How to Reset Your Samsung Refrigerator Ice Maker
Reset the Ice Maker in Three Steps
The fastest way to reset a Samsung ice maker is to find the reset button inside the freezer, press and hold it for three to five seconds, then release. On most Samsung models, this button is a small red or black switch located on the ice maker itself—usually on the front or side facing into the freezer compartment. After you release it, you will hear a chime or see a light blink, which means the reset has started.
If you cannot find a physical reset button, or if pressing it does not solve the problem, you can perform a full system reset by turning off the refrigerator at the wall outlet for ten minutes, then turning it back on. This clears the control board and forces the ice maker to restart its cycle. Wait at least 24 hours after a reset before you expect ice to appear in the bin—the ice maker needs time to fill the mold, freeze the cubes, and eject them.
Key Takeaways
- The ice maker reset button is a small red or black switch on the ice maker itself, usually visible when you open the freezer door.
- Press and hold the reset button for three to five seconds; you should hear a chime or see a light to confirm the reset worked.
- If there is no reset button or it does not work, unplug the refrigerator for ten minutes, then plug it back in to reset the whole system.
- Do not expect ice to appear for at least 24 hours after a reset, because the ice maker must refill and refreeze.
- A reset clears temporary errors but does not fix mechanical problems like a frozen water line or a broken ejector arm.
Locate the Reset Button on Your Samsung Model
The reset button location varies slightly between Samsung refrigerator models, but it is always on the ice maker unit itself, not on the refrigerator door or control panel. Open your freezer door and look at the ice maker—it is usually a white or stainless-steel box mounted on the wall or in the corner. The button is typically a small, recessed switch on the front or the side of that box, sometimes labeled "Reset" or "Test."
If you have a Samsung model with an ice maker inside a drawer or bin, the reset button may be on the back or underside of the drawer. Pull the drawer out gently and look for the button before you try to press it. Some newer Samsung models have the button hidden under a small plastic cover that you can pry open with your fingernail.
Check your refrigerator's manual if you still cannot find it—the manual will have a diagram showing exactly where the button is on your specific model. You can find the manual by searching "Samsung [your model number] manual" online; the model number is usually on a sticker inside the refrigerator, on the back wall or under the top shelf.
What Happens When You Press the Reset Button
When you hold down the reset button, you are telling the ice maker's control board to stop what it is doing and start over. The ice maker will drain any water in the mold, reset its timer, and prepare to begin a new freeze cycle. You should hear a single chime or beep, or see a light on the ice maker flash once—this is the confirmation that the reset command went through.
After the reset, the ice maker will not produce ice immediately. It must first fill the mold with water from the supply line, which takes a few minutes. Then it freezes that water, which takes several hours depending on your freezer temperature. Finally, it ejects the cubes into the bin. The whole cycle usually takes 90 minutes to two hours per batch, so you may not see new ice for 24 hours or longer if the bin was empty.
Try a Full Power Reset If the Button Does Not Work
If pressing the reset button does not produce a chime or light, or if ice still does not appear after 24 hours, perform a full power reset. Unplug the refrigerator from the wall outlet—do not just turn it off with the control panel. Leave it unplugged for at least ten minutes. This gives the control board time to discharge completely and forget any error codes it may have stored.
After ten minutes, plug the refrigerator back in and close the door. The control panel will light up and the compressor will start running again. Wait another 24 hours before you expect ice, because the system needs time to stabilize and the ice maker needs to complete a full cycle. If ice still does not appear, the problem is likely not a simple error that a reset can fix.
When a Reset Will Not Solve the Problem
A reset clears temporary glitches in the ice maker's control board, but it cannot fix physical damage or blockages. If your ice maker still does not produce ice after you have reset it and waited 24 hours, check for these common problems: a frozen or kinked water line, a clogged water filter, a broken ejector arm, or a faulty water inlet valve.
Look inside the freezer and see if there is ice buildup around the water line connection or inside the mold itself. If the mold is full of solid ice and the cubes are not ejecting, the ejector arm may be stuck or broken. If the mold is empty and dry, the water line may be frozen or disconnected. These problems require repair or replacement parts, not a reset.
You can also check whether the ice maker is turned on. Some Samsung models have an on/off switch or a control panel setting that disables the ice maker. Look for an "Ice Maker" or "Ice Off" button on the refrigerator's front panel or inside the freezer, and make sure it is set to "On."
Prevent Ice Maker Problems Between Resets
Keep your ice maker running smoothly by replacing the water filter every six months, or sooner if your water is hard or heavily chlorinated. A clogged filter reduces water pressure and can cause the mold to fill slowly or not at all. The filter is usually located inside the refrigerator, either in the grille at the bottom front or in the upper right corner behind a panel.
Make sure the freezer temperature is set to 0°F or below. If it is warmer than that, ice will not freeze properly and the cubes may stick together or melt. Check the temperature with a simple freezer thermometer, which costs a few dollars and takes the guesswork out of troubleshooting.
Do not block the ice maker with food or containers. The ejector arm needs clear space to push cubes into the bin, and the mold needs air circulation to freeze evenly. If you store a lot of frozen food, make sure the ice maker is not buried under boxes or bags.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for ice to appear after I reset the ice maker?
You should expect to wait at least 24 hours. The ice maker must fill the mold with water, freeze it solid (which takes several hours), and then eject the cubes. If the bin was empty, you may not see ice for even longer. If no ice appears after 48 hours, the problem is not a simple reset issue.
Will resetting the ice maker erase my refrigerator settings?
A reset of just the ice maker button will not change your temperature settings or other preferences. A full power reset (unplugging the whole refrigerator) may reset the control panel to factory defaults, so you may need to adjust the temperature again afterward. Check your manual to see what settings your model stores.
Can I reset the ice maker while the refrigerator is running?
Yes. You can press the reset button at any time without turning off the refrigerator. The ice maker will stop its current cycle and start a new one. You do not need to unplug anything unless the button reset does not work and you decide to do a full power reset.
What if the reset button is stuck or will not click?
A stuck button usually means ice or frost has built up around it. Use a plastic spoon or butter knife to gently scrape away any ice, then try pressing the button again. Do not use a metal tool or force it, because you can break the button. If it still will not click after you clear the ice, try the full power reset instead.
Do I need to turn off the ice maker before I reset it?
No. You can reset the ice maker while it is running. The reset will interrupt whatever cycle it is in and start a new one. If you want to turn off the ice maker completely, look for an "Ice Off" button or switch on your model, which is different from a reset.