If your Instant Pot isn’t sealing, pressurizing, or is flashing an error code, this instant pot troubleshooting guide covers the most common problems and how to fix them.

Use this page to diagnose issues quickly and get your pressure cooker working safely again.

Instant Pot Not Pressurizing

Common Causes

• Not enough liquid (minimum 1 cup for 6-quart models)
• Steam release valve set to Venting
• Lid not fully locked
• Sealing ring misaligned
• Float valve stuck

Fix

1. Ensure steam release valve is set to Sealing.
2. Confirm at least 1 cup of thin liquid is in the pot.
3. Remove and reseat the silicone sealing ring.
4. Check the float valve for debris and clean if needed.

If steam continuously escapes from the top, it is almost always a sealing issue.

Instant Pot Burn Message (BURN Error)

The Burn warning appears when food overheats at the bottom of the inner pot.

Causes

• Thick sauces without enough liquid
• Food stuck to bottom
• Using sauté mode too long before pressure cooking
• Not deglazing after browning

Fix

1. Turn off the unit immediately.
2. Release pressure if safe.
3. Remove contents.
4. Scrape and clean the bottom thoroughly.
5. Add more liquid before restarting.

Prevent this by layering thick sauces on top and not stirring before pressure cooking.

Instant Pot Lid Won’t Close

Causes

• Inner pot not seated properly
• Sealing ring out of place
• Food debris on rim
• Wrong lid for model

Fix

Remove lid, inspect sealing ring, clean rim, and reinsert inner pot correctly.

Steam Leaking from the Top

If steam leaks during preheat, that’s normal.

If it continues after pressure builds, check:

• Sealing ring placement
• Steam release valve position
• Float valve cleanliness

Persistent leakage usually means the sealing ring needs replacement.

Float Valve Not Popping Up

If the float valve does not rise:

• There may not be enough liquid.
• Steam may be escaping from the sides.
• Valve may be blocked with residue.

Clean the float valve and confirm proper sealing before retrying.

Instant Pot Not Turning On

Check:

• Power cord fully connected
• Outlet functioning
• Display panel damage
• Internal fuse (rare but possible)

Test another outlet before assuming hardware failure.

Food Undercooked After Cycle

Causes

• Quick release too early
• Large food pieces
• Overcrowding
• Frozen ingredients

Fix

Seal again and cook for additional time using manual pressure.

Instant Pot Error Codes

C1

Faulty temperature sensor.

C2

Overheating detected.

C5

Pot too hot.

LID

Lid not detected or not properly sealed.

For persistent error codes, unplug and allow unit to cool completely before retrying.

If errors repeat, contact manufacturer support.

How to Prevent Instant Pot Problems

• Always use minimum liquid requirement
• Clean sealing ring after each use
• Deglaze after sautéing
• Avoid overfilling past max line
• Replace sealing ring every 12–18 months
• Store lid upside down to prevent odor buildup

Most issues stem from sealing problems or insufficient liquid.

When to Replace Parts

Replace the sealing ring if:

• It smells strongly after cleaning
• It becomes loose
• It shows cracks or stretching

Replace the float valve if:

• It sticks frequently
• Steam leaks persist despite cleaning

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Instant Pot taking so long to pressurize?

Large quantities, cold ingredients, and high liquid volume increase preheat time.

Is steam release during preheat normal?

Yes. Continuous release after pressure builds is not.

Can I reset my Instant Pot?

Unplug for 5 minutes to reset electronics.

Final Troubleshooting Checklist

1. Confirm liquid level.
2. Check sealing ring.
3. Verify steam release valve position.
4. Clean float valve.
5. Ensure lid is fully locked.

Most Instant Pot problems are mechanical, not electrical.

Use this instant pot troubleshooting guide as a reference whenever your pressure cooker behaves unexpectedly. Proper maintenance and correct liquid levels prevent nearly all common issues.