Keurig 2.0 Carafe "Not Compatible" Message? (Fix It Now!)

Keurig is synonymous with coffee that is convenient, quick, no mess, and quality too. The Keurig 2.0 Carafe has proven it is only more of the same, only better, and it looks good with your remodeled kitchen too. The Keurig 2.0 comes with helpful additions like alerting owners when it is time to descale or other maintenance needs. What it does not do, however, is offer the most compatible coffee maker there is. And public enemy number one is the dreaded “Oops! This pack wasn’t designed for this brewer” message.

The Keurig 2.0 Carafe not compatible message can be bypassed using the lid of a recognized Keurig pod. Another more permanent workaround involves taping the part of the pod lid containing the infrared ink to the lever arm. If you are using the correct pods and getting a not-compatible message, then the reader likely needs cleaning. It is important to know that using unauthorized pods may negate the warranty.

This “Ooops” message is intended to indicate that a pod is incompatible with the Keuring 2.0 Carafe. It also informs users that the pods or cups being used aren’t authorized by Keurig. The message that is displayed on the Keurig 2.0 is also a response, like the Keurig 2.0 itself, to the rash of knock-off Keurig cups over the past decade.

While the changes made to the Keurig 2.0 Carafe pods were definitive, it wasn’t without its flaws. Those flaws also opened the way for some fairly easy ways to sidestep this Keurig pod guard dog. One of the techniques is simple but more of a one-time or from time to time option. The other method is more semi-permanent, but no more difficult to pull off.

Do note that using pods that are unauthorized or not recognized by Keurig or for the Keurig 2.0 Carafe jeopardizes any warranty coverage of said coffee maker. That being said, from all accounts and reports from other Keurig owners, there are no adverse effects or harm done to the machine.

If you tried to make a cup of coffee with your Keurig 2.0 Carafe and instead of a hot cup of Joe you ended up with an “Oops! This pack wasn’t designed for this brewer” message, don’t worry. Follow either one of these two workarounds and you’ll be enjoying your Keurig brewed cup of coffee in no time.

A top from a used and approved Keuring pod will be needed. To verify that the pod is an authorized cup, simply check for the Keurig® brewed seal. If you don’t have a used authorized Keurig pod, then either start or run a brew cycle with an authorized pod.

Now take the used authorized Keurig pod and using a pair of scissors, and cut the punctured lid top off the cup. This doesn’t need to be a perfect cut, just good enough to remove the top from the pod. The only caution is to avoid damaging or cutting the brim of the top (we will need that for the next step).

As before, place your unauthorized (and punctured) cup in the arm tray. Now, attach the taped brim section with the infrared printing to the unauthorized cup. This printed section needs to be placed fairly close to where the reader one the arm will be once closed. The tape should be facing you.

From here, simply close the lid arm and proceed to brew a cup of coffee. When the brewing cycle is complete, lift the tray arm to expose your used pod. The taped brim section will now be attached to the arm over the reader. Finish pressing and sealing the tape against the arm.

Now your Keurig 2.0 Carafe will brew any type of pod or K-cup, at least until the tape wears off.

There will be an occasion or two where the Keurig 2.0 Carafe will either be temperamental and just not cooperate and times when it is just due for a cleaning. If you are getting a not compatible message and you are using the correct Keurig pods, don’t worry, it happens.

Sometimes the fix is as simple as opening up the arm, removing the pod, and starting the process all over again. Other times, that message might just simply be an indication the Keurig 2.0 Carafe simply can’t read the infrared printing. And that typically means it merely needs a quick cleaning.

Steam, coffee oils, and other obstructions (even a single coffee ground) can interfere with the Keurig 2.0 laser reader. Here are the easy steps to clean the reader eye on the Keurig 2.0 Carafe.

Related Questions

Why Won’t the Keurig 2.0 Carafe Work with Other K-cups or Pods?

It was several years ago when the Keurig trademark on its K-cups expired. That essentially meant that any company was able to make pods that would work with their Keurig coffee makers.Partly as a response to protect profits, and the quality of their products, Keurig introduced the Keurig 2.0 and its licensed K-cups. From that point forward, any K-cups or pods not licensed and authorized by Keurig would no longer work.