Keurig Not Working? 12 Common Problems — and Solutions (2024)

Keurig not working? We’ve been there. Although widely used across 20 million+ homes and offices in the U.S., even the very best Keurig coffee maker machine can also run into a few problems. Keurig has been widely known among consumers for its versatility, but if you have been using it for a while now, you will need to learn some basic troubleshooting for Keurig to keep it running in tip-top shape; after all, you still want that perfect cup of coffee in the morning.

Keurig not working? Follow these tips.

If you are running into some Keurig coffee maker problems, it is safe to say that the malfunctioning can be due to a variety of reasons. The issue could be either mechanical (which gives your coffee a bad taste), or technical (which makes the Keurig machine difficult to turn on) in nature.

In this article, our coffee maker experts have addressed a range of Keurig coffee maker problems, including why they happen and some troubleshooting fast fixes that can teach you how to fix a Keurig by tracing and correcting faults on your own.

Here are a number of problems that you could be facing with your Keurig coffee machine:

I am having trouble turning on the Keurig machine:

I’m having problems when brewing or dispensing water:

I am getting weird Keurig error messages:

I am having problems resetting the Keurig coffee maker:

I am having other Keurig problems:

To find out how to reset your Keurig machine or ask about your money-back warranty, scroll down below! In this article, we target the Keurig troubleshooting solutions for the following Keurig models:

Keurig Problem 1: My coffee maker is not working

The most common complaint about the Keurig coffee makers that can be seen over the internet is “my Keurig stopped working,” or it simply quits working after a shorter period of time.

The main reason for this Keurig malfunction with coffee machines is the quality of water you’re using. If you’re using tap water in Keurig machines, the chances are that the water is rich in a variety of minerals, including calcium. The debris can build in thin water lines on the coffee maker, making it difficult to work.

The good news is that you’re not facing any kind of technical problem, and it can be fixed easily.

Quick Fix: Blow air using a straw to give it a clean-up.

Solution: For troubleshooting a Keurig coffee maker, the solution is simple. In order to get it up and running, run the machine with water several times without a k-cup inside.

Keurig Problem 2: My coffee maker has caked-on debris

Not cleaning your machine for a long time will cause built-up minerals to form within your Keurig machine. Here are a few solutions that can help your Keurig breathe easy and function like new!

Solution 1: If the Keurig malfunction is due to the calcium scaling in the machine, you can descale it with vinegar mixed with water and soak it in the solution for half an hour. After that, flush the machine several times with fresh water and then try to start it.

Solution 2: Cleaning the dispensing line with something like a paper clip (when the machine is turned off and unplugged) can be helpful in removing the leftover coffee grounds from it.

Keurig Problem 3: My coffee maker makes brewing noises but does not brew

A common complaint across some reviewers is the Keurig coffee maker not brewing. There may be multiple reasons why this is happening.

Reason: The most prominent cause of a Keurig machine not brewing is a deposit of debris within the machine. If this is the reason, it will not brew your coffee and you will end up getting air bubbles or insufficient warm-up time. Or perhaps parts of the Keurig machine are not assembled properly.

Quick Fix: Insufficient warm-up time will not allow the coffee to brew. Make sure that you’re allowing enough warm-up time.

Solution: The other thing that you can try for when your Keurig is not brewing is to check if all the components or parts of the machine are seated properly and are in their correct placement. Just give it a check and you might save a couple of bucks.

Keurig Problem 4: My coffee maker is making air bubbles

A common reason a Keurig machine makes air bubbles is because there are trapped bubbles within the dispensing line.

Solution: For air bubbles, fill the water reservoir to the brim and give it a few gentle shakes (while the machine is unplugged and switched off). This should remove all the air bubbles trapped within the machine that might be interfering with the brewing.

Keurig Problem 5: My coffee maker is leaking or not dispensing water

Not dispensing water is another common issue with the Keurig coffee machines.

There are a number of online customer reviews complaining about the dispensing issue and wondering “why my Keurig maker is not dispensing water out,” so here is a probable cause.

Partial water or no water coming out from the coffee maker is a result of a clogged water line that causes a significant reduction in a brewing cycle. So if you’re wondering Why my Keurig is not brewing?, there is a high chance your water line is clogged.

Quick Fix: The solution to this Keurig malfunction is thankfully really simple and can be fixed by unclogging the water line through a system reset.

Solution 1: Operating the brewing cycle with simple water a few times and without k-cups can be helpful in fixing the issue.

Solution 2: You can also clean the spout and drain the Keurig coffee maker by using a paper clip or a sharp sewing needle.

Solution 3: Descale the clogged water lines and the needles to remove all the excess grounds and debris that are preventing the water from coming out.

Keurig Problem 6: My coffee maker is not heating

There could be a number of reasons why your Keurig machine is dispensing water but not heating it. This usually happens when:

Solution 1: If you think that dirt, debris, or dried coffee has accumulated inside the coffee maker, you should clean it. You can learn how to clean and descale a Keurig coffee maker here.

Solution 2: Hold the brew button for a few seconds so that the water pump can work on its maximum efficiency.

Solution 3: If the water pump is not working properly, you might have to get the water pump repaired or you may be having ‘add water’ issues. You can avoid this by cleaning the water reservoir.

Keurig Problem 7: My coffee maker doesn’t turn on or shuts off

Nobody is a fan of their coffee maker not turning on in the morning. This is a surefire way to wake up on the wrong side of the bed… and stumble around the house until you’re able to stop by the coffee shop on your way to work! Let’s discuss some potential reasons why your Keurig coffee maker might not be turning on:

Solution 1: If your machine won’t turn on, make sure it is properly plugged in.

Solution 2: Hold the power button and check if the power icon appears on the bottom of the screen along with a welcome note.

Solution 3: If the icon doesn’t appear, there might be a problem with the Keurig touchscreen.

Keurig Problem 8: Coffee from my coffee maker tastes bad

Have you ever wondered why can coffee can go bad? Well, if you haven’t changed your coffee brand yet you’re noticing different flavors, look into what is causing your coffee to change its taste.

Life is just too dang short for bad-tasting coffee. As you may have suspected by now, there are some reasons behind why your coffee suddenly tastes bad.

Solution 1: It’s necessary that your machine goes through a descaling or cleaning process every two to three months. A common home remedy is using a vinegar and water solution to clean the dirt, debris, and residue accumulated in the appliance.

Solution 2: Always use boiled or filtered water for brewing your coffee; tap water has lots of residue and minerals that can accumulate in the machine and buildup scaling.

Solution 3: Get a descaling product and clean your machine properly by disassembling it and cleaning each and every part.

Keurig Problem 9: My coffee maker won’t reset

If you want to know how to reset a Keurig and need guidance on the Keurig 2.0 reset process, we’re here for you. Learning how to reset the Keurig 2.0 is pretty easy, but if your Keurig coffee maker continues to malfunction afterward, you should contact customer service as it might need a repair or replacement.

However, here are some potential reasons why it won’t reset:

Solution 1:

• Step 1: Turn it off and keep it unplugged for several minutes.
• Step 2: Plug the machine in again and start a brew cycle. If unplugging doesn’t, work try the following steps.

Solution 2:

• Step 1: Turn it off and keep it unplugged for several minutes. Remove the water reservoir.
• Step 2: After waiting a while, plug in and power on the machine. Replace the water reservoir.

Solution 3: Open and close the K-cup holder. This will reset the appliance if the brew cycle was interrupted.

Keurig Problem 10: My coffee maker is giving the “Prime” error message

This message usually appears when the water doesn’t come out of the reservoir. The water fails to come out of the reservoir for many reasons, such as improper alignment or clogging. Luckily, this can be fixed easily.

Solution:

• Step 1: Clean the dirty reservoir, using the steps mentioned in the above solutions.
• Step 2: After you’ve replaced the water reservoir, run a water-only brew cycle to check whether the machine draws water or not.
• Step 3: When removing and replacing it, make sure that there aren’t any air bubbles inside and everything is properly aligned.
• Step 4: Fill the water to the max line in the reservoir and place an empty mug to fill with water.

The machine will be flushed and it should start drawing water properly.

Keurig Problem 11: My coffee maker is giving the “Add More Water” error message

The “add more water” error message mostly occurs due to the water reservoir issues. You might see this message if there are problems such as the Keurig coffee maker leaking water when heating.

Solution 1: You’ll need to take out the reservoir to clean it. Clean the reservoir thoroughly using soap. Rinse it and then dry it properly using a cloth. Place the reservoir back and fill it to the maximum line again. Turn on the Keurig 2.0 and check whether the error message is gone or not.

Solution 2: If the issue persists in your Keurig 2.0, it is fixable by doing a basic Keurig reset.

Keurig Problem 12: My Keurig 2.0 coffee maker is not turning on

Luckily, most Keurig 2.0 problems such as this one are easily fixable if you know how to reset a Keurig 2.0.

Solution 1: Make sure the power button is switched on. The power button is located at the lower right side of the LCD screen of the machine.

Solution 2: If the above solution won’t work, try resetting your Keurig 2.0.

A Major Fix for Most Keurig Problems

All technical gadgets have a one-for-all technical solution: a system reset. If you are facing one of the listed technical Keurig issues, then it is time to go for a basic rest!

Keurig Coffee Maker: Basic Reset

Wondering how to reset a Keurig? Here’s how you can:

If this Keurig troubleshoot doesn’t work, try the advanced technique to reset the internal chip to resolve the glitches. The Keurig 2.0 reset is somewhat different and may require an advanced resetting.

Keurig 2.0: Advanced Reset

By using this Keurig troubleshooting guide, we hope you are now able to fix all of your coffee maker issues. Now, of course, it’s time to choose the best coffee out there. Check out our list of the 12 Best Coffee Beans to enjoy your morning cup of joe. In case you are still facing some difficulties with your coffee maker, try calling customer support at 1-866-901-BREW (2739). You can email them at their online support form or mail their head office at the following address:

Keurig Green Mountain, Inc.

53 South Avenue

Burlington, MA 01803

Frequently Asked Questions: FAQs

Q: How to reset keurig coffee maker?

• Turn the machine off and unplug it for a few hours.
• Remove the water reservoir from the machine and allow the brewer to sit unplugged for few minutes without the water reservoir.
• Power the machine on again and then replace the reservoir.

Q: Why is my Keurig not brewing?

If your Keurig doesn’t brew the exact amount of cup you requested, this is due to a clogged needle (clogged by ground coffee beans). The best way to fix it is to descale your Keurig coffee maker or remove and reset the reservoir.

Q: How do you descale a Keurig coffee machine?

The best solution is to buy a descaler designed specifically for removing the dirt and debris from a coffee maker. These descalers can easily remove the blockage without damaging the machine and they make it easier for the machines to perform at their maximum efficiencies.

Q: Why do you descale a Keurig?

Our coffee makers are excellent machinery that can brew fresh and hot coffee within just a few minutes (and give us ~life~ am I right??). However, we sometimes forget to give them their due attention. Descaling is imperative to keep your appliance functional.

This is because this coffee maker has thin water lines which can get easily jammed due to debris. When these lines get clogged, you get little or no coffee. The K-cup pin or the exit needle can also get clogged and may need to be descaled occasionally.

Descaling is the process of cleaning or removing the build-up of mineral in the machine.

Hard water is more of a trouble for the coffee maker as it has more minerals than normal water, and it can make the water lines clog easily. So if your machine isn’t working properly these days, there might be a mineral build-up inside if you haven’t descaled it for a few months.

If you don’tdescale your Keurig coffee makerregularly, you might start facing any of these situations:

Q: How do you descale a Keurig 2.0 coffee machine?

The best solution is to buy a descaler designed specifically for removing the dirt and debris from a coffee maker. These descalers can easily remove the blockage without damaging the machine and they make it easier for the machines to perform at their maximum efficiency.

Always remember to rinse the machine with fresh water after descaling it because thedescaling solution can cause build-up as well if not rinsed immediately.

The descaling solutions are made of chemicals and they can cut through the lime and scale easily. However, they are harmful too as they can leave their effect or scent in the water lines.

Q: How to descale Keurig using vinegar?

Vinegar is one of the strongest and most effective products that can easily remove the scaling, clogging, and any other type of debris that accumulates in the water lines. The good thing is that it is very easily available and is very cheap too. Also, you can use it to clean the exterior of the machine just as easily.

The acidic nature of vinegar can cut through all the lime and dirt and easily remove the unwanted minerals that accumulate in the machine. Thus, vinegar is the best descaler and you can use it to make your coffee maker functional as soon as possible.

Q: How to descale Keurig coffee maker using baking soda?

Another natural remedy for descaling your coffee machine is baking soda. To use baking soda for descaling, you must dissolve it in water, otherwise it can clog the water lines and cause further problems with your Keurig.

Baking soda will not leave any type of taste or scent after being removed from the machine; as a result, it is considered an ideal descaler for coffee machines.

On top of that, baking soda is inexpensive and probably present in your house right now! You can use this descaling product to make your machine work as well as it did when your first bought it.

Q: How to descale Keurig coffee machine using lemon juice?

Just like vinegar, lemon juice is also used to clean various parts of coffee makers, and you can use it to clean your coffee maker too. However, you’ll need to use many lemons to descale your machine, as only one or two won’t be of help.

If you don’t like squeezing lemons, you can buy already made lemon juice and use it for descaling. This descaler will clear up all the blockage and scale build-up in the water lines so that you can brew your coffee easily with a good flow.

Q: Can a Keurig be repaired?

The appliance can be easily repaired no matter how big the problem is: the coffee maker not working, water leakage, it isn’t pumping water from the reservoir, the coffee is tasting odd, Keurig doesn’t turn on, Keurig auto on not working, etc.

The main problems most of our readers face are:

Are there any other problems you’re facing with your Keurig? As your go-to website for kitchen appliance reviews, we also want to make sure that the products you currently have are working properly! So whether your Keurig is not working or you’re in the market for a new coffee maker, we’re the product review website for you. Please let us know in the comments if there’s anything else we can help with — happy brewing!