How to Reset Ninja Coffee Maker Easily at Home (6 Steps)

Have you ever turned on your Ninja Coffee Maker and something just didn’t feel right? Maybe it’s not brewing, showing error lights, or just acting weird. I had the same problem, and I was frustrated too. The good news is, there’s a very simple way to fix it — you just need to reset it! In this article, I’ll show you exactly how to reset Ninja Coffee Maker using easy steps. This guide will help you bring your machine back to normal like new. No tools, no tech skills, just easy steps anyone can follow.

Unplug the Coffee Maker from the Power Source

The very first thing you should do is unplug the Ninja Coffee Maker from the power outlet. This is a very important step. Many people don’t know that just turning off the power button is not enough. Your machine might still hold a small electric charge, and that can stop it from fully resetting.

When I first had problems with my Ninja Coffee Maker, I was pressing buttons again and again, thinking something was broken. But it wasn’t! I just had to unplug it from the wall and wait. Yes, just unplugging the coffee maker gave it a fresh start.

After unplugging, leave the coffee maker alone for at least 5 minutes. Some people say just 30 seconds is fine, but from my experience, 5 full minutes works much better. This helps the inside system clear out all saved memory or stuck signals.

This method is called a “soft reset.” It doesn’t change anything like factory settings, but it often solves problems like lights blinking, buttons not working, or the machine not brewing at all.

After the 5 minutes pass, plug it back in. Wait for a few seconds, and you should hear a light sound or see the display screen come back on. Now, try pressing the power button. If it works fine now, your machine is reset!

Sometimes, the problem is just a temporary glitch in the system, and unplugging it helps the machine start fresh. You don’t need to worry about losing any settings because Ninja Coffee Makers usually don’t store any long-term user settings.

Always unplug the machine before resetting
Wait 5 minutes for better results
Plug it back in and power on
It helps clear minor errors
No settings will be lost

Clean the Brew Basket and Water Reservoir

If your Ninja Coffee Maker is still not working right after unplugging, the next thing you need to do is check the brew basket and water reservoir. Dirt, coffee grounds, or leftover water can block the flow and cause the machine to act strange. Cleaning it properly can sometimes solve the problem without even needing a full reset.

First, take out the brew basket. Look inside and see if there are any leftover coffee grounds or if it looks dirty. Wash it under warm water and use a mild dish soap. Make sure to rinse it very well and dry it before putting it back.

Next, take out the water reservoir. This is the tank where you pour water for brewing. Sometimes, hard water leaves behind a white or cloudy layer. If you see this, you might need to clean it using white vinegar and warm water. Mix one part vinegar with two parts water and let it sit in the reservoir for 30 minutes. Then, pour it out and rinse very well.

You can also run a clean cycle using vinegar and water to clean the inside of the machine. To do this, fill the water tank halfway with white vinegar and the rest with water. Place a large cup or carafe under the brew head. Press the ‘Clean’ button and let it run.

Once the clean cycle is done, rinse the machine by running two full cycles with just water. This helps remove the vinegar smell and taste.

Cleaning your machine this way can fix many problems like:

Slow brewing
Loud noise while brewing
Coffee not hot enough
Machine stopping in the middle of a brew

Even if you do not see dirt, some blockages can be inside the tubes, and the clean cycle can help clear that out.

Remove and wash the brew basket
Clean the water tank with vinegar
Run a clean cycle
Rinse two times with water after cleaning
Helps fix brewing and heating problems

Check for Flashing Lights or Error Signals

Ninja Coffee Makers are smart machines. They tell you when something is wrong by showing flashing lights or error messages. If you see blinking lights on your coffee maker, don’t panic. These signals help you understand what the machine needs.

One common flashing light is the ‘Clean’ light. This means the machine is asking you to clean it. It does not mean the coffee maker is broken. Just follow the cleaning steps I shared earlier. After you finish the clean cycle, the light should turn off.

Another signal is when the power button or brew light keeps blinking. This can mean a few things:

The water tank is not placed right
The brew basket is not locked in
The drip stop is closed
The lid is not shut tight

Carefully check each part of the coffee maker. Make sure everything is in the right place. Sometimes even a small misplacement can stop the machine from working.

If the light is still blinking after checking and fixing everything, then it might be time to do a full reset. You can unplug the machine and wait for 5–10 minutes. Then plug it back and try again.

Also, make sure you are using the right kind of filter. Ninja machines usually work best with Ninja brand filters. If you use the wrong filter, it can also cause blinking lights or brew problems.

Flashing lights show machine errors
‘Clean’ light means it needs cleaning
Check basket, tank, lid, and drip stop
Use correct filter for best results
Unplug to reset if lights keep blinking

Reset the Brew Settings to Default

If cleaning and unplugging didn’t help, you can try to reset the brew settings to default. This means putting the coffee maker back to its original settings like it was when it came from the store. It doesn’t delete anything, but it helps the machine forget any stuck setting.

To reset brew settings, follow these easy steps:

Turn off the machine and unplug it.
Hold the ‘Brew’ button for about 10 seconds.
Keep holding even if nothing shows on screen.
Plug the machine back in while still holding the button.
Release the button after 3 more seconds.

Now your Ninja Coffee Maker should be back to normal settings. This method works well for machines that are stuck on a program or keep doing the same thing no matter what you press.

Some Ninja models may also have a ‘Specialty’ or ‘Classic’ button. If your machine gets stuck on one of those settings, doing this reset can bring it back to normal.

You should only do this if you’ve already tried cleaning and unplugging first. This is more like a deeper reset and not needed often. But it can really help when the machine doesn’t respond to anything else.

Reset brew settings by holding brew button
Plug in while holding the button
Helps fix stuck or frozen machines
Works better after cleaning and unplugging
Use only when other fixes don’t work

Try a Full Clean Cycle After Reset

After you reset your Ninja Coffee Maker, it’s a good idea to run a full clean cycle. Sometimes the reset helps the machine get back to normal, but deep cleaning helps it stay that way. Dirt and mineral build-up inside the machine can still cause problems.

To do a full clean cycle, follow these steps:

Fill the water tank with equal parts vinegar and water.
Press the ‘Clean’ button on your machine.
Let the machine do the full cycle — it may take 8–10 minutes.
When it finishes, empty the carafe.
Rinse the tank and run two clean water cycles with no vinegar.

You’ll see the water come out cloudy at first. That’s normal. It means the machine is cleaning itself inside. After two rinse cycles, the water should come out clear.

This full clean helps remove:

Calcium from hard water
Old coffee oils
Tiny blockages in the tubes
Smells or bad taste in coffee

Doing a deep clean after reset makes your coffee taste fresh again. It also helps the machine last longer. I do this every month, even if the ‘Clean’ light is not on. It keeps the machine healthy.

Fill tank with vinegar mix
Run full clean cycle
Rinse twice with water after cleaning
Clears deep blockages and odors
Best to do monthly for longer life

Check the Drip Stop and Brewing Lid

Last thing to check is the drip stop and the brewing lid. These parts seem small, but they can cause big trouble if they’re not in the right position. Many times, I thought my Ninja Coffee Maker was broken. But the problem was just a loose lid or drip stop.

The drip stop is a small switch or lever under the brew basket. When it’s closed, coffee cannot flow. Make sure it’s open when you brew. If it’s stuck, try to move it gently back and forth a few times.

The brewing lid should close tightly. If it’s open just a little, the machine may not start. Some Ninja models have sensors in the lid. If the lid is not closed all the way, the sensor stops the brew.

You can test it by opening and closing the lid again with a small click sound. That click means the lid is locked. Then press the power button and brew again.

Also, wipe the rubber ring or seal inside the lid. If it’s dirty, the lid may not close tight. Use a clean cloth or a bit of water to wipe it.

These small checks often solve big problems. Before you think the machine is broken, always check these easy parts.

Check drip stop is open
Make sure lid is closed tight
Clean rubber seals on the lid
Small parts can stop the machine
Always test by pressing brew again

Final Thoughts

Resetting a Ninja Coffee Maker sounds hard at first, but it’s really easy when you know what to do. Most problems are caused by small things like a loose lid, dirt, or flashing lights. With a bit of cleaning, unplugging, and checking each part, you can fix the machine yourself. Follow all the steps and your coffee maker should work like new again.

Task	What to Do
Unplug Machine	Wait 5 minutes before plugging again
Clean Brew Basket	Wash with warm water and dry fully
Clean Water Reservoir	Use vinegar and water mix
Check Flashing Lights	Follow what the lights are telling you
Reset Brew Settings	Hold brew button and plug in machine
Full Clean Cycle	Run vinegar clean and rinse 2 times
Drip Stop & Lid	Make sure they’re both in correct place

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it safe to reset my Ninja Coffee Maker often?

Yes, it is safe to reset your Ninja Coffee Maker. Doing a reset does not harm the machine. In fact, it helps fix small errors that happen during use. If your machine shows flashing lights, stops brewing, or acts strange, resetting is a safe and helpful solution. It does not remove anything important. Just unplug it for 5 minutes and plug it back in. You can do this any time you face a problem.

Can I use tap water in my Ninja Coffee Maker?

You can use tap water, but it is better to use filtered water. Tap water can have minerals that build up inside your machine over time. This build-up can cause blockages or make the coffee taste funny. Using filtered water helps your machine stay clean and work longer. If you only have tap water, make sure to clean the machine more often using vinegar and water.

Do I need to clean it even if the clean light is off?

Yes, it’s a good idea to clean your Ninja Coffee Maker even if the clean light is off. The clean light only turns on when the machine senses it’s really dirty. But sometimes small build-up inside does not turn on the light. Doing a deep clean once a month keeps your machine healthy. It also helps your coffee taste better and stops future problems before they start.

Is it okay to use other filters?

You can use other filters, but Ninja brand filters work best. Some off-brand filters may not fit perfectly or block water flow. This can make your machine act strange or not brew at all. If you choose to use a different brand, make sure it fits well and is the right size. Using the right filter helps your coffee taste better and your machine stay in good shape.

Can I leave water in the machine overnight?

It’s not a good idea to leave water in the machine overnight. Water can become stale or pick up a strange smell, especially if your machine sits near the stove or sink. It’s better to empty the tank after each use. If you forget sometimes, don’t worry — just clean the tank and run water before the next use.

Do I need to call support to reset it?

No, you usually don’t need to call support to reset your Ninja Coffee Maker. Most problems can be fixed at home by unplugging the machine, cleaning it, and checking all parts. Ninja machines are made to be easy to use. Try the reset and cleaning steps first. If nothing works after all the steps, then you can contact support as a last option.

Is it normal for it to beep after reset?

Yes, some Ninja Coffee Makers may beep or make sounds after reset. This is normal. It means the machine is starting again and checking all systems. If it beeps once or twice, it’s nothing to worry about. But if it keeps beeping without stopping, check if the lid is closed or if any light is flashing. That might mean something else needs fixing.

Can I fix brewing problems without taking it apart?

Yes, most brewing problems can be fixed without taking your Ninja Coffee Maker apart. Many times, cleaning the machine, checking the drip stop, or doing a reset is all you need. Taking the machine apart is not safe unless you know exactly what you’re doing. Always try the easy steps first — unplug, clean, and reset — before doing anything else.