Can I fix this myself?

Yes. This is a user-serviceable condition and the steps above are the ones the manufacturer publishes. If it returns straight after you complete them, stop and book service.

Where do these steps come from?

They are transcribed from De'Longhi Coffee Machines Help Center — Eletta Explore Cold Brew Technology. We do not repair machines and we do not publish a fix we cannot cite to the manufacturer.

Will this code clear on its own?

Maintenance prompts clear when the cycle they are asking for is completed in full — stopping partway usually leaves the counter running. Fault codes clear when the underlying condition is corrected, not by power-cycling past them.

De'Longhi Water circuit empty. Press OK to start filling process: Message: Water circuit empty (Eletta Explore) — Causes and Fixes

You can fix thisUpdated August 3, 2026

De'Longhi · Eletta Explore

Water circuit empty. Press OK to start filling process — Message: Water circuit empty (Eletta Explore)

You can fix this

What the machine is reporting

The water circuit is empty.

Likely causes, most likely first

The water circuit is empty
The water tank is not fully inserted

What to do

1. Press 'OK' to fill the circuit. Delivery stops automatically.
2. It is normal for there to be water in the drip tray after filling.
3. If the problem persists, make sure the water tank is fully inserted.

Source: De'Longhi Coffee Machines Help Center — Eletta Explore Cold Brew Technology. Transcribed from De'Longhi's own published documentation — we do not repair machines and do not publish fixes we cannot cite.

When to stop and call a technician

The machine trips a breaker, smells of burning, or shows scorched wiring.
Water is leaking from inside the chassis rather than from the tank, tray or portafilter.
The fault involves the boiler, a pressure valve, the heating element or the pump itself.
The code returns immediately after a correctly completed reset or maintenance cycle.
The machine is under warranty — opening it yourself usually ends that cover.

Never bypass, disable or remove a safety device — a thermal fuse, pressure relief valve or lid interlock is the part standing between a fault and a fire. Do not open a pressurised boiler or work on mains wiring.

Machines this applies to

Other De'Longhi codes

DESCALE — Message: DESCALE
GENERAL ALARM — Message: GENERAL ALARM
REPLACE FILTER — Message: REPLACE FILTER
PRESS OK TO CLEAN — Message: PRESS OK TO CLEAN
SET DIAL TO CLEAN — Message: SET DIAL TO CLEAN
Alarm lights on the bottom row — Alarm lights on the bottom row

All De'Longhi error codes →

Frequently asked

What does De'Longhi Water circuit empty. Press OK to start filling process mean?: The water circuit is empty.
Can I fix this myself?: Yes. This is a user-serviceable condition and the steps above are the ones the manufacturer publishes. If it returns straight after you complete them, stop and book service.
Where do these steps come from?: They are transcribed from De'Longhi Coffee Machines Help Center — Eletta Explore Cold Brew Technology. We do not repair machines and we do not publish a fix we cannot cite to the manufacturer.
Will this code clear on its own?: Maintenance prompts clear when the cycle they are asking for is completed in full — stopping partway usually leaves the counter running. Fault codes clear when the underlying condition is corrected, not by power-cycling past them.