Troubleshooting Guide: How to Fix an Out‑of‑Sync King Adjustable Base Quickly

Restore proper movement on your King adjustable base with this step‑by‑step troubleshooting guide.

Important: Applies to Adjustable Bases with Remote, sold in 2026 and after.

For all other bases, please refer to troubleshooting articles for your model.

How the bed operates depends on the configuration.

• 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.

• Note: The Adjustable Base is not offered with any FlexTop King mattress, but it can be reprogrammed to function as a FlexTop King with the remote.

  • Hold down both down arrows until you hear a “beep.”

  • The base will reconfigure to work as a FlexTop King.

  • If the base is acting as a FlexTop King, hold down the two down arrows until you hear a beep to revert back to an Eastern King configuration. You can also power cycle the base. 

What You Might Be Experiencing

• Right and left side of base are not moving together.
• Right and left sides of base are operating like a split instead of a standard king.

Key Troubleshooting Steps

If your king base is out of sync: Start by resetting the base, then check for anything blocking movement. Unplug both bases, remove the mattress to review connections, make sure the sync cable is secure, then set everything back up and test again.

See the detailed steps below for full troubleshooting.

What You Will Need To Get Started

• 2 people.
• 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

• Instructions will vary depending on the configuration of the bed.
  • Eastern King and California King should move together.
  • Split King should move independently.

Step 1: Reset the base and retest.

Use the remote(s) to move the base to flat, unplug each base for 30 seconds, plug back in and test each remote.

• Eastern King and California King: both sides should move together.
• Eastern and Split King: each side should move independently.

Step 2: Check for obstructions.

Remove anything that may prevent movement.

Pay special attention to the head or foot being too close to a wall, furniture, or any object underneath or around the base.

Step 3: Unplug both bases from the power source.

Leave unplugged until bases are returned to normal position.

Step 4: 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.
• 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 5: Inspect the sync cable.

Ensure the sync cable is securely connected to both control boxes and shows no signs of damage.

• If you find damage, contact us for replacement.

Step 6: Return Base to its normal position, plug in, 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 7: When to Contact Us

 If the previous steps do not restore normal articulation, contact us with your bed model, steps completed, and whether the issue affects one or both sides.