Learn how to troubleshoot a Sleep Number® adjustable base that will not raise or lower. Check the remote, power supply, connections and actuators, then find out when to contact Sleep Number support.
Applies to: Adjustable Bases with Remote sold in 2026 or later.
For all other bases, please refer to troubleshooting articles for your model.
How your adjustable base should move
The number of remotes and how the base moves depend on its size and configuration.
- Queen: One remote raises and lowers both sides together.
- Eastern King and California King with a single-piece base: Two remotes may raise and lower both sides together.
- King configurations with separate base sections: Two remotes raise and lower their assigned sides independently.
Signs your adjustable base is not working
- The head or foot of the base will not raise or lower when you press the remote.
- The remote does not turn on, light up or control the base.
Quick checks before troubleshooting
Start with the remote and power supply. If the base still will not move, inspect the control-box connections and test the actuators using the detailed steps below.
What you need
- Two people.
- Fresh batteries that fit your remote.
- Your adjustable base remote.
- If your mattress has air chambers: White air chamber caps, usually stored inside the mattress or base. If you do not have caps, visit a Sleep Number® store or order them online.
Before you begin
- Confirm the affected section. For a base with separate sections, identify which side will not move. If both sides are affected, complete the steps for each side.
- Allow time for movement. Press and hold the adjustment button for at least 10 seconds.
- Check the remote batteries. Press any button. The backlight should turn on. Replace the batteries if it does not.
- Turn off Remote Lock. If the backlight flashes three times when you press a button, press and hold the Lock button for five seconds.
- Confirm the base has power. Make sure the power cord is connected and the light on the power supply is green.
Step 1: Remove the mattress and place the base on its side
Two people are required to complete this step safely.
- If your mattress has Sleep Number® settings: Adjust both sides to a Sleep Number® setting of 100. Disconnect the air hoses and cap the air chambers before removing the mattress.
- If your mattress does not have Sleep Number® settings or air hoses: Skip the air-system steps and follow the mattress-removal instructions for your model.
- Release any mattress straps or attachments, then remove the mattress from the base.
- For King size bases: Remove the bed links at the head and foot before placing either section on its side.
- With one person supporting the base, carefully lift it until it rests securely on its side. The second person can inspect the underside.
Step 2: Check the control-box connections
Inspect the wires and plugs connected to the control box. Make sure no wires are pinched, cut or frayed, each plug is fully seated, and the wire lock is closed.
Wire lock open:
Wire lock closed:
Step 3: Return the base to its normal position and test it
Press and hold the head or foot Up or Down button for at least 10 seconds.
- If the base moves normally, reattach the mattress and any straps, hoses, caps or bed links that you removed.
Step 4: Swap the actuator connections
Place the base on its side again. Swapping the head and foot actuator connections can help determine whether the actuator or the control-box port is causing the issue.
- 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 the base to its normal position and test again
Press and hold the head or foot Up or Down button for at least 10 seconds. Note which section moves and which button you pressed. Sleep Number support will use this result to identify the next step.
Step 6: Contact Sleep Number support
If the base still will not move, contact us. Share the result from Step 5 and tell us whether the remote and power-supply lights turned on. A replacement part may be needed.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Sleep Number® setting to troubleshoot my adjustable base?
No. The adjustable base operates separately from the mattress. If your mattress has Sleep Number® settings and air hoses, follow the air-system preparation steps. If it does not, skip those steps.
How do I know if my base is getting power?
Check that the power cord is securely connected to the wall outlet or power strip and that the power strip is on. The light on the power supply should be green. If it is not, test the outlet with another working device. Contact us if the outlet works but the power-supply light remains off.
What if my remote doesn’t turn on at all?
Install fresh batteries and confirm they are positioned correctly. If the remote still does not turn on or light up, contact us.
How do I turn off the remote lock?
If the remote is locked, its backlight flashes three times when you press a button. Press and hold the Lock button for five seconds. The backlight flashes three times again when the remote is unlocked.
What if I notice damage to any of my cords?
Stop using the adjustable base and unplug it if you can do so safely. Do not use a damaged cord. Contact us for next steps.