DeLonghi Error Codes & Warning Lights Guide

Understanding DeLonghi Error Codes and Warning Lights

DeLonghi machines communicate problems through blinking lights, display messages, and sometimes beep patterns. Most DeLonghi errors are quick fixes - about 80% can be resolved at home in under 15 minutes.

This guide covers all common DeLonghi error codes for Magnifica, Dedica, La Specialista, Dinamica, and other popular models. Find your error below and follow the fix.

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How DeLonghi Displays Errors

Different DeLonghi models show errors differently:

• Magnifica S/Evo: LCD icons and symbols
• Dedica: Blinking button lights (no display)
• La Specialista: Digital display with text
• Dinamica: Touch screen with error codes
• Stilosa: LED indicator lights only

Match your model type below for the correct interpretation.

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Common DeLonghi Error Icons and Meanings

Water Drop Icon (Blinking or Solid)

Meaning: Water tank empty, not seated, or sensor issue

Models Affected: All models

Quick Fixes:

1. Check Water Level - Fill tank at least 1/4 full
2. Reseat Tank - Remove and push back firmly until click
3. Clean Tank Contacts - Wipe metal contacts on tank and machine with dry cloth
4. Check Tank Valve - Ensure rubber valve on tank bottom moves freely
5. Clean Sensor - Wipe sensor area inside machine where tank sits

Time: 2-5 minutes
Success Rate: 88%
Difficulty: Easy

Pro Tip: If tank is full but icon persists, the magnetic float sensor inside the tank may be stuck. Gently shake tank side-to-side to free it.

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Coffee Bean Icon with Exclamation Mark

Meaning: Bean hopper empty or grinder jam

Models Affected: Magnifica, Dinamica, Eletta (auto machines with grinders)

Quick Fixes:

1. Add Beans - Fill hopper with coffee beans
2. Check Grind Setting - If set too fine, beans can jam
3. Clear Grinder Jam:
   • Turn off machine and unplug
   • Use vacuum on hopper opening to remove fragments
   • Rotate grind dial to coarsest setting
   • Plug in, try grinding again
4. Clean Grinder Chute - Grounds may be clogging the path to brew unit

Time: 5-10 minutes
Success Rate: 85%
Difficulty: Easy

Model Notes:

• Magnifica S: Grind adjustment is small dial inside bean hopper
• Dinamica: Grind adjustment accessible from front

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Descale Icon (Water Drops with Arrow)

Meaning: Time to descale - scale buildup detected

Models Affected: All DeLonghi machines

How to Descale:

1. Empty Drip Tray and Grounds Container
2. Mix Solution - DeLonghi EcoDecalk or 50/50 white vinegar + water
3. Fill Tank - Add descaling solution to water tank
4. Enter Descale Mode:
   • Magnifica: Hold rinse and decalc buttons 3 seconds
   • Dedica: Hold power button while inserting tank
   • Dinamica: Navigate menu to Descale option
5. Run Cycle - Machine dispenses solution through brew and steam circuits
6. Rinse - Fill with fresh water, run complete rinse cycle
7. Repeat Rinse - Run second fresh water tank through

Time: 30-45 minutes
Cost: $12-15 (descaler)
Success Rate: 95%
Difficulty: Easy

Warning: Descale icon won't turn off until you complete the FULL descale cycle including rinses. Partial cycles don't reset the counter.

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Triangle with Exclamation Mark (General Alert)

Meaning: Generic error - check other indicators

Models Affected: Display models (Magnifica, Dinamica, La Specialista)

Troubleshooting:

1. Note Other Icons - Triangle usually appears WITH another symbol
2. Check Brew Unit - Remove and reseat brew unit (most common cause)
3. Check Drip Tray - Ensure drip tray is fully inserted
4. Check Service Door - Door must be fully closed and latched
5. Power Cycle - Turn off, unplug 30 seconds, restart

Time: 5-10 minutes
Success Rate: 75%
Difficulty: Easy

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Brew Unit Icon (or Infuser Symbol)

Meaning: Brew unit missing, not seated, or dirty

Models Affected: Magnifica, Dinamica, Eletta, Primadonna

Quick Fixes:

1. Open Service Door - Located on side or front depending on model
2. Check Brew Unit Position - Should be fully inserted with no gaps
3. Remove and Clean:
   • Press PUSH button on brew unit
   • Pull unit straight out
   • Rinse under warm water (NO soap)
   • Let air dry completely
   • Reinsert until you hear click
4. Check for Grounds Buildup - Coffee grounds in the rails prevent proper seating
5. Clean Rails - Wipe the tracks where brew unit slides

Time: 10-15 minutes
Success Rate: 82%
Difficulty: Easy

Important: Never insert brew unit while machine is on. Always power off first.

Pro Tip: Clean brew unit weekly under running water - this prevents 90% of brew unit errors.

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Drip Tray Icon (Tray with Drops)

Meaning: Drip tray full or not inserted correctly

Models Affected: All models

Quick Fixes:

1. Pull Out Drip Tray - Slide toward you
2. Empty Water and Grounds - Dump in sink
3. Clean Tray - Wash with warm soapy water
4. Dry Sensor Contact - Wipe where tray contacts machine
5. Reinsert Firmly - Push until it stops

Time: 2 minutes
Success Rate: 95%
Difficulty: Easy

Note: Some models have a "drip tray counter" that tracks extractions. Even if tray isn't overflowing, machine may require you to empty it after a set number of drinks.

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Steam/Hot Water Icon (Steam with X)

Meaning: Steam system overheated or frother malfunction

Models Affected: Machines with steam wands and milk frothers

Quick Fixes:

1. Let Cool Down - Wait 10 minutes if used steam heavily
2. Purge Steam Wand:
   • Open steam knob slightly
   • Let steam escape for 10 seconds
   • Close knob
3. Clean Steam Wand:
   • Wipe with damp cloth
   • Clear milk residue from tip hole using pin
   • Run steam for 5 seconds into sink
4. Check Frother Attachment (Dinamica, Magnifica with LatteCrema):
   • Remove frother
   • Disassemble all parts
   • Wash each piece
   • Reassemble and reattach firmly

Time: 5-15 minutes
Success Rate: 78%
Difficulty: Easy

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Double Cup Icon Blinking

Meaning: Grounds container full

Models Affected: Auto machines (Magnifica, Dinamica, Eletta)

Quick Fixes:

1. Open Service Door - Access grounds container
2. Remove and Empty - Dump used coffee pucks
3. Clean Container - Rinse with water, dry thoroughly
4. Reinstall - Push back into position
5. Close Door Fully - Ensure latched

Time: 2 minutes
Success Rate: 98%
Difficulty: Easy

Pro Tip: Empty grounds container when emptying drip tray - make it a habit.

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Model-Specific Error Codes

DeLonghi Magnifica Error Codes

CALC Icon: Descale needed - run full descale cycle

BEAN Icon Blinking: Add beans or clear grinder jam

All Lights Flashing: General error - remove brew unit, clean, reinsert

Water Drop + Steam Icons Together: Internal blockage - descale immediately

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DeLonghi Dedica Error Codes

All Three Buttons Blinking: Overheat protection - wait 15 minutes, try again

Single/Double Shot Blinking: Brew head clogged - run water without coffee

Power Button Slow Blink: Warming up - wait 30 seconds

Power Button Fast Blink: Error state - unplug, wait 60 seconds, restart

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DeLonghi La Specialista Error Codes

"FILL TANK": Water tank empty or not seated

"INSERT INFUSER": Brew unit not properly installed

"DESCALE": Time for descaling maintenance

"GROUND TOO FINE": Coffee choking the machine - adjust grinder coarser

"SMART TAMPING ERROR": Tamper not engaging - clean portafilter seat

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DeLonghi Dinamica Error Codes

Error 1: Brew unit not recognized - remove and reinsert

Error 2: Water circuit problem - descale and check tank

Error 3: Grinder malfunction - clear jam, check beans

Error 4: Overheating - let cool 15 minutes

Error 5: Drip tray not detected - reinsert firmly

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When to Reset vs When to Repair

Try Reset First (2 minutes):

1. Turn off machine
2. Unplug from wall
3. Wait 60 seconds
4. Plug back in
5. Power on and test

Reset fixes about 40% of unexplained error codes.

Call for Repair If:

• Error persists after reset and all fixes attempted
• Machine makes unusual grinding/clicking sounds
• You smell burning or see smoke
• Leaking from places other than drip tray
• Machine is within 2-year warranty

DeLonghi Support: 1-800-322-3848 or delonghi.com/support

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Prevent Future Error Codes

Most DeLonghi errors are preventable with regular maintenance:

• Daily: Empty drip tray and grounds container after last use
• Weekly: Rinse brew unit under running water
• Monthly: Clean grinder with brush, wipe all surfaces
• Every 3-4 Months: Full descale cycle
• Use Quality Beans: Oily beans clog grinders faster
• Use Filtered Water: Reduces scale and extends machine life

Avoid These Mistakes:

• Using oily/flavored beans in auto machines
• Ignoring descale reminders
• Forcing brew unit in when dirty
• Running steam without water in tank

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FAQ

Why does my DeLonghi keep showing water empty when the tank is full?

Usually a sensor issue. The float sensor inside the tank may be stuck, or the contacts where the tank connects are dirty. Remove the tank, shake gently to free the float, wipe contacts with a dry cloth, and reseat firmly.

How do I reset my DeLonghi after descaling?

The descale light resets automatically after completing the FULL descale cycle - both the descaling AND rinse cycles. If it doesn't reset, you likely interrupted the process. Restart descale mode and run completely through both stages.

Can I ignore the descale warning?

Not recommended. Ignoring it leads to scale buildup that causes slow brewing, weak coffee, temperature problems, and eventually component failure. Machine is designed to require descaling - it's not optional maintenance.

What does it mean when all lights are flashing on my DeLonghi?

Usually indicates general error state. Most common fix: remove brew unit (if applicable), clean it, reinstall. Then power cycle the machine. If lights still flash, contact DeLonghi support.

How long do DeLonghi machines last?

With proper maintenance, 7-10 years for automatic machines, 5-7 years for semi-automatic (Dedica, Stilosa). Key factors: regular descaling, weekly brew unit cleaning, quality beans, and using filtered water.

My DeLonghi says "ground too fine" but I haven't changed anything?

Humidity affects grind. Coffee absorbs moisture and behaves differently. Also, beans get stale and grind finer near the bottom of the bag. Try adjusting grinder one notch coarser, or use fresher beans.