How to Reset Your LG Refrigerator Ice Maker

Reset the ice maker in three steps using the control panel or the reset button

Most LG refrigerators have a reset button on the ice maker itself, usually located inside the freezer compartment on the side or back wall of the unit. Press and hold this button for three to five seconds until you hear a chime or see a light blink — that signals the ice maker is resetting. If your model does not have a physical button, you can reset it through the control panel on the door by navigating to Ice Maker settings and selecting Reset or Power Cycle. After either method, wait 24 hours for the ice maker to produce its first batch of ice.

Before you reset, check that water is flowing to the unit. Look at the water line connection behind the refrigerator — it should be firmly attached and not kinked or frozen. If the line is loose, turn off the water supply valve (usually under the sink or behind the fridge), tighten the connection by hand, and turn the water back on. A reset will not help if water cannot reach the ice maker.

If resetting does not work after 24 hours, the issue is usually a frozen water line, a clogged filter, or a faulty inlet valve — not a software problem. Those repairs require different steps and are covered in the sections below.

Key Takeaways

• The reset button is inside the freezer on the side or back wall; press and hold it for three to five seconds until you hear a chime.
• If there is no physical button, use the control panel on the door to navigate to Ice Maker settings and select Reset.
• Always check that the water line is connected and not frozen before resetting — a reset cannot fix a water supply problem.
• After resetting, wait a full 24 hours before assuming the ice maker is broken; it takes time to produce the first batch.
• If ice still does not appear after 24 hours, the problem is likely a frozen line, clogged filter, or inlet valve, not the reset itself.

Locate the reset button on your LG ice maker

The reset button location varies by LG model, but it is almost always inside the freezer compartment. Open the freezer door and look along the right or left side wall, or at the back near the top. The button is usually small, round, and recessed slightly into the plastic — you may need to use your fingernail or a pen to press it. Some models label it Reset; others simply show a small circle or dot.

If you cannot find a physical button after checking both side walls and the back, your model uses the control panel instead. Close the freezer and look at the digital display on the refrigerator door. Press Menu or Settings, then scroll to Ice Maker or Freezer options. The exact path depends on your model year, but most LG refrigerators group ice maker controls together in one menu.

Your refrigerator manual will show the exact location for your specific model. If you do not have the physical manual, search for your model number (printed on a sticker inside the fridge, usually on the side wall or back) on the LG website to download the PDF.

Press and hold the button until the ice maker responds

Once you have found the reset button, press and hold it firmly for three to five seconds. You are looking for one of these signals that the reset worked: a beep or chime from the ice maker, a light that blinks on the control panel, or a grinding sound as the ice maker motor engages. Do not release the button until you see or hear one of these signs.

If nothing happens after five seconds, release the button, wait 10 seconds, and try again. Sometimes the button needs a firmer press or a longer hold. If you are using the control panel menu instead, select Reset and confirm the choice when the screen asks you to verify.

After the reset completes, the ice maker will go silent. This is normal. It is now cycling through its startup sequence, which can take several minutes. Do not open the freezer door repeatedly during this time — let the unit stabilize.

Check the water supply line before waiting for ice

A reset only tells the ice maker to start working again; it does not fix a broken water supply. Before you wait 24 hours, verify that water can actually reach the ice maker. Turn off the refrigerator and pull it away from the wall far enough to see the back. Look for the water line — a thin plastic or copper tube connected to the back of the unit, usually near the bottom.

Follow the line from the refrigerator to where it connects to your home's water supply (often under the kitchen sink or in a basement). Check for kinks, cracks, or ice buildup on the line itself. If the line is kinked, straighten it gently. If it is cracked, it will need to be replaced — water will leak out, and the ice maker will not fill. If the line appears frozen solid, you may need to thaw it by wrapping it in a warm towel or running warm water over it.

At the connection point where the line meets the refrigerator, make sure the fitting is hand-tight. If it is loose, turn off the water supply valve first, then tighten the fitting by turning it clockwise. Turn the water back on and listen for a hissing sound, which would indicate a leak. If you hear one, tighten the fitting more or call a technician.

Wait 24 hours for the first batch of ice to form

After resetting, the ice maker needs time to fill its reservoir, freeze the water, and eject the first cubes. This process typically takes 12 to 24 hours, depending on your freezer temperature and the size of the ice maker. Do not assume the reset failed if no ice appears after one hour or even after eight hours.

During this waiting period, keep the freezer door closed as much as possible. Every time you open it, warm air enters and the freezer has to work harder to maintain temperature. If your freezer is set warmer than 0°F (–18°C), ice will take longer to form or may not form at all. Check the freezer temperature dial or digital display and make sure it is set to 0°F or colder.

If 24 hours have passed and you still see no ice, move on to the troubleshooting steps in the next section. At that point, the problem is not the reset — it is something blocking the water supply or a mechanical failure inside the ice maker.

Troubleshoot if ice does not appear after 24 hours

If the reset did not work, the most common cause is a clogged water filter. LG refrigerators have a water filter (usually located inside the fridge, in the upper right corner, or at the back) that catches sediment and minerals. A clogged filter blocks water from reaching the ice maker even if the line is connected. Locate your filter, note its model number, and replace it with a new one of the same type. Most filters cost between $30 and $60 and take less than five minutes to swap out.

The second most common cause is a frozen water line inside the freezer. If your freezer is very cold or if the refrigerator sits in a cold garage, the line can freeze solid. You cannot see this from outside because the line runs through the wall. To thaw it, turn off the refrigerator, remove the ice maker (usually held in by two screws), and pour warm (not boiling) water over the area where the line enters the ice maker. Wait 15 minutes and try the reset again.

If neither of these fixes works, the inlet valve — the part that opens to let water into the ice maker — may be faulty. This requires professional service. Contact LG support or a local appliance technician. Provide your model number and a description of what you have already tried.

Use the control panel reset if there is no physical button

Newer LG models often skip the physical reset button and use the digital control panel instead. To reset through the panel, press Menu on the door display, then navigate using the arrow buttons to find Ice Maker, Freezer Settings, or Appliance Settings — the exact name varies by model. Once you find the ice maker section, look for an option labeled Reset, Power Cycle, or Initialize.

Select that option and the panel will ask you to confirm. Press Yes or OK. The display may show a progress bar or countdown as the reset runs. When it finishes, you will see a confirmation message. The ice maker will then begin its startup cycle, and you should wait 24 hours as you would with a physical button reset.

If you cannot find the ice maker settings in the menu, consult your model's manual or search the LG support website for your specific model number. The control panel layout changes between model years, so the exact path to the reset option is different for each one.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Most LG ice makers produce their first batch of ice within 12 to 24 hours after a reset. If your freezer is set colder than 0°F, it may happen faster. If the freezer is warmer or if the water line is partially blocked, it can take longer. If no ice appears after 24 hours, check the water filter and water line connection.

Will resetting the ice maker erase my refrigerator settings?

No. Resetting the ice maker only restarts that component. Your temperature settings, door alarm, and other preferences remain unchanged. The reset is a soft restart, not a factory reset of the entire refrigerator.

What if I hear a grinding noise after resetting but no ice comes out?

A grinding noise means the ice maker motor is running, which is a good sign. The problem is likely that water is not reaching it. Check your water filter first — a clogged filter is the most common reason ice makers grind but produce nothing. If the filter is new or recently replaced, check the water line for kinks or frozen sections.

Can I reset the ice maker without turning off the refrigerator?

Yes. The reset button or control panel reset works while the refrigerator is running. You do not need to unplug it or turn it off. However, if you are thawing a frozen water line, you should turn off the refrigerator first to avoid water damage.

My LG refrigerator has no reset button and I cannot find the option in the menu. What do I do?

Some older or simpler LG models do not have a dedicated reset function. In that case, unplug the refrigerator for five minutes, then plug it back in. This forces a power cycle that often restarts the ice maker. If that does not work, the issue is likely a water supply problem or a mechanical fault that requires professional service.