Induction cooktop not detecting the pan
An induction zone heats the pan directly, and it only switches on when it senses a suitable pan on it.
Not urgent Manufacturers list cookware and settings as the first things to check when a zone will not detect a pan, and even a failed zone is an inconvenience rather than a safety risk, unless the glass is cracked.
What this symptom usually means
An induction zone heats the pan directly, and it only switches on when it senses a suitable pan on it. If it senses nothing suitable, it shows a symbol and stays off. GE says its induction zones flash the power level for 25 seconds and then turn off when the cookware is wrong or too small; Samsung Canada shows an underlined u for a pan that is not detected because it is the wrong size or not magnetic; other brands show a pan symbol. So the first question is the pan, not the cooktop.
Whirlpool and GE both say the pan must be made of a magnetic (ferromagnetic) material, and both suggest a magnet test. Cast iron, enamelled steel and stainless steel made for induction work; aluminium, copper, glass, ceramic and non-magnetic stainless do not. The base also has to be flat, sit centred on the zone, and be close to the zone's size; Whirlpool says no more than about 1.3 cm (1/2 in) smaller than the zone. If a good pan works on the other zones but not one, or nothing works at all with the lock off and power confirmed, the fault may be in the cooktop: a coil, the induction power board that drives it, or the touch control. Zones that start and then shut off are a separate pattern; Bosch lists overheating-protection codes for it.
Checks you can do yourself
- Magnet testHold a fridge magnet to the bottom of the pan. If it does not grip firmly across the base, the cooktop may not detect it. Whirlpool notes that pans with mixed-material bases may heat unevenly or not be recognised.
- Pan size and positionUse a pan whose base is close to the size of the zone, and centre it within the circle marked on the glass (GE). Whirlpool says the base should not be more than about 1.3 cm (1/2 in) smaller than the zone. Your manual gives the minimum for each zone.
- Flat basePut the pan on a flat counter and see whether it rocks. GE says the pan must sit flat with full contact on the glass. A warped base may not be detected reliably.
- Control lockIf no zone responds, look for a lock or key symbol. Whirlpool's instruction is to press and hold the Key Lock pad for three seconds; the pad and timing vary by brand.
- Power and resetIf the display is dark, check the breaker. Whirlpool suggests switching the breaker off for one minute and back on; Samsung Canada suggests disconnecting power for 30 seconds if a code does not clear with the Power pad.
- Let it coolIf a zone shut off partway through cooking and shows a code, remove the pan and let the cooktop cool before restarting. Bosch lists several overheating codes that clear once the zone or electronics have cooled.
- VentilationWhirlpool notes that poor ventilation can cause overheating and automatic shut-offs. Keep the area under and around the cooktop clear, as the installation instructions specify.
Nothing above involves gas, wiring, refrigerant or removing panels.
What you notice, and what it can point to
Listed in no particular order. They help you describe the problem; only an inspection confirms the fault.
A magnet does not grip the pan's base
Could point to: Cookware is not induction compatible (Whirlpool, GE)
Next step: Use cast iron, enamelled steel or induction-rated stainless
Magnetic pan flashes on a large zone
Could point to: Pan too small for that zone, or not centred
Next step: Centre it or move it to a smaller zone
Good pan works everywhere except one zone
Could point to: Possible coil, power board or sensor fault on that zone
Next step: Book, and note which zone and the symbol shown
No zone responds but the display is lit
Could point to: Control lock on
Next step: Press and hold the lock pad (three seconds on Whirlpool models)
Zone shuts off mid-cooking with an F or U code
Could point to: Overheating protection (Bosch)
Next step: Remove the pan, let it cool, check ventilation; book if it keeps happening
Display completely dark
Could point to: No power to the cooktop
Next step: Check the breaker; switch it off for one minute and back on
How it differs by design
How brands show a missing pan. GE flashes the power level for 25 seconds and then turns the zone off. Samsung Canada shows an underlined u. Other brands show a pan symbol. The meaning is the same: the zone has not found a suitable pan.
Induction range versus induction cooktop. The pan checks are identical. On an induction range the oven is separate, so a cooktop zone fault need not affect it, although both share the same supply.
Boost and paired zones. Whirlpool says its performance boost works on only one burner at a time on each side, and if two boosted zones share a side, only the last one keeps boost. That can look like a zone losing power when it is a design limit. Zone pairing and boost rules differ by brand, so check your manual.
208 V supplies. GE notes that induction output is lower in homes supplied at 208 volts and suggests using a lid. That is a supply condition, not a fault.
What our technician checks
These need panels off, live electrical tests or a licensed trade, so they are left to the technician:
- Lifting the glass or opening the cooktop to reach coils, boards or fans
- Any electrical test on the cooktop
- Disconnecting or reconnecting a hard-wired cooktop at the junction box
- Changes to the supply circuit, which go to a licensed electrician
Waived when you go ahead with the repair. You get the cause, the price and our repair-or-replace verdict in writing before any work.
Repairs a technician may recommend
After inspection, not from the symptom alone.
Induction power board replacement
When a zone or a pair of zones will not detect a suitable pan that works elsewhere. The finding weighs the part against the cooktop's age.
Induction coil replacement
When one zone's coil has failed and the board that drives it tests good.
Touch control or user interface replacement
When the controls do not respond, respond by themselves, or show a lock that will not release.
Cooling fan repair
On models with an internal cooling fan, when the fan has failed and the cooktop keeps shutting zones off to protect itself.
Temperature sensor repair
When a zone shuts off with an overheat code even when cool.
Brands we see with this problem
Codes, parts and access differ by brand; the brand pages cover where the model label is and what to expect.
Cost, and whether to fix it
What the repair costs depends on the part, the labour and whether a second visit is needed for an ordered part; the written finding gives the total before any work. Our guides on what drives repair costs, cooktop repair costs and repair versus replacement explain how to weigh it.
When to book
Book when a pan that passes the magnet test and fits the zone works on the other zones but not this one; when no zone works with the lock off and the breaker confirmed; when the controls behave oddly; or when overheating shut-offs keep coming back. Tell us the brand and model, which zones are affected, and the exact symbol or code on the display. The diagnostic is $89 (+tax), waived if you go ahead with the repair, with a written finding and quote before any work. Hard-wired cooktops are disconnected and reconnected by our technician at the existing junction box; a new circuit is a job for a licensed electrician. See induction cooktop repair.
We handle this across Ottawa and Gatineau
Related problems
Induction cooktop not detecting the pan: questions
How do I know if a pan works on induction?
Use the magnet test: Whirlpool and GE both say a magnet should stick to the base. Cast iron, enamelled steel and induction-rated stainless work. Aluminium, copper, glass, ceramic and non-magnetic stainless do not.
My pan passes the magnet test but still is not detected.
Check the size and the fit. Whirlpool says the base should be close to the zone size, no more than about 1.3 cm (1/2 in) smaller. GE says it must sit flat and centred. Try it on a smaller zone. If it still fails on one zone but works on others, book.
What does the flashing symbol or the underlined u mean?
It means no suitable pan was detected. GE flashes the power level for 25 seconds and then turns the zone off; Samsung Canada uses an underlined u for a pan that is the wrong size or not magnetic. Other brands use a pan symbol. Your manual lists yours.
A zone switched off halfway through cooking.
It may be overheating protection. Bosch lists codes for an overheated zone or electronics, and one for hot cookware near the control panel. Let it cool and restart. GE also notes a zone turns off if the pan is lifted away for more than 30 seconds.
Heat seems weak in our condo. Is something wrong?
GE notes that in homes supplied at 208 volts, induction zones can deliver less heat, and suggests using a lid. Your building manager or an electrician can tell you your supply voltage.
I have a pacemaker. Is induction safe for me?
Whirlpool advises people with a pacemaker or similar medical device to use care when standing near an induction cooktop. Ask your doctor or the device maker for guidance specific to you.
Sources
- Whirlpool Product Help: Induction compatible cookware
- Whirlpool Product Help: Not operating correctly, induction cooktop
- GE Appliances: Induction burners not working or flashing power level
- Samsung Canada: Meaning of the error codes displayed on your Samsung cooktop
- Bosch: Induction cooktop error codes
Sources checked 2026-09-24.
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