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Step-by-step instructions on swapping out your water filter for a great-tasting cup of coffee
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You love brewing a fresh cup of joe in the morning with your Keurig coffee machine. But if your water is tasting a little stale, it might be time to replace that water filter! Keurig recommends swapping out your filter every 2 months, and we’re here to teach you how. Keep reading to learn how to replace your water filter, as well as which Keurig models have filters and which ones don’t.

Things You Should Know

  • Remove the old filter by taking it out of the water reservoir.
  • Open the filter holder, then throw the used filter into the trash.
  • Soak your new filter in water for 5 minutes, then rinse it under the sink for 60 seconds.
  • Replace the new filter into the filter holder, then click the filter holder into the water reservoir.
Part 1
Part 1 of 2:

Removing the Old Filter

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  1. In most Keurig models, the water reservoir is located on the left-hand side of the machine. Fully remove the reservoir's top to give you access to the water filter inside.[1]
    • If you do not have a water filter in your Keurig yet, you can purchase a water filter to install. Visit the Keurig Support Page to make sure you’re buying the right one for your model.
    • Models that support water filters include Keurig Duo, Keurig Duo Plus, K-Supreme, K-Slim, K-Cafe, K-Elite, K-Select, K-Classic, K-Express, and K145.
    • Some smaller models, like Keurig Mini or K-Mini Plus, do not have water filters or the option to add a water filter.
  2. The handle portion of the upper filter holder will be sticking up in the water reservoir. Grasp the handle firmly, and pull it out of the reservoir.[2]
    • The bottom of the filter-holder unit will be locked into plastic grooves on the bottom of the water reservoir. You may need to rock the filter-holder unit back in place or give it a sharp tug to remove it.
    • If you have a Classic series Keurig, your filter will be black with a circular timer on the end. If you have a K200 Plus, the filter will be clear and shorter, while the K300 and higher models have filters that are tall, thin, and clear.
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  3. Use your thumb and index finger to pinch in the tabs at the bottom of the filter unit. Pull down to release the lower filter holder, then pull out the old filter.[3]
    • Throw the old filter into the trash.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 2:

Installing the New Filter

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  1. Purchase a new Keurig filter package. Keurig water filters are not sold individually, so you'll need to buy a set. They're commonly sold in pairs.
    • Filter sets are relatively inexpensive. Depending on the number of individual filters in a package, the cost can range between $5 and $10.
  2. Fill a cup or bowl partway with cold water, and drop the filter in. Make sure that the filter is completely submerged while it's soaking.[4]
    • The filter will float initially, but will have absorbed water and sunk to the bottom of the cup or bowl after 10 minutes.
  3. Head to the sink and dump your cup or bowl out, then rinse the filter for about 1 minute. This will remove any leftover charcoal that may have gotten into your water.[5]
  4. The lower filter holder will have a thin mesh layer on its bottom side. Rinse this off with tap water to remove any dirt or impurities that may have built up during normal use.[6]
    • Give the sides of the lower filter holder a quick rinse too.
  5. Slide the new filter into the filter holder, with its rounded top-side facing up. Set the lower filter holder in place below it. The mesh bottom of the lower filter holder should cover up the flat bottom of the fabric filter. Snap the 2 sides of the filter holder in place around the filter.[7]
    • Older filter models may have a reminder dial on the top of the filter. If yours does, set the dial ahead 2 months so it counts down to remind you to change your filter.
  6. Once you've reassembled the filter unit, put the unit back into the Keurig's water filter. The external side of the lower filter holder will snap into place when pressed down firmly into the bottom of the reservoir.[8]
    • If the filter doesn't click into place, check to see that you've properly aligned the grooves on the bottom of the lower filter holder with the raised plastic on the floor of the Keurig's water reservoir.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    Does Keurig k50 have a water filter?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    Yes, it does have a water filter and you can purchase a Keurig Water Filter Starter Kit that is suitable for the Keurig K50 model.
  • Question
    How often do you change the filter in a Keurig?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    The Keurig company advises that the filters should be changed every two (2) months if the Keurig is being used every day. If you don’t use it daily, then change the filter after 60 tank refills.
  • Question
    Does the Keurig 2.0 come with a water filter?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    You will need to purchase the Keurig 2.0 water filter starter kit as an accessory that’s compatible with the Keurig 2.0. It will come with filter cartridges but after these have been used, you’ll need to continue to purchase these separately.
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Tips

  • Change your Keurig filter every 2 months, even if you only use spring or distilled water in the machine. The filter can still become clogged with impurities.
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About This Article

James Sears
Co-authored by:
House Cleaning Professional
This article was co-authored by James Sears and by wikiHow staff writer, Hannah Madden. James Sears leads the customer happiness team at Neatly, a group of cleaning gurus based in Los Angeles and Orange County, California. James and the team have nine years of experience and offer green cleaning, interior and exterior window washing, and general apartment cleaning services. He provides transformative cleaning experiences by reducing clutter and renewing your home environment. James is a Trustee Scholar at the University of Southern California. This article has been viewed 575,612 times.
41 votes - 22%
Co-authors: 6
Updated: February 12, 2023
Views: 575,612
Article SummaryX

To replace the water filter in your Keurig, first place the new filter cartridge in a glass of clean water and let it soak for 5 minutes. Then, rinse the filter cartridge under running water for 1 minute. Separate the bottom plastic piece on your Keurig filter and rinse off the mesh. Next, place the new filter cartridge in the bottom piece. Reattach the bottom to the upper part of the filter. Finally, place the water filter into the empty water tank on your Keurig and press down until it locks into place. Change your Keurig water filter every two months. For more tips, including where to buy new Keurig filters, read on!

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Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 575,612 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Johnny G.

    Johnny G.

    Mar 18

    "Explained easily, and the funny thing is that I didn't know that you had to change the filter every 2months."
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