Learn how to troubleshoot and fix Winix air purifier problems quickly and easily.
As with all purifiers, however, problems can arise. But don’t worry because we’ve got some top tips on how to fix the most common issues. This includes what to do if your purifier is stuck in sleep mode.
You’ll also find advice about the correct rated power and ideal room size for each unit. Plus, how to contact Winix customer support.
Problem 1: My Winix air purifier won’t turn on
This is one of the most common problems, yet it can be easily fixed in most cases.
❓ Have you examined the power cord?
This must be properly plugged into the outlet. Occasionally, the cord itself can become damaged, needing to be replaced.
❓ Are you using the right outlet?
One of your wall sockets may be faulty, so try unplugging the cord and using a different outlet.
❓ Is the power rating correct?
The power rating is often the main reason your Winix purifier won’t turn on. This rating shows how much electricity it needs to work. If the outlet can’t handle it, you won’t get any power.
Use our handy table below to find your purifier’s power supply.
| Winix Air Purifier Model | Power Supply | Rated Power |
|---|---|---|
| C535 | 120V/60Hz | 70 W |
| A231 | 120V/60Hz | 55 W |
| A230 | 120V/60Hz | 55 W |
| 5500-2 | 120V/60Hz | 70 W |
| 9800 | 120V/60Hz | 95 W |
| 5300-2 | 120V/60Hz | 70 W |
| AM80 | 120V/60Hz | 65 W |
| AM90 | 120V/60Hz | 65 W |
| HR900 | 120V/60Hz | 90 W |
| D360 | 120V/60Hz | 65 W |
| XLC | 120V/60Hz | 90 W |
| XQ | 120V/60Hz | 90 W |
| 6300-2 | 120V/60Hz | 70 W |
First, find out the power outlet of your device. Then, plug it into an outlet that can handle that power. Turn on the purifier and hopefully, it will work again.
❓ Are there lots of devices plugged into one circuit?
If too many appliances or devices are plugged into one circuit, your purifier may not turn on. It’s best to avoid using extension cords. Just plug the purifier directly into the power outlet.
Using the wrong extension cord can also cause problems. It may overheat and potentially lead to a fire.
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- 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐱 𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐞 𝐇𝐄𝐏𝐀: Captures 99.99%* of airborne…
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Problem 2: My Winix air purifier is stuck in sleep mode
Sleep mode is great for saving energy and money with Winix purifiers. But, it can be annoying when your device stays in this mode all the time. Fortunately, there’s usually an easy fix.
❓ Have you turned the unit off and on?
Follow these steps:
- First, turn off the purifier and unplug it from the power outlet.
- Then, wait for five minutes before plugging it back in.
- After that, turn the purifier back on and let it run in sleep mode for five minutes.
- Finally, set the unit to your preferred mode, like auto.
Problem 3: My Winix air purifier keeps turning off by itself
There could be a few reasons your device keeps doing this…
❓ Is the power cord securely plugged into the outlet?
The purifier may shut off if the cord is loosely plugged in.
❓ Is there a power outage in your area?
Be sure to check that there is power going to and from your outlet, as there may be a power outage in your neighborhood.
❓ Is the purifier set to sleep mode?
It’s easy to accidentally put your air purifier in sleep mode. To fix this, press the Mode function. This will change it back to your preferred setting, like low, medium, high, or auto. And, of course, sleep mode for when you want it to rest!
If none of these steps work, it’s time to reach out to customer support. They can help solve the problem for you.
Problem 4: My Winix air purifier produces an unpleasant smell
It’s normal for a plasticky smell for a couple of days when your purifier is brand new. Yet If it starts smelling like burning plastic or produces any other strange, nasty odor, check these causes:
❓ Does the pre-filter need cleaning?
Unpleasant odors can indicate the pre-filter is dirty. Follow these steps for effective cleaning:
- Open the front panel
- Remove the pre-filter
- Use a soft brush to loosen the dirt
- Use a vacuum cleaner to get rid of the dirt
- Reinstall the pre-filter back inside your device
- Close the front panel
❓ Do you need to replace the filters?
When filters get full of dirt and other stuff, they can smell dusty. Replacing them fixes the smell. Here’s how to do it:
- Remove the air intake cover by placing your hand on top and pulling it away from the purifier
- Clean the air intake screen with a vacuum, then gently detach it from the device by placing your fingers on top of the hinges
- Pull away the activated carbon pre-filter from the purifier
- Remove the True HEPA filter similarly and throw both in the garbage
- Insert a new HEPA filter, making sure that the arrow on the top of the filter points away from you and towards the purifier
- Insert a new activated carbon pre-filter into the space before the HEPA filter
- Finally, reattach the air intake screen and cover it by pressing them firmly back into position
Problem 5: The air quality indicator stays red
The Winix indicator shows various lights to mean different things:
- Green = air quality is good
- Orange/Amber = air quality is fair and there are increasing airborne pollutants
- Red = air quality is poor
If the red light is always on, check for these issues:
❓ Is the red color at the center of the control panel?
If the air in your room is unhealthy, just leave the purifier on. Turn up the fan speed to its highest setting. This will help the purifier clean the air faster.
When the air gets better, the indicator light will turn green. This shows that the air is now safe to breathe.
❓ Have you replaced the filter?
A permanent red light usually signals it’s time to change the filter. After replacing it, make sure to reset the purifier. Press the reset button next to the light for five seconds until you hear a beep.
The red light should turn off. If it doesn’t, try unplugging the unit for a few minutes. Then, plug it back in and press the reset button again
Problem 6: My Winix air purifier has two blinking lights
There are probably a couple of reasons for this:
❓ Is there a fault with the filter?
Sometimes, your purifier starts working in auto mode when you turn it on. This happens before flashing two fan lights. But then, it stops working all of a sudden.
This issue is usually caused by a faulty white inner HEPA filter or an outer black carbon pre-filter.
Once you find out which filter is bad, you can replace it. After changing the filter, remember to hold the filter light reset button for about five seconds.
❓ Is the purifier malfunctioning?
This is the worst-case scenario; unfortunately, you’ll have to return the unit and request a replacement.
TIP: Complete Guide on Winix Air Purifier Red Light: What It Means And How To Fix It
Problem 7: My Winix air purifier makes an unusual sound
If your unit makes a noise such as ticking, crackling or buzzing, it’s likely because of one of these causes:
❓ Is it the PlasmaWave® function?
The occasional chirping or buzzing sound is from large particles passing through the PlasmaWave®. Don’t worry, though, because this is normal, and your device is working correctly. But if you don’t like the sound, you can always turn this function off via the control panel.
❓ Is there something inside the unit?
Turning the purifier upside down should enable you to remove anything that might have been caught inside (avoid opening the unit, though).
❓ Are the filters dirty?
If it’s simply that the filters need replacing, the strange noises should stop after you’ve done this.
Problem 8: The fan of my Winix air purifier isn’t working
Many users have experienced problems with the fan on the C545 model. The filters are the most common reason it isn’t working or is functioning at a slower speed. However, this isn’t always the case, so let’s look closer.
❓ Do the filters need replacing?
If the filters are clogged with dirt or damaged in some way, this could affect the fan’s functionality. Be sure to change them asap.
❓ Has a fuse blown?
A power surge can damage the fuse, so your device will stop receiving power. Take care to inspect the fuse for any kind of damage. If so, you’ll need to replace the fuse.
❓ Are there issues with the motor?
Occasionally, the motor used to rotate the fan blades can become damaged. If this is the case, it’s best to organize replacement components. Be sure to get the ones that are compatible with your purifier.
❓ Have you set the purifier to automatic mode?
Simply press down the manual fan button and set it to your preferred speed. The fan should then go back to working manually.
❓ Is the unit faulty?
Sometimes, the purifier itself is faulty. You can contact Winix customer support for advice, although you’ll likely need a replacement unit.
Problem 9: My Winix air purifier won’t turn off
This can be just as frustrating as when your device doesn’t turn on.
❓ Have you unplugged the unit from the power outlet?
Instead of pressing the off button over and over, try unplugging it from the outlet. Make sure to wait a few minutes before plugging it back in. Then, turn on the purifier but set it to sleep mode for about two to five minutes.
After that, run the purifier as you normally would. Hopefully, you’ll be able to turn it off easily this time.
Problem 10: The remote control isn’t working
The remote helps you control multiple settings of your Winix purifier. If this has stopped working, it’s likely to do with the batteries.
❓ Are the batteries inserted correctly?
Make sure you’ve properly fitted the batteries inside the remote.
❓ Do the batteries need replacing?
Yes, it may seem like a no-brainer, but it could just be that you need to replace those old batteries.
Problem 11: The Winix smart app isn’t connecting
The Winix app enables you to track, monitor and control your device, but you may experience connection problems.
❓ Have you tried closing and reopening the app?
You can try uninstalling and reinstalling the app if this doesn’t work.
❓ Are there too many Bluetooth devices around the location of your purifier?
This may also cause connectivity issues.
❓ Is the operating system supported?
For iOS this should be 10.0 and up and on Android 5.0 and up.
❓ Have you disabled any VPN networks?
Be sure to do this before connecting your device.
❓ Is your smartphone and router in the best location?
These should be placed within a 32 ft. radius of the purifier.
Hopefully, you should be good to go after trying these methods. Check out the Winix troubleshooting page for any other app problems.
Problem 12: My Winix air purifier isn’t working effectively
You might find harmful particles like smoke and unpleasant odors floating around your space, even after using the purifier for the recommended time.
❓ Are the blades clogged with dust?
If there is excessive dust, clean the blades with a cloth and leave to dry.
❓ Do you need to change the airflow settings?
Try setting the unit to high airflow.
❓ Could it be the filter?
As with most Winix problems, it may simply be that you need to replace the filter.
Is Your Winix Air Purifier in the Ideal Room Size?
Check your device to determine the best room size for your purifier.
| Winix Air Purifier Model | Ideal Room Size in Square Feet | Ideal Room Size in Square Meters |
|---|---|---|
| C535 | 360 | 33.44 |
| A231 | 230 | 21.36 |
| A230 | 230 | 21.36 |
| 5500-2 | 360 | 33.44 |
| 9800 | 500 | 46.45 |
| 5300-2 | 360 | 33.44 |
| AM80 | 360 | 33.44 |
| AM90 | 360 | 33.44 |
| HR900 | 300 | 27.87 |
| D360 | 360 | 33.44 |
| XLC | 620 | 57.59 |
| XQ | 698 | 64.84 |
| 6300-2 | 360 | 33.44 |
Download PDF User Manual For Your Winix Air Purifier
Click on the link for your Winix air purifier model and download Winix PDF user manual.
| Ideal Room Size in Square Meters | User Manual |
|---|---|
| C535 | Manual |
| A231 | Manual |
| A230 | Manual |
| 5500-2 | Manual |
| 9800 | Manual |
| 5300-2 | Manual |
| AM80 | Manual |
| AM90 | Manual |
| HR900 | Manual |
| D360 | Manual |
| XLC | Manual |
| XQ | Manual |
| 6300-2 | Manual |
Contacting Winix Air
You can get in touch with Winix in various ways to access their customer support. They’re open Mon-Fri 9:00am – 6:00pm CST, and you can reach them by phone on (877) 699-4649 or email at info@winixinc.com. You can also fill out their online form.
If you prefer postal mail, you can write to them at Winix America Inc. 220 North Fairway Drive, Vernon Hills, Illinois 60061.
For general questions about your purifier, check out their FAQ section.
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