The water filter cartridge slides into a holder under the reservoir lid

The Keurig 2.0 water filter is a small cartridge that sits inside a plastic holder mounted to the underside of your water reservoir. To replace it, you lift off the reservoir, unscrew the filter holder from the bottom, slide out the old cartridge, and slide in a new one. The whole job takes about two minutes and requires no tools.

Keurig sells replacement cartridges under the name Keurig Water Filter Cartridges (model numbers vary slightly by region, but they all fit the 2.0). You can also buy compatible third-party cartridges from other manufacturers. The cartridge itself costs between $8 and $15 depending on where you buy and whether you purchase a single one or a multi-pack.

Key Takeaways

  • The filter cartridge lives in a plastic holder screwed to the bottom of your water reservoir, not inside the machine itself.
  • You need to replace the cartridge every two months or every 60 tank refills, whichever comes first, to keep water quality consistent.
  • The replacement cartridge must be soaked in water for 15 minutes before you install it, or it will restrict water flow on the first brew.
  • If water stops flowing or brews come out weak, a clogged or missing filter is the most common cause and the easiest thing to fix yourself.

Step-by-step replacement process

Start by unplugging the machine and letting it cool for a few minutes if you have just brewed. Lift the water reservoir straight up and off the top of the machine. Turn it upside down and look at the bottom — you will see a cylindrical plastic holder with a small handle or tab on one side.

Grip that handle and turn it counterclockwise (left) until it unscrews and comes free. The old cartridge will either stay in the holder or fall out into your hand. If it stays in the holder, push it out from the top with your thumb. Rinse the plastic holder under running water to remove any sediment or loose carbon particles.

Take your new cartridge and soak it in a cup of cold water for 15 minutes. This step matters — the carbon inside needs to absorb water or it will block flow on your first brew and you will get a weak or no-flow error. After soaking, slide the wet cartridge into the holder from the top, making sure it sits all the way down. Screw the holder back onto the bottom of the reservoir, turning clockwise (right) until it is snug but not forced.

Reattach the reservoir to the machine, fill it with fresh water, and run a brew cycle with no K-Cup to flush the system. The water that comes out may look slightly gray or cloudy from loose carbon dust — this is normal and harmless. Run one or two more cycles until the water runs clear, then you are done.

When to replace the filter and what happens if you skip it

Keurig recommends replacing the cartridge every two months or every 60 tank refills, whichever comes first. If you brew once or twice a day, that usually means a new cartridge every 4 to 8 weeks. The cartridge removes chlorine, sediment, and odors from tap water — once it is saturated, it stops filtering and your coffee will taste flat or chlorinated.

If you do not replace the filter on schedule, the machine will not break, but the water quality will decline. You may also notice slower flow or weaker brews because the saturated carbon begins to clog. In hard water areas, a clogged filter can trigger the "descale" light even if you have recently descaled the machine, because the filter itself is restricting flow.

Choosing between Keurig brand and third-party cartridges

Keurig's own cartridges (sold under the Keurig brand) work perfectly and are widely available at grocery stores, drugstores, and online. They cost roughly $12 to $15 per cartridge when bought individually, or $8 to $10 each when you buy a multi-pack of four or six.

Third-party cartridges made by brands like Solofill, Impresa, and others are compatible with the 2.0 and typically cost $6 to $10 per cartridge. They filter the same way and fit the same holder. The main difference is availability — Keurig brand cartridges are easier to find in stores, while third-party options are usually cheaper online. Neither choice will damage your machine.

Troubleshooting slow flow or no flow after filter replacement

If you replaced the filter but water still will not flow, the most common cause is that you skipped the 15-minute soak. The carbon cartridge must absorb water before it can pass water through. Remove the reservoir, unscrew the holder, take out the cartridge, soak it again for 15 minutes, reinstall it, and try again.

If the cartridge was soaked and flow is still blocked, the holder itself may be clogged. Unscrew it, rinse it thoroughly under running water, and use a soft brush or old toothbrush to clean the threads and the inside walls. Sediment can build up over time and restrict flow even with a fresh cartridge. Rinse the holder until water runs clear, then reinstall the cartridge and try again.

If you have replaced the filter and cleaned the holder and water still will not flow, the problem is likely inside the machine itself — either a clogged inlet tube or a blocked needle. At that point, you will need to descale the machine or contact Keurig support, because the filter holder is not the issue.

Where to buy replacement cartridges

Keurig brand cartridges are sold at Target, Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, and most grocery stores in the coffee aisle or near the Keurig machines. Amazon, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Keurig's own website also stock them. Third-party cartridges are easiest to find on Amazon, though some are available at big-box retailers.

Buying a multi-pack of four or six cartridges is cheaper per unit than buying single cartridges, and since you replace them every two months, a six-pack will last you a year. If you brew heavily or have very hard water, you may need to replace more often, so keep an extra cartridge on hand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Keurig 2.0 without a water filter?

Yes, the machine will work without a filter cartridge in the holder. However, unfiltered tap water will taste like chlorine and may leave mineral deposits inside the machine faster. If you remove the filter, you should descale the machine more often — roughly every month instead of every three to six months.

What if I lose the filter holder or it cracks?

Keurig sells replacement filter holders separately for around $10 to $15. You can order them from Keurig's website or find them on Amazon. The holder straightforward screws on and off, so replacing it is as straightforward as replacing the cartridge itself.

Do I need to descale my Keurig if I use the water filter?

Yes, but less often. The filter removes some minerals, so you can descale every four to six months instead of every two to three months. If you have very hard water, descale every three months regardless of the filter. The filter extends the time between descales but does not eliminate the need for it.

Can I reuse a water filter cartridge?

No, the cartridge cannot be cleaned and reused. Once the carbon is saturated, it stops filtering. Trying to rinse it out does not restore its ability to remove chlorine and odors. You must replace it with a new one.

Why does my water look cloudy after I replace the filter?

Loose carbon dust from the new cartridge is normal and harmless. Run two or three brew cycles with no K-Cup to flush it out. The water will clear after a few cycles and your coffee will taste normal.