How to Turn On and Use Ice Plus on Your LG Refrigerator
What Ice Plus Does and When to Use It
Ice Plus is a feature on LG refrigerators that speeds up ice production by temporarily lowering the freezer temperature below its normal setting. When you press the Ice Plus button, the compressor works harder and the freezer gets colder for a few hours, which freezes water in the ice maker tray faster than usual. This is useful when you need extra ice quickly — for a party, after you've emptied the bin, or when the weather is hot and ice melts faster than it refills.
The feature turns itself off automatically after a set period, usually between 3 and 24 hours depending on your model. You do not have to remember to switch it off. While Ice Plus is running, your freezer will be noticeably colder, which is normal and safe — your frozen food will not be harmed by the temporary temperature drop.
Key Takeaways
- Ice Plus is a button on your LG refrigerator's control panel that speeds up ice production by lowering freezer temperature temporarily.
- Press the button once to turn it on; the feature shuts itself off automatically after several hours without any action from you.
- Your freezer will run colder while Ice Plus is active, which is safe and does not damage food or the appliance.
- Ice Plus uses more electricity than normal operation, so use it only when you actually need ice quickly rather than leaving it on all the time.
- If your model has an Ice Plus indicator light, it will glow while the feature is active so you know the system is working.
Locating the Ice Plus Button on Your Control Panel
The Ice Plus button is located on the refrigerator's exterior control panel, usually on the front of the fridge door or on the wall-mounted panel above the fresh food compartment. On most LG models made in the last ten years, it is grouped with other ice maker controls — you may see buttons labeled "Ice Off," "Crushed Ice," "Cubed Ice," or "Water." The Ice Plus button itself is often marked with a snowflake symbol or the words "Ice Plus" printed directly on it.
If you cannot find the button by looking at the panel, open your refrigerator door and look at the upper right or left corner of the interior wall — some models have the control panel mounted inside rather than outside. Your model number, printed on a sticker inside the fridge or on the back wall, can be entered into LG's website to view a diagram showing exactly where each button sits on your specific refrigerator.
How to Turn Ice Plus On
Press the Ice Plus button once with a firm, deliberate touch. You should hear a beep or see a light turn on near the button, confirming that the system has registered your input. Some models display "Ice Plus" or a snowflake icon on a small screen on the control panel; others simply light up the button itself. If nothing happens after you press it, wait a few seconds and press again — the control panel sometimes needs a moment to respond.
Once activated, Ice Plus will run continuously in the background. You do not need to press it again or monitor it. The compressor will work harder, and you may notice the refrigerator is slightly louder than normal or that you hear more frequent cycling sounds. This is expected behavior and means the system is working as designed.
How Long Ice Plus Runs and When It Stops
Ice Plus typically runs for 3 to 24 hours depending on your LG model — check your user manual for the exact duration on your refrigerator. During this time, the freezer temperature drops to around −4°F (−20°C) or lower, compared to the standard −0°F (−18°C) setting. The ice maker will produce ice much faster than it normally would.
The feature shuts off automatically when the timer expires. You will not see a notification or hear an alert; the system simply returns to your normal freezer temperature setting. If you want to turn Ice Plus off before the timer runs out, press the Ice Plus button again — a second press will deactivate it immediately, and the freezer will return to its regular temperature within a few minutes.
Energy Use and When to Actually Use Ice Plus
Ice Plus increases your refrigerator's electricity consumption while it is running because the compressor works continuously at higher capacity instead of cycling on and off as needed. Over the course of a few hours, this can add a noticeable amount to your electric bill. For this reason, use Ice Plus only when you genuinely need extra ice quickly, not as a permanent setting.
Good times to use Ice Plus include the day before a gathering where you will serve cold drinks, after you have emptied the ice bin and want it refilled within a few hours, or during a heat wave when ice melts faster than the ice maker can replace it. Avoid leaving Ice Plus on continuously or using it every single day — the energy cost and wear on the compressor add up over time. If you find yourself needing Ice Plus constantly, your ice maker may not be producing enough ice under normal conditions, which could signal a problem with water pressure or the ice maker itself.
Troubleshooting Ice Plus When It Does Not Seem to Work
If you press Ice Plus and nothing happens, first check that the ice maker itself is turned on. Look for an "Ice Off" button or switch on your control panel — if it is active, the ice maker is disabled and Ice Plus cannot function. Press "Ice On" or the equivalent button to enable the ice maker, then try Ice Plus again.
If the ice maker is on but Ice Plus still does not activate, check that water is flowing to the refrigerator. Look under the sink or behind the fridge for the water supply line — it should be connected and the shut-off valve should be open (turned counterclockwise). If the water supply is fine, the control panel itself may need a reset. Unplug the refrigerator for 5 minutes, then plug it back in and try the Ice Plus button again. If it still does not work after these steps, the button or the control board may be faulty and you should contact LG service.
Reading the Indicator Light and Confirming Ice Plus Is Active
Most LG refrigerators have a small light or icon on the control panel that glows or displays while Ice Plus is running. This light is usually blue, green, or white and may be labeled "Ice Plus" or show a snowflake symbol. If you see this light on after pressing the button, the feature is definitely active and working.
If your model does not have a visible indicator light, you can confirm Ice Plus is running by feeling the freezer temperature — it will be noticeably colder than usual — or by listening for increased compressor activity. You can also check your ice maker tray after 30 minutes to 1 hour; if ice is forming faster than it normally does, Ice Plus is working correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Ice Plus damage my refrigerator or freeze my food solid?
No. Ice Plus is designed to lower the freezer temperature safely within a range the appliance can handle. Your frozen food will remain safe and edible. The compressor and cooling system are built to run at this higher capacity for short periods without damage.
Can I leave Ice Plus on all the time?
You can, but it is not recommended. Continuous use increases electricity costs and puts unnecessary wear on the compressor. Use Ice Plus only when you need ice quickly, then let it turn off automatically or press the button again to deactivate it.
Why is my ice maker not producing ice even with Ice Plus on?
Check that water is connected to the refrigerator and flowing freely. Look for a kinked or frozen water line behind the fridge, or a clogged water filter. If water is flowing but no ice forms, the ice maker itself may be faulty and need service from LG.
Does Ice Plus use a lot of extra electricity?
Ice Plus increases energy use while it runs because the compressor works harder. The exact amount depends on how long you leave it on and your local electricity rates. Using it for a few hours occasionally has a small impact; using it daily or continuously will be noticeable on your bill.
What if my LG refrigerator does not have an Ice Plus button?
Older LG models and some budget models do not include this feature. Check your user manual to confirm. If your model has an ice maker but no Ice Plus button, you cannot speed up ice production — the ice maker will run at its standard rate.