Common Keurig K-Duo Error Codes And How To Fix Them [1r, Fr, etc]

Mike C
Written By Mike C

I've been writing about coffee and espresso machines for 3 years. My goal is to provide you with helpful content that you can trust based on my own personal experiences, information from manufacturers, and tips and tricks I've gathered from other coffee and espresso machine users.

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How To Fix Keurig K-Duo 1r, Fr, Add Water and Descale Error Messages

The Keurig K-Duo has a few error codes that may be displayed on your screen from time to time, including 1r, Fr, add water and descale. Some, but not all, of these errors are described in the coffee maker’s user manual. Fortunately, some fellow owners have shared their tips, tricks and advice from Keurig customer support. Keep reading to learn more about how to fix these errors.

Keurig K-Duo Error 1r

No one is really sure what triggers the 1r error code on the Keurig K-Duo. However, many users have shared the following steps suggested by Keurig support:

  1. Unplug the coffee maker
  2. Remove any K-Cup from the machine
  3. Plug in the K-Duo
  4. Open the K-Cup pod holder lid
  5. Close K-Cup pod holder lid
  6. Please mug under K-Cup dispenser
  7. Press the power button

Hopefully you will hear the machine start to dispense water. If it does, wait a few seconds and the screen with the 1r error code should go back to black. You may have to repeat this cycle a few times for it to work. If you don’t hear anything, there may be a bigger problem with your Keurig K-Duo. I would suggest contacting Keurig customer support.

Keurig K-Duo Code Fr

The “Fr” error code on the Keurig K-Duo may display when the coffee maker is cold. It is possible that the “fr” is short for “frozen.” If you had placed it in temporary storage in a cold environment and did not empty the internal water tank, this is likely the problem. To fix it, bring the K-Duo into a warmer room and let it sit for a few hours or overnight until the brewer comes to room temperature. Try brewing coffee again once this time has passed. If the problem remains, you should contact Keurig customer support.

Keurig K-Duo Add Water Alert

When your machine is indicating that it needs water, make sure it is filled all the way up to the MAX line. If the alert remains, try removing the water tank and replacing it. If that doesn’t solve it, then something may be interfering with the coffee maker’s ability to pump water. The six most common reasons for a Keurig not pumping water are:

  1. Issue with the water magnet causing it to get stuck and not move
  2. Some debris blocking the exit from the water tank
  3. Air may have gotten into the water pipes, causing a blockage
  4. Limescale buildup is blocking the proper water flow inside the machine
  5. The entry and / or exit needles are clogged

See my related post on how to fix a Keurig that is not pumping water.

Keurig K-Duo Descale Messages Won’t Go Away

The K-Duo will remind you when it is time to deep clean your brewer to remove limescale buildup. This process is called descaling and the K-Duo will display a “descale” message on the screen when this is needed. See my related post on how to descale a Keurig coffee maker. If you’ve completed the descale cycle using a descaling solution but the “descale” message won’t go away, try pressing and holding both the 8 oz and 10 oz buttons for 5 seconds while the brewer is powered on. This should reset the descale message. If the problem remains, you should contact Keurig customer support.

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1 thought on “Common Keurig K-Duo Error Codes And How To Fix Them [1r, Fr, etc]”

  1. Hey Mike.
    I can’t believe after how many years of people sharing and exchanging humanity’s ever-expanding pool of knowledge that “they” (Keurig) have successfully kept the secret of the evasive 1r!
    Customer support doesn’t know…
    Appliance repair experts don’t know…..
    I actually had a small appliance repair “supervisor” at a popular online fix it yourself support company say that 1r is a “software issue”…
    COME ON PEOPLE!!
    It only took about 15 of your earth minutes for me to locate, diagnose and remedy the cause of the error code and MOST of that was trying to figure out how to remove the casing of the k-duo.
    The water pump (not the water pump motor) has a small 4 pin wire connector (1 red 3 black) protruding from a small PCB which is secured with two screws and 4 soldered pins.
    That my good sir is the “1r sensor”.
    And I can only assume that nobody… ever… has spent the effort of even taking the case off the k-duo because right there, plain as day, almost in the middle of the main PCB, right above another 4 pin connector (1 red 3 black) printed in the most common language known to humanity, are the letters 1R SENSOR.
    If I had a company, I would like to make money… But not like this. With their flagship brewer nonetheless.
    Well, I guess I’m done ranting now.
    So this 1r sensor just senses that the water pump is functional and at what speed, so mystery solved…
    Yay me.

    Reply

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