The K1 pauses itself due to AI detection (101, 103, 104) or warns about the LiDAR (505, 506, 507, «LiDAR not detected»)

Symptom

The K1 series printer stops printing with an AI detection warning: 101 (spaghetti detected), 103 (first layer problem) or 104 (foreign object on the bed), sometimes even when the part is fine. On the K1 Max, when enabling first layer detection or flow calibration, you may also get 505 (AI LiDAR anomaly), 506 (LiDAR calibration failure), 507 (LiDAR alignment failure) or «LiDAR not detected».

Likely causes, from most to least likely

1. False triggers from the camera: according to Creality, coloured filaments can wrongly trigger the spaghetti warning (101), and a special pattern on the plate, white glue residue or objects on the bed can trigger the foreign object warning (104).
2. A real failure: the print has come loose or the first layer went wrong (101 and 103).
3. On the K1 Max, the LiDAR cable is disconnected or loose (505 or «LiDAR not detected»).
4. LiDAR calibration or alignment fails (506 and 507): these warnings are informational only.
5. The drag chain cable between the mainboard and the LiDAR is damaged, or the LiDAR or the mainboard is faulty.

Checks to tell which one it is

• Look at the part through the camera or in person before deciding: if it is fine, the warning was false.
• Check the plate: white glue residue, a pattern or marks on the surface, or something lying on it.
• Note the number: AI warnings (101, 103, 104) pause the print; LiDAR warnings (505, 506, 507) are only informational.
• On the K1 Max, with the printer switched off and unplugged, check that the LiDAR cable is fully seated.

Before you start

Before taking anything apart, cleaning or adjusting it, switch the printer off and unplug it, unless a step says otherwise, and do not touch the nozzle, the heater block or the bed until they have cooled down. If in any doubt about electricity, heat or moving parts, stop and ask a professional.

Step-by-step fix

1. Resume if it is a false warning

   If the print is fine, resume it from the printer screen, from the slicer or from Creality Cloud.

   Check: The print continues and finishes without further pauses.

   If that does not fix it: If the print really failed, clean up and start again (next step).

2. Clean up and restart if it failed

   Remove the failed part and debris, leave the plate clean with no built-up glue or objects on it, and start the print again.

   Check: The first layer sticks well and the warning does not return.

   If that does not fix it: If false warnings keep happening, turn that detection off (next step).

3. Turn off the detection that gives false warnings

   If false warnings keep happening (for example with coloured filaments or a patterned plate), turn the function off under System Settings → Camera → AI function.

   Check: The printer no longer pauses for no reason.

   If that does not fix it: If the warning is about the LiDAR, go to the next step.

4. LiDAR not detected on the K1 Max

   Switch off and unplug the printer and reconnect the LiDAR cable. Power on and enable first layer detection or flow calibration again under System Settings → AI function.

   Check: «LiDAR not detected» and 505 no longer appear.

   If that does not fix it: According to Creality, the next step is replacing the LiDAR, then the drag chain cable, and finally the mainboard. Order the parts from Creality support.

Prevention

• Keep the plate clean and free of glue residue before every print.
• Look after the first layer: it avoids real first layer and spaghetti warnings.
• Do not pull on the toolhead cables when cleaning or taking things apart.

Still not fixed?

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Printers it applies to

The Creality K1 family: K1, K1 Max, K1 SE and K1C.

Official sources

This guide summarises the official documentation linked here:

• K1 Series Error Code Summary · Creality
• K1 Max AI lidar does not detect · Creality