Reasons why your Instant Pot is not sealing! (2025)

Here are the top reasons for your Instant Pot not sealing. This guide helps you troubleshoot a common problem most Instant Pot users encounter: the Instant Pot won’t come to pressure. Learn how to seal your Instant Pot correctly the first time, and how to avoid the issue.

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Pressure Release Valve Parts

Here are some of the parts that I refer to throughout this article. The steam release mechanism varies by Instant Pot model; some newer models may look slightly different.

• Float Valve: a metal pin that pops up once the Instant Pot has pressurized.
• Steam Release Valve: Steam is released through the vents in the steam release valve. It’s also referred to as the Instant Pot pressure valve, pressure release valve, or venting knob.
• Steam Release Handle: Steam is released through the vents in the steam release handle. To seal the Instant Pot pressure cooker, turn this pressure knob to the Sealing position, and to release pressure, move it to the Venting position. The steam release handle is sometimes referred to as the Instant Pot venting knob or pressure valve.
• Steam Release Button: Click it counterclockwise to spring it up into the Sealing position. To release pressure, push the button until it clicks down into place in the Venting position.
• Steam Release Switch: To put it in Sealing mode, slide it into the Seal position. To release pressure, slide it into the Vent position.

• Silicone Sealing Ring: a flexible ring that creates a seal between the Instant Pot’s base unit and the lid, allowing pressure to build up and pressurize the Instant Pot. It’s also referred to as a gasket.
• Float Valve: a metal pin covered with a silicone cover on the inside of the lid, which keeps it in place. It can be removed and cleaned.
• Anti-block Shield: metal cover that prevents food particles from entering and blocking the steam release pipe. The anti-block shield covers the exhaust valve and can be removed and cleaned.

Why Is Your Instant Pot Not Sealing?

One of the most common issues people encounter with Instant Pot (aka Instapot) is that theirInstant Potwon’t pressurize or seal.

This happens to me, and I’m sure it happens to most electric pressure cooker users. Usually, it’s an easy fix!

New Instant Pot users, in particular, have difficulty troubleshooting what’s wrong when their Instant Pot is not sealing.

If the countdown timer has begun and the float valve is not rising, the Instant Pot won’t seal.

If the Instant Pot is not pressurizing but counting down, timer has begun and the float valve is not rising, the Instant Pot won’t seal.

I’ve compiled a list of possible reasons why your Instant Pot is not pressurizing. You’ll most likely be able to troubleshoot your issue in one of the following cases.

Another common problem when the Instant Pot is trying to come to full pressure is the Burn or Food Burn Message, so I encourage you to read that article too!

Should steam come out of the Instant Pot when pressurizing?

Yes, steam will escape from the steam release and float valves until the Instant Pot is sealed.

When you initially program the Instant Pot to pressure cook, the display saysOn. After a few minutes (anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes, depending on the quantity and temperature of the food), you’ll see steam coming out of the pressure release (steam release) handle and/or float valve on the top of the lid. This is perfectly normal.

After some hissing, steaming, and hesitation, the float valve usually rises to the Up position, and the Instant Pot is sealed. After a few minutes, the display should start counting down from the number of minutes you programmed the Instant Pot to pressure cook.

Should steam come out of the Instant Pot once sealed?

Noheavy steam should come out once the float valve is in the sealing position (up position).

However, I have occasionally seen tiny wisps of steam when it’s sealed, and this is not a cause for concern. This usually happens when cooking something with a lot of liquid, such as soup.

1. The Instant Pot Pressure Valve is in Venting Position

Different models of Instant Pot have different pressure release mechanisms.

• Steam Release Handle: The venting knob can be turned from Venting to Sealing.
• Steam Release Button: When the button is up, it seals, and when it’s down, it vents.
• Steam Release Switch: The switch can go from Vent to Seal.

When using the Instant Pot for something other thanSlow Cook,Yogurt,orSous Vide, the pressure release needs to be in the Sealing position.

2. The Silicone Sealing Ring (Sealing Gasket) is not Properly Seated

If the ring cannot be rotated around in the sealing ring rack, it’s not seated correctly. You should be able to turn it in place, maybe with a bit of effort. If the sealing ring hasn’t been installed correctly, you may find that steam is leaking out of the sides of the lid.

SOLUTION:Open the Instant Pot and push down the sealing ring all the way around the ring rack to make sure it’s properly seated. Then, try turning it in the ring rack. It should move/rotate around the ring rack. A new sealing ring can be harder to move, but you should be able to.

3. Sealing Ring is Missing/Misplaced

It’s possible that the sealing ring or gasket was removed for cleaning and not placed back in the Instant Pot lid’s ring rack. If your sealing ring is missing, you will see the Instant Pot leaking steam from the sides of the lid.

SOLUTION:Replace the Instant Pot gasket.

4. Not Enough Liquid in Instant Pot to Build Pressure

This is one of the most common Instant Pot issues when it’s trying to come to pressure. According to the official manual, the Instant Pot requires at least 1 cup of liquid. I’ve used as little as ½ cup and done fine with many Instant Pot recipes. Remember that it needs to be thin liquid such as water, broth, lemon juice, and soy sauce.

Some liquids like canned tomato sauce are too dense and require thinning out with broth or water. If your Instant Pot isn’t sealing, this is one of the more common reasons.

SOLUTION:Add more water or broth. If the final result is a dish that’s too thin or liquidy,you can use the Saute function and let the liquid reduce and thicken, or you can add a thickener like cornstarch, flour, potato flakes, etc.

5. Food is Scorched at the Bottom of the Inner Pot

If food is scorched on the bottom of the pot, the liquid won’t make contact with the bottom, and the Instant Pot won’tbuild steam. Here are a few of the reasons food gets scorched on the bottom of the Instant Pot:

• After browning or sauteing,if browned bits are sticking to the bottom of the pot, you need todeglazethe pot. Deglazing involves adding liquid (e.g., water,broth) to the heated pot and stirring to allow the browned bits to come free.
• The liquid is too thick. This can happen with thick sauces such as tomato sauce, mole sauce, or pasta sauce. Thick sauces should be placed at the top without stirring them in, and you can also thin them out with water or broth.
• Starchy foods are making contact with the bottom of the inner pot. Starchy foods, such aspasta,rice, etc., should be layered on top of other ingredients without stirring them in.
• TheInstant Pot is overfilled with food and there isn’t enough room for the liquid to circulate.

[Read More about layering problem ingredients such as sauces, pasta, rice, etc.]

6. The Sealing Ring has Expanded Too Much and Instapot Won’t Seal Properly

The sealing ring naturally expands when it’s heated. Once cool, it should return to its natural state. If you’ve just finished cooking something, the sealing ring may still be in its expanded state, preventing the Instant Pot from sealing.

SOLUTION: Try placing the Instant Pot sealing ring in the freezer or running it under cold water to contract it. You can also try turning the sealing ring over and replacing it.

7.Instant Pot Sealing Ring has Debris or Food

The Instant Pot sealing ring must be clean to create a proper seal.

SOLUTION: Make sure no food is stuck to the sealing ring and clean it with soap and water.

8. Too Much Water has Evaporated Before Problem was Fixed

If the pot wasn’t initially sealed properly and you corrected the problem, it’s possible that too much liquid evaporated, leaving the pot without enough liquid in the pot to create the required steam. This can cause the Instant Pot to not pressurize.

SOLUTION: Open the Instant Pot and check the quantity of liquid. You need ½ cup to 1 cup. Add more liquid if necessary.

9.The Sealing Ring is Damaged or Torn

If your seal is heavily used or pulled on too hard, it can wear out or tear, and you may need a new seal.

SOLUTION: Purchase a new sealing ring. Keeping a spare sealing ring on hand is always a good idea.

10. Timer Function was Used Instead of Manual or Pressure Cook

Some older models of the Instant Pot have a Timer button. The Timer button allows you to set a delayed start time. When you press the timer button, the time that shows up is the number of hours until cooking starts. So, if your Instant Pot timer is not starting, this could be the reason.

SOLUTION: Press Cancel to cancel the timer. Select Manual or Pressure Cook mode (or another cooking option, e.g.,Poultryor Meat) and wait a few seconds for the Instant Pot display to change toOn. If you wish to use the timer functionality, select the cooking function (e.g., Manual, Pressure Cook, Poultry) first, then press Timer or Delay Start (on newer models).

11. The Instant Pot Lid Area or Liner is Dirty

The Instant Pot lid and the area where it fits on the base unit need to be clean and free of food debris.

If food is stuck to the rim of the Instant Pot inner pot, the seal will not be tight when you close the Instant Pot lid, and steam can escape.

SOLUTION: Open the Instant Pot lid and use a cloth or clean toothbrush to wipe around the rim of the Instant Pot lid and the base unit. Thoroughly clean the inside, outside, and rim of the inner pot.

12. The Instant Pot Float Valve or Anti-Block Shield Has Debris

When you cook pasta or other messy foods, the Instant Pot valve and anti block shield can become dirty and obstructed.

SOLUTION: Remove the anti-block shield and float valve and clean with a clean toothbrush and soapy water. Clean the hole that the float valve goes into with a brush or pipe cleaner. Clean all parts of the lid. Dry well and replace the parts.
See my Instant Pot Beginner’s Guideto find out how to remove these.

13. Food is Frozen

Frozen food takes longer to cook, and the Instant Pot takes longer to come to pressure.

SOLUTION: If you’ve added frozen food to the pot, wait a bit longer to see if the Instant Pot will seal. If you’re cooking a large quantity of frozen food, I recommend thawing it first, because it will take a very long time to come to pressure and cook!

14. Large Quantity of Liquid in Instant Pot

If you’re making soup or cooking a larger quantity of food in the Instant Pot, you may have a lot of liquid. The more liquid you have, the longer it takes for the Instant Pot to seal.

You also need to ensure that your ingredients do not exceed theMax Fillmark (⅔full). For foods that expand (e.g., rice, beans, and pasta), you should not exceed the ½ full mark.

SOLUTION: Wait longer to see if the Instant Pot will seal. If you’re above the recommended max fill lines, split up the recipe and cook it in two batches.

15. The Float Valve is Up, but Instant Pot Just Says On and the Countdown Timer Not Starting

If the Instant Pot just says ‘On,’ it could be because there is a delay between the float valve rising up and the timer starting to countdown.

I’ve had this happen when I’ve used less liquid than is recommended. The Instant Pot comes to pressure, and the float valve comes up, but the display says ‘On‘ and never counts down. In my case, it was just a one-time thing.

SOLUTION: Wait a bit to let the timer begin. The float valve coming up locks the lid but the Instant Pot may need more time to pressurizein order for the timer to start. If the ‘On‘ never changes to counting down, you must set an external timer and press Cancel when the time’s up. Try doing a water test to make sure the problem doesn’t recur. If the problem persists, open a support ticket.

16. The Power Cord is Loose

Some Instant Pots have detachable power cords. The power cord needs to be pushed into the base unit all the way. It can come loose if you move the Instant Pot or accidentally bump it.

SOLUTION: Push the power cord all the way into the base unit. Also, make sure the power cord is securely attached to the wall outlet. Test the outlet to make sure it is working with another appliance or an electrical outlet tester.

17. The Wrong Size Inner Pot was Used

If you have multiple Instant Pots of different sizes, you may be using the wrong stainless steel inner pot/liner. The 6-quart inner pot fits into the 8-quart Instant Pot. It’s an easy mistake and a common issue!

SOLUTION: Make sure you use the correct inner pot.

18. The Float Valve is Missing

If you remove the float valve while cleaning the Instant Pot lid, you may forget to replace it.

SOLUTION: Put the float valve back in and replace the silicone cover.

19. The Steam Release Handle is Missing

If you remove the steam release handle while cleaning the Instant Pot lid, you may forget to replace it.

SOLUTION: Put the steam release handle back onto the lid and push it down to make sure it’s properly seated on the steam release pipe.

20. The Lid Locking Pin is Stuck

The spring-loaded pin (lid locking pin) on the rim at the back of the lid could be stuck in the retracted position and this means your Instant Pot lid won’t close properly.

SOLUTION: Push on it from the inside and outside of the lid or gently jiggle it to get the spring mechanism to reset the pin.

21. The Exhaust Valve is Loose

In rare cases, the exhaust valve inside the anti-block shield can become loose, such as during shipping.

SOLUTION: Carefully tighten the valve so it’s not loose anymore.Don’t overly tighten it.

22. The Steam Release Handle is Not Properly Seated

If you remove the Instant Pot steam release valve or handle while cleaning the lid, it may not be put back correctly. It needs to be pushed in all the way. If it isn’t securely seated, steam will leak from the valve or handle.

SOLUTION: Push in the Steam Release Valve and move it from Sealing to Venting a few times so it sits properly.

23. Instant Pot Display Says noPr

If the Instant Pot is showing the noPr error message, it could be that it couldn’t reach a high enough temperature during the pre-heating stage. This could be due to the quantity of food or liquid, frozen ingredients, or any of the reasons in this article.

SOLUTION: If you’re not making any of the above mistakes but get the noPr error, press Cancel and try restarting the pressure cooking program again.

24. Instant Pot Leaking Steam Even Though the Float Valve is Up

There’s a metal safety clip inside some older pressure release valves. It appears to prevent the Instant Pot from overpressurizing.

Unfortunately, this metal ring can get bent over time or through shipping. This causes the steam release handle to tilt in the sealing position as if it were set to the Venting, allowing steam to escape.

Newer models of the steam release handle and sealing valve do not have this problem since they now have a silicone retaining ring that prevents them from being improperly seated on the steam release pipe, thus creating a good seal.

25. No Liquid for Pot in Pot Cooking

The pot-in-pot cooking methodis used for cakes, eggs, lasagna, and other dishes that require steaming. If you don’t add water to the bottom of the pot, it will not come to pressure.

I hope this Instant Pot troubleshooting guidehas helped you find out the reason for your Instant Pot float valve not sealing so you can get back to cooking your favorite Instant Pot recipes. Over time and with experience, you should encounterthis problem less frequently.

If you continue to have issues with the Instant Pot not pressurizing, try to do a water test to see if it’s an issue with your unit. If the water test fails, you should either return the Instant Pot to the place of purchase or contact Instant Pot customer service to file a support ticket.

✅ Why Trust Neena at Paint the Kitchen Red?

Neena has extensive knowledge and lifelong experience in using pressure cookers. The years of practice have honed her skills in maximizing the potential of a pressure cooker, resulting in consistently delicious and well-cooked meals. Her Instant Pot expertise enables her to provide valuable insights, troubleshooting advice, and innovative recipe ideas, making her a reliable source for all things Instant Pot!

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