What to check, in order
- Use the pot made for your model
Duo Evo Plus: the correctly sized inner pot with easy-grip handles. Pro Plus: a stainless-steel Pro Series cooking pot with easy-grip handles.
- Only use Instant inner pots
Instant's safety rules say to use only an authorised stainless-steel Instant Pot inner pot, to reduce the risk of pressure leaking.
When to call an engineer
If it shows C8 with the right pot in place, contact Instant Brands Customer Care.
Parts people end up buying
Only if the checks above point to a part. Match it to your model number first: it's on a label on the back or the underside of the base.
- Inner pot with handlesSearch on Amazon
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Quick answers
What does the Instant Pot C8 error code mean?
The cooker has detected the wrong inner pot. Models that use C8, such as the Duo Evo Plus and the Pro Plus, need their own pot with easy-grip handles.
Can I fix Instant Pot C8 myself?
Very easy (A minute). Start with: use the pot made for your model; only use Instant inner pots. If it shows C8 with the right pot in place, contact Instant Brands Customer Care.
Is Instant Pot C8 worth repairing?
Not a fault. Nothing is broken. The cooker needs its own inner pot.
Checked against
- Instant Pot UK: Duo Evo Plus user manual (PDF)
- Instant Pot UK: Pro Plus user manual (PDF)
- Instant Pot UK: Duo Plus with Whisper Quiet user manual (PDF)
Last reviewed October 2026. Manufacturers update their pages, and your manual is the final word. Spotted a mistake? Email contact@appliance-error-codes.com.