Keurig Makes Brewing Noises but Doesn’t Brew? Here’s How to Fix It

If your Keurig coffee maker sounds like it’s brewing but no coffee comes out, you’re not alone. Many users have faced this frustrating problem—especially with models like the Keurig Elite. Fortunately, in most cases, your machine isn’t dead. It just needs a quick cleaning or reset.

Common Signs of the Problem

Keurig makes the usual brewing noises, but no coffee comes out.
Only a few drops or half a cup brew.
Coffee isn’t hot or smells weak.
Water level doesn’t seem to go down.

Step-by-Step Fix Using a Paper Clip

The easiest and most effective fix uses a simple paper clip.
Here’s what to do:

Remove the K-cup holder – Twist and lift it out.
Take it apart – It easily snaps into two pieces.
Unclog the needle – Insert the paper clip into the small metal tube that punctures the bottom of the K-cup. Dislodge any coffee grounds or debris.
Clean the top needles – Lift the handle and look under the lid. You’ll see three small holes. Use the paper clip gently to clean them out.
Reassemble and flush – Run 2–3 cups of plain water through the machine without a K-cup to clear out debris.

Many users report seeing coffee grounds or scale coming out during the first few rinses—so don’t panic.

Other Possible Causes

If cleaning doesn’t fix the issue, here are other things to check:

Water Pump Malfunction: If the pump isn’t moving water properly, the heating mechanism shuts off automatically. Try reseating or cleaning the water reservoir.
Clogged Heating Element: Descale the machine using a vinegar-water solution or a commercial descaling kit.
Air Lock or Dry Pump: Try pressing and holding the brew button for 5 seconds to purge trapped air.
Stuck Debris: Some users have fixed the issue by turning the Keurig upside down and giving it a few firm taps (yes, a gentle “spanking”).

When to Call Support

If your Keurig is still under its 1-year warranty, contact Keurig Support. They may walk you through additional troubleshooting steps or send you a replacement machine if the problem can’t be resolved. Keep your purchase receipt handy.

Tips to Prevent Future Issues

Descale every 2–3 months (more often with hard water).
Use filtered or bottled water instead of tap water.
Empty the reservoir if the machine won’t be used for several days.
Clean the needles regularly to prevent clogs.

Final Thoughts

A Keurig that makes brewing noises but doesn’t brew doesn’t always mean it’s broken. Most of the time, a simple cleaning or needle unclogging brings it back to life. However, if you’ve tried all these fixes and it’s still not brewing, it might be time for a replacement—or a call to Keurig Support.