What Does This Error Mean?

A clogged Keurig needle is one of the most common causes of no brew, very slow brewing, or coffee grounds in the cup. Use the orange Keurig cleaning tool or a straightened paper clip to clear the entry and exit needles, then run two water-only cycles.

Affected Models

Keurig K-Classic
Keurig K-Elite
Keurig K-Select
Keurig K-Supreme
Keurig K-Slim
Keurig K-Café
Keurig K-Mini

Common Causes

Coffee grounds packed into the entry needle holes from repeated use
Scale deposits narrowing or fully blocking the small needle openings
K-Cup foil fragments lodged in the exit needle during brewing
Brewing hot cocoa or tea K-Cups that leave more residue than coffee
Infrequent cleaning allowing buildup over hundreds of brew cycles

How to Fix It

Use the Keurig needle-cleaning tool.

Keurig K-Supreme and newer models include an orange silicone cleaning tool. Fill the tool cup with water, open the Keurig lid, insert the tool into the pod holder, and open and close the lid 5 times. This forces water through the entry needle and clears the clog from above.
Clear the entry needle manually with a paper clip.

If you do not have the cleaning tool, straighten a large paper clip. With the Keurig powered off and unplugged, open the lid and insert the paper clip into each hole on the entry needle inside the brew head. Gently move it in and out to dislodge any packed grounds.
Remove and clean the pod holder exit needle.

Press the two side-release buttons on the pod holder to remove it from the machine. Turn the pod holder upside down to find the small exit needle on the underside. Clear it with a paper clip, then rinse the entire pod holder under warm running water.
Run two water-only brew cycles.

After clearing the needles, place a large mug on the drip tray and run two full brew cycles without a K-Cup. This flushes out any remaining debris that the needle cleaning dislodged. Skipping this step allows loose grounds to re-block the needle on the next brew.
Clean the needles monthly.

Keurig recommends needle cleaning at least once a month, or every 250 brews. Make it part of your regular descaling routine — the whole process takes under 2 minutes. Regular cleaning prevents the majority of Keurig brewing failures before they occur.

When to Call a Professional

The Keurig needle is a user-serviceable part. If the needle itself is bent or physically broken, contact Keurig support for a replacement pod holder assembly.