If you are having problems with your Philips air purifier, don’t worry this ultimate Philips air purifier troubleshooting guide should help you find the answer you are looking for.
These machines can be a little tricky to figure out, so I put together the most common issues.
We will cover everything from filter changes to error codes. So, whether your machine is not working at all or it’s just not sucking up the dust like it used to, we have you covered.

Why Is My Philips Air Purifier Not Working?
If your Philips air purifier is not working, it could be because of one or more of the following issues:
1. The Machine Is Not Plugged in Correctly
Sometimes, the most simple solution is the correct one. Make sure that your Philips air purifier is plugged into a working outlet and that the power switch is turned on. If it is, move on to the next troubleshooting step.
2. The Filter Needs To Be Replaced
If your machine has been in use for some time, it’s possible that the filter is dirty and needs to be replaced.
Check the Philips air purifier user manual for your specific model to see how often the filter should be changed.
3. The Machine Is Not Receiving Enough Power
If you are using an extension cord or surge protector, make sure that it is providing enough power to the air purifier. If not, plug the machine directly into the outlet.
4. The Filter Is Not Placed Correctly
Check the user manual for your model to make sure that the filter is placed correctly. If not, follow the instructions to properly insert the filter.
5. The Cord Is Damaged
If the cord is frayed or otherwise damaged, it will need to be replaced. Do not attempt to use the machine with a damaged cord.
6. There Is Something Blocking The Intake Or Outlet
If there is something blocking the intake or outlet of your Philips air purifier, it will not be able to function properly.
Remove any obstacles and make sure that the machine has at least two feet of clearance on all sides.
7. Blown Fuses In The Unit
If the unit has blown fuses, they will need to be replaced. Consult the user manual for your model on how to do this.
If all of the above troubleshooting steps fail, it’s possible that the machine is defective and will need to be replaced.
We recommend contacting Philips customer service for assistance. Note that trying to open the unit yourself may void your warranty. So, always contact customer service first.
How Do You Clean The Particle Sensor On A Philips Air Purifier?
Clean the particle sensor on your Philips air purifier it will depend on your make and model but you can follow these steps:
1. Turn off the machine and unplug it from the outlet.
2. Depending on your air purifier model remove the front grille by pressing the release buttons on either side of the unit.
3. Locate the particle sensor
4. Open the cover of the particle sensor and remove any dust or debris that may be on with a soft brush
5. Use a soft, dry cloth or dry cotton swab to wipe down the outside of the sensor. Make sure to dust the inlet and outlet openings as well.
6. Put the cover back on the particle sensor and reattach the front grille.
Do not use a high-power or industrial vacuum cleaner when cleaning the particle sensor as this could damage the sensor. It is recommended by Philips to clean the sensor every 2 months for optimal functioning.
Philips Air Purifier Error Codes
Philips air purifiers often show error codes E1, E2, E3, and E4.
While there is no information on the specific error codes and what they mean, the company notes that if you experience any of these errors, then the device is malfunctioning and you should unplug it and contact Philips customer service for assistance.
As always, make sure to have your model number and serial number handy when you call so they can help you troubleshoot the issue more quickly.
How To Clean HEPA Filter On The Philips Air Purifier
Philips does not recommend cleaning the HEPA filter with detergent and water.
They recommend using a brush or a soft wet cloth to clean the surface of the filter. Do not soak the filter in any liquids.
You can also use a hand-held vacuum cleaner on a low setting to remove any dust or debris that may be on the filter.
If you do this, make sure that the vacuum cleaner is not placed too close to the filter as this could damage it.
Using an industrial or high-power vacuum cleaner is not recommended as it could damage the filter.
Can Philips Air Purifier Filter Be Washed?
Whether or not you can clean Philips air purifier filters depends on which filters your specific models come with.
For instance, the AC38xx, AC42xx, and AC30xx, models do not have washable filters. You can only clean the surface of the filter as explained above.
Other models come with a washable pre-filter. If your model has such a pre-filter, Philips recommends washing it every month for optimum performance.
To wash the pre-filter, remove it from the unit and rinse it with water until the water runs clear. Do not use any detergent or soap as this could damage the filter.
Allow the filter to air dry completely before putting it back in the machine.
Check your user manual to see whether or not your model has any washable filters so you don’t damage your machine by trying to wash a filter that isn’t meant to be washed.
How Often Should I Change Philips Filter?
Philips HEPA filters last anywhere from 12 to 18 months.
So, how often you should change the filter will depend on factors such as how often you use the machine, the size of your room, and the air quality in your home.
If you live in an area with a lot of air pollution or if someone in your household suffers from allergies or asthma, you may need to replace the filter more frequently.
On the other hand, if you only use the machine occasionally or if you have a small room, you may be able to get away with changing the filter less often.
The good news is that most Philips air purifiers come with a filter change indicator that will let you know when it’s time to replace the filter.
So, if you’re not sure how often to change the filter, just keep an eye on the indicator and replace the filter when it tells you to.
If you are looking for replacement parts you can find replacement parts here.
How To Reset Philips Air Purifier
After changing the filter, you will need to reset the filter indicator.
To do this, power the unit on by pressing the power button. Within 10 seconds of turning it on, press and hold the Mode button for 5 seconds.
The filter indicator will then reset and you can continue using the machine as normal.
Why Is My Philips Air Purifier Red?
Some Philips air purifiers come with an indoor air quality indicator.
If the indicator is red, it means that the air quality in your room is poor and you should turn on the machine.
If the indicator is green, it means that the air quality is good and you don’t need to use the machine.
The indoor air quality indicator is a helpful feature if you’re not sure whether or not you need to use the machine.
Philips Air Purifier Won’t Turn On
This problem may be due to one or more of the following:
- The machine is not plugged in: Check to make sure that the machine is properly plugged into an outlet.
- There is a power outage
- The machine is not getting enough power: If you are using a surge protector or an extension cord, try plugging the machine directly into the outlet.
- The machine is turned off at the switch: Check to see if there is a switch on the power cord that controls the flow of electricity to the machine. If so, make sure that the switch is turned on.
- The fuse or circuit breaker has been tripped: Make sure that the fuse or circuit breaker that controls the outlet is not tripped.
- Internal electrical issues: If all of the above solutions do not work, there may be an issue with the machine itself. In this case, you will need to contact Philips customer service for assistance.
How To Set Up Philips Air Purifier
Before doing anything, check to make sure to voltage indicated on the machine matches the voltage in your home before plugging it in.
You then must read the user manual before setting up the device.
The user manual will provide you with all the information you need to set up and use the machine properly.
Once you have read the user manual, follow these steps:
Step 1: Find a suitable location for the machine: Choose a spot that is out of reach of children and pets and where there is plenty of airflows.
Step 2: Place the machine on a level surface: Make sure that the surface is stable and that the machine will not tip over easily.
Step 3: Plug in the power cord: Connect the power cord to the machine and plug it into an outlet.
Step 4: Turn on the machine: Press the power button to turn on the machine.
Step 5: Select a mode: Choose between Auto, Night, and Turbo modes.
Step 6: Adjust the settings: Use the control panel to adjust the settings as desired.
How Do I Connect My Philips Purifier To WIFI?
To connect your Philips purifier to WIFI, first, make sure that your router is turned on and that the purifier is within range.
WiFi-enabled Philips air purifiers will often come with the “Air Matters” App.
On your phone, open the app and follow the on-screen instructions to connect your purifier to your WiFi network.
If you have any trouble connecting, make sure that you are entering the correct password for your WiFi network.
If you still can’t connect, try restarting both the router and the purifier. You should also check to see if there are any updates available for your purifier.
How Do I Turn On My Philips Air Purifier?
To turn on your Philips air purifier, plug the cord into a wall socket and switch the socket on.
Now press the power button on the machine. The machine will start in the “Auto” mode. You can also choose between “Night” and “Turbo” modes.
Also Read: How To Install And Use Hunter Air Purifier
Final Thoughts- Philips Air Purifier Troubleshooting
I hope this article was helpful in troubleshooting some common problems with air purifiers.
If you have any other questions, feel free to leave a comment below and I’ll do my best to help.
Looking For Air Purifier Guides?
If you’re looking for more air purifier resources, consider checking out our other posts on air purifiers.
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(Author)
Irene Batres is eager to help others create an indoor allergen-free home. She has years of experience testing out air purifiers, dehumidifiers, and other products designed to help with indoor air quality. Learn more about me.