How to Reset Your Gas

How to Reset Your Gas Prepayment Meter and Boiler After a Top-Up

If your gas supply runs out, both the gas meter and the boiler may stop working.
Fortunately, you can usually restore everything yourself after topping up.

This guide explains:

  • What to do after you top up
  • How to restore gas at the prepayment meter
  • How to reset your boiler safely

Before You Begin

Before resetting anything, make sure:

  • You have successfully topped up your gas (card, key, or smart meter)
  • All gas appliances are turned off
  • You can safely access the gas meter and boiler

Turning appliances off first is important. It helps gas flow back safely when the supply restarts.

Step 1: Restore Gas at the Prepayment Meter

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After a top-up, the meter does not always reconnect automatically.
Therefore, you may need to confirm the credit manually.

What to Do

  1. First, go to your gas meter
  2. Next, press the A, OK, or red reset button (this varies by meter)
  3. Then, follow the screen instructions
  4. Hold the button if prompted until gas is restored

You may hear a click. This is normal and means the valve has opened.

If You Used Emergency Credit

If emergency credit was used earlier, the meter may:

  • Take repayment automatically, or
  • Ask you to accept charges on the screen

Follow the prompts to continue.

Step 2: Check That Gas Is Back On

Before touching the boiler, confirm gas has returned.

You can do this by:

  • Checking the meter display to ensure there is credit and the supply is ON
  • Turning on a gas hob briefly (if you have one)

If gas is flowing, turn the appliance back off and move to the boiler.

Step 3: Reset the Boiler

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When gas runs out, the boiler often locks itself for safety.
As a result, it usually needs a manual reset.

How to Reset the Boiler

  1. First, find the reset button on the boiler front or control panel
  2. Then, press and hold it for 3–5 seconds
  3. Release the button and wait

The boiler should restart. You may hear the fan or ignition start.

If There Is No Reset Button

Some boilers reset by:

  • Turning the boiler off, waiting 30 seconds, then turning it back on
  • Using the mode or dial control to reset

Check the boiler display symbols if unsure.

Step 4: Turn Heating and Hot Water Back On

Once the boiler restarts:

  • Turn your thermostat back up
  • Run a hot tap briefly
  • Check that radiators begin to warm

At this point, the system should return to normal operation.

If the Boiler Does Not Restart

If the boiler still does not work:

  • Check the meter still shows available credit
  • Make sure all gas appliances were off during reset
  • Try resetting the boiler once more only

If a fault code remains or the boiler locks out again, stop and seek professional help.

Important Safety Notes

  • Never reset a boiler repeatedly
  • Never force meter buttons or covers
  • If you smell gas, do not reset anything — ventilate the area and contact emergency gas services. Do not flick switches or ignite anything, or do anything that could create a spark.

Quick Summary

  1. Top up your gas
  2. Reset the gas meter and restore supply
  3. Confirm gas is flowing
  4. Reset the boiler
  5. Turn heating and hot water back on

Following these steps usually restores service within minutes.