Induction hob: lock, flashing H and pot symbol. What to do?
An induction hob most often does not switch on a zone because of the lock, an unsuitable pot or a wet panel. You can check these yourself in a few minutes.
- Most common cause
- lock, wrong pot or wet panel
- Time
- 5–10 minutes
- Service, if nothing helps
- 270–1100 zł
The glass can be hot even after the hob is switched off. Before you start, wait until the letter H goes out. Do not pour water onto hot glass. Switch off the circuit breaker with dry hands. The lock does not erase any data.
Step by step
Switch the hob off and on
Switch the hob off with the power button and on again. Check whether a padlock or key is lit.
Turn off the lock
Hold the padlock or key symbol for 3–5 seconds until it goes out. On some models you need to do this right after switching the hob on.
Check the pot
Put the pot in the middle of the zone. A pot that is too small or warped will not switch the zone on. The base must be magnetic (a magnet will stick to it). Only such pots work on induction. This usually causes a flashing pot symbol.
Understand what H means
The letter H or a dot after the zone is switched off means residual heat. This is normal and will go out once it cools. Do not touch the glass.
Wipe the panel
Dry the panel and the glass from water and grease. A flooded or dirty touch panel can switch zones off or turn the lock on.
Check the timer and the lock
Make sure no switch-off timer or lock is on. Turn them off and try again.
Cut the power at the circuit breaker for 1 minute
Switch off the breaker, wait a minute and switch it back on. This is a simple reset of the electronics.
- The panel does not respond after the reset, or an error code like E or F is lit.
- The hob trips the circuit breaker in your home.
- The fan is noisy or the hob gets very hot.
- The glass is cracked or flooded.
How much does a repair shop charge?
| Diagnostics at a service center | 140–340 zł |
| Replacing the touch panel | 410–950 zł |
| Replacing the induction coil | 340–820 zł |
| Replacing the power module or generator | 540–1200 zł |
| Replacing the glass (hob top) | 680–2050 zł |
Typical prices at independent repair shops in Poland, October 2026. Authorised service centres and big cities can be more expensive.
Repair or buy new?
You can check the lock and the pot yourself. Replacing the panel is often worth it, but a cracked glass or a power module fault on an old hob comes close to the price of a new one. Work it out in the calculator.
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Open the calculator →FAQ
What does a flashing pot symbol mean?
The hob does not detect the pot. Put the pot in the middle, and check that the base is magnetic and has the right diameter.
Why does my induction hob whistle or hum?
Often this is normal at high power with a thin pot base. If the sound is loud, change the pot or lower the power.
How do I check whether a pot is suitable for induction?
Hold a magnet to the base. If it sticks, the pot usually works. Many pots also have an induction symbol.