F8
Bosch Induction Cooktop
Severity: MinorWhat it means
Bosch induction hob F8 means a touch button on the panel has registered as held-down for longer than the hob allows — typically because liquid bridged the sensors, an object is resting on the button, or the child lock activated unexpectedly.
F8 is a soft lockout, not a hardware fault.
Wipe, lift, and the hob unlocks itself.
Affected Models
- Bosch Series 4 and 6 induction hobs with capacitive touch buttons
- Bosch DirectSelect hobs after boil-overs
- Bosch hobs installed in steam-heavy kitchens (pasta cooking, kettle nearby)
Common Causes
- Spilled water or sauce sitting across the button strip
- Lid, towel, or metal utensil resting on the panel
- Steam condensation from a tall stockpot dripping onto the controls
- Greasy film building up over months — registers like a permanent finger
- Child lock or button-lock feature activated by accident
How to Fix It
-
Clear everything off the panel.
Move pans, lids, cloths, and utensils away from the front of the hob.
Make sure nothing is resting on the touch strip — even a heat-resistant glove draped across the panel triggers F8. -
Dry the entire control area.
Wipe the touch strip and the area around it with a dry cloth.
Pay attention to the gap between the glass and the worktop trim — water collects there and wicks back to the buttons.
For greasy buildup, use a 50/50 white vinegar and water mix on a microfibre, then dry. -
Try the unlock gesture.
Bosch hobs unlock differently across model years — usually a long press on the key icon (3 seconds) clears the lock.
Check the manual for your specific model.
If you can't find it, power-cycling at the wall for 60 seconds also resets the lock. -
Watch for repeat F8.
If F8 keeps coming back even after the panel is clean and dry, look for a slow drip from above (extractor condensate? cabinet leak?) or check whether the glass has a hairline crack near the controls.
Persistent F8 with no obvious cause means the touch board may need service.