If you’ve recently purchased an Instant Pot air fryer lid and find that it keeps displaying “Off” when you try to use it, there are a few potential causes to check. The instant pot air fryer lid needs to sense that the inner pot is inserted properly before it will turn on, so issues like an improperly inserted pot, loose wire connections, or a faulty sensor can prevent the “Off” message from clearing. With some basic troubleshooting, you can likely get your air fryer lid working properly.
Check that the inner pot is fully inserted
The most common reason an instant pot air fryer lid won’t turn on and continues to display “Off” is because the inner pot is not fully inserted into the instant pot base. There are electrical prongs on the underside of the inner pot that need to make secure contact with the base in order for the lid to receive power. Here are some tips for ensuring the inner pot is seated correctly:
- Make sure the exterior of the inner pot and the interior of the instant pot base are clean and free of debris which could be obstructing a tight connection.
- Check that the inner pot is facing the proper direction, with the side handles aligned with the side handles on the exterior base.
- Press down firmly on the inner pot to make sure it is fully inserted into the base. You should not be able to lift the pot up without releasing the handles.
- Give the inner pot a slight clockwise turn to help line up the electrical prongs and slots.
- Make sure the float valve moves up and down freely and is not obstructed.
- Listen for an audible click or check that the “Hot” indicator light on the base illuminates to confirm the inner pot is connected.
If the “Off” message persists after ensuring the inner pot is installed correctly, there may be another issue.
Inspect the wire connections
Faulty wiring that prevents power and information transfer between the base and lid can also result in the air fryer continually displaying “Off.” Check these electrical connections thoroughly:
- Make sure the short power cord attached to the air fryer lid is firmly plugged into the electrical port on the back of the Instant Pot base. It should click and lock into place.
- Check that the main power cord for the Instant Pot base is securely plugged into a functioning wall outlet.
- Inspect the point where the lid’s power cord connects to the electrical port on the back of the base. Make sure the prongs are aligned correctly and that the connector is not damaged or loose.
- Look for any cuts, nicks, or crimps in the wiring, especially near connection points.
- If possible, try using the short lid power cord with a different Instant Pot base to isolate whether the issue is with the lid or base unit.
If wiggling the connections causes the “Off” message to disappear or flash, it’s likely there is a loose wire that needs to be repaired or replaced.
Reset the air fryer lid
Resetting your Instant Pot air fryer lid can clear any glitches with the electronics that may be preventing it from turning on. Follow these steps:
- Unplug both the main Instant Pot base power cord and the short air fryer lid power cord.
- Make sure the inner pot is removed from the Instant Pot base.
- Press and hold the Reset button on the back of the air fryer lid for 10-15 seconds.
- Re-insert the inner pot and reconnect the power cords.
- Try powering on the lid to see if the “Off” message has cleared.
Resetting the lid resets all of the electronic components and should force the lid out of any stuck modes that are causing it to remain off.
Update the air fryer lid firmware
Outdated firmware can also cause Instant Pot air fryer lids to malfunction. Updating to the latest firmware ensures compatibility between the lid and base and also fixes any known bugs. To update your air fryer lid’s firmware:
- Download the newest firmware update file from the Instant Pot website support page.
- Extract the update file contents onto a FAT32 formatted USB flash drive.
- With the Instant Pot unplugged, remove the air fryer lid. Insert the flash drive into the USB port on the back of the lid.
- Plug in the Instant Pot and turn on the air fryer lid. It should detect the update file and install the new firmware.
- Follow any on-screen prompts until the update completes. The process usually takes just a few minutes.
- Once finished, unplug everything, remove the flash drive, and reconnect the air fryer lid to try it again.
The firmware update will overwrite any corrupted code causing issues and is often the solution for stubborn “Off” messages.
Contact Instant Pot support
If you still see the “Off” message on your Instant Pot air fryer lid after trying all troubleshooting steps, it’s time to contact Instant Pot support. Provide them with details on when you started experiencing the problem, what steps you’ve tried already, and any error codes or flashing lights. They can provide specialized troubleshooting advice or initiate a warranty repair or replacement on lids with hardware failures.
Here are some ways to reach out to Instant Pot support with your air fryer lid issues:
- Initiate a live chat from the Instant Pot website.
- Email [email protected] with a full description of the problem.
- Call 1-800-828-7280 and speak with a support representative.
- Open a ticket through the Instant Pot site’s support portal.
- Message @InstantPot on Facebook or Twitter.
Instant Pot customer service can pinpoint what is causing the stubborn “Off” display and help get your new air fryer lid up and running.
Common “Off” Message Causes and Solutions Table
| Issue | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Inner pot not fully connected | Prongs not contacting base unit | Press down firmly on inner pot, turn slightly clockwise |
| Power cord loose | Cord became unplugged | Check all power connections are secure |
| Damaged wiring | Frayed/cut wires | Inspect wires for damage, replace if needed |
| Electronics error | Glitch in programming | Reset air fryer lid to factory defaults |
| Outdated firmware | New base not compatible with lid | Update lid firmware to latest version |
| Sensor failure | Float valve or other sensor broken | Contact support for repair/replacement |
This table summarizes the most common issues that can cause the “Off” message on an Instant Pot air fryer lid, along with their likely causes and solutions.
Preventing “Off” Message Problems
While the “Off” message appearing on your Instant Pot air fryer lid is annoying, there are some steps you can take to prevent these types of issues in the future:
- Perform routine maintenance – Regularly inspect wires for damage, clean the electrical connections, and descale the inner pot to keep everything in good working order.
- Keep firmware updated – Download the latest firmware whenever Instant Pot releases an update to stay compatible and fix bugs.
- Use gently – Avoid aggressively twisting the inner pot when inserting and removing it to prevent damage to the electrical prongs.
- Store carefully – When not in use, be sure to store the lid on a stable, protected surface rather than stacked precariously in a cabinet.
While you can’t always prevent technical issues, this basic care helps minimize problems over the lifespan of your Instant Pot air fryer lid.
Conclusion
A persisent “Off” message on your new Instant Pot air fryer lid can certainly be frustrating. But in most cases, the problem can be resolved with a few basic troubleshooting steps. Start by ensuring the inner pot connects securely to the electrical base, then inspect for loose wiring issues. Resetting or updating the firmware will address any electronic glitches. And if all else fails, Instant Pot’s helpful customer service experts can get your lid up and running again. With the handy tips in this guide, you’ll be air frying homemade fries and wings in your Instant Pot again in no time.