Keurig K Supreme Plus Not Working? Here’s What to Do

You love your coffee, and your Keurig K Supreme Plus has always been your morning hero. But now, it’s acting up. You press the button, and nothing happens. Or maybe it brews only half a cup. Don’t panic. You can fix it. The exact solution is often easier than you think: deep cleaning, unclogging, or resetting your Keurig. I’ve been there, frustrated with a blinking light and cold cup. This article gives you real fixes that actually work.

Machine Not Brewing at All

If your Keurig K Supreme Plus is not brewing any coffee at all, it might feel like your day is ruined. But hold on, there are simple things you can check and fix to get it working again. The first thing to look at is the water reservoir. Sometimes it’s not seated properly, and the machine won’t work if it doesn’t detect the water. Remove it, clean the base and the connection point, then place it back firmly.

Next, check if your machine is getting power. Make sure the power cord is securely plugged into the outlet. Try another outlet just to be sure. If the machine still does not turn on or brew, unplug it for a few minutes and plug it back in. This small reset sometimes works wonders.

Clogs are a common reason for no brewing. Coffee grounds, mineral build-up, or tiny debris can block the water line. Try running a water-only cycle. If water does not come out, it’s time to clean the needle and the machine. Use a paperclip to gently clean the entrance needle where the pod goes. Then run a few rinse cycles without a pod.

Also, make sure you’re not using reusable pods that are not compatible. Some off-brand pods can cause brewing failures. Try using an official Keurig pod to test if the machine works.

If the screen is frozen or buttons are unresponsive, this is likely a software glitch. Unplug the machine for 5 minutes. Plug it back in, and try again. If it turns on but won’t brew, check if there’s a descale message. This is a signal the machine needs cleaning.

Keep your machine descaled every 3 months. Mineral build-up from hard water can silently clog it and make brewing impossible. Descaling is done using the Keurig solution or white vinegar mixed with water.

• Check if the water tank is placed correctly
• Ensure power cord is working and outlet has power
• Unplug and replug to reset
• Clean the needle with a paperclip
• Try an official Keurig pod
• Descale the machine using solution or vinegar

Water Not Dispensing Properly

One frustrating issue with the Keurig K Supreme Plus is when the water isn’t coming out right. Sometimes it trickles slowly, sometimes nothing comes out at all. You might hear the pump trying, but only a few drops come through. This is usually caused by clogs, air bubbles, or pump problems.

Start with the basics: check the water reservoir. Is there enough water in it? Make sure the reservoir is not cracked and is sitting firmly in place. Now lift the tank out and shake it gently to see if any bubbles are trapped at the water intake point. Air bubbles can block the water from flowing properly. Refill the tank with fresh water and reseat it carefully.

The next step is to clean the needle and the water line. Use a straightened paperclip to gently push into the tiny hole inside the needle where the pod is pierced. Then run several brew cycles with only water. This helps flush out any clogs.

If you still have issues, descale the machine. Mineral build-up from hard water can clog the system, causing low water flow. Use the Keurig descaling solution or a homemade mix of white vinegar and water (1:1). Fill the tank with the solution, run brew cycles until the tank is empty, then rinse with clean water until the vinegar smell is gone.

Sometimes, the machine needs a full reset. Turn it off, unplug it, wait a few minutes, then plug it back in. This can clear temporary software errors.

If none of these work, the water pump may be failing. You might notice it’s louder than normal or sounds strained. In that case, contact Keurig support to discuss repair or replacement options.

• Make sure tank has water and is seated correctly
• Shake tank gently to remove air bubbles
• Clean the needle and run water-only cycles
• Descale to remove mineral build-up
• Unplug to reset the system
• Contact Keurig if the pump seems to be failing

Coffee Tastes Weird or Bitter

When your Keurig K Supreme Plus starts making coffee that tastes off, bitter, or just weird, it’s frustrating. You spent money on your favorite pods, but your cup tastes nothing like it should. Don’t worry, this is often a fixable problem, and it usually comes down to cleaning and water quality.

The most common reason is old residue or mineral build-up inside your machine. Over time, oils from coffee, calcium from water, and leftover debris from pods can affect the taste. If you haven’t cleaned your machine in a while, it’s probably due for a deep clean. Start with descaling. Use Keurig’s descaling solution or a mix of white vinegar and water. Fill the water tank, and run brew cycles without a pod until the tank is empty. Then rinse the tank well and run 4-5 full tanks of clean water to clear the taste.

Next, clean the pod holder and needle. Remove the pod holder and rinse it under hot water. Use a paperclip to clean the entrance needle. Residue in this area can cause stale, bitter flavors.

Water quality matters more than you think. Tap water can carry minerals or even small levels of chlorine, which affects taste. Try using filtered water or bottled spring water in your Keurig. Never use distilled water—it confuses the sensors.

Also, avoid leaving a pod in the machine overnight. It can get stale and leave behind odd flavors. Clean the drip tray, the exit needle, and the area around the pod holder regularly.

Sometimes, the pods themselves are the problem. Store your K-Cups in a cool, dry place, and make sure they’re not expired. If you’ve changed pod brands, try going back to one you trust and know tastes better.

• Descale the machine to remove build-up
• Clean pod holder and needle regularly
• Use filtered or spring water (not distilled)
• Never leave used pods sitting overnight
• Store K-Cups properly and check expiration dates

Machine Keeps Shutting Off

If your Keurig K Supreme Plus keeps turning off by itself, especially in the middle of brewing, that can be incredibly annoying. You press the button, it starts, then just stops. This issue can be caused by power problems, internal software glitches, or a faulty sensor.

First, check the basics. Make sure the machine is plugged into a working outlet. Try plugging it into another outlet just to rule that out. Also, avoid using power strips or surge protectors. Keurigs often work better when plugged directly into the wall.

Next, look at the Auto-Off setting. This model has an energy-saving feature that can shut off the machine after a set time. Press the settings button (gear icon) and go through the menu. Turn off the Auto-Off if it’s enabled.

If your machine is turning off during a brew, it could be a clog. When water can’t flow properly, the machine may shut off for safety. Clean the needle and run several water-only cycles. Descale the machine if you haven’t in the last 2-3 months.

Sometimes, the magnet on the water tank becomes misaligned. If the machine doesn’t detect water, it may shut off. Take out the reservoir, clean the bottom, and place it back firmly.

You can also try a factory reset. Turn off the machine and unplug it. Hold the 8oz and 12oz buttons at the same time for a few seconds while plugging it back in. This might help fix hidden software bugs.

If your Keurig still keeps shutting down, the internal thermostat or sensor might be failing. At that point, you’ll need to contact Keurig support.

• Plug machine directly into the wall
• Disable Auto-Off in settings
• Clean needle and descale the machine
• Reseat the water tank and clean magnet area
• Try a factory reset using 8oz and 12oz buttons
• Contact Keurig if issue continues

Lights Flashing or Blinking

Lights flashing or blinking on your Keurig K Supreme Plus can be confusing. But these lights are not random—they’re trying to tell you something. Understanding what each light means can help you fix the problem quickly.

If the descale light is blinking, it means the machine is clogged with mineral deposits. Use the descaling solution or vinegar. Fill the tank, run several brew cycles without a pod, then rinse with clean water. After that, the light should turn off. If not, repeat the process.

If the add water light is blinking, check if the tank is empty or not seated properly. Even if there’s water inside, the machine won’t detect it if the reservoir is not placed just right. Remove it, clean the area, and place it back.

If all the brew size buttons are flashing together, that usually means the machine is not ready. Check that the pod holder is clean and seated correctly. Also make sure the lid is fully closed and latched.

Sometimes the lights blink because the needle is clogged. Take out the pod holder, use a paperclip to clean the needle, and run a few rinse cycles.

Also, software glitches can cause random flashing lights. Try unplugging the machine for 5 minutes, then plug it back in. If needed, do a reset by holding down 8oz and 12oz buttons while plugging it back.

• Descale when the descale light blinks
• Check and reseat water tank if add water light is on
• Make sure lid is closed tightly if brew buttons flash
• Clean the needle if lights seem random
• Unplug and plug back in to reset

Resetting Your Machine the Right Way

When all else fails, sometimes your Keurig K Supreme Plus just needs a proper reset. This isn’t just unplugging and plugging back in—though that helps sometimes. A true reset clears out minor errors and can fix many weird issues.

Start by unplugging the machine. Wait a full 5 minutes. This helps the machine fully shut down. Plug it back in and turn it on. Try a water-only brew. Sometimes that alone solves things.

For a deeper reset, press and hold both the 8oz and 12oz buttons at the same time for about 5 seconds while plugging the machine in. You should hear a click or see the lights change. This is a sign it worked.

Another soft reset method is to remove the water tank, turn off the machine, unplug it, and then wait 5 minutes. Put the tank back in, plug the machine in, and power it up again.

Also, try to remove the pod holder and clean around the base where it connects. Sometimes dirt in that area prevents a proper reset.

Don’t forget to go through the settings. Make sure the Auto-Off feature is off, and the brew temperature and strength settings are where you want them.

• Unplug and wait 5 minutes, then plug back in
• Hold 8oz and 12oz buttons while plugging in to reset
• Remove water tank and pod holder before reset
• Clean around the base of the pod holder
• Adjust settings after reset to avoid Auto-Off errors

Final Thoughts

Your Keurig K Supreme Plus is a great machine when it works right. But when something goes wrong, it can throw off your whole day. Luckily, most problems—like clogs, bad taste, no brewing, or blinking lights—are easy to fix at home. A bit of cleaning, resetting, or replacing a part can often bring your machine back to life. Keep it clean, use good water, and take care of the little things. This way, you’ll enjoy a perfect cup of coffee every morning without stress.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it normal for my Keurig to make loud noises while brewing?

It is somewhat normal for your Keurig to make a low humming or pumping sound when it’s brewing, but very loud or strange noises are not. If it sounds like it’s struggling or grinding, it could be due to a clog in the water line or needle. It can also be caused by air trapped in the system. Try running a few water-only brews, clean the needle with a paperclip, and make sure the water tank is properly seated. Descaling can also help reduce these strange sounds.

Can I use vinegar instead of descaling solution?

Yes, you can use white vinegar instead of the official Keurig descaling solution. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water and fill the tank with it. Then run brew cycles without a pod until the tank is empty. Rinse thoroughly with clean water afterward, running 3-4 full tanks to clear the vinegar taste and smell. While vinegar works well, the Keurig solution is specially made to be gentler on internal parts. Use vinegar if you don’t have the solution handy.

Do I need to clean my Keurig if I only use it once a day?

Yes, even if you only use your Keurig once a day, regular cleaning is still needed. Coffee oils, mineral deposits, and bacteria can still build up over time. Clean the pod holder every week, and descale every 3 months. Wipe the exterior regularly and clean the drip tray and water tank every few weeks. Small steps like these keep your coffee tasting good and your machine working well.

Can I leave water in my Keurig overnight?

It’s okay to leave water in your Keurig overnight sometimes, but it’s not a good habit. Standing water can develop bacteria, especially if your home is warm. It’s best to empty and rinse the tank if you’re not using the machine for a few days. If you do leave water overnight, make sure to use filtered water and replace it with fresh water before your next brew.

Is it okay to use tap water in the Keurig?

You can use tap water, but it depends on where you live. If your tap water is very hard or has a strong taste or smell, it can affect your coffee and build up minerals faster. Filtered water is better because it improves taste and slows mineral deposits. Never use distilled water, as it can confuse the sensors in your machine.

Do I need to remove the pod after every use?

Yes, you should remove the used pod right after each brew. Leaving a pod inside can trap moisture and cause mold or bacteria to grow. It can also create a stale coffee smell and taste in the next brew. Always lift the lid and take out the pod after brewing. Wipe around the pod holder regularly too.

Can I use any brand of pod in my Keurig K Supreme Plus?

Most K-Cup style pods work in the Keurig K Supreme Plus, but some off-brand or reusable pods may not work properly. The machine may not read them right or they might clog the needle. It’s best to use approved Keurig pods or reusable ones labeled as compatible with K Supreme Plus. If a pod doesn’t work, try a different one and see if the problem goes away.

Is it safe to open the lid during brewing?

No, it is not safe to open the lid while your Keurig is brewing. Hot water and steam are moving through the machine, and opening it can cause burns or spills. Always wait until the brewing process has fully finished and the machine is quiet. Then you can safely lift the lid to remove the pod or check anything inside.