Office chair won't recline (or is stuck reclined)

What's actually wrong

The tilt-lock is engaged or the tilt-tension knob is at an extreme, mechanically blocking recline — or on knee-tilt mechanisms, the lock pin is jammed.

Symptoms

• Backrest rigid regardless of lever position
• Or backrest flops with no resistance

The fix, step by step

1. Find every control: most chairs have a tilt-lock lever (often push/pull on the right) and a large tension knob underneath — cycle the lock lever fully while leaning back gently
2. Turn the tension knob counterclockwise several full turns and retest — tension changes are gradual, so keep going before concluding it's broken
3. To release a stuck tilt lock: stay seated and lean back slightly a few degrees further — that takes pressure off the internal lock pin so it can disengage
4. Clean and silicone-spray the mechanism pivot points if it's gritty

When to skip DIY

Internal mechanism failure on a premium chair — use the warranty; on budget chairs, a replacement mechanism or chair is usually cheaper than a service visit.