Everything you need to know about standing desk not working, 8 fixes for motor, controller, and height issues, explained plainly.
Work through these in order, the most common causes come first.
Our picks
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FEZIBO
A budget electric desk with built-in drawers and a monitor riser shelf.
FLEXISPOT
Flexispot's EC1 is an entry-level single-motor desk from one of the best-known standing desk brands.
FAQ
A single beep during movement typically indicates the anti-collision system has triggered and the desk has stopped. Clear the area under the desk and perform a full reset (lower to minimum height, hold down button for 5-8 seconds after stopping). Repeated beeping without movement, or a beep code (two beeps, three beeps), indicates a specific error. Check the display for an error code and look up that code in your model's manual. The most common beep-and-stop situation is a cable snagged under the desk surface during downward movement.
A desk that moves in one direction but not the other usually has an overload condition in the up direction. The desk is carrying more weight than the motor can lift. Check the weight capacity of your specific model and weigh everything on the desk surface: monitors, monitor arms, computer, accessories, desk pad. If the weight exceeds the rated capacity, redistribute or remove items. If the weight is below the rated capacity and the desk still does not go up, the motor or drive mechanism has failed and requires warranty support.
Grinding during height adjustment indicates mechanical wear in the telescoping column or the drive screw. Mild grinding that appeared gradually over months of use is normal wear; severe grinding that appeared suddenly or is accompanied by jerky movement indicates a drive component failure. Apply silicone lubricant (not WD-40 or petroleum-based lubricants) to the telescoping column sections if they are accessible. If grinding persists after lubrication, the drive nut or screw has worn past its service life and needs replacement, contact warranty support.
You can replace a controller handset (the keypad you press to adjust height) yourself if you purchase a compatible replacement, many brands sell them as spare parts. The handset connects via a standard RJ45 or proprietary cable that plugs in without tools. Replacing a control box or motor requires more disassembly and should only be done if the desk is out of warranty or if support has authorized the repair with instructions. Attempting motor replacement without instructions from the manufacturer can void the warranty and cause further damage.
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