Keurig coffee makers are not perfect. There’s almost always some issue – like Keurig won’t turn on, won’t brew, it’s not brewing a full cup, you’re getting grounds in your cup or it’s leaking. That’s why today’s post is about the biggest Keurig issues – and how to fix them.
In this part I, we talk about classic series models like K-Classic, K-Mini, K-Elite, K-Compact, K-Select. Head here for Keurig 2.0 troubleshooting tips.
Keurig Troubleshooting
1. Brewing a partial cup, not dispensing water, grounds in the cup
If your Keurig is only brewing a partial cup, you’re getting grounds in the cup or it’s not brewing at all, you should first try cleaning and descaling your machine. This includes cleaning the k-cup holder, both exit needles and descaling the unit. Here’s a detailed guide on how to clean a Keurig properly.
2. Keurig won’t brew
When Keurig says descale but won’t brew, you should descale the brewer. If you’re not getting the descale message but Keurig still won’t brew and it’s not pumping water try these fixes:
1. Unplug the brewer and plug it back in.
2. Lift and put back the water tank to make sure it’s placed properly.
3. If it still won’t work, the tank is placed properly and there’s enough water in the reservoir, try cleaning the reservoir. Hand wash with mild soap and non-abrasive cloth and rinse thoroughly. Check and clean the hose/ valve at the bottom of the tank and on the machine where the tank goes. This valve can sometimes get clogged and cause problems.
3. Clean top and bottom exit needle using a paper clip to make sure they are not clogged with grounds.
4. Try the tap method: remove the tank, turn the machine upside down and tap the bottom a few times.
If nothing helps, it’s time to call Keurig Customer Service.
3. keurig keeps turning off
Check the Auto ON/OFF option and make sure that the timer has not been set. Keurig Mini will normally shut off when not working for longer than 90 seconds. To restart press Power button.
For Keurig Elite: If the green Auto off light is illuminated, the brewer will turn off two hours after the last brew. To disable, press the black Auto off button (the green light will turn off).
Special Edition and Platinum: To turn off the auto-off feature, press menu twice to enter auto off programming mode. Press small cup button (left button) several times until it says “off”.
If the brewer shuts off in the middle of a brew, please contact Keurig Customer Service.
4. Keurig says add water but it is full
If there’s enough water in the water reservoir, the reservoir is placed properly, but you’re still having “add water” issues, try cleaning the reservoir.
Remove the water reservoir and discard the water. Hand wash it with mild soap and non-abrasive cloth and rinse. Check and clean the valve at the bottom of the tank and on the machine where the tank goes. The valve can sometimes get clogged and this can cause problems.
Fill the tank again to the MAX fill line (you can use tap, bottled or filtered water, do not use softened water) and return to the unit. Make sure to clean both exit needles as well.
5. Keurig won’t stop pumping water
If Keurig won’t stop pumping water from the moment you turn it on until you turn it off, try this fix: unplug the machine, remove the reservoir, turn the machine upside down, shake slightly and tap the bottom a few times. I know it sounds silly but it often helps.
If you’re using distilled water, switch to tap, filtered or bottled water – this should fix the problem. Empty the tank, rinse well and fill with fresh water. It’s not recommended to use distilled or softened water in Keurig coffee makers.
6. keurig descale light stays on
If the red descale light on K50 turns on, you should descale your coffee maker.
7. Keurig won’t turn on
If a Keurig won’t power on, here’s what you need to test: make sure that the brewer is plugged in correctly. Plug in a different appliance to make sure it works in the same outlet. If it doesn’t work, it could be an issue with the outlet. Plug in the brewer into a different kitchen outlet to see if it will work. Ensure that the power button is pushed to turn on the brewer. On Keurig 2.0, tap the power icon on the lower right of the screen once.
If the brewer still won’t power on, you need to call Customer service to help you troubleshoot your machine.
8. Keurig leaking water when heating
When Keurig leaks while preheating, the machine might be clogged. Try cleaning both exit needles and the k-cup holder. Also, check the valve at the bottom of the water tank to make sure it’s clean and looks fine.
You can also try the tap method: turn off it off, remove the water tank, turn the machine upside down shake it a bit and tap the bottom a few times. Put everything back. If nothing is clogged but the machine still leaks, it’s probably the hose or valve inside the machine and you will need to call Keurig customer service.
9. Keurig leaking from bottom
When Keurig is leaking water from bottom, the problem is usually either the rubber band at the bottom of the water reservoir (just under the water filter) or the tear on the hose or seal inside the machine.
If it’s an o-ring, you can easily replace it with a new one (here’s a tutorial on how to replace o-ring on Keurig machine). If it’s the hose or the seal inside the machine, you must disassemble the machine which I don’t recommend. In that case, please call Keurig customer service for further assistance.
10. Keurig trips breaker
If you live in a newly constructed home with AFCI/GFCI breakers, and you just got the latest Keurig model, there is a big chance that your new coffee machine will cause problems. For some reason, Keurig K-Cafe and K-Elite (latest Keurig models) can cause problems in new homes. There’s no fix for this, most people just return the unit.
11. Grounds in the cup
Do not use softened water in Keurig machines. If you always get a messy result and coffee grounds in the cup, try switching to bottled or tap water. Keurig doesn’t recommend using softened water in their machines.
Fill the reservoir with bottled/ tap water, run a few brew cycles without inserting the k-cup to rinse the machine and then make the coffee. This should solve the problem. Regular cleaning is also important. Make sure to clean the brew head from time to time and keep your machine nice and clean.
12. Keurig coffee tastes burnt or bitter
When Keurig coffee doesn’t taste good anymore, thoroughly clean the k-cup holder, exit needles and the area around the holder. If Keurig coffee tastes bitter or burnt or has an unpleasant aftertaste, oil buildups might be the reason. It’s really important to clean coffee grounds and dirt from all parts that come in contact with coffee on a regular basis. Here are a few tips on how to make Keurig coffee taste better.
Support
If this doesn’t solve the problem or you don’t see a specific issue listed here, please contact Keurig Customer Service for further assistance. Keurig warranty period is usually one year. Customer service help is available 7 days a week at 866-901-2739. You will also find some useful ideas in the comment section below, so make sure to check there too. I hope this helps!
KEURIG 2.0 TROUBLESHOOTING
Read part II of this post dedicated to Keurig 2.0 troubleshooting tips. What’s in part II:
– how to set up Keurig 2.0 brewer
– Keurig 2.0 won’t brew
– Keurig 2.0 won’t turn on
– Keurig 2.0 add more water error
– Keurig 2.0 trickle while brewing
– Keurig 2.0 leaking when heating
– Keurig 2.0 won’t stop pumping water
– Keurig 2.0 won’t close and a few more tips
Keurig 2.0 Troubleshooting Tips
cheap k cups
K cups are super convenient but they are sometimes overpriced. Here’s where to find cheap k cups for your Keurig.
keurig iced coffee
Forget the coffee shop – if you have a Keurig, you can have iced coffee at home any day!
Ed Hughes
I have descaled my 2.0 three times today according to the instructions, yet my DESCALE light stays on. How do I turn this off?
Danijela
If you have already descaled your machine three times and it still won’t turn off, I recommend calling Keurig customer service to help you troubleshoot your machine.
Mary Sanicola
My Keuring 2.0 continues to dispense water after I brewed a cup of coffee. About a month ago, I bought the Keurig Brewer Care Kit and used it. I received notice about a week ago to descale. After getting the message to descale, water continues to dispense water after I brewed a cup of coffee. The water level in the water tank does not move after the brew has been completed, however, water still keeps dripping out. I put vinegar to descale and I get little tiny black pieces. Could be coffee grinds. It continued to still drip water. Went on this website and saw the information to turn the machine upside down. I took the water tank off and washed with warm soapy water. I Turned the machine upside down and water hot water started to flow out. Was not expecting that and I had water all over my counter and then moved to the sink. After all water seemed to be removed, I started to tap the machine several times while it was upside down. Turned it the right way and added the water tank. I filled the water tank and then turned it on. The water level dropped and then water started to heat. Once it was ready, I tried the brew cycle and it started to do the same thing. After the brew cycle, it continued to drip. What should I do?
Danijela
Hi Mary, since this fix didn’t help I can only recommend contacting Keurig customer service for further assistance. I hope they can help.
bill kennedy
my elite, which is brand nee keeps changing the time on the clock a couple of hours ahead.whats causing this snd how fo i fix it?
Jack
My Keurig 2.0 just randomly shut off over night, and when I went to brew a cup I noticed I didn’t see the power indicator button in the bottom corner. Checked to see if it had gotten unplugged but it was still plugged in the wall. Tried unplugging it and plugging it back, even to different outlets, but nothing will get it to come on, or show the power indicator
Jeff
Had the “always pumping water as soon as I turn it on” problem with a K560. As recommended, I performed the Heimlich on it while turned upside-down. Set it back upright and it worked as good as new! Thanks!!!
Ron S
9. KEURIG 2.0 STUCK ON PREHEATING
Have a Keurig 550 abt 4 yrs old, really like it for coffee & Tea.
Filled tank 1/4 with hot water, worked normally after preheating.
Thank you for posting the fix.
Karen
Thank you. My Keurig 2.0 was constantly pumping water after a power failure it’s never done this before but I couldn’t get it to stop after all the normal resets thank you so much for the tip on turning it upside down I wasn’t clear from your directions whether to turn the reservoir upside down or the machine upside down so I did both anyway I have coffee this morning thank you very much
Kat
Just as an FYI (oh, and thanks for the great article!) I couldn’t find this answer anywhere on the web, so I resorted to the user’s manual (*gasp*, yes, I know). On a K-Compact, if the lights are all on at the same time, lift and close the handle, place a cup on the tray, and press the power button once. A little bit of water might come out, and then it will brew again. Thanks again :)
Sherry Hughes
I could not find any thing like my problem either but your post was just what I was looking for thank you
Angela
Kat! You are my hero! I have coffee again!
Chris R
I don’t know why but your solution to problem 5 worked perfectly today. Panic has been averted and coffee is now made. Thank you for the troubleshooting information.
Luis
Just got a Keurig K Elite and it keeps tripping my home breaker. It’s a new house, less than a year old. Is anyone else having this issue? I had a Ninja coffee machine and it never tripped a breaker.
Danijela
Thank you, Luis! I knew that K-Cafe had this problem, but it appears that K-Elite can cause the circuit breaker to trip as well. That’s really disappointing, especially since these are the latest models. Thank you so much for your feedback!
John
I just purchased a K-Elite and have the exact same issue. The search for a fix has brought me to this thread. I live in a newly constructed home with AFCI/GFCI breakers and this coffee machine will trip any of them even being the only thing plugged into a circuit. No other appliance I have tried trips these breakers including space heaters.
Michael Chen
We use distilled water too, because I don’t want to be a slave to descaling-on-demand! So, when it goes beserk, I add a cup of tap water, and it behaves for many weeks after. My guess is maybe every 2 months or so.
Jo Ann
Mine suddenly started leaking from th bottom and I replace the reservoir. After I replaced it, it still continued to leak. I finally realized it hadn’t leaked before I started using the water filter. I removed it from the reservoir and it immediately stopped leaking. Problem solved!
Chris Wheeler
I found this article because I was having the non-stop water pumping issue and I have to say that the suggestion worked. It sounded silly, but I removed the tank, emptied the water, removed the filter tube, filter, didn’t see anything out of place, tapped the bottom, reassembled it and it started working correctly again. Thank you.
Andrea Fiondo
I tried turning it upside-down, cleaning all the parts, refilling it, unplugging it and doing it all again, still pumping. Adding boiling water (almost boiling) worked. I’m now descaling and it’s working like a champ. This little one is nearly six years old. It happens every time we lose power, for some reason. Usually just unplugging it and plugging it back in worked, this time the hot water trick worked. Have filled it with cold water and it is preheating with no shooting water. Thanks all!
John Underwood
The boiling water trick worked for me too. Thank you so much. It was stuck in preheating mode and pumped cold water as soon as I turned it on. Working great for me now. I am so glad I didn’t throw it away out of frustration.
Alll
I have a 2.0 Series. Never had a problem with it until today. Lifted the handle to dispense hot water, but now the handle/ lid won’t go back down. It’s stuck in the up position… Any suggestions?
Danijela
Hi, there is helpful video I found on YouTube you might want to try it https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lenlr8zAOKQ . If the problem persists or you think that something is broken, you may also call Keurig customer service to help you troubleshoot your machine. Let me know if this works for you. I hope this helps!
dennis kimsey
If you decide to purchase the K575 expect, in the first couple years, to have the lid begin to get stuck and you have to reach up inside to get it down per other posts which works. This is caused by two flimsy flaps that have been broken off by the constant use of the metal bar using them to raise to the next level when going in towards the back!! You can watch the mechanism while looking inside and following the metal rod and see where its sticking I was able to fix mine by creating a ramp out of a plastic lid 1/4 X 3/8 long with a taper in the long direction and gluing it in place of the missing flaps!!!
David Recendez
The fix for “Keurig Won’t Stop Pumping the Water” worked. I use distilled water in my Keuig. I later purchased a Keurig water filter and enabled the “filter reminder”. Thanks for the help
Carole Williams
I’ve had the 2.0 model only 2 years. Use only purified water or reverse osmosis water – never use our hard tap water. Changed filter, reservoir is full. Put vinegar in reservoir, it but it won’t dispense liquid anymore. When I press the “i” on button, it shows preheating but there is no machine noise and it won’t dispense liquid. Does not make the preheating noise, but display shows “preheating” and the reservoir light works, clock works, etc. Unplugged it for a few days. The unit is still ice cold. Will try the upside down “spanking” method. If that does not work, unit goes to recycling site.
KnewJersey
My 2.0 was also stuck in preheating mode after a power outage. It kept dispensing cold water while displaying this message. I ended up pouring a quart or more of BOILING water into the reservoir. The cold water it was dispensing eventually turned hot and the preheating message stopped. The machine has been fine ever since.
Reggie
I got up this morning, hit the “i” button and it immediately started pumping cold water out, I had to rush, put a coffee cup under the stream, and it continued draining until I had filled 2 and a half coffee cups. No matter what I tried, plugging it in and out several times, it always kept doing the same, pouring out a lot of cold water, The screen would only display the power “i” button, I could never get a menu. Now I am at work and my wife is going to try turning it upside down as mentioned by several posters. We’ll see in a little bit if it helped.
Dave
I have the same problem. I can’t find any solutions other than use it as a door stop next to my windows computer…
Ajh
I had this problem this morning after having a power outage yesterday. Finally after unplugging the machine removing the reservoir and saying a little prayer it decided to work again. Not sure if it worked due to the prayer or to being unplugged for a few minutes.
John
the upside down trick did not work for me
wes wojtowicz
I have a Keurig 2.9 350 model and 90% of the time if I use a Green Mountain (any type) or Donut type K cup the system with deliver only 1/2 cup of coffee which is full of coffee ground, with a warning that my system is clogged and needs cleaning, I then clean the needle and run clean water through the system only to have the same problem again after 2-3 cups of coffee. If I use other brands of cups the problem goes away. I am NOT using a water softner.
I am at a long time user and NEVER had this problem , as a test I gave my daughter all my Green Mountain K Cups and she has no problem using a old 1.0 brewer.
Help
Wes
Danijela
Hi Wes, cleaning both exit needles is always a good idea. I would try descaling the system with commercial descaler to make sure there are no build-ups. However, some of my readers had the same problem even after descaling and the reason was actually a defective unit. Maybe it’s not a bad idea to first call Keurig customer service at 866-901-2739, before you spend any money on cleaning supplies.
Michelle
I had to Google this problem early on when we first bought our Keurig 2.0. It’s because the cups are pressurized and so when you put them on and shut the lid it pushes coffee grounds up into the needle which plugs it. So when you’re putting your k cup in actually push it onto the bottom needle in the cup holder to puncture it before you shut the top lid. You should not have any problems after that. It works somehow by releasing the pressure out of the cup.
dennis kimsey
This is a fix that actually worked for me:)
Gerald
I recently had an issue with the Fill Water light always coming on, and the poor machine sounded like it was going to die while trying to load to water. It also only would pour our about 2 Oz’s or water at a time, not nearly to required 10 Oz’s for my morning coffee. But I figured it out, and wanted to post here so you could ADD this to your list.
The problem was the reservoir. At the bottom of the reservoir at the exit point, is a very small metal mesh filter to keep particulates out. This little mesh filter had a build up (assuming from the water) and after cleaning it, it allowed the water to flow again and Everything is working as New!!
I hope that helps some people.
Barbara Peckham
We have an older Keurig that has a reservoir and two cup sizes that we received from my brother when he purchase a new one. No books or anything. Anyway, we’ve used it for a couple of years with no problem. NOW, all of a sudden, water is pouring out of the bottom of the machine and all over the counter. Is this fixable, or will we have to do without until we can get anew one.
Danijela
Hi Barbara, the reason is usually either the rubber band at the bottom of the water reservoir (just under the water filter) or the tear on the hose or seal inside the machine. If it’s an o-ring, you can easily replace it with a new one (here’s a tutorial on how to replace o-ring on Keurig machine). If it’s the hose or the seal inside the machine, you will need to disassemble the machine. In that case, I would rather call Keurig customer service for assistance first, before trying to fix the machine on my own. Keurig Customer service help is available 7 days a week at 866-901-2739. I hope this helps!
Liz 718
My machine would not stop dispensing water – cold from Time I turned on till time I turned off… couldn’t even use the MENU nothing would work!
I cannot believe it but after 20 minutes of having ZERO luck with my 2.0 I read above it said to turn upside down and shake and bang on bottom…. YES SOUNDED CRAZY AND SINCE IM CRAZY AND ITS THANKSGIVING MORNING I DID IT!!!!
It worked!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THANK YOU!
Samantha
It was either throw it in the garbage or try hitting it a couple times upside down. I can’t believe it actually worked!!! Thank you!
Lindsey
Turning machine upside down and banging on it abd shaking it really works for other not working keurig issues too! Unplug it. Rediculous!
Thomas
My Kerrigan was stuck in preheating mode and would simultaneously spew water. (Literally using all of the water in the tank. I called. The lady told me clean the prongs with a paper clip. It did not work. She offered to sell me another. While mailing a cleaning device. I searched for answers…found the solution her!!! I turned it upside down and hit it like 10 times. Works perfectly. I wish I knew why but it doesn’t really matter. Thanks!!
Thankful
I had exactly the same thing happen but luckily I found you before wasting my time on the phone. I can’t believe that worked!
Thank you!
Justin
The same thing worked for me too.
Gary Maddox
I have a key Keurig 2.0 model 500. My problem seams to be just the opposite of all of these. My machine won’t stop brewing now. No matter what number of oz’s I set it for, it will pump the reservoir dry. I have to stand there and cancel the brewing when the cup gets close to full. Any ideas?
Tiffany
We had the exact same problem so mu husband unplugged the machine, removed the water tank, and repeatedly pushed the button for about a minute in attempt to reset/remove any stored energy from the machine. After that it worked perfectly. We think when we came home the night before, the power had gone out for just a few minutes in a storm while we were gone. We have always babied our Keurig 2.0 and only use distilled bottled water in it. It costs 88 cents per gallon versus buying a new $120 machine, so to us it is absolutely worth it. It seems like this is not a common problem for Keurigs, but I hope it is as easy of a fix for others as it was for us!
Gaylon McCorkle
I did this and mine is working fine now.
Laura
I had almost the same problem. My whole screen looked like white noise on a tv, but it still brewed coffee. So I unplugged the machine and turned it upside down and after getting about 2 cups of really warm water out of the reservoir, then after about 15 minutes, I turned it back over. Then I opened up the part where you put the K-cup and took a napkin and started drying out the very back where the wires come into the top. I also dried other spots I saw water being very careful not to pierce my fingers with the puncture points. Afterwards I plugged it back in and after a few minutes of hearing it fill the reservoir and heating up, the computer part worked beautifully. I then realized that I had been turning it off after every brew. So now I leave it on sometimes with the top open so it can draw out. Hope this helps. Good luck!
BD
Worked like a champ, drained the remaining water and used a hair dryer on the insides (wires) and after a few minutes of drying, plugged it back in and worked perfectly! Thanks for the tip!
Debby Smith-McGinnis
I have the special edition model and when it keeps shutting itself off it is a prime problem. The machine loses prime. My machine does this sometimes after I fill the tank. Take the tank off the machine and suck air thru the clear tube on the side of the machine replace the tank and presto works every time.
Hilda Langegger
I tried it and it worked!!!! Thank you
thank you Debby…. I tried everything and was on the computer the whole afternoon… I read your post and could not believe that it worked. I’m so pleased and thankful to you…Once again Thank you :) :)