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Standing desk won't go up or down: fixes

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In short

Work through the simple causes first: power at the socket and control box, a locked keypad (LOC), loose cables at the control box or legs, too much weight, or a reset being needed (RST or desk only goes down). Unplug for a minute, re-seat every cable and do the hold-down reset. If one leg moves and the other does not, or the desk hums without moving, a motor or control box may be faulty and you should contact the maker.

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An electric standing desk that suddenly refuses to move is alarming, but most of the time the cause is simple: a lost connection, a locked keypad or a desk that needs resetting. Motors and control boxes do fail, but less often than cables work loose. This guide works through the checks in a sensible order, from the plug to the motors, and explains what each symptom points to. It applies to most electric desks and frames, including Flexispot, Maidesite, ErGear and similar models, but follow your manual where it differs.

Step 1: power and the keypad

Power problems are the easiest to miss. A switched-off extension lead or a smart plug set to off produces exactly the same symptom as a dead motor.

  1. 1

    Check the socket works by plugging in a lamp or phone charger.

  2. 2

    Check the desk's plug is fully in and any extension lead or surge protector is switched on.

  3. 3

    Look at the control box under the desk: many have a small light that shows power.

  4. 4

    Look at the keypad display. If it shows LOC, the keypad is locked; hold the unlock key, often M, for several seconds.

  5. 5

    If the display is blank, re-seat the keypad cable at the control box.

Step 2: cables at the control box and legs

Each leg motor plugs into the control box with its own cable, and the keypad plugs in with another. These connectors can work loose when the desk is moved, when cables are tidied, or simply over time with vibration. A loose leg cable often causes an error code, a desk that only goes one way, or one leg moving while the other does not.

Unplug the desk from the wall. Then unplug and firmly re-seat every cable at the control box and at each leg. Check for cables pinched in the crossbar or stretched at full height; route them with slack so the desk can rise without pulling them.

Note:Always unplug the desk at the wall before handling cables at the control box. Do not open the control box or motor housings.

Step 3: reset

If the desk only goes down, shows RST, or stopped after a power cut, it needs a reset. Plug the desk back in, hold the down button until the desk reaches the bottom, and keep holding until it beeps and nudges, typically 5 to 10 seconds. Our reset guide covers variations, and our error codes guide explains codes such as E01, E04 and ASR.

Step 4: weight, obstructions and uneven legs

Every frame has a load rating, and the top counts towards it. Frames in our guides range from about 60 kg on some complete desks to 125 kg on dual-motor frames. If the desk struggles or stops on the way up, remove some weight and try again. Spread heavy items, such as a PC tower, rather than putting them all at one end.

Anti-collision systems stop the desk if they sense resistance. Check nothing is pressing against the desk: a drawer unit, a chair, a windowsill or shelf above. If one leg is higher than the other, a reset usually brings them level; if it does not, one motor may be weak.

SymptomLikely cause
Nothing happens, display blankPower or keypad cable
Display shows LOCKeypad locked
Only goes down, or RSTReset needed
Stops partway upOverload or obstruction
One leg moves, other does notLeg cable or motor
Hums but does not moveMotor or gearbox fault
Stops after many moves, HOTMotor protection; let it rest
Symptom guide

Step 5: motor or control box faults

If everything above checks out and the desk still will not move, or one leg hums without moving, the motor, gearbox or control box may have failed. Swapping the leg cables between the two motor ports at the control box (with the desk unplugged) can show whether the fault follows the leg or stays with the port, which helps the maker diagnose it. Only do this if the manual allows it.

Contact the maker with your model number and what you have tried. Warranties are often split: Flexispot quotes 5 years on the frame and 3 years on the motor for its Basic frame, and 5 years on frame and motor with 2 years on electronics for its EC5W. Maidesite quotes up to 10 years on its T2 Pro frames.

Compare frames and warranties →

Frequently asked questions

Why won't my sit-stand desk go up? Most often it needs a reset, the keypad is locked, a cable is loose or the desk is overloaded.

Why is my standing desk motor not working? Check power, cables and a reset first. If one leg hums without moving, the motor may be faulty.

My standing desk stopped halfway. What now? Look for an obstruction or overload, then move it down and try again.

Can I replace a standing desk motor myself? Some makers sell replacement legs or control boxes. Ask the maker before buying parts.

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