Keurig Turns Off When I Press Brew: Here’s How to Fix It

We all know how important that first cup of coffee is (and the second and the third). And nothing ruins your morning faster than when your Keurig turns off when you press brew.

No green indicator light means no delicious coffee.

Let’s break down the common issues and potential solutions to get your Keurig’s power back on and your best-tasting brews flowing again.

1. Start With the Power Source

Always begin with the basics. Many brew cycles fail because of a poor power source or a faulty power outlet.

• Test another device in the same outlet.
• Plug your coffee maker into a different outlet.
• Inspect the power cord for wear or damage.
• Observe the power button and power icon. Do they respond at all?

If your Keurig shuts off right after pressing brew, it’s likely a power flow issue or an internal safety shutdown.

2. Check for Brewing Pressure Issues

Keurigs and similar brewers have pressure sensors for safety. If the internal pressure builds up due to blockage or air pockets, the machine might turn off mid-cycle.

This shutdown is often a pressure issue,a failsafe to prevent damage. Fortunately, there’s a quick trick that has worked for many:

1. Remove the water reservoir.
2. Unplug the machine. 
3. Tilt it upside down over the sink. 
4. Smack the bottom gently a few times.

Yes, seriously. Several users swear this “percussive maintenance” dislodges stuck components or trapped air, allowing your Keurig to resume normal function.

3. Run Rinse Cycles Without a Pod

To test for clogs and pressure issues, run a water-only brew without a pod. Use a white mug or a clear glass during these cycles. If you see any floating particles, discoloration, or fresh coffee grounds, your Keurig may still be clogged internally.

Keep running cleansing brew cycles with plain water until the output is crystal clear. This method not only checks for blockages, but also helps flush them out.

4. Descale Your Machine

Mineral buildup inside your Keurig coffee maker can mess with the internal pressure sensors and water flow. When this happens, the machine might shut off as a safety measure.

Here’s how to run a cleansing brew cycle using household items:

1. Fill the reservoir with a solution containing equal parts water and distilled white vinegar.
2. Run a water-only brew (no pod).
3. Repeat the process 2–3 times.
4. Follow up with plain water cycles to flush out any vinegar taste.

Or, if you want to be extra thorough, use a commercial descaling solution instead of white vinegar. Either works, and it’s often the simplest solution for most of your machine’s underlying issues.

ALSO READ: Why Your Keurig Won’t Descale: Causes & Solutions

5. Clean the Needles with a Paperclip

Old coffee debris, particularly from low-quality coffee or overfilled coffee pods, can build up in the puncture needles. Clogged needles (where water dispenses through the coffee pod) can block water flow and cause the system to shut down.

One of the most effective, low-effort fixes is also the most old-school: the paperclip trick. Many users have credited this hack with reviving their machine.

1. Turn off and unplug your Keurig.
2. Remove the coffee pod holder, release the funnel, and look for the exit needle underneath the pod.
3. Use a straightened paperclip to clear out the hole.
4. Rinse the funnel and pod holder under running water and dry.
5. Lift the handle and locate the entrance needle at the bottom of the brew head.
6. Again, probe the holes with a paperclip to remove stuck bits of ground coffee.
7. Reassemble everything.

6. Watch for Indicator Lights

When your descale light or green indicator light isn’t working as expected, it might be your machine’s way of alerting you to a problem.

• A constantly lit descale light means your machine needs descaling ASAP.
• If the green indicator light blinks and then shuts off when you hit brew, the machine might be overloaded or sensing an error.

Performing a cleansing brew cycle and powering the machine off and on can help reset these lights and solve potential issues.

7. Bad Pods? Stick With K-Cup Pods 

If your Keurig only shuts off when there’s a pod loaded, try running a brew with just water. If it works, the problem could be with your coffee pod.

It might be that Keurig machines can detect off-brand or even knockoff K-Cup pods, possibly to encourage users to buy their own products.

Whether that’s by design or just a compatibility issue, who knows? Try switching to official K-Cup pods and see if that makes a difference.

8. Perform a Full Reset

Sometimes, your Keurig just needs a quick reset to get back on track, especially if it’s acting up for no clear reason, like shutting off when you hit brew.

Start by unplugging the machine for at least 30 seconds, then plug it back in and power it on. Some models let you factory reset your Keurig through the settings menu.

It’s a simple step that clears out any minor system glitches and, surprisingly, solves many brewing issues with no obvious cause.

More Tips

A few extra insights:

• If your brew button is unresponsive, double-check that all internal parts (like the pod holder) are seated correctly.
• Don’t ignore your button lights. They often signal a brewing or security solution you might be missing.
• Look out for “phantom” power cycles. If your brewer powers off and on repeatedly, it might indicate a bigger electrical or pressure issue worth contacting support about.

When to Call Support

If you’ve tried everything (cleansing cycles, vinegar solution, checking the power source, clearing clogs) and your coffee maker still turns off when you press brew, it might be time to escalate.

Reach out to Keurig customer service and report:

• Your exact machine model
• Steps you’ve already tried
• Whether the green indicator light, power icon, or descale light does anything unusual

The Final Scoop

When your Keurig turns off when you press brew, it’s easy to assume the worst. But don’t give up on that cup of coffee just yet.

In most cases, it’s something minor and totally fixable. Check your power outlet, clean out coffee debris, run a descaling solution, and test a water-only brew. Sometimes, your coffee maker just needs a basic reset or a good cleaning.