What Ice Plus Does on Your LG Refrigerator and When to Use It

Ice Plus turns on your ice maker's fastest freezing cycle

Ice Plus is a button or setting on LG refrigerators that tells the ice maker to run at maximum power for a set period — usually 24 to 48 hours. It freezes water faster than the normal cycle, so you get more ice cubes in less time. The setting then turns itself off automatically, returning the ice maker to its regular schedule.

You'll find the Ice Plus button on the control panel inside your fridge, often near the ice and water dispenser controls. On some models it's labeled "Rapid Ice" or "Ice Max" instead. The exact location depends on your LG model — check your user manual for the precise spot on yours.

When you press it, the compressor works harder and the freezer temperature drops lower than normal. This extra cooling power is directed toward the ice maker's water supply line and mold. The trade-off is that your freezer compartment will also run colder during this time, which uses more electricity.

Key Takeaways

• Ice Plus runs your ice maker at maximum speed for 24 to 48 hours, then shuts off on its own — you do not need to turn it off manually.
• Use Ice Plus when you need extra ice quickly, such as before a party or after the ice bin has been emptied.
• The setting makes your freezer run colder and uses more electricity, so it is not meant to stay on all the time.
• Ice Plus does not damage your refrigerator or ice maker when used occasionally, but leaving it on continuously can wear components faster and raise your power bill.

When to turn on Ice Plus

Turn on Ice Plus a few hours before you expect to need extra ice. If you are hosting a gathering tomorrow evening, press the button this morning. The ice maker will produce a full bin of cubes by the time your guests arrive, instead of waiting for the normal production schedule.

Ice Plus is also useful after you have used up your ice supply — for example, if you filled coolers for a camping trip or made a large batch of iced drinks. Rather than waiting three to five days for the ice maker to refill the bin at normal speed, Ice Plus can have it full again in one to two days.

Some people turn it on seasonally during hot months when they use more ice than the standard cycle can keep up with. If your household goes through ice faster than the normal setting produces it, Ice Plus bridges that gap without requiring you to buy bagged ice.

How to turn Ice Plus on and off

Locate the Ice Plus button on your control panel — it is usually a small button with an icon of ice cubes or a snowflake. Press it once. You will see a light turn on next to the button, or the display will show that Ice Plus is active. That is all you need to do.

The setting runs automatically for its programmed duration, typically 24 to 48 hours depending on your model. You do not have to press it again or monitor it. After the time expires, the ice maker returns to normal operation and the light goes out on its own.

If you want to stop Ice Plus before the timer runs out, press the button again. The light will turn off and the ice maker will return to its regular cycle immediately. This is useful if you realize you have made enough ice or if you want to lower your power use.

Ice Plus and your electricity bill

Running Ice Plus increases your refrigerator's energy use because the compressor works harder and the freezer temperature drops below its normal setting. Over a 24-hour period of Ice Plus operation, you may see a small but noticeable bump in power consumption — the exact amount depends on your model and how efficient it is.

Using Ice Plus occasionally — once or twice a month — will have a minor impact on your monthly electricity bill. Using it constantly or leaving it on for weeks at a time will add up. If you find yourself needing Ice Plus more than a few times per month, it may signal that your normal ice production is not keeping pace with your household's use, and you might consider buying a standalone ice maker instead.

To keep costs down, turn on Ice Plus only when you actually need extra ice soon, not as a permanent setting. Think of it as a tool for specific situations, not a default mode.

Troubleshooting: Ice Plus is on but no extra ice is appearing

If you pressed Ice Plus and the light is on, but the ice bin is not filling faster than usual, check whether the ice maker itself is turned on. Some LG models have a separate on/off switch for the ice maker — if that switch is in the off position, Ice Plus will not produce ice even though it is running.

Also verify that the water supply line to your refrigerator is connected and has good water pressure. If the line is kinked, frozen, or disconnected, water cannot reach the ice maker mold, and Ice Plus cannot speed up production. Look under your sink or behind your refrigerator for the water line connection.

If the water line is fine and the ice maker switch is on, but Ice Plus still is not producing ice, the ice maker itself may need service. This is rare, but it can happen if the mold is frozen solid or if internal components have failed. Contact LG support or a refrigerator technician if the problem persists after you have checked these basics.

Ice Plus versus normal ice production

In normal mode, your ice maker produces ice on a schedule set by the refrigerator's computer. It typically fills the bin completely every three to five days, depending on how much ice you use and how often the door opens. The compressor runs at its standard level, and the freezer stays at its programmed temperature — usually around 0°F (–18°C).

Ice Plus overrides this schedule and tells the compressor to prioritize ice production for a fixed window. The freezer temperature may drop to –10°F (–23°C) or lower, and the ice maker runs continuously rather than in cycles. This produces ice much faster — often filling the bin in 24 to 48 hours instead of several days.

Once the Ice Plus timer expires, the system returns to normal operation. You do not get a permanent speed boost; Ice Plus is a temporary burst of production. If you want faster ice all the time, you would need to adjust your refrigerator's freezer temperature setting permanently, which is a different task and affects food storage.

Does Ice Plus damage your refrigerator?

No, Ice Plus does not harm your refrigerator or ice maker when used as designed — in short bursts a few times per month. LG built the system to handle this mode, and the compressor and other components are rated for the extra load.

However, running Ice Plus constantly or leaving it on for weeks at a time can accelerate wear on the compressor and other parts. The compressor is designed to cycle on and off; if it runs at maximum power continuously, it will age faster than normal. Over many years of heavy use, this could shorten the lifespan of your refrigerator.

For normal household use — turning on Ice Plus a handful of times per year when you need extra ice — there is no practical risk. Treat it as an occasional feature, not a permanent setting, and your refrigerator will serve you well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I leave Ice Plus on all the time?

You can, but it is not recommended. Leaving Ice Plus on continuously will raise your electricity bill noticeably and may wear out your compressor faster over time. It is designed as a temporary boost, not a permanent mode. Turn it on only when you need extra ice in the next day or two.

How long does it take Ice Plus to fill the ice bin?

Most LG models produce a full bin of ice in 24 to 48 hours with Ice Plus running, compared to three to five days in normal mode. The exact time depends on your model, your freezer temperature, and how much water is in the supply line. Check your user manual for your specific model's timing.

Will Ice Plus make my freezer too cold for food storage?

Ice Plus lowers the freezer temperature, but not so much that it damages frozen food. Food stored at –10°F (–23°C) is still safe and will not freeze solid or become unusable. However, if you have items that are sensitive to extreme cold, you may want to avoid running Ice Plus for extended periods.

What if my Ice Plus button does not light up when I press it?

First, make sure the ice maker itself is turned on — check for a separate on/off switch on the ice maker or in your control panel. If the ice maker is on but Ice Plus still will not activate, the button or its wiring may be faulty. Contact LG support or a technician for diagnosis and repair.

Does Ice Plus work if my refrigerator is not connected to a water line?

No. Ice Plus speeds up the freezing process, but it cannot create ice without water. Your refrigerator must be connected to a cold water supply line for the ice maker to work at all, whether in normal mode or Ice Plus mode. If you do not have a water line connected, you will need to have one installed by a plumber or technician.