Hello, We're happy to help! Here are 2 quick things you can check so that you can get started smoking ASAP! Please ensure that you've pulled off the sticker on the display. Additionally, please check the pellet waste bin to ensure it was installed correctly and is not backwards. Either one of these instances can make the display look like it's not activated. Please see page 15 of the manual for further information on this: https://products-salsify.geappliances.com/image/upload/s--c3XleoJo--/qqamm7ufiv6mpsjxvrud.pdf?_ga=2.33853793.1334059512.1706537625-1519998375.1687276488 We want to make sure you receive assistance with this so that you can start enjoying your new indoor smoker as soon as possible! We will be reaching out to you via email. Please respond at your earliest convenience. -Charlie@GEAppliances