How to Reset Your Frigidaire Refrigerator When Something Goes Wrong
When and Why You Need to Reset Your Frigidaire
A reset clears temporary glitches—a frozen display, unresponsive buttons, or settings that changed on their own—without erasing your saved temperatures or food storage preferences. Most Frigidaire models have a reset button or a reset sequence you can perform in under a minute. You do not need a technician for this step, and it often solves the problem before you have to call one.
Reset your Frigidaire if the control panel is dark or unresponsive, if the compressor runs constantly but the fridge does not cool, if the ice maker stopped working without a power outage, or if you see an error code on the display. A reset is also the first troubleshooting step after a power failure, because the refrigerator's memory can get confused about what temperature it should maintain.
Key Takeaways
- Most Frigidaire refrigerators reset by holding the control panel's reset button for three to five seconds, or by pressing a specific button combination listed in your model's manual.
- A soft reset (holding a button) clears temporary errors without changing your temperature settings, while a hard reset (unplugging for five minutes) erases all settings and should only be used as a last resort.
- After a reset, your refrigerator will return to factory default temperatures—usually 37°F for the fridge and 0°F for the freezer—so you will need to adjust them back to your preference.
- If the refrigerator still does not respond after a reset, check that the power cord is fully plugged in and the outlet works by testing it with another appliance.
Locate Your Model Number and Find the Reset Instructions
Your Frigidaire model number is printed on a sticker inside the refrigerator, usually on the wall behind the crisper drawers or on the back wall near the top. Write it down or take a photo. The model number looks like a string of letters and numbers—for example, FFHS2622MS or FFTR1814TW.
Open your refrigerator manual and search for "reset" or "control panel." Most Frigidaire manuals include a one-page section that shows exactly which button to press and for how long. If you do not have the physical manual, visit Frigidaire's website, enter your model number in their support section, and download the PDF. The manual will also show you where the reset button is located on your specific control panel, because button placement varies between models.
Perform a Soft Reset Using the Control Panel
A soft reset is the safest first step. It clears temporary errors without erasing your temperature settings or other saved preferences. On most Frigidaire models, you will find a small reset button on the control panel itself, or you will press and hold a specific button combination.
For models with a dedicated reset button: locate it on the control panel (often near the bottom or to the side), press and hold it for three to five seconds, then release. You may hear a beep or see the display flash. Wait 30 seconds for the refrigerator to restart. The display should light up and show your current temperature settings.
For models without a visible reset button: check your manual for the button sequence. Common sequences include holding the "Power Cool" and "Power Freeze" buttons together for five seconds, or pressing "Alarm Reset" and holding it for three seconds. Follow the exact sequence in your manual, because it varies by model year and control panel design.
Try a Hard Reset If the Soft Reset Does Not Work
A hard reset means unplugging the refrigerator from the wall outlet and leaving it unplugged for five minutes. This clears the refrigerator's memory completely and resets it to factory defaults. Use this only if the soft reset did not work, because you will lose all your custom settings and have to reprogram the temperature and any other features.
Unplug the power cord from the outlet. If the cord is hard-wired into the wall (no plug), turn off the circuit breaker that controls the refrigerator for five minutes instead. Wait the full five minutes—this gives the refrigerator's control board time to discharge completely. Plug the cord back in or flip the breaker back on. The display should light up within a few seconds. You will see the factory default temperatures (usually 37°F for the fridge and 0°F for the freezer) and may hear the compressor start up.
Adjust Temperature Settings After a Reset
After any reset, your Frigidaire will be set to factory defaults. The refrigerator section will be at 37°F and the freezer at 0°F. These are safe temperatures for food storage, but you may want to adjust them to match your previous settings or your preference.
Use the temperature buttons or dial on your control panel to set the fridge to between 35°F and 38°F (most households use 37°F) and the freezer to 0°F or below. Refer to your manual for the exact button sequence to change temperature, because it differs by model. After you adjust the settings, wait two to four hours before opening the doors frequently, so the refrigerator can stabilize at the new temperature.
Check Power and Outlet if the Reset Does Not Help
If the refrigerator still does not respond after a soft reset and a hard reset, the problem may not be a software glitch. Check that the power cord is fully inserted into the outlet—push it in firmly until you feel it seat. Look for any visible damage to the cord itself, such as cuts, burns, or exposed wires. Do not use the refrigerator if the cord is damaged; call a technician instead.
Test the outlet by plugging in another appliance—a lamp, phone charger, or coffee maker. If the other appliance does not turn on, the outlet is dead. Flip the circuit breaker for that outlet off and back on, then try again. If the outlet still does not work, you may have a tripped breaker or a wiring problem, and you should contact an electrician. If the outlet works but the refrigerator still does not, the control board or compressor may have failed, and you will need a service call.
Document Your Settings for Next Time
After you have reset and adjusted your refrigerator, take a photo of the control panel showing your preferred temperature settings. Keep this photo in your phone or with your manual. If you ever need to reset again, you will know exactly what settings to return to instead of guessing.
Also note the date and what triggered the reset—a power outage, a frozen display, or an error code. Over time, a pattern may emerge that helps you or a technician diagnose a recurring problem. If your Frigidaire needs a reset more than once every few months, there may be an underlying electrical or control board issue worth investigating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a reset erase my ice maker settings or water filter status?
A soft reset will not erase these settings. A hard reset (unplugging for five minutes) will reset the ice maker to its default state and may clear the water filter reminder, so you will need to reprogram the filter replacement date if your model tracks it. Check your manual to see whether your specific model stores these in memory.
How long does it take for the fridge to cool down after a reset?
After a soft reset, the refrigerator should begin cooling within a few minutes and reach the set temperature within two to four hours. After a hard reset, allow the same timeframe. If it is not cooling after six hours, the reset did not solve the problem and you should contact a technician.
Can I reset my Frigidaire while it is plugged in?
Yes. A soft reset (pressing the reset button or button combination) works while the refrigerator is plugged in and running. A hard reset requires you to unplug it or turn off the breaker. Never attempt to reset by unplugging and replugging rapidly—always wait the full five minutes.
What if the control panel is completely dark and will not respond to any button press?
First, confirm the outlet is working by plugging in another appliance. If the outlet is dead, reset the circuit breaker. If the outlet works but the panel stays dark, try a hard reset by unplugging for five minutes. If the panel is still dark after that, the control board may have failed and you will need a service call.
Do I need to remove food from the fridge before resetting?
No. A soft reset takes only a few seconds and does not interrupt cooling. A hard reset (unplugging for five minutes) will cause the temperature to rise slightly, but food will remain safe during that short time. You do not need to empty the refrigerator for either type of reset.