Nespresso Vertuo Pop (GCV2 / ENV90) 2 blinks and 1 pause

The machine is not running and the light blinks 2 times, pauses, and repeats. The machine cannot start the current task: check the capsule, the lever and the water tank for the task you started.

Cause 1 of 4During coffee preparation: capsule missing, damaged or misplaced, lever not locked, or tank empty. Source: Troubleshooting, p. 31

First checkUnlock and open the head and check a fresh, undamaged capsule sits correctly.

Causes and checks

During coffee preparation: capsule missing, damaged or misplaced, lever not locked, or tank empty. Source: Troubleshooting, p. 31
1. Unlock and open the head and check a fresh, undamaged capsule sits correctly.
2. Lock the lever.
3. Fill the water tank.
During descaling, emptying or cleaning: a capsule is still inside, or the lever is not locked. Source: Troubleshooting, p. 31
1. Eject the capsule.
2. Lock the lever.
During volume programming: capsule not inserted correctly. Source: Troubleshooting, p. 31
1. Check that a capsule is inserted correctly, then follow the volume programming steps again. See Program a cup size.
If it continues. Source: Troubleshooting, p. 32
1. Unlock and open the head and replace the capsule if needed.
2. Unplug the machine for 10 seconds, plug it back in, close the head, press the button to switch on and again to brew.
Nespresso If it still happens, call Nespresso. Contact: nespresso.com/us/en/.

Service

If the checks above do not clear it, contact Nespresso, nespresso.com/us/en/. Contact Nespresso in your country. Source: Troubleshooting, p. 32

Other Vertuo Pop (GCV2 / ENV90) indicators

Orange 3 times, then steady white: Descaling is due. The machine can be used only a few more times before descaling becomes necessary.
1 blink and 1 pause: The water tank is empty or the lever is not locked.
Light blinks while running: Normal if coffee is flowing. If only water flows, a cleaning, descaling or emptying task you started is running. Otherwise the machine may be overheated after heavy use.
Light blinks, machine not running: The machine is reading the capsule and pre-wetting, or it cannot start.
Steady light, does not start: The lever is not locked, or no capsule is in place for brewing (or a capsule is still inside for cleaning, descaling or emptying).
Blinking while heating: The machine is heating up; it is ready when the light is steady.
Turquoise blinking: Coffee Creations mode is on: the next brew is concentrated for recipes with milk, cream or ice.

Sources

Vertuo Pop user manual (21 languages; English pp. 2–33). Nestlé Nespresso S.A. (hosted by De'Longhi). Document De'Longhi asset 297263, revision PDF dated 2024-04-03, 2024-04-03, 643 pages, en. library.delonghigroup.com. Listed on the manufacturer's support page. Retrieved 13 November 2026.

Page numbers are the numbers printed in the manual. Where this page and the manual differ, follow the manual.

Applies to: GCV2 (variant GDV2), ENV90 (variant ENV90.B), BNV120 (variant BNV150), XN9201 (variants XN9204; XN9205; XN9211), M800. Nespresso machine code.
Source: Vertuo Pop user manual (21 languages; English pp. 2–33), De'Longhi asset 297263 revision PDF dated 2024-04-03, 2024-04-03
Last verified: 13 November 2026
Handbook: Nespresso Vertuo Pop in Coffee and espresso machines; all Nespresso handbooks