Instructions to reset a Nespresso machine, shown from a Nespresso Essenza machine manual.
Have you wondered how to reset, calibrate/recalibrate your Nespresso machine?
Calibrating — or resetting the cup size or fill level of a cup — a Nespresso machine is easy, but many users tend to find the results “slip” over time; many of us have to regularly recalibrate. If you find this frustrating, you’re not alone. I’d love to hear from some of you… will you share your experiences? Maybe Nespresso engineers will chime in.
The instructions here are for an Essenza machine, but all operate similarly. If you don’t want to try with a fresh capsule, just practice on a used one.
How to calibrate/reset a Nespresso machine:
1) Insert a capsule and close the capsule lever;
2) Press and hold either the espresso or the lungo button for at least 3 seconds; then, just release as soon as the level reaches your preference.
Instructions to reset a Nespresso machine, shown from a Nespresso Essenza machine manual.
I also regularly descale my Nespresso machines. I can’t say that I notice a huge difference in taste, but it just seems to be the right thing to do and it probably prolongs the life of my machines.
Nespresso makes a descaler that’s “approved” for all of its machines, but these cleaning capsules are much easier! All you have to do is drop them into your Nespresso machine and “brew” as usual.
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We have a delongi Nespresso 520b. I have rescaled and cleaned the complete machine but the milk turns to water in seconds and the coffee although seems to working but not as well as previously
By Susan on January 7, 2019 at 4:24 pm
Hmm… Funny, I had a similar watery milk problem with my new Aeroccino 4. I thought I was going to have to return it, but it just fixed itself. I have no idea what the problem was, but it made very watery mile 2-3 times, and that’s it. It’s been working fine since then, for dozens and dozens of frothings.
By jplamer on January 7, 2019 at 6:05 pm
Thank you ! That was really helpful. Indeed, it works for other types also . I have a DeLonghi and worked perfectly. Thanks again!
By Nicoleta Croitoru on April 16, 2017 at 7:22 am
If I were a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle, now I’d say “Kwbuoanga, dude!”
By Carlie on April 4, 2017 at 10:15 pm
I have an older delonghi Nespresso pod machine. It has water in the machine when turned on both 1 cup and 1/2 cup buttons flash and continue to flash if you press the 1 cup button it just continues to run water unless you manually press the 1 cup button again to stop it. There appears to be just a little steam arises from machine when the 1 cup button is first pressed not excessive is this usual in colder weather. Have tried all the recalibrate suggestions. Any help would be most great fully received. Is it the bin and a new one.
By Marilyn on March 18, 2017 at 10:56 pm
Hello Marilyn — I wish I could help, but I can’t diagnose that problem. These machines do seem to definitely have a shelf life. I’m preparing to purchase my fourth, and each machine seems to last about 3-4 years before it struggles in one way or another, usually with how the water runs through the machine. I’ve also had button problems, too.
For another opinion: this guy seems really knowledgable about Nespresso machines: https://youtu.be/ne-GoivuGbU.
By jplamer on March 19, 2017 at 9:14 am
Thanks to a simple and useful advice
By pixie on March 13, 2017 at 12:25 am
Yes, that’s the way I did it and it worked (still it “slips” overtime, have to recalibrate again).
By Fred on January 11, 2017 at 4:35 pm
Is there a way to restore to factory settings? I think my lungo button was re calibrated and I don’t know how much to set it for to re-calibrate again
By Lauren on January 6, 2017 at 11:20 am
Most instructions seem to follow this method (from the Nespresso instructions for the Inissia):
By jplamer on January 6, 2017 at 6:12 pm
Thank you!!
By Cecily Ching on February 1, 2017 at 12:20 pm
Thank you. This solved the problem instantly. Wish I had found this site weeks ago.
By Jackie James on April 28, 2017 at 3:55 am
Which model of machine?
By Fred on December 22, 2016 at 3:21 pm
The directions are for the Essenza C91, but I think they apply to all Essenza models.
By jplamer on December 29, 2016 at 4:39 pm
My brand new machine is only bosching out about 50ml on the bigger cup setting. My instruction manual is annoying as it just contains pictures and no explanation notes.
Coffee is really lovely and the milk frothing machine is unbelievable, but I need to get my 110ml of coffee. Seriously.
By Anthony Moore on December 19, 2016 at 1:34 am
Thank you for the help in recalibration my machine lungs cup setting. Very valuable advice. Birmingham UK.
By Mike on December 9, 2016 at 5:33 am
Thank you. I didn’t know about “recalibration”. It solved my problem 100%. I must have unknowingly messed up the original timing. pat in Davis, CA
By Pat on October 20, 2016 at 10:23 am
Easy fix– thanks so much for posting this!
By Karen K. on September 11, 2015 at 9:37 am
I have a problem when the button with the icon showing a big cup won’t activate
By Barry on June 3, 2017 at 5:46 pm
I’ve had that problem, too. I found that when I come at the button from the top left corner of the button, and push just the upper, northwest, edge, it usually worked. And then, after doing that for about 2 years, the button just started working normally again, most of the time! 🙂
By jplamer on June 4, 2017 at 1:53 pm
Thanks for that.
I found that I just had to push the button down a little harder and it worked. Obviously not too well made!!!
By Barry Greenhalgh on June 4, 2017 at 4:04 pm
Only unintentionally as when the tube is clogging or there’s a pump malfunction. And the result is always a slower stream in my experience.
By Fred on August 17, 2015 at 11:49 am
Is there anyway to change the speed of the shot coming out?
By Caitlyn on July 31, 2015 at 4:38 am
My M100 has the same problem time and time again,,, fed up with it next, machine which is imminent will be Dolce Gusto.
By Longshanks64 on March 29, 2015 at 3:19 am
You can down load the manual from the web. Search ” Nespresso U Manual”
By K. C.. on October 19, 2014 at 3:06 pm
Thank you for posting this. Was a great help because for the life of me could not find my manual
By fran on September 20, 2014 at 8:07 pm
I have the same problem with my Magimix M100
By Big Brian on August 16, 2014 at 4:54 am
Yes, I have two Essence’s and both show some variance, especially with lungos. But not such a problem I’m willing to switch
By Fred on June 16, 2014 at 11:03 am
I find that if doing consecutive shots with my Nespresso U, the first shot is always about 1/2 to 2/3 of the volume of consecutive shots with the same setting. It’s kind of annoying but it’s not a big deal because I use it as an opportunity to flush the machine and warm up the outlet.
By RichardP on June 13, 2014 at 8:12 pm
I’ve recalibrated my machine but the results are inconsistent. Five times in a row I’ll get the desired level, the sixth, substantially less (rarely more). Occasionally every other time will be less. Any solutions or is this just a quirk with the machine?
By fred on August 5, 2012 at 11:58 am