How to Turn Off Your Refrigerator's Ice Maker

The fastest way to stop ice production

Most refrigerators have an ice maker shut-off switch located inside the freezer compartment, usually on the side wall or on the ice maker unit itself. Look for a small lever or button — it is often labeled "On/Off" or has an arrow pointing up and down. Push or flip it to the "Off" position. The ice maker will stop producing new ice within a few hours, though cubes already in the bin will remain until you empty them.

If you cannot find a physical switch, your refrigerator may have a control panel on the front or inside the fridge door. Check for an "Ice Maker" or "Freezer" setting and look for an option to turn it off. Some models use a dial; others use buttons. Your refrigerator's manual will show you the exact location and how it looks on your model.

Turning off the ice maker does not affect the freezer's ability to keep food cold. The freezer will continue to run normally and maintain its temperature.

Key Takeaways

• The ice maker switch is usually a small lever inside the freezer, often on the side wall or directly on the ice maker itself.
• Pushing or flipping the switch to "Off" stops new ice production within hours, but existing ice cubes remain in the bin.
• Some refrigerators have electronic controls on the front panel or door instead of a physical switch — check your manual to find yours.
• Turning off the ice maker does not reduce cooling power or affect how cold your freezer stays.
• If you cannot locate the switch, the model number on your refrigerator's nameplate will help you find the manual online.

Finding the switch on your specific model

The location of the ice maker switch varies by brand and age. On older refrigerators, the switch is almost always a simple lever mounted directly on the ice maker assembly — look along the left or right wall of the freezer, roughly at eye level. On newer models, especially those with digital displays, the control may be a button on the front panel labeled "Ice Maker" or "Ice On/Off."

If you have a side-by-side refrigerator, check the freezer compartment's interior wall first. If you have a top-freezer model, the switch is typically on the left or right wall inside the freezer box. Bottom-freezer models often have the switch on the front of the ice maker unit itself, which may be easier to spot.

Your refrigerator's manual is the fastest way to confirm. The manual shows a diagram of your exact model with the switch location marked. If you no longer have the printed manual, search online for your refrigerator's model number — it is printed on a sticker inside the fridge, usually on the back wall or on the side of the freezer compartment. Most manufacturers post manuals as free PDFs on their websites.

Why you might want to turn off the ice maker

Ice makers use water and electricity to run, so turning one off can reduce your water consumption and lower your electric bill slightly. The savings are modest — typically a few dollars per month — but they add up over time, especially if you rarely use ice or have a large household that does not go through it quickly.

Turning off the ice maker also prevents the water line from freezing in very cold climates or if your freezer temperature is set unusually low. If you notice frost buildup in the ice maker or water leaking from it, shutting it off can stop the problem while you investigate the cause.

Some people turn off the ice maker temporarily during maintenance or cleaning, or if they are leaving home for an extended period and do not want stale ice sitting in the bin.

What happens after you turn it off

Once you flip the switch to "Off," the ice maker stops its cycle immediately. It will not try to make new ice, but any cubes already in the bin will stay there. You can leave them or empty the bin manually — they will not harm anything if left alone.

The water line to the ice maker remains full but inactive. If you turn the ice maker back on later, it will resume operation on its next cycle, usually within 15 to 30 minutes. There is no warm-up period or special restart procedure needed.

If the ice maker was leaking or making noise, you should notice the problem stop right away. If it does not, the issue may be elsewhere in the freezer or refrigerator, and you may need to check the water line or call a technician.

Turning the ice maker back on

To restart the ice maker, simply flip or push the switch back to the "On" position. If your model has electronic controls, press the "Ice Maker" button or select "On" from the menu. The ice maker will begin its cycle within 15 to 30 minutes and should produce its first batch of ice within 2 to 4 hours, depending on your freezer temperature and the model.

If the ice maker does not start after you turn it back on, check that the water line is connected and not kinked. Also verify that your freezer temperature is set to 0°F (−18°C) or colder — ice makers do not work if the freezer is too warm. If the water line is connected and the temperature is correct, wait another hour before assuming there is a problem.

Troubleshooting if you cannot find the switch

If you have searched the freezer compartment and the front panel and still cannot locate an on/off switch, your refrigerator may have a different control method. Some older models do not have a dedicated switch — instead, you turn off the ice maker by closing a water valve under the sink or behind the refrigerator. Check under the sink first for a small valve labeled "Ice Maker" or "Refrigerator Water."

Another possibility is that your model uses a control board inside the refrigerator that requires you to hold down a button for several seconds to toggle the ice maker on and off. Check your manual for the exact button and hold time.

If you still cannot locate the control, write down your refrigerator's model number and search for the manual online. The manual will include a diagram showing the exact location and how to operate it. Most manufacturers' websites have a search tool where you can enter your model number and download the PDF instantly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will turning off the ice maker affect how cold my freezer gets?

No. The ice maker is a separate component that does not control the freezer's cooling system. Turning it off will not change your freezer temperature or how well it keeps food frozen. Your freezer will continue to maintain its set temperature normally.

Can I turn off the ice maker without turning off the whole refrigerator?

Yes. The ice maker switch controls only the ice maker, not the refrigerator or freezer. You can turn off the ice maker and leave everything else running. The water line will remain connected, but no new ice will be made.

How much money will I save by turning off the ice maker?

The savings depend on how often you use ice and your local electricity and water rates. Most households save between $2 and $10 per month. If you rarely use ice, the savings may be higher. If you use ice daily, the savings will be minimal.

What if my ice maker switch is stuck or broken?

If the switch will not move or feels damaged, do not force it — you may break it further. You can shut off the water supply to the ice maker by closing the valve under the sink or behind the refrigerator. This will stop ice production without damaging the switch. Contact a technician if you need the switch repaired.

Do I need to drain the water line after turning off the ice maker?

No. The water line will remain pressurized but inactive. You do not need to drain it or do anything special. When you turn the ice maker back on, it will resume operation normally. Draining is only necessary if you are disconnecting the water line permanently.