If you own a DeLonghi Magnifica Evo coffee machine, you may have noticed warning symbols appearing on the display. These symbols are designed to alert you to potential issues with the machine so that you can take action before a more serious problem occurs.
I know sometimes manuals are hard to read, or perhaps you have lost the manual that came with your coffee machine. So I created this guide with a full explanation of the Magnifica Evo’s warning lights and what they mean.
In fact, many of DeLonghi’s super automatics can share the same warning lights. So this can work for you if you own another model, too.
Five Main Flashing Lights on the Magnifica Evo
On the control panel, there are five main icons for possible issues. Understanding what these symbols refer to is important to understand what the flashing lights mean, which I explain in the next section.
![Understanding DeLonghi Magnifica Evo Flashing Lights [Complete Guide]](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=MzQxOjkyNg==-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgNzY4IDEwMjQiIHdpZHRoPSI3NjgiIGhlaWdodD0iMTAyNCIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj48L3N2Zz4=)
Water Filter Symbol
![Understanding DeLonghi Magnifica Evo Flashing Lights [Complete Guide]](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=MzQ0OjU0NA==-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgNTc2IDQyNCIgd2lkdGg9IjU3NiIgaGVpZ2h0PSI0MjQiIHhtbG5zPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8yMDAwL3N2ZyI+PC9zdmc+)
When this icon lights up, it indicates that it’s time to replace the water filter in the reservoir. After replacing the water filter, the Magnifica Evo must be reset to activate the filter and for the symbol to go away.
After replacing the water filter, click the Settings button for 5 seconds. Press the descale button then press any of the coffee bean symbols (the strength settings buttons) to confirm that you have inserted a new water filter. Press the descale button again to confirm selection. The water filter error light should go away now.
Water Tank Symbol
![Understanding DeLonghi Magnifica Evo Flashing Lights [Complete Guide]](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=MzQ5OjY0MA==-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgNTk0IDQyMiIgd2lkdGg9IjU5NCIgaGVpZ2h0PSI0MjIiIHhtbG5zPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8yMDAwL3N2ZyI+PC9zdmc+)
This symbol indicates that the water tank is empty. Simply fill up the tank and it will turn off.
![Understanding DeLonghi Magnifica Evo Flashing Lights [Complete Guide]](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=MzUxOjY4Mw==-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgNzQ4IDU2OCIgd2lkdGg9Ijc0OCIgaGVpZ2h0PSI1NjgiIHhtbG5zPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8yMDAwL3N2ZyI+PC9zdmc+)
If the same water tank icon lights up with lines around it, it indicates that the water tank is missing. Most likely, you did not place in the reservoir correctly or it didn’t click into its place. All you have to do is adjust it so it attaches properly to the machine.
General Alarm Symbol
![Understanding DeLonghi Magnifica Evo Flashing Lights [Complete Guide]](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=MzU1OjU0Nw==-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgNTUyIDQ3MiIgd2lkdGg9IjU1MiIgaGVpZ2h0PSI0NzIiIHhtbG5zPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8yMDAwL3N2ZyI+PC9zdmc+)
The red triangle symbol with an exclamation mark is a general alarm that can indication several things . If it lights up on its own, it can indicate that your machine needs to be cleaned internally. For other meanings, keep reading for a detailed explanation.
Grounds Container Symbol
![Understanding DeLonghi Magnifica Evo Flashing Lights [Complete Guide]](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=MzU5OjY2OA==-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgNTg2IDUyNCIgd2lkdGg9IjU4NiIgaGVpZ2h0PSI1MjQiIHhtbG5zPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8yMDAwL3N2ZyI+PC9zdmc+)
This symbol indicates that the grounds bin, where the used coffee pucks are collected, needs to be emptied.
![Understanding DeLonghi Magnifica Evo Flashing Lights [Complete Guide]](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=MzYyOjY4MA==-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgNzUyIDU5NCIgd2lkdGg9Ijc1MiIgaGVpZ2h0PSI1OTQiIHhtbG5zPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8yMDAwL3N2ZyI+PC9zdmc+)
If the grounds container symbol lights up with lines around it, it means the container is missing. Make sure that you have correctly inserted the bin and that it is sitting correctly in place.
Descaling Symbol
![Understanding DeLonghi Magnifica Evo Flashing Lights [Complete Guide]](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=MzY2OjUyOQ==-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgNTU4IDQ1NiIgd2lkdGg9IjU1OCIgaGVpZ2h0PSI0NTYiIHhtbG5zPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8yMDAwL3N2ZyI+PC9zdmc+)
When this icon lights up, it means that it is time to descale your machine. Descaling is a deep cleaning cycle that can take up to 45 minutes. You can still use your machine while this warning symbol is on, but don’t ignore it. Skipping descaling can lead to bitter or coffee temperature issues if ignored for too long.
![Understanding DeLonghi Magnifica Evo Flashing Lights [Complete Guide]](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=MzY5OjY2MA==-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgNzI0IDk0NiIgd2lkdGg9IjcyNCIgaGVpZ2h0PSI5NDYiIHhtbG5zPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8yMDAwL3N2ZyI+PC9zdmc+)
If you have started the descaling process but stopped for any reason, you’ll most likely see this error light that combines the red triangle, exclamation mark, and the descaling symbol, which means that the descaling process has been interrupted.
If the descaling process has been stopped mid-cycle, you won’t be able to use the machine until you complete the cycle.
You can resume the descaling process by selecting the descaling button and then turning the steam knob to the hot water position (or the hot water button on the LatteCrema version). Hot water will start to stream out of the steam wand or hot water dispenser to indicate that the descaling has resumed. Don’t stop the process, let it run until all descaling steps are complete.
Troubleshooting General Alarm Issues
As I mentioned earlier, the red triangle with an exclamation mark indicates a general issue with your Magnifica Evo. On it’s own, it’s most likely a cleaning issue. But here’s how you can investigate this issue further.
The x2 Button Flashing
Two reasons lead the X2 button to flash on the Magnifica Evo:
- It flashes rapidly when you first set up your machine.
- Or when you access the machine settings.
If it’s flashing while you are setting up the machine for the first time:
When you plug your Magnifica Evo for the first time, the first alert you’ll see is the water tank symbol. That’s when you have to remove the water tank and fill it with fresh water to the MAX Level (don’t use less water than the Max level).
When you put the water tank back, the X2 button will flash. Press it for the rinsing cycle to start. And the button should stop flashing when it’s done.
If the x2 button continues to flash, it means that you probably used less water than the MAX level, and the machine needs to complete the rinsing cycle.
To fix this, fill the water tank again and press the button again. Make sure there’s a container under the spout to catch the water.
Another reason the x2 button flashes is when you access the settings menu.
If you are changing some settings like coffee brewing temperature or installing a new water filter, you’ll use the X2 button combined with another one to access each setting.
If you don’t press the second button immediately, it will continue to flash for 30 seconds before automatically shutting off.
Flashing Red Triangle
![Understanding DeLonghi Magnifica Evo Flashing Lights [Complete Guide]](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=MzkxOjYzMg==-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgNzM2IDU3NiIgd2lkdGg9IjczNiIgaGVpZ2h0PSI1NzYiIHhtbG5zPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8yMDAwL3N2ZyI+PC9zdmc+)
The red triangle symbol combined with lines around it means that the infuser is not in its place.
The infuser is the part inside the machine that processes the grounds and extracts the coffee, so it needs to be cleaned by hand periodically. It is located behind the water reservoir on the right side of the machine.
![Understanding DeLonghi Magnifica Evo Flashing Lights [Complete Guide]](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=Mzk0Ojc1Mg==-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTAwMCA4MDQiIHdpZHRoPSIxMDAwIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjgwNCIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj48L3N2Zz4=)
While it is easy to get out, sometimes it’s a little tricky to put the infuser back into place. If it didn’t click correctly into place, or if you forgot to place it back after cleaning, this error light will turn on. As soon as it is back in place, the error light will go away.
The coffee machine needs to be OFF when taking out or putting the infuser back into place.
Red Triangle + Coffee Bean Symbols Flashing
![Understanding DeLonghi Magnifica Evo Flashing Lights [Complete Guide]](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=Mzk4OjY4Nw==-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgNzMwIDY4NCIgd2lkdGg9IjczMCIgaGVpZ2h0PSI2ODQiIHhtbG5zPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8yMDAwL3N2ZyI+PC9zdmc+)
If you see the red triangle error light in combination with the coffee beans symbols light up, it means that the bean hopper is empty or there are not enough coffee beans in it. Add in more beans to solve this issue.
Flashing Triangle with Lines
![Understanding DeLonghi Magnifica Evo Flashing Lights [Complete Guide]](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=NDAyOjYzNg==-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgNzI0IDY4NCIgd2lkdGg9IjcyNCIgaGVpZ2h0PSI2ODQiIHhtbG5zPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8yMDAwL3N2ZyI+PC9zdmc+)
This error light sequence happens if you set the grinder too fine and you’ll notice when brewing that the coffee is coming out too slowly or not coming out at all.
To solve this issue, adjust the grinder to a coarser setting. Sometimes, the grind setting change is not reflected immediately, so you’ll need to brew several shots until you see that the coffee flow is normal again.
Remember that if you change brands frequently, will need you to readjust your grinder settings slightly to get the best results for the specific coffee brand. Coffee beans vary in size and roast from one brand to another, so they can’t be treated equally.
Flashing Triangle + Coffee Bean Symbol and Ground Coffee Symbol
![Understanding DeLonghi Magnifica Evo Flashing Lights [Complete Guide]](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=NDA4OjY0MA==-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgNzYwIDczNiIgd2lkdGg9Ijc2MCIgaGVpZ2h0PSI3MzYiIHhtbG5zPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8yMDAwL3N2ZyI+PC9zdmc+)
Most of the time, it happens when you use the bypass doser and add more ground coffee than needed.
The bypass doser can only handle enough ground coffee for a single cup. For best results, use the included scoop for measurements.
If you’re not using pre-ground coffee, then use a milder coffee strength to fix this error light.
Flashing Triangle + Ground Coffee Symbol
![Understanding DeLonghi Magnifica Evo Flashing Lights [Complete Guide]](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=NDE0OjY5Ng==-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgNzAyIDcyOCIgd2lkdGg9IjcwMiIgaGVpZ2h0PSI3MjgiIHhtbG5zPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8yMDAwL3N2ZyI+PC9zdmc+)
If the red triangle lights up in combination with the bypass doser icon (the scoop icon), it means that you activated the bypass doser, and selected a coffee drink without adding the coffee grounds.
If you did add the coffee grounds in the bypass doser, make sure that it’s clean and not clogged, or that you have added a full-level scoop of coffee in it.
Flashing Triangle + Water Tank Symbol + Steam Button
![Understanding DeLonghi Magnifica Evo Flashing Lights [Complete Guide]](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=NDE5OjY2OA==-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgNjIyIDc4NCIgd2lkdGg9IjYyMiIgaGVpZ2h0PSI3ODQiIHhtbG5zPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8yMDAwL3N2ZyI+PC9zdmc+)
This error indicates that the water circuit of the machine is empty.
The internal circuit needs to have hot water running through it to deliver hot coffee. To fix this issue, simply turn the steam knob to the hot water position (WITHOUT pressing the steam button) to deliver hot water through the system. When you see the error symbols have turned off, you can use the machine again.
All information in the post is sourced from the DeLonghi Magnifica Evo official manual.
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