Coffee Makers, Troubleshooting Coffee Makers

Do Your Keurig’s Lights Keep Flashing? Here Are Some Likely Causes and Ideal Fixes!

Written by

Erica Cervenkova

Coffee Holli Top Pick

Imagine this:

You’ve barely made it out the door when you remember you haven’t had your necessary morning cup of coffee. You’re a bit late for work, but you can definitely make time for a quick cup.

Then:

You pop a K-Cup pod in, set your mug on the drip tray, and power on your Keurig, anticipating the smooth deliciousness.

Much to your surprise:

You watch with dismay as all or some indicator lights blink continuously and erratically, and your Keurig refuses to brew.

Heartbreaking!

Now:

We know how it feels to rely on your Keurig only for it to disappoint you with some seemingly inexplicable problem.

If your Keurig’s lights are flashing, it is probably a signal that something needs to be repaired or adjusted.

Thankfully:

These repairs are not too technical, and you can easily get them done. To this end, we have compiled some useful suggestions to help you.

Here’s what to do when your Keurig’s indicator lights are flashing.

Keurig Is Flashing Lights

Your Keurig’s indicator lights may be flashing for various reasons, usually signs that something needs fixing. To stop your Keurig’s lights from blinking, unclog the exit needle, readjust the water reservoir and filter, or descale your Keurig. You can also fill the K-Cup and reservoir to their required limits or reset your Keurig.

1. Clean and Unclog Your Keurig’s Exit Needle

Insert the Clip Keurig Needle

Here’s the thing:

If all the lights on your Keurig coffee machine keep flashing erratically, it is likely due to a clogged exit needle. Such a clog occurs due to compounded mineral deposits, coffee grounds, and other debris.

Don’t worry:

This issue has a pretty simple remedy. All you need to do is unclog your Keurig’s exit needle.

Here’s how to go about it:

Straighten one end of a paper clip or needle and use it to dislodge the debris in your Keurig’s exit needle.

Then:

Rinse the K-Cup holder thoroughly and unclog the puncture needle for good measure.

Remember to:

Turn your Keurig off and unplug it before fiddling with the needles to avoid hazards.

Now:

The lights should stop blinking after you’ve completed the cleaning. You can then run a water-only rinse cycle to ensure that your Keurig needles are properly cleaned and unclogged.

2. Drain and Realign the Water Reservoir, Then Readjust and Clean the Water Filter

Potentially:

All the lights on your Keurig coffee maker could flash rapidly because the water filter or reservoir is faulty or mispositioned.

Water will not effectively flow when the filter is defective, or the reservoir is misaligned.

Easy fix:

Drain the water tank and readjust the charcoal or carbon filter if it is mispositioned and replace it if faulty.

Next:

Check for any blockage in the valves at the bottom of the water reservoir and clear it out. Also, check for damage or cracks on the water reservoir.

Then:

Fill the reservoir with clean water and reattach it to the Keurig, ensuring it is properly aligned.

Again:

Ensure that your Keurig is unplugged from the power source before attempting to move the reservoir around.

3. Avoid Overfilling the Reusable K-Cup

Look:

Your Keurig coffee machine might be flashing red lights because you have overfilled your reusable K-Cup with too much coffee grind.

It could also be because you have tamped your coffee too hard, and water cannot seep through.

You see:

The Keurig will interpret it as a clog and start to indicate with the continuous flash of the descaling light.

Obviously:

The solution would be only to fill the K-Cup to the required level, roughly three to five centimeters. Also, it would help if you didn’t tamp the coffee too hard. 

After following these tips:

Your Keurig’s red lights should stop flashing incessantly and run a brew like normal.

4. Fill the Water Reservoir to the Max Fill Line

Listen:

If your Keurig is flashing blue lights, it is a sign that the water level in the reservoir is low or empty.

Simple solution:

Refill your Keurig’s water tank with filtered or bottled water to the dotted line that denotes the maximum water level.

Get this:

Your Keurig coffee maker will not brew if the water level is below the requirement.

Alternatively:

If adding water doesn’t stop the flashing blue light, switch the device off and turn it back on again. Your Keurig should be back to normal after this.

5. Descale Your Keurig Coffee Maker

Descale Keurig Coffee Maker

So:

Is the descale light on your Keurig flashing? What does that mean, and how do you stop it from flashing?

As you guessed:

If the descale indicator light is flashing on your Keurig, your device is due for descaling.

Your Keurig is clogged with excess mineral buildup called limescale that needs to be eradicated ASAP!

Grab your descaling solution or vinegar and follow these steps:

Pour a mixture of your Keurig descaling solution or vinegar and water into your reservoir.

Next:

Place a large mug on the drip tray and run a brewing cycle to flush the system.

After the cycle is complete, let the descaling solution sit for a while in the reservoir to break down the limescale.

Then:

Discard the mixture, wash your water tank, fill it with plain water and run several rinse cycles to eliminate leftover debris.

Now:

Once you have completely descaled your Keurig, the lights should shut off immediately.

Note:

For proper maintenance of your Keurig, experts recommend that you descale once every three to six months.

6. Reset Your Keurig Coffee Maker

Fact:

Resetting your Keurig is a reliable troubleshooting hack for most of your Keurig’s issues. It is rudimentary, and you can count on it to work.

So:

If all your Keurig’s indicator lights are blinking erratically, giving your Keurig a hard reset should effectively solve this error.

Now:

To reset your Keurig, turn off and unplug the device from the power source for a few minutes. Remove the water reservoir and set it aside for a while as well.

Then:

Put the reservoir properly back in place, plug your Keurig and switch it on. After this, your machine should be reset to factory settings, and all the lights will stop blinking.

7. Click the Auto-off, Small Cup, and Large Cup Buttons Simultaneously

Listen:

This troubleshooting method is an unofficial hack to stop your Keurig’s lights from flashing, but it works. Try this suggestion if you have tried everything, but your Keurig keeps flashing lights.

Simply do this:

Hold the auto-off, small cup, and large cup buttons at the top of your Keurig simultaneously.

After doing this:

Your Keurig should stop blinking incessantly, and you can brew and enjoy a smooth, elegant cup of coffee.

Models Most Affected

Fact:

Many Keurig coffee makers develop faults that can be troubleshot, including rapidly blinking lights.

However:

These models are the most prone to having their indicator lights flash erratically.

1. Keurig K40

Keurig K40

Look:

As one of Keurig’s most iconic coffee makers, the Keurig K40 is easy to use with a simple, ergonomic design. It also has a 10 oz maximum brew capacity alongside other basic features.

Now:

The K40 has been discontinued for technical flaws, including the flashing lights error, and has been replaced by the K-Classic.

2. Keurig K-35

Keurig K-Compact

Fact:

The Keurig K-35 is a simple, convenient Keurig model known as one of Keurig’s slimmest removable reservoir coffee makers. Its 36 oz water reservoir allows for several delicious cups of coffee before a refill is required.

However:

This model is prone to displaying flashing indicator lights for various reasons.

3. Keurig Duo

Keurig Duo (K-Duo)

Get this:

The Keurig Duo (K-Duo) is a single-serve, carafe coffee maker with a 60 oz water reservoir capacity. The model features the convenience of pausing the brew for 20 seconds to serve piping hot coffee immediately.

But:

Even with these attractive features, customers have complained that the Keurig Duo keeps flashing the descale indicator lights.

4. Keurig Express

Keurig K-Express

Here’s the thing:

The Keurig Express (K-Express) is a single-serve coffee maker with multiple customizable options like cup size and brew strength. Equipped with a 36 oz reservoir, this streamlined model was designed for convenience.

Unfortunately:

This model is also prone to flashing lights rapidly; however, following our guidelines can easily resolve this error.

5. Keurig Compact

Keurig K-Compact

So:

The Keurig Compact (K-Compact) is a space-saving, elegant, single-serve coffee brewer. It is designed to leave the most minimal footprint while delivering optimum convenience and taste.

However:

This model is also likely to develop the flashing lights defect.

Conclusion

We know that:

Owning a problematic Keurig can be extremely frustrating, specifically one with rapid blinking lights that won’t brew. It can disrupt your daily routine and ultimately ruin your day.

Even worse:

Sometimes you could be at a loss for what to do, which could be even more frustrating. Hence, it would be best if you prioritized finding the causes and solutions to your Keurig’s flashing lights.

On that note:

Try these basic troubleshooting guidelines to get your Keurig running again.

  • Clean and unclog your Keurig’s exit needle
  • Drain and realign the water reservoir, then readjust and clean the water filter
  • Avoid overfilling the reusable K-Cup
  • Fill the water reservoir to the max fill line
  • Descale your Keurig coffee maker
  • Reset  your Keurig coffee maker
  • Click the auto-off, small cup, and large cup buttons simultaneously

Hopefully:

These tips have helped you solve your Keurig’s light flashing error, and your Keurig should be in peak condition.

However:

If none of these simple fixes worked for your Keurig, you might require technical help. Don’t hesitate to contact Keurig customer support to get your needed assistance or even a replacement coffee machine.

In any case:

Please let us know how it goes! Don’t forget to share your questions, additions, and opinions in the comment section below.


Frequently Asked Questions

Why Are the Lights on My Keurig Flashing?

The lights on your Keurig could be flashing for various reasons.
 
These include:
 
A dirty, clogged Keurig, misaligned water reservoir or filter, overfilled K-Cup, or underfilled water reservoir.

Why Won’t My Keurig Stop Blinking?

Your Keurig might be blinking without stopping due to some technical interruption. Now, it could be because of a power change, outage, a sensor signal cut, or a clogged Keurig.

How Do I Reset My Keurig?

To reset your Keurig, you should unplug it and remove the water reservoir for a few minutes.
 
Next, plug your Keurig back in and power it on, then attach the water reservoir back in place securely.

What Causes a Keurig to Stop Working?

Your Keurig could stop working abruptly for a few reasons.

You see, the Keurig’s settings could be scrambled, the reservoir misaligned, or the Keurig might need to be descaled and cleaned thoroughly.

How Long Do Keurigs Last?

Many customers say a Keurig would typically last for three to five years.

However, with proper maintenance and handling, you should be able to use your Keurig for much longer.

Why is the Descaling Light Still Flashing After Descaling?

If the descaling indicator light is still flashing after descaling your Keurig, it means the machine still has some residual descaling solution.

To fix this, run a rinse cycle with plain water to flush out your Keurig properly.

About
Erica Cervenkova
Coffee Connoisseur, SCA Member

As a coffee connoisseur and member of the Specialty Coffee Association, I am dedicated to understanding the sustainability of coffee pods and the impact it has on the environment. My expertise lies in the realm of capsule coffee machines, from the likes of Keurig and Nespresso to other well-known US brands. I am passionate about sharing my knowledge and helping others make informed decisions about their coffee choices. Whether you're a coffee enthusiast or just looking for a new way to enjoy your morning cup, I'm here to help.

Erica

16 thoughts on “Do Your Keurig’s Lights Keep Flashing? Here Are Some Likely Causes and Ideal Fixes!”

  1. Who feels like trying to fix the Kuerig when they first get up??? It’s only maybe five months old as well. Guess I’ll have to go to McDonalds to get coffee this morning. BTW I’m close to 80 years old! Thanks, Kuerig

    Reply
    • I’m sorry, Gerry. I suggest you try some tips from this article. I compiled them based on user experience. Keurig support isn’t always helpful, but if my advice in this article doesn’t resolve your issue and your warranty is still valid, make sure to use it!

      Reply
  2. My name is Mike. I have the Duo.
    My green “cups” light is flashing slowly when you try to brew a pot. You can hear the machine trying to work, but nothing is happening.

    Reply
  3. I have the model with the frother, that gave out 6 months ago. Watched all the videos. Did all the paper clip and water things only to realize that my model does NOT have a filter. Still won’t work, going to Starbucks for an overpriced cup of coffee before I go to my volunteer job. Frustrating.

    Reply
  4. I was descaling my Keurig Supreme was to the rinse part of the process and the strong light came on. Now machine won’t turn on. I did the reset button. Any other suggestions?

    Reply
  5. I have the k-cup express, the three lights blink twice when I hit the power button or when I lift it open. I have tried everything that was suggested, nothing worked. Ugh

    Reply
  6. My Keurig will not stop blinking. Only the k-cup button is blinking green over and over. I select single cup select the ounces and then it just keeps blinking and blinking green doing nothing I’ve tried all the steps cleaning it troubleshooting it and still nothing.

    Reply
  7. I want coffee but my machine is blinking rapidly with the numbers 66? What do I do? It’s not even a year old. We just bought it in September!

    Reply
    • Oh, if you’re giving the reusable pod a whirl, there’s a chance it might not be best buddies with your model. Try popping in a regular K-Cup or even run a brew cycle without any pod at all. If everything smooths out, it looks like your reusable K-Cup might be the playful troublemaker here. 😊

      Reply

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