How to Reset Your Samsung RF26J7500SR Refrigerator

What a Reset Does and When You Need One

A reset on your Samsung RF26J7500SR clears temporary settings and error codes without erasing your saved preferences like temperature or ice maker status. You reach for a reset when the display is frozen, buttons stop responding, or an error code appears that won't clear on its own. The refrigerator has two types of reset available: a soft reset (power cycle) that takes a few minutes, and a factory reset that returns all settings to their defaults.

Most problems—a stuck display, unresponsive touchpad, or a code like "1E" or "5E"—clear with a soft reset. A factory reset is rarer and erases custom settings, so use it only when the manual or Samsung support specifically tells you to, or when you are troubleshooting a persistent issue that a soft reset did not fix.

Key Takeaways

• A soft reset (power cycle) takes 10 minutes and fixes most display and button problems without erasing your temperature settings.
• To soft reset, turn off the breaker or unplug the unit for at least 5 minutes, then restore power and wait for the display to light up.
• A factory reset erases all custom settings and requires holding the Power Cool and Power Freeze buttons together for 3 to 5 seconds.
• After any reset, check that your temperature settings are correct and that ice and water dispensers work before assuming the problem is solved.
• If an error code returns immediately after a reset, the issue is likely a sensor or component failure, not a software glitch.

Performing a Soft Reset (Power Cycle)

A soft reset is the first step and the one that works most often. Locate the circuit breaker that controls your refrigerator—usually labeled "Kitchen" or with the refrigerator's name—and switch it to the OFF position. If your unit is plugged into an outlet rather than hardwired, you can unplug it directly from the wall.

Leave the power off for at least 5 minutes. This gives the control board time to discharge completely. After 5 minutes, restore power by flipping the breaker back on or plugging the unit back in. The display should light up within a few seconds. Wait another 2 to 3 minutes for the refrigerator to fully boot up and resume normal operation.

During this waiting period, you may see the display flash or show a brief code—this is normal. Once the display stabilizes and shows your current temperature settings, the soft reset is complete. Check that the compressor is running (you should hear a faint hum) and that the ice maker and water dispenser respond to their buttons.

Performing a Factory Reset

A factory reset returns every setting to Samsung's defaults: temperatures reset to 37°F for the fridge and 0°F for the freezer, ice maker mode turns on, and any custom preferences you saved are erased. Do this only if Samsung support instructs you to, or if a soft reset did not resolve the problem and you are certain the issue is software-related.

Locate the Power Cool and Power Freeze buttons on the control panel. These are usually on the upper right side of the refrigerator's interior display or on the exterior panel, depending on your model year. Press and hold both buttons simultaneously for 3 to 5 seconds. You should see the display flash or hear a beep, signaling that the factory reset has begun.

The refrigerator will restart automatically. This takes 1 to 2 minutes. Once the display stabilizes, you will need to set your preferred temperatures again. Check your user manual or the sticker inside the fridge for the recommended settings (usually 37°F for fresh food and 0°F for frozen food). Adjust using the temperature buttons, then allow 4 to 6 hours for the unit to stabilize at the new settings before deciding whether the reset solved your problem.

Clearing Error Codes Without a Full Reset

Some error codes clear on their own once the condition that triggered them is resolved. For example, a "1E" code (evaporator sensor fault) may disappear if frost buildup on the sensor melts during a defrost cycle. A "5E" code (condenser fan error) may clear if the fan unsticks and resumes spinning.

If an error code persists after 24 hours, or if it returns immediately after a soft reset, the underlying cause is usually a faulty sensor or component, not a software glitch. In that case, a factory reset will not help. Note the exact code, the time it appeared, and what was happening when it appeared (ice maker running, door open, etc.), and contact Samsung support or a service technician with that information.

What to Check After a Reset

After either type of reset, spend a few minutes confirming that the refrigerator is working as expected. Open both doors and verify that the interior lights come on. Check that the compressor is running—you should hear a low hum from the back of the unit. Feel the back wall of the fridge section; it should be cool but not ice-cold to the touch.

Test the ice maker by pressing the dispenser button and listening for the motor to run and ice to drop. Test the water dispenser the same way. If your model has a display showing temperature, confirm that it matches the setting you chose. Leave the doors closed for 30 minutes, then check the temperature again to make sure it is holding steady.

If the display is still frozen, buttons still do not respond, or error codes reappear within an hour, the problem is not a software issue. Document what you see and contact Samsung support with the model number (RF26J7500SR) and a description of what is happening.

When to Call for Service Instead

A reset is a troubleshooting step, not a repair. If the refrigerator does not cool after a reset, if ice or water will not dispense, or if the same error code appears again within a few hours, the issue is a hardware failure. Common culprits include a faulty compressor, a clogged water line, a broken ice maker motor, or a failed sensor.

Before you call, have your model number and serial number ready—both are on a sticker inside the fridge, usually on the back wall or on the side wall near the top. Write down any error codes you see, the date they first appeared, and exactly what is not working. This information helps the technician diagnose the problem faster and order the right replacement part.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a reset erase my ice maker settings or turn it off?

A soft reset (power cycle) preserves your ice maker mode. A factory reset turns the ice maker back on and returns it to its default setting. If you had it set to off or to a specific mode, you will need to adjust it again after a factory reset.

How long should I wait after unplugging before plugging back in?

At least 5 minutes. This allows the control board capacitors to fully discharge. Plugging back in too quickly may not clear the error or frozen display you are trying to fix.

What if the display does not light up after I restore power?

Check that the breaker is fully in the ON position or that the plug is seated firmly in the outlet. If power is definitely on but the display remains dark, the control board or display panel may have failed. Contact Samsung support or a service technician.

Can I reset the refrigerator while it is running, or do I have to turn it off first?

You must turn off the power first. A soft reset requires a complete power loss. You cannot reset the unit by pressing buttons alone while it is running.

Do I need to empty the fridge before resetting?

No. A soft reset does not affect the temperature or the food inside. A factory reset will change the temperature settings back to defaults, but the food will remain safe during the reset process itself.