Gaggia Anima and Magenta: Force Prime
by Whole Latte Love
2 min read
Updated: June 10, 2025
Learn how to force prime any version of the Gaggia Anima or Magenta super-automatic espresso machines. If your machine is failing to prime, this process will force water into the inlet and prime the water circuit. A common issue on new machines, or machines that were recently shipped or stored.
How to Force Prime a Gaggia Anima or Magenta Espresso Machine
Knowing When to Force Prime:
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If water dispenses at any point, try the Pump Test and Ventilation option rather than force priming.
- If you hear a clicking noise as the pump is running, it may need help priming.
- E05 on a new machine can mean force priming is needed, but not if you are getting water dispensing.
- If the machine displays a priming request screen message, but is unable to dispense any water, a force prime is needed.
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First, if you have the Mavea Intenza Water Filter installed, remove that from the reservoir.
- Make sure the reservoir is fully inserted and not obstructed in any way from making a good connection inside the machine.
- Sometimes after placing the reservoir in, you can still push it down a bit more.
- Removing and replacing the reservoir as you hear that clicking sound of the dry pump running may be enough to prime the machine and get it going as well.
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If that solves the problem it may be an issue either with the reservoir seating or the water filter not being fully activated.
- Let the water filter soak in a bowl of water for about 5 minutes and make sure to squeeze it under water to expel the air bubbles and make sure it is fully activated.
- Either way, make sure to leave the filter out until the flow issue is resolved.
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The Priming Bulb 14 mm is a great tool to use, but it is not included with the machine.
- A turkey baster as Ted mentions is a good trick if you have one handy.
- A plastic water bottle will also work pretty well. It's okay if not all of the water makes it into the machine as you are priming.
Please note that If water dispenses for the initial rinse, or at any point, you can skip the force priming step. Even if water only dispenses to your internal drip tray, the pump is working. Continue with the Pump Test to resolve flow issues that cannot be resolved by force priming.
