasn’t burned again, and when I put the lid back on, viola, it seals. So after further exploration, I found that steam was coming out of a little hole above the little plastic condensation cup on the back. This hole is related to the lid lock pin. I used a skewer to push it in, on another attempt to get the pot to seal on its own, and the pot went into pressure and the countdown came on. I shouldn’t have to do this, right? Is there something I am missing here? I have tried so many times to get it right, and have read so many articles as to “why” it wont seal and I haven’t seen but one partial article about this specific problem.

    Reply
    • Paint the Kitchen Red says

      January 07, 2021 at 9:54 am

      Rebecca, no you shouldn’t have to do that. When the lid is off and you push on the lid locking pin, does it move freely or does it stick? If you are able to return the unit, try and get a replacement. If you can’t, then open a ticket with the Instant Pot company.

      Reply
  8. Leanne says

    January 01, 2021 at 6:12 pm

    I put frozen veggies and water in to make broth and realized the cord was at the bottom inside the inner pot. Realized pretty quickly, put cord in rice to hopefully dry insides. Is it ruined? Should I just buy a replacement cord?

    Reply
    • Paint the Kitchen Red says

      January 01, 2021 at 9:19 pm

      Leanne, you might be able to get it to dry out over time, but I wouldn’t take a chance for now since the liquid may have penetrated the nooks and crannies. I would get another cord, and you can keep this one as an extra when it’s all dried out.

      Reply
  9. S K Ansari says

    December 26, 2020 at 2:31 pm

    Our instant pot when we turn on it shows directly 10 minutes timer and non of the buttons are working, so for instance if we need to cook meat, we take the plug out when it finishes off its 10 minutes and then we repeat this proceedure 4 time to cook the meat. I opened it and checked all the circuts and fuses but everything seems to be ok. Could someone tell me what will be the issue with my instant pot? My instant pot model is IP-LUX50 Electric Pressure Cooker

    Reply
    • Paint the Kitchen Red says

      December 29, 2020 at 9:04 am

      Is it a new unit? I would definitely return it if it is. I’m not sure how to diagnose your issue, so I would open a ticket with the company.

      Reply
  10. Greg Schnasse says

    December 25, 2020 at 2:50 pm

    Question: I somehow forgot to put the inner pot into the instant pot and dumped a 16oz bag of raw great northern beans directly into the instant pop. I was able to get most out, however, not all of them, as they are still rattling around. I know, that was not very smart!!!

    Do you have any solution to this problem?

    Thank you.

    Reply
    • Paint the Kitchen Red says

      December 29, 2020 at 9:07 am

      Greg, these things happen to the best of us 🙂 I would follow the directions in the section titled “ACCIDENTALLY POURED LIQUID INTO INSTANT POT BUT FORGOT TO PUT IN INNER POT/LINER”.

      Reply
  11. Donna says

    December 18, 2020 at 9:06 am

    My ip said burn and the water came out the bottom all over the place.🥺. Is it a gonner?

    Reply
    • Paint the Kitchen Red says

      December 20, 2020 at 10:33 pm

      You might be able to remove the bottom plate and let it dry out as mentioned in the article.

      Reply
    • Jayne says

      December 22, 2020 at 5:31 pm

      I don’t see how to ask a question on here so I will reply to a question. Why is the thimble gasket coming off when I use the Instant pot?

      Reply
      • Paint the Kitchen Red says

        December 29, 2020 at 9:30 am

        Jayne, I’m not sure which gasket you mean. Do you mean the anti-block shield (round with holes all around)? It should be secure and not easy to remove. You might need a replacement lid.

        Reply
  12. Ferdinand says

    December 17, 2020 at 9:01 am

    Hello, I’ve had an Instant Pot Duo 60 for some time. Before, I had a Power Quick Pot and I had never noticed this singularity with this pressure cooker. With the Instant Pot, when I remove the lid at the end of cooking most of the time, drops of water from the lid flow to the bottom of the pot under the heating element. It’s quite curious, how is it that this happens with the Instant Pot and that it never happened with the PQP? The design is very similar, one has a wider border and the PI less. So that the condensation collector is useless in my case and it would have been better placed under the device. Is this a fault specific to this model of the brand or is it the same with the other models? Thank you for your reply.

    Reply
    • Paint the Kitchen Red says

      December 20, 2020 at 10:37 pm

      Ferdinand, I’ve not encountered this issue. Usually, the condensation from the lid flows onto the edge of the Instant Pot base (around the handle and then the liquid drains into the condensation collector through the hole in the lip. Is it flowing down the sides of the Instant Pot to the bottom?

      Reply
      • Ferdinand says

        December 21, 2020 at 10:21 am

        Hello and thank you for your answer. Unfortunately, very often this sinks under the heating element. I think it cannot be without effect in the long run. And why with the Instant Pot when this was not happening with the PQP?

        Reply
        • Paint the Kitchen Red says

          December 22, 2020 at 4:11 pm

          That’s unfortunate, Ferdinand. Sorry, but I don’t have any ideas about why this might be happening to your Instant Pot. Almost like it’s going over the lip of the Instant Pot, past the groove where the liquid would normally drain into the condensation collector.

          Reply
  13. Carlene says

    December 11, 2020 at 11:00 pm

    Instant Pot IP
    LED Display not displaying cook time correctly. Far right minute display won’t light and then center numbers become minute countdown. I do note that the display works in the warm mode and counts up with accurate display.
    The pot has never had exposure to water on interior housing or exterior base. Any ideas?
    Ie if I enter 45 minutes on manual setting, it reads:
    H/4/5/H. The H is blank on each

    Reply
    • Paint the Kitchen Red says

      December 13, 2020 at 12:42 pm

      Carlene, sorry to hear this. It’s not something I’ve encountered or heard of before. Is the Instant Pot new? If it is, you might want to return it. If not, your only option may be to open a ticket through Instant Pot support.

      Reply
    • Lori says

      January 27, 2021 at 7:52 pm

      I have the same issue except I’m not even sure mine is in minutes because it goes up over 60 I. the middle and it resets back to zero after 280 this is manualanual mode is on I can’t adjust it and keep warm light is on when I turn the keep warm light off manual goes off. Are there any options for me….. I might have used mine 10 times max.

      Reply
      • Paint the Kitchen Red says

        January 28, 2021 at 11:31 am

        Are you saying it was working differently and now you’re having an issue or has it always been this way? It’s possible that it’s counting just minutes, so 2 hours would be 120.

        Reply
  14. DYmisha Wilburn says

    December 06, 2020 at 9:37 pm

    I’m new to the instant pot but as I tried to cook pork chops tonight, I couldn’t adjust the timer to 7 minutes. It would only allow 4 minutes cook time. What is wrong with the insta pot? Thank you!

    Reply
    • Paint the Kitchen Red says

      December 08, 2020 at 9:00 pm

      Dymisha, is it possible you were looking at the hours? The Instant Pot display is HH:MM – H=hours, M=minutes. Let me know if you have further issues.

      Reply
  15. Vanessa says

    December 04, 2020 at 4:06 pm

    My Instant Pot Ultra is giving me the PrSE error when I have the slow cooker lid on the unit, or no lid at all. Does this mean the pressure sensor is malfunctioning?

    Reply
    • Paint the Kitchen Red says

      December 05, 2020 at 10:54 am

      Vanessa, as far as I know the error shouldn’t occur when you have a glass lid or no lid. Are you using the Saute mode and vave you tried it at a lower temperature? You might need to contact the company and report the issue. Good luck.

      Reply
  16. Lianne says

    November 30, 2020 at 2:44 pm

    I just got my first instant pot a few weeks ago and have used it a few times with lots of success! But, when it’s time to press the quick release button on my instapot once the pressure cooking is done, I have to press and hold down while the steam releases. Why is this! In all the YouTube videos they just click it and it goes without holding.

    Reply
    • Paint the Kitchen Red says

      December 02, 2020 at 2:53 pm

      Lianne, that is not normal. The steam release button should lock into place and it it isn’t you probably want to either return it or submit a ticket to the company and maybe they’ll send you a replacement lid.

      Reply
  17. R says

    November 23, 2020 at 9:22 am

    Thank you for your article. I recently got the ultra and on first attempt realized the steam was gushing from the release valve (not surprising given the cap wasn’t sitting flat before it started). Instruction manual was useless in solving the issue.

    Half an hour on the phone and no one pick up (hanged up and was about to return it since it takes less time).

    Turns on the issue is I had not realized the solution was to turn the push button. Thanks for your help.

    Reply
  18. Joy says

    November 21, 2020 at 12:00 pm

    My instant pot is nit heating up though the power is on. What is gonna be the problem?

    Reply
    • Paint the Kitchen Red says

      November 23, 2020 at 11:12 am

      Joy, it’s very hard to answer that question without more details. Have you tried doing the water test? Pressure cook 2 cups of water for 5 minutes and see if it comes to pressure. If not, you might need to check the sealing ring, check the lid for cleanliness.

      Reply
  19. Pam says

    November 19, 2020 at 6:09 pm

    Why did the Instant Pot spew liquid all over my countertop? Too much liquid in pot?

    Reply
    • Paint the Kitchen Red says

      November 20, 2020 at 4:14 pm

      Pam, if you’re doing quick release and you are making rice, pasta, soup, etc. you should use the intermittent pressure release (quick release in bursts) and that helps reduce the mess. Read my post on natural vs. quick release. Hope that helps.

      Reply
  20. Karen says

    November 09, 2020 at 3:27 am

    When I use my InstantPot on slow cook I always use the InstantPot glass lid.
    Sometimes when I set slow cooker, within a few minutes it starts to boil. I turn it off and re set it again and so far it’s been ok. Why is it doing this please. It’s as if the sauté function is over riding it?

    Reply
    • Paint the Kitchen Red says

      November 10, 2020 at 12:26 pm

      Karen, the slow cook function is not ideal on the Instant Pot. I’ve not used it much because I didn’t like the results and much prefer to pressure cook. I have heard that you need a minimum amount of liquid (like 2 cups) in order for the slow cooker function to work well – I can’t attest to that though. I’ve also heard that high altitude can affect how it slow cooks. If you’re at high altitude, it reaches boiling point faster.

      Reply
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Hi, I'm Neena Panicker, and welcome! I am the creator, photographer, and author of recipes and tips at Paint the Kitchen Red. I live in the glorious west in Salt Lake City, Utah with my family.

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