How to Reset Your Maytag Refrigerator When Something Goes Wrong

When and Why You Need to Reset Your Maytag

A reset clears temporary glitches—a frozen display, unresponsive buttons, or settings that won't stick—without erasing your saved preferences or turning the unit off completely. Most Maytag refrigerators have a soft reset (a quick fix you do at the control panel) and a hard reset (a full power cycle that takes longer but solves more stubborn problems). You do not need to reset your refrigerator during normal operation; reset only when the controls stop responding, the temperature display shows an error code, or the ice maker or water dispenser stops working despite being turned on.

The method depends on your model. Some Maytag refrigerators have a dedicated reset button on the control panel; others require you to hold down specific buttons in sequence. A few older models need you to flip a switch inside the fridge or unplug the unit entirely. Your owner's manual will show the exact location and sequence for your model—if you do not have the printed manual, you can find it on the Maytag website by entering your model number (printed on a sticker inside the fridge, usually on the wall behind the crisper drawers).

Key Takeaways

• A soft reset at the control panel fixes most display and button problems and takes less than a minute.
• A hard reset (unplugging for five minutes) solves deeper issues like temperature sensors not responding or error codes that persist.
• Your model number, found on the interior wall sticker, tells you exactly which reset method applies to your refrigerator.
• After any reset, wait at least 30 minutes before checking whether the ice maker or water dispenser works again.
• If the problem returns after a reset, the issue is likely a faulty sensor or control board, not a temporary glitch.

Soft Reset: Using the Control Panel Buttons

The soft reset is the first thing to try. On most current Maytag models, you hold down the Reset or Ice Maker Reset button for three to five seconds until you hear a beep or see the display flash. The exact button location varies: some models have it on the upper right of the control panel, others on the left side, and a few have it hidden under a small cover you lift first. Check your manual or the Maytag website for your specific model number to find the button location before you start.

If your model does not have a dedicated reset button, try holding down the Alarm or Power Freeze button for five seconds instead. Some Maytag refrigerators respond to holding Fridge and Freezer at the same time for three seconds. After the reset, the display may go blank for a few seconds, then return to normal. Your temperature settings usually stay in place; only temporary errors clear.

If the soft reset does not work—the display is still frozen, buttons still do not respond, or an error code returns within an hour—move to a hard reset.

Hard Reset: Power Cycling Your Refrigerator

A hard reset means cutting power to the entire unit and letting it sit. This clears the control board's memory and resets every sensor and circuit. Unplug the refrigerator from the wall outlet, or if it is hardwired, flip the circuit breaker that controls it to the Off position. Wait a full five minutes—do not rush this step, because the control board needs time to fully discharge.

After five minutes, plug the refrigerator back in or flip the breaker back to On. The display will light up, and you may hear the compressor start within a few seconds. The unit will beep once or twice as it powers up. Do not open the doors for at least 30 minutes; the refrigerator needs time to stabilize its temperature sensors and resume normal operation.

During those 30 minutes, the compressor may run continuously, and you might hear clicking or humming sounds as the control board reinitializes. This is normal. After 30 minutes, check that the display shows the correct temperature and that the ice maker or water dispenser (if you have one) responds when you press it.

Resetting the Ice Maker or Water Dispenser Separately

If only the ice maker or water dispenser is not working, you may be able to reset just that component without resetting the whole refrigerator. Most Maytag models have an Ice Maker Reset button on the control panel or inside the freezer compartment, usually near the ice maker itself. Press and hold it for three to five seconds until you hear a beep.

For the water dispenser, some models have a separate Water Dispenser Reset button; others require you to hold down the water temperature button (usually Water Cold or Water Temp) for five seconds. If your model does not have a dedicated button, a full hard reset of the refrigerator is the next step.

After resetting the ice maker or dispenser, wait at least 30 minutes before testing it again. The ice maker may take up to 24 hours to produce ice after a reset if the water line was recently connected or if the system is refilling.

What to Do If the Reset Does Not Work

If the problem persists after both a soft reset and a hard reset, the issue is not a temporary glitch. A frozen display that does not respond after a hard reset usually points to a faulty control board. An ice maker that still does not work after a reset may have a clogged water line, a failed inlet valve, or a broken sensor. An error code that returns within an hour after a reset often means a temperature sensor is failing.

At this point, you have two options: contact Maytag customer service with your model number and a description of the problem, or call a local appliance repair technician. Maytag's phone number and chat support are on their website. A repair technician can test individual components and replace the faulty part, which usually costs less than replacing the entire refrigerator.

Resetting Temperature and Other Saved Settings

A soft reset does not erase your temperature settings, ice maker on/off status, or other preferences you have saved. A hard reset (unplugging) may reset some settings to factory defaults, depending on your model. If your temperature settings return to 37°F for the fridge and 0°F for the freezer after a hard reset, you will need to adjust them again using the Fridge and Freezer buttons on the control panel.

Some Maytag models have a Settings or Menu button that opens a full settings screen where you can also adjust ice maker speed, water temperature, and door alarm volume. Check your manual for the exact steps for your model. If you cannot find your manual, the Maytag website has a searchable library organized by model number.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Wait at least five minutes. This gives the control board time to fully discharge and clear any stuck error codes. Plugging back in too quickly may not solve the problem. After you plug it back in, wait another 30 minutes before opening the doors or testing the ice maker and water dispenser.

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

A soft reset should not change your ice maker on/off status or speed setting. A hard reset (unplugging) may reset the ice maker to its factory default, which is usually On at normal speed. If it does not turn back on after a hard reset, use the Ice Maker Reset button or check the control panel to make sure it is set to On.

What does an error code mean, and will a reset clear it?

Error codes point to a specific problem: a temperature sensor failure, a water line issue, or a control board fault. A soft reset clears temporary error codes that appear once and do not return. If the same error code comes back after a reset, the underlying component is likely faulty and needs repair or replacement.

Can I reset my Maytag while it is still plugged in?

Yes, a soft reset (holding down a button on the control panel) works while the refrigerator is plugged in and running. A hard reset requires you to unplug it or flip the circuit breaker to fully power it down. You cannot do a hard reset while it is still connected to power.

How do I find my model number to look up the reset instructions?

Open the refrigerator and look at the wall inside, usually behind the crisper drawers or on the side wall. You will see a white or silver sticker with the model number printed on it (it starts with letters like MRT or MFI). Write down the full number and enter it into the search box on the Maytag website to find your manual and reset instructions.