How to Reset Your GE Refrigerator Ice Maker

Reset Your GE Ice Maker in Three Steps

Most GE refrigerators have an ice maker reset button on the unit itself—usually a small red or black switch on the side or bottom of the ice maker assembly inside the freezer. Press and hold it for three to five seconds, then release. The ice maker will click and begin its cycle. If nothing happens after 24 hours, the problem is likely not the reset but something upstream: water supply, temperature, or a stuck fill valve.

Before you reset, check two things. First, make sure your freezer is at 0°F or colder—ice makers do not work above that temperature. Second, confirm water is reaching the ice maker by looking for water in the fill cup (a small plastic cup at the back of the ice maker). If the cup is dry after 24 hours, water is not flowing, and resetting will not help.

Key Takeaways

• The reset button on a GE ice maker is a small red or black switch located on the ice maker itself, pressed for three to five seconds.
• Your freezer must be at 0°F or colder for the ice maker to work; if it is warmer, adjust the temperature control first.
• After resetting, wait 24 hours and check the fill cup for water; if it is dry, the water supply line or inlet valve needs attention, not another reset.
• If ice is jamming the dispenser or the ice maker arm is stuck, clear the blockage before resetting so the mechanism can cycle freely.

Locate the Reset Button on Your Ice Maker

The reset button location varies slightly by GE model, but it is always on the ice maker assembly itself, never on the refrigerator door or control panel. Open your freezer and look at the ice maker unit—it is usually a white or stainless plastic box mounted on the wall or in a corner. The button is typically a small red or black switch on the side facing the freezer interior, or sometimes on the bottom edge where you can reach it from below.

If you cannot find it, check your refrigerator's manual for your specific model number. The model number is printed on a sticker inside the refrigerator, usually on the back wall or on the side wall near the top. Search online for "[Your Model Number] ice maker reset" and you will find the exact location and any model-specific instructions. Some older GE models have the button in slightly different spots, and the manual will show you a diagram.

Check Freezer Temperature Before Resetting

An ice maker will not cycle if the freezer temperature is above 0°F. Before you reset, locate your freezer temperature control—usually a dial or digital display on the refrigerator's interior wall or on the front control panel. Set it to the coldest setting or to 0°F if your model has a digital display. Wait two to four hours for the freezer to reach that temperature, then check the ice maker.

If your freezer is already at 0°F or colder and the ice maker still is not working, temperature is not the issue. Move on to checking the water supply. A reset will not help if cold is not the problem.

Verify Water Is Reaching the Ice Maker

The ice maker has a small plastic fill cup at the back where water collects before freezing into ice. Open your freezer and look at the ice maker assembly—you will see a cup-shaped indent or a small white cup. After you reset the ice maker, wait 24 hours and check whether that cup has water in it. If it does, the water supply is working and ice should form. If it is dry, water is not flowing to the ice maker.

When the fill cup is dry, the problem is either a kinked or frozen water supply line, a clogged inlet valve, or a closed water shut-off valve. These are not reset issues. Check the water line behind your refrigerator for kinks or ice blockages. If the line looks clear, the inlet valve may need replacement—that is a job for a service technician or an experienced DIYer with the right part.

Clear Ice Jams and Stuck Mechanisms

Sometimes an ice maker will not cycle because ice has jammed the dispenser chute or the ice maker's ejector arm is stuck. Before resetting, open your freezer and look at the ice maker. If you see ice buildup around the ejector arm (the metal or plastic piece that pushes ice out) or if ice is blocking the chute, use a plastic scraper or a warm cloth to gently melt and remove it. Do not use a metal tool—you can crack the plastic housing.

Once the path is clear, press the reset button. The ice maker will cycle and eject any remaining ice. If jamming happens repeatedly, it usually means your freezer is too warm or humid, or the water inlet valve is leaking slightly and freezing ice in the wrong places. Lowering the freezer temperature to –2°F or colder can help, but repeated jamming often signals a valve problem that needs professional repair.

What to Do If the Reset Does Not Work

If you have reset the ice maker, waited 24 hours, confirmed the freezer is at 0°F or colder, and the fill cup still has no water, the issue is not the reset button. The water inlet valve, water line, or a control board failure is the likely cause. At this point, you have two paths: call a GE service technician or order a replacement inlet valve and install it yourself if you are comfortable with basic appliance repair.

A GE service call typically costs between $150 and $300 for diagnosis and repair, depending on your location and the part needed. A replacement inlet valve costs $30 to $80 and takes 15 to 30 minutes to swap out if you have basic tools and a YouTube guide for your model. Check your refrigerator's warranty—if it is less than a year old, GE will cover the repair at no cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for ice to appear after I reset the ice maker?

The ice maker will cycle within a few minutes of the reset, but it takes 24 to 48 hours for a full bin of ice to form. You may see a few cubes within 12 hours. If you see nothing after 48 hours, the water supply is not reaching the ice maker.

Can I reset the ice maker if the freezer is not cold enough?

You can press the button, but it will not help. The ice maker will not cycle or make ice until the freezer reaches 0°F or colder. Set your temperature control to the coldest setting and wait several hours before resetting.

What if the reset button is stuck or does not click?

A stuck button usually means ice or frost has frozen it in place. Use a warm cloth or a hair dryer on low heat to gently warm the button area for a minute, then try pressing it again. If it still will not move, do not force it—contact a service technician.

Does resetting the ice maker erase any settings on my refrigerator?

No. Resetting the ice maker only restarts the ice maker cycle. It does not affect your temperature settings, water filter status, or any other refrigerator functions.

Should I turn off the water supply before resetting?

No. Leave the water supply on. The reset button only restarts the ice maker's cycle; it does not affect the water line. Turning off the water will only delay ice production after the reset.