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OvHt

Instant Pot Pressure Cooker

Severity: Moderate

Source: OnlyErrorCodes.com — Every error code. One place.

Instant Pot OvHt Error — Overheating Fix

What it means

OvHt means the Instant Pot's internal temperature has exceeded a safe threshold and the appliance has shut off heating to protect itself.
It is triggered by insufficient liquid, a blocked steam valve, or cooking with the pot on a surface that traps heat underneath.

Affected Models

  • Instant Pot Duo Plus
  • Instant Pot Ultra
  • Instant Pot Pro
  • Instant Pot Pro Plus

How to Fix It

  1. Unplug and let the unit cool for 10 minutes

    Press Cancel, release any pressure using Quick Release, then unplug the Instant Pot from the wall.
    Let it sit on a well-ventilated surface for at least 10 minutes before inspecting.

  2. Check the amount of liquid in the pot

    Remove the inner pot and verify there is at least 1 cup of thin liquid.
    OvHt is most often caused by dry cooking — the pot overheats without liquid to absorb the heat.

  3. Inspect the steam release valve

    Make sure the steam valve is set to Sealing before pressure cooking.
    If the valve is blocked with food debris, steam cannot escape properly during release, which can contribute to overheating.
    Clean the valve with warm water.

  4. Check the sealing ring

    A damaged or misseated sealing ring can allow steam to escape during cooking, causing the pot to run dry faster than expected.
    Remove the ring, inspect it for cracks or warping, reseat it firmly, and try again.

  5. Ensure the base is on a flat, open surface

    Placing the Instant Pot on a surface that blocks airflow underneath — such as inside a cabinet, on a padded mat, or too close to a wall — can trap heat.
    Always use the unit on a flat, open countertop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does OvHt mean my Instant Pot is broken?

Not necessarily.
OvHt is a protective shutdown, not a hardware failure.
If the error clears after cooling and the unit functions normally, the cause was environmental — not enough liquid or poor ventilation.
Only repeated OvHt with correct liquid levels suggests a sensor fault.

Can I reset OvHt by unplugging?

Yes.
Unplugging for 10 minutes resets the thermal sensor.
Before plugging back in, make sure the root cause has been addressed — add liquid, clean the valve, and ensure good airflow around the unit.