Troubleshoot an adjustable base that won’t raise or lower with simple steps to check power, connections, and actuators—and learn when to contact Sleep Number support.
Important: Applies to Adjustable Bases with Remote, sold in 2026 and after.
For all other bases, please refer to troubleshooting articles for your model.
The number of remotes and how the bed operates varies depending on size and configuration.
- Queen size bases come with one remote that will raise and lower both sides together.
- Eastern and California King bases come with two remotes that will raise and lower both sides together.
- Eastern and Split King bases come with two remotes that will raise and lower specific sides independently.
What You Might Be Experiencing
- Base will not raise/lower when pressing the remote.
- Remote doesn't seem to work.
Key Troubleshooting Steps
If your base won’t articulate, start by checking the essentials: confirm your remote has power and that the base is plugged in with a green light on the power supply. If the issue persists, checking connections, removing the mattress, and turning the base on its side will help you determine the solution.
See the detailed steps below for full troubleshooting.
What You Will Need To Get Started
- 2 people.
- New batteries for your remote.
- Your remote.
- White air chamber caps (stored inside the bed or base). If you do not have caps, visit your local Sleep Number store to pick up a set or order them online.
Before You Begin
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Instructions will vary depending on the size of the bed.
- King size: Identify which side of the base is experiencing issues. If both sides are affected, complete the steps below for each side.
- It may take time to see articulation (raise or lowering). Allow at least 10 seconds of holding a button to determine if the base is articulating.
- Make sure your remote has fresh batteries and power by pressing any button to activate the backlight.
- Remote Lock is turned off.
- Verify your base has power by confirming that the light on the power supply brick is glowing green.
Step 1: Remove the mattress and turn base(s) on side.
This will require 2 people.
- Inflate both sides of the bed to 100.
- Disconnect the air hoses and cap off the air chambers.
- Unstrap the mattress and remove it from the base.
- King size bases: Remove the bed links at the head and foot before placing the base on its side.
- Place the base on its side to access the underside.
- Lift from one side until it rests securely on the edge.
- One person should hold the base while the other checks the connections.
Step 2: Inspect control box connections.
Inspect all control box connections to ensure there is no damage to wires, all plugs are secure and the wire lock is engaged.
Wire lock disconnected:
Wire lock connected:
Step 3: Return Base to its normal position and retest.
Press the up or down button and raise or lower the head or foot.
- If the base responds correctly, reattach mattress by attaching the straps and reattach the hoses.
Step 4: Turn base(s) on side.
To determine which part needs to be replaced, place the base on its side and swap the actuator connections.
- Connect the blue (foot actuator) cable to the green (head actuator) port.
- Connect the green (head actuator) cable to the blue (foot actuator) port.
Step 5: Return Base to its normal position and retest.
Press the up or down button and raise or lower the head or foot.
Step 6: When to Contact Us
Depending on the outcome of your troubleshooting, a part may be needed to get your bed back to operating properly. Contact us with your results of step 5.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my base is getting power?
Confirm that all power cords are securely plugged into the wall outlet or power strip and the power strip is on. You should see a light on the power supply brick is glowing green. If no green light appears, test the outlet by plugging in a known working electrical device to see if the outlet is supplying power. Contact us if your light is not illuminated.
What if my remote doesn’t turn on at all?
Contact us for next steps.
How do I turn off the remote lock?
When locked, the backlight will flash three times when any button is pushed, instruct the customer to press and hold the “Lock” button for five seconds to unlock. The backlight will flash three times when successfully unlocked.
What if I notice damage to any of my cords?
Contact us for next steps.