How to Reset Your Refrigerator When Something Goes Wrong
When and Why You Might Need to Reset Your Refrigerator
A reset clears temporary errors, restores default settings, and often fixes display problems or unresponsive controls without erasing your saved temperatures or food safety settings. Most resets take under five minutes and require nothing but your hands—no tools, no service call, no parts replaced.
You need a reset when the display is frozen, the compressor won't start after a power outage, the ice maker stopped working for no clear reason, or the control panel is beeping but nothing else seems wrong. A reset is also the first troubleshooting step before you contact the manufacturer or a technician, because it rules out temporary glitches that fix themselves.
The reset process varies by model. Some refrigerators have a dedicated reset button. Others require you to hold down a specific combination of buttons for a set number of seconds. A few models reset only through the power cord. Your manual tells you which method your refrigerator uses—and that is the only method that will work reliably.
Key Takeaways
- Most refrigerators reset by holding a specific button or button combination for 3 to 10 seconds; check your manual for the exact method your model requires.
- A reset clears error codes and restores default settings but does not erase your saved temperature preferences or food safety data.
- If your refrigerator lost power, wait 5 minutes before resetting to let the system stabilize, then reset and wait another 5 minutes before expecting normal operation.
- After a reset, the compressor may take 30 minutes to an hour to restart and begin cooling again—this is normal and does not mean the reset failed.
- If the refrigerator still does not work after a reset, check the power outlet, the circuit breaker, and the door switch before contacting service.
Locate Your Manual and Find the Reset Instructions
Your refrigerator's manual is the only reliable source for the correct reset method. Manufacturers place reset buttons and button combinations in different locations depending on the model year and control panel design. Pressing the wrong button or holding the wrong combination can lock the controls or trigger a different function entirely.
Find your manual by searching the manufacturer's website with your model number. The model number is usually on a sticker inside the refrigerator—check the back wall, the top shelf, or the inside of the door. Write it down before you search. If the website does not have the manual, call the manufacturer's customer service line; they can email or mail you a copy or walk you through the reset over the phone.
Once you have the manual, search for "reset" in the table of contents or index. The reset instructions are usually in the troubleshooting section or under controls and settings. Read the entire reset paragraph before you start—some models require you to unplug the refrigerator first, while others require it to stay plugged in.
The Three Most Common Reset Methods
Most refrigerators use one of three reset approaches. The first is a dedicated reset button, usually labeled "Reset" or "Restart," often located on the control panel or inside the refrigerator near the ice maker. Press and hold it for 3 to 5 seconds, then release. The display may go blank for a moment, then return to normal.
The second method is a button combination. For example, you might hold the "Freezer" and "Refrigerator" buttons at the same time for 5 to 10 seconds, or press "Settings" and then "Reset" in sequence. The manual will specify the exact buttons and the duration. Count slowly to yourself or use a clock to time it accurately—holding for too short a time will not trigger the reset.
The third method is a power reset: unplug the refrigerator from the wall outlet, wait 5 to 10 minutes, then plug it back in. This method clears the system's memory and is often the most reliable when the control panel is completely unresponsive. After you plug it back in, wait another 5 minutes before expecting the compressor to start.
What Happens Immediately After a Reset
The display may go blank for a few seconds, then show the default temperature settings or a startup message. Some models beep once or twice to confirm the reset was successful. If the display stays blank or shows an error code after 30 seconds, the reset did not take—unplug the refrigerator, wait 5 minutes, and try again.
Your saved temperature settings are usually preserved during a reset, but some older models or models with a full power reset may return to factory defaults (typically 37°F for the refrigerator and 0°F for the freezer). Check your manual to confirm what your model does. If the temperatures reset to defaults, you will need to adjust them back to your preference using the control panel.
The compressor—the motor that cools the refrigerator—may not start immediately after a reset. This is normal. Wait 5 to 10 minutes. If the compressor still has not started after 30 minutes, check that the refrigerator is plugged in, the outlet has power (test it with a lamp), and the door switch is working (the light inside should turn on and off when you open and close the door).
Resetting After a Power Outage
If your refrigerator lost power during a storm or outage, do not reset it immediately when power returns. Wait 5 minutes first. The system needs time to stabilize and drain residual electricity. Resetting too quickly can confuse the control board and cause the compressor to fail to restart.
After 5 minutes, perform the reset using the method in your manual. Then wait another 5 minutes before you expect cooling to resume. The compressor will make a humming sound and may click or buzz as it restarts—these are normal sounds. The refrigerator will not reach safe temperature (below 40°F) for at least 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how long the power was out and how full the refrigerator is.
If the compressor does not start after a power outage reset, the outage may have damaged the compressor itself. This is rare but possible during a severe power surge. Contact the manufacturer or a service technician if the compressor does not hum or click within an hour of the reset.
Troubleshooting When a Reset Does Not Work
If the display is still frozen, unresponsive, or showing an error code after a reset, check three things before you assume the refrigerator is broken. First, confirm the refrigerator is plugged in and the outlet has power by plugging in a lamp or phone charger. If the outlet is dead, check the circuit breaker in your home's electrical panel and flip it back on if it has tripped.
Second, check the door switch. Open the refrigerator door and look for a small button or lever on the inside edge of the door frame. Press it with your finger—the interior light should turn off. If the light stays on, the door switch may be stuck or broken, and the refrigerator may not cool properly. A stuck door switch can also prevent the reset from taking effect.
Third, make sure you are using the correct reset method for your model. If you held a button for 5 seconds but the manual says 10 seconds, try again with the correct timing. If you are still unsure, call the manufacturer's customer service line with your model number and ask them to confirm the reset steps over the phone.
When to Contact a Technician Instead of Resetting
A reset is a safe first step and will not damage your refrigerator. However, if the refrigerator has a cracked control panel, visible water leaking from the bottom, or a burning smell coming from the back, do not reset it—unplug it and contact a service technician. These are signs of electrical or mechanical damage that a reset cannot fix.
If the compressor hums but the refrigerator does not cool after a reset, or if the compressor does not hum at all after waiting 30 minutes, the compressor itself may have failed. This is a repair that requires a technician and usually involves replacing the compressor or the entire sealed system. A reset will not restore cooling in this case.
Keep a record of what you tried—the date, the reset method, and what happened after. When you contact a technician or the manufacturer, this information helps them diagnose the problem faster and may save you time and money on the service call.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a reset erase my saved temperatures or ice maker settings?
Most modern refrigerators preserve your saved temperature settings during a reset. However, some older models or models that require a full power reset may return to factory defaults. Check your manual to confirm what your specific model does. If your temperatures reset to defaults, you can adjust them back using the control panel.
How long should I wait after resetting before the refrigerator starts cooling again?
The compressor may take 5 to 30 minutes to restart and begin cooling. This is normal. If the compressor has not started humming or clicking after 30 minutes, check that the refrigerator is plugged in and the outlet has power. If it is still not working, contact the manufacturer or a service technician.
Can I reset my refrigerator while it is still plugged in?
Yes, most refrigerators reset while plugged in using a button or button combination. However, some models require you to unplug the refrigerator first. Always check your manual before you reset—it will tell you whether to unplug or keep the refrigerator plugged in.
What if the reset button is not working or I cannot find it?
If you cannot locate the reset button or it does not respond, try the power reset method: unplug the refrigerator from the wall outlet, wait 5 to 10 minutes, then plug it back in. This method works on nearly all refrigerators. If the power reset does not work, contact the manufacturer's customer service line with your model number for guidance.
Is it safe to reset my refrigerator myself, or do I need a technician?
Resetting your refrigerator is safe and requires no special tools or training. It is the first troubleshooting step recommended by most manufacturers. You only need a technician if the refrigerator shows signs of damage (cracks, leaks, burning smell) or if it still does not work after a reset and a power outlet check.