# Troubleshooting NovaSeq 6000 reagent RFID failures

**Note**: Radio-frequency identification (RFID) is the default error message for any flow cell issue when loading consumables on the instrument.

**To troubleshoot a cartridge RFID failure:**

* Load a previously used consumable.
  * If the used consumable is detected as previously used, the sensor is working as expected. In that case, load new reagent/buffer cartridge and contact Illumina Technical Support (<techsupport@illumina.com>) for replacement of the original cartridge. Provide the cartridge product number, lot number, and serial number to Technical Support.
  * If the used consumable replicates "RFID cannot be read" error, the sensor may be offline. If the instrument is idle on the other side, perform a power cycle\\\*. Once the instrument initializes:\
    \- Retry the pre-run check with the same used cartridge to check if the sensor is online.\
    \- If the used cartridge is now detected as "used," load the original cartridge and start the pre-run check again.\
    \- If the error persists after trying a used consumable and power cycling the instrument, contact [Illumina Technical Support](https://www.illumina.com/company/contact-us.html#/united-states/technical-support) for the next steps.

\\\*For further information, see Knowledge Base article [**How to Power cycle the NovaSeq 6000 System.**](https://knowledge.illumina.com/instrumentation/novaseq-6000/instrumentation-novaseq-6000-reference_material-list/000002470)

**To troubleshoot a**flow cel**l RFID failure:**

* Inspect flow cell visually to identify any debris or glass shards on the surface.
  * If debris or glass shards are present, use a new flow cell and contact Illumina Technical Support (<techsupport@illumina.com>) for replacement of the original flow cell. Provide flow cell product number, lot number, and serial number.
  * If no debris or glass shards are found, perform a power cycle on the instrument.\
    \- For further information on power cycle, see Knowledge Base article [**How to Power cycle the NovaSeq 6000 System.**](https://knowledge.illumina.com/instrumentation/novaseq-6000/instrumentation-novaseq-6000-reference_material-list/000002470)
* Once the instrument initializes successfully, clean the bottom of the flow cell and flow cell stage with an alcohol wipe. Pat dry excess alcohol with a lint-free wipe. Make sure only to clean the glass surface of the flow cell.
  * For further information, see Knowledge Base article [**Troubleshooting NovaSeq 6000 flow cell loading issues** **video.**](https://knowledge.illumina.com/instrumentation/novaseq-6000/instrumentation-novaseq-6000-troubleshooting-list/000005612)
* **Note:** Removing flow cell ID label will **not** help with this issue.​​​​​​
* Retry the pre-run check after performing the above steps with the same flow cell.
* If the pre-run check fails again with the same error, try setting up the run with a new flow cell.
  * If the run starts successfully, contact Illumina Technical Support for the replacement of the original flow cell.
  * If the same error persists with a new flow cell, contact [Illumina Tech Support](https://www.illumina.com/company/contact-us.html#/united-states/technical-support) for the next steps.

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| *For any feedback or questions regarding this article (Illumina Knowledge Article #1297), contact Illumina Technical Support* [*techsupport@illumina.com*](mailto:techsupport@illumina.com?subject=Question%2FFeedback%20Regarding%20Illumina%20Knowledge%20Article%20#000001297%20-%20Instrumentation%20\&body=Dear%20Illumina%20Technical%20Support,%0D%0A%0D%0A)*.* |