The Instant Pot is a popular electric pressure cooker that has revolutionized home cooking. One of the most common questions Instant Pot owners ask is why their Instant Pot display only says “on” and doesn’t show the cooking program or time countdown. There are several reasons why your Instant Pot may only display “on.” In this article, we’ll explore the main causes and solutions for an Instant Pot that only says “on.”
What Does It Mean When Instant Pot Only Says “On”?
When your Instant Pot display only reads “on,” it means the device is powered on but not actively running a cooking program. Some common reasons why this may happen include:
- You haven’t selected a cooking program.
- There was an error starting the program.
- The program finished cooking.
- You accidentally pressed “Cancel.”
- There is an electrical issue.
Essentially, the Instant Pot is turned on but idle and not cooking anything. The display will typically show “on” along with either the current time or a timer counting up from 0:00. Let’s look at each of these potential causes in more detail.
You Haven’t Selected a Program
The most straightforward reason your Instant Pot only shows “on” is because you haven’t actually started cooking anything yet. When you first power on the Instant Pot, the display will default to “on” until you turn the dial to select a program, adjust the time/pressure/temperature, and press “Start.”
If you see “on,” double check that you have gone through all the proper steps to start a cooking program. Select a mode like Manual, Rice, Soup, etc., adjust the settings as desired, put the lid on with the valves in the sealed position, and press “Start.” The display should then change from “on” to show the program name and cooking countdown.
There Was an Error Starting the Program
Sometimes if there is a problem initiating the cooking program, the Instant Pot may get stuck displaying just “on.”
Some potential errors that could prevent the program from starting properly include:
- The lid is not fully sealed and latched.
- A pressure valve is in the venting position when it should be sealed.
- You did not add enough liquid.
- There is debris blocking the steam release pipe/exhaust.
- A sensor is malfunctioning.
The Instant Pot has safety mechanisms that prevent the pressurized cooking program from starting if it detects an unsafe condition like an unsealed lid. If the Instant Pot encounters one of these errors, it will typically just remain in standby displaying “on.”
The Program Finished Cooking
In many cases, the Instant Pot will simply display “on” after the cooking program you selected has finished.
When the Instant Pot completes the countdown for a cooking mode like Manual, Rice, Beans, etc., it will switch back to standby and show “on” on the display. This lets you know that cooking is complete.
Some signs that this may have happened:
- The timer counted down to “0:00” as expected.
- The float valve has dropped.
- You can open the lid safely.
- The food is fully cooked.
If your recipe cooked for the correct time and the food turned out as expected, seeing “on” likely just means the program finished successfully.
You Accidentally Pressed “Cancel”
It’s easy to accidentally press “Cancel” on the Instant Pot, especially when cooking under pressure. This immediately stops any cooking program in progress and returns the Instant Pot to standby mode displaying “on.”
Check to see if your food seems undercooked. If so, you may have inadvertently hit “Cancel” before the cooking time was complete.
Luckily, it’s usually fine to just restart the program with the remaining cook time and finish cooking your dish. Just be careful when reaching across a hot Instant Pot to avoid bumping buttons unintentionally.
There is an Electrical Issue
In rare instances, an electrical problem could cause the Instant Pot’s display to malfunction and merely show “on.” This is more likely if the display seems to be frozen or unresponsive.
Potential electrical issues that might cause this include:
- Power supply problems
- Damaged display panel/loose wiring
- Short circuit
- Control board failure
If there seems to be an electrical problem, you may need to contact Instant Pot support about potential repairs or replacing the unit if it is under warranty. A licensed electrician can also help diagnose and fix wiring issues.
Main Solutions
Now that we’ve explored the main causes, here are some tips to troubleshoot and fix an Instant Pot that is only displaying “on:”
Restart the Instant Pot
If the display seems frozen on “on,” the first step is to restart the Instant Pot. Unplug it from the power source for at least 60 seconds. This resets the internal microchip.
Plug it back in and check if the display returns to normal and allows you to select a program. Sometimes a simple restart can resolve minor technical glitches.
Make Sure Lid is Sealed Properly
Double and triple check that the lid is securely latched in the sealed position before starting a pressurized cooking program. Make sure no steam is able to escape around the rim.
Also verify the pressure release handle is turned to “Sealing.” Steam must build up inside for pressure cooking to begin.
Check for Blockages
Examine the pressure release valve and steam outlet for any debris, food, or buildup that could block the release of steam.
Clean out the interior and lid as needed to prevent clogs and allow proper venting/pressurization.
Add Sufficient Liquid
Don’t forget to put at least 1 cup of water or other liquid in the Instant Pot inner pot when pressure cooking. Not enough liquid can prevent pressurization.
Consult recipe directions and make sure you have added enough water or broth before starting the program.
Reset Instant Pot
If none of the steps above fix the “on” display issue, try a manual reset:
- Unplug the Instant Pot and leave unplugged for 2 minutes.
- Press and hold the “Cancel” button while plugging the unit back in.
- Keep holding “Cancel” down for 20-30 seconds until the display changes.
- The Instant Pot should now reset back to factory default settings.
This typically resolves any stubborn display problems. Just be aware it will reset all your customized programs and settings too.
Contact Customer Support
For electrical issues or errors that persist after troubleshooting, reach out to Instant Pot customer support online or by phone.
They can help diagnose problems and may offer solutions like replacement lids, hoses, or control boards if needed. Be ready to provide the model number and date of purchase.
Consider Replacing the Instant Pot
If your Instant Pot is older or out of warranty coverage, it may need to be replaced altogether if display issues can’t be resolved through troubleshooting and repairs.
Contact Instant Pot support to see if they will provide any discount toward purchasing a new replacement model. Be sure to request a prepaid return label to send back the old defective unit.
Why Does This Issue Happen?
Now that we’ve covered some troubleshooting tips, let’s discuss a few reasons why your Instant Pot may get stuck only showing “on”:
Normal Operation
As we covered earlier, it’s completely normal for the Instant Pot display to read “on” when:
- You first turn it on before selecting a program.
- After cooking finishes.
- If you press “Cancel” to stop a program.
Don’t worry if you see “on” under these circumstances – your Instant Pot is working properly!
Safety Mechanisms
The Instant Pot has various safety features to prevent unsafe pressure cooking conditions. For example:
- The lid must be sealed completely.
- The release valve cannot be in venting mode.
- There must be adequate liquid.
If any of these conditions are not met, the Instant Pot will fail to start and remain on standby displaying “on.” This prevents potential hazards.
Minor Technical Issues
Like any electronic appliance, the Instant Pot can experience occasional minor software glitches or electrical connection problems that freeze up the display.
These are often intermittent and can be fixed by restarting the device or resetting it completely. They pose no long-term issues.
Major Electrical Damage
In rare cases where there are wiring problems, circuit board malfunctions, or serious damage to the display panel, this can cause a permanent state of only displaying “on.”
These electrical issues require professional service, repairs, or replacing the Instant Pot completely if under warranty.
Preventing the “On” Display Issue
Here are some tips to help prevent your Instant Pot from getting stuck on the “on” display during normal cooking in the future:
Update Firmware
Make sure your Instant Pot is running the latest firmware version. Updates can fix bugs and improve device performance.
Check the Instant Pot website or mobile app to see if your model has any new firmware available. Follow instructions to install it.
Reset After Power Outages
If you experience a power outage or sudden electrical disruption while the Instant Pot is operating, make sure to reset the device completely.
Power spikes can sometimes corrupt the microchip and cause display issues.
Clean Connectors Regularly
Gently clean the electrical prongs and connectors on the back of the Instant Pot every few months.
Buildup of food, grease, and debris on the connectors can prevent proper electrical contact.
Handle Carefully
Be careful not to drop, shake, or strike the Instant Pot to avoid potential damage to interior wiring or the control panel.
Don’t let the lid drop from heights onto the rim which can bend metal parts.
Keep Away From Water
Never submerge the Instant Pot base in water or get water into the interior electric housing.
Wipe up any spills or splashes right away to prevent short circuiting or corroded connections.
Contact Support if Issues Persist
If display problems continue even after troubleshooting and prevent normal operation, promptly contact Instant Pot support for additional help and service options before the warranty expires.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about the Instant Pot displaying only “on”:
Why does my Instant Pot only show “on” when I turn it on?
This is normal operation – you need to turn the selector dial to choose a cooking program first. “On” indicates the device is powered up but in standby mode waiting for you to start a program.
My Instant Pot was pressure cooking but suddenly only says “on” now. What happened?
You likely accidentally bumped the “Cancel” button which stopped the program. Or the cooking finished and it reverted to standby. Check your food to see if it cooked fully and restart if needed.
I see “on” but my Instant Pot won’t start the program I selected. How can I fix this?
Ensure the lid is sealed properly, release valves are in sealed position, and you added enough liquid. The safety mechanisms prevent pressurization when requirements not met.
My Instant Pot only has “on” on the display after I know a cooking program finished. Is this normal?
Yes, it is normal for the display to return to “on” after finishing a cooking program successfully. This indicates standby mode – no need to worry!
I tried troubleshooting but my Instant Pot still only displays “on.” What should I do now?
Persistent “on” display likely indicates an electrical issue needs repair. Contact Instant Pot customer support for troubleshooting help and warranty service if applicable. You may need a replacement.
Summary
In summary, there are many reasons an Instant Pot may only display “on,” including normal operation at beginning/end of programs or after cancelling.
However, it can also signify issues like failure to properly start a program, accidental button presses stopping operation, or electrical malfunctions.
Try basic troubleshooting like resetting, checking for blockages, and ensuring the lid is sealed. For persistent problems, contact Instant Pot support to determine if repairs or replacement under warranty are needed.
With some simple troubleshooting, you’ll be on your way to enjoying all the cooking convenience of the Instant Pot once again!