How to Fix an Ice Maker on a Samsung Refrigerator

Start with the simplest checks before you call for service

Most Samsung ice maker problems come from three things: the water supply line is frozen or kinked, the ice maker itself is turned off, or the freezer temperature has drifted above 0°F. Before you schedule a service call, spend ten minutes checking these three points. You can fix all of them yourself, and you will know right away whether the problem is something you can handle or something that needs a technician.

The ice maker sits in the upper right corner of your freezer compartment on most Samsung models. It has a small plastic arm or paddle on the front. If that arm is in the up position, the ice maker is off — push it down to turn it on. That single step solves the problem for many people who think their ice maker is broken.

Key Takeaways

• Push the ice maker arm down to turn it on; if it is up, the ice maker is deliberately switched off and will not produce ice.
• Check that the freezer temperature is set to 0°F or below by looking at the control panel or the SmartThings app, because ice makers stop working above that threshold.
• Look for a kinked or frozen water supply line behind the refrigerator; a kink blocks water flow, and ice inside the line stops water from reaching the ice maker.
• If water is leaking inside the freezer or pooling under the refrigerator, the water line may have a crack or the inlet valve may be stuck open.
• A clogged water filter reduces water pressure to the ice maker and can cause it to make small ice or stop making ice altogether.

Check the freezer temperature and the ice maker switch

Samsung ice makers will not produce ice if the freezer temperature is above 0°F. Open your freezer and look at the temperature display on the control panel inside the door, or open the SmartThings app on your phone if your model is connected. The display should show 0°F or lower — most people set it to –4°F or –5°F for best results.

If the temperature is higher than 0°F, adjust the dial or use the app to lower it. The freezer will take 4 to 6 hours to reach the new temperature, so wait that long before you assume the ice maker is still broken. If the temperature is already at 0°F or below and the ice maker arm is down, move on to checking the water supply line.

Inspect the water supply line for kinks and ice blockages

The water line that feeds your ice maker runs from the wall or floor behind the refrigerator to the back of the unit. Unplug the refrigerator, pull it away from the wall, and look at the line. If it is kinked, bent sharply, or coiled tightly, straighten it gently. A kinked line blocks water flow even if there is no visible crack.

Feel the line with your hand — it should be cool but not rock hard. If it feels frozen solid or has ice visible on the outside, the line has frozen. This happens when the refrigerator sits against an outside wall in winter or when the temperature is set too low. Unplug the refrigerator and let it sit for 30 minutes, then use a hair dryer on low heat to warm the line from the outside. Do not use boiling water or a heat gun, which can crack the plastic.

After you have straightened any kinks and thawed any ice, plug the refrigerator back in and wait 4 to 6 hours for the ice maker to produce its first batch. If water starts leaking from the line during this time, the line has a crack and will need to be replaced — that is a job for a Samsung service technician.

Replace or clean the water filter

A clogged water filter reduces the water pressure reaching the ice maker. Samsung refrigerators have a water filter cartridge that sits either inside the refrigerator (usually in the upper right corner of the fridge compartment) or behind the grille at the bottom front. Check your model's manual to find yours.

If your filter has not been changed in six months or longer, replace it now. Buy a genuine Samsung filter or a certified third-party replacement that matches your model number. The model number is printed on the old filter or in your manual. Twist the old filter counterclockwise to remove it, then twist the new one clockwise until it stops. Run water through the dispenser for 30 seconds to flush air from the line.

If you have changed the filter recently, the new one may be defective or installed incorrectly. Remove it, check that the rubber seal is seated properly, and reinstall it. If the ice maker still does not work, try running the dispenser again — sometimes air pockets in the line prevent water from reaching the ice maker for the first hour after a filter change.

Look for water leaks inside the freezer or under the refrigerator

Water pooling inside the freezer or dripping under the refrigerator usually means the water line has a crack or the inlet valve (the part that opens and closes to let water in) is stuck open. Both of these require a service call — you cannot patch a line safely, and the inlet valve is inside the refrigerator where you cannot reach it.

Before you call, take a photo of the leak and note where it is coming from. If water is dripping from the ice maker itself, the problem may be a clogged drain line inside the ice maker, which a technician can clear. If water is pooling under the refrigerator, the leak is in the supply line or the inlet valve, and the line or valve will need to be replaced.

Reset the ice maker if it is stuck or making small ice

If the ice maker is running but making very small ice cubes or not filling the bin, try a reset. Unplug the refrigerator for 10 seconds, then plug it back in. This clears the ice maker's memory and forces it to start a new cycle.

If the ice maker is stuck in the down position or the arm will not move, do not force it. The gears inside may be jammed, and forcing the arm can break the plastic. Unplug the refrigerator, wait 30 minutes, and plug it back in. If the arm still will not move after the reset, the ice maker assembly needs to be replaced by a technician.

When to call Samsung service

Call a Samsung service technician if you have checked the temperature, the arm, the water line, and the filter and the ice maker still does not work. Also call if you see water leaking from the line, if the arm is stuck, or if the ice maker is running but producing almost no ice after a full 24-hour cycle.

Have your refrigerator model number ready when you call. It is printed on a sticker inside the fridge, usually on the wall above the top shelf. Samsung's customer service line can schedule a technician visit and may be able to walk you through additional troubleshooting steps specific to your model.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for a new ice maker to start making ice?

After you turn on the ice maker or install a new one, allow 4 to 6 hours for the first batch of ice to freeze and drop into the bin. The first few batches may be small or misshapen as the system fills with water and reaches the correct temperature. If no ice appears after 24 hours, the water line is likely blocked or the ice maker is not receiving power.

Can I use the ice dispenser while the ice maker is running?

Yes, but using the dispenser frequently can slow down ice production because water is being diverted away from the ice maker. If you need a lot of ice, let the ice maker run for 24 hours without using the dispenser, then use it as needed. The ice maker will continue to refill the bin as you empty it.

What temperature should I set my Samsung freezer to for the ice maker?

Set the freezer to 0°F or lower. Most people use –4°F to –5°F for the best balance of ice production and energy use. Do not set it below –10°F unless you are storing food long-term; colder temperatures use more electricity and can make ice cubes too hard to dispense.

Why is my ice maker making ice but the dispenser is not working?

The ice maker and the dispenser are separate systems. If ice is in the bin but nothing comes out when you press the dispenser button, the dispenser motor or the chute may be blocked by ice or debris. Try pressing and holding the dispenser button for 10 seconds to see if the motor engages. If you hear a grinding sound but no ice comes out, the chute is likely clogged and needs to be cleared by a technician.

Does my water filter affect the ice maker?

Yes. A clogged filter reduces water pressure to both the ice maker and the water dispenser. If your ice maker suddenly starts making small ice or stops making ice, and you have not changed the filter in six months, replace it first. A new filter often restores normal ice production within a few hours.