How to Turn Off Cooling Mode on Your Samsung Refrigerator

Find the cooling mode button on your control panel

Most Samsung refrigerators have a cooling mode button or setting labeled "Cooling," "Power Cool," or "Power Freeze" on the front control panel. The exact location and name depend on your model — some have a dedicated button, others hide the option in a menu you access through a digital display. Check your refrigerator's front face first: look for any button with an icon that resembles a snowflake, ice crystal, or the word "cooling" printed nearby.

If you cannot find a physical button, your model likely uses a digital touchscreen or LED display panel. These are usually located on the door or the upper front of the fridge. Press the button or icon that says "Cooling" or "Power Cool" — this will either turn the mode off immediately or open a menu where you can select it.

Key Takeaways

• Cooling mode buttons are located on your refrigerator's front control panel, either as a physical button or on a digital display screen.
• Press the cooling mode button once to toggle it off; the light next to the button will go dark when the mode is deactivated.
• If you cannot locate the button, your model number is printed on a sticker inside the fridge, and Samsung's website has a manual search tool.
• Turning off cooling mode stops the compressor from running extra-hard, which saves energy but allows the fridge to warm slightly.
• After turning off cooling mode, check the temperature after 30 minutes to make sure your food stays at a safe level.

Press the button once to deactivate cooling mode

Once you locate the cooling mode button, press it once. You should see a light next to the button turn off, or the display screen show that the mode is now inactive. Some models beep or flash a confirmation message. The cooling mode is now off, and your refrigerator will return to its normal cooling cycle.

Do not hold the button down — a single press is all you need. Holding it may trigger a different function or lock the controls, depending on your model.

Understand what turning off cooling mode does

Cooling mode (sometimes called Power Cool or Power Freeze) tells your refrigerator's compressor to run continuously at maximum power. This rapidly lowers the temperature inside the fridge or freezer. When you turn it off, the compressor returns to its normal cycle — it runs when the temperature rises above your set point and stops when it reaches that point again.

Turning off cooling mode means your refrigerator will no longer work overtime. The temperature inside will rise slightly from where it was during cooling mode, but it will stabilize at your normal set temperature. This uses less energy and puts less strain on the compressor. However, if you turned cooling mode on because you just added a large amount of warm food, the fridge may take longer to cool everything back down once the mode is off.

Check your temperature after turning off cooling mode

After you turn off cooling mode, wait about 30 minutes and check the temperature inside your refrigerator. Use a refrigerator thermometer (a simple dial or digital model costs under $10) to verify that the fridge is holding steady at 40°F or below and your freezer is at 0°F or below. These are the safe temperatures for food storage.

If the temperature is creeping upward and not stabilizing, your cooling mode may not have turned off properly, or there may be another issue with your refrigerator's cooling system. Try pressing the button again, or check whether your model has a separate power setting that needs to be adjusted.

Find your model number if you cannot locate the button

If you have searched your control panel and cannot find a cooling mode button, your model may not have this feature, or it may be in a different location than you expect. Find your model number — it is printed on a white sticker inside your refrigerator, usually on the side wall or the back wall near the top. The sticker also shows the serial number and manufacturing date.

Go to Samsung's website and use their manual search tool. Enter your model number, and the site will show you a PDF of your refrigerator's manual. Search the manual for "cooling mode," "power cool," or "power freeze" to see whether your model has this feature and where the button is located. If your model does not have cooling mode, you can skip this step entirely.

Reset your refrigerator if cooling mode will not turn off

If you press the cooling mode button and the mode stays on, or if the button does not respond, try a soft reset. Unplug your refrigerator from the wall outlet for 5 to 10 minutes, then plug it back in. This clears the control panel's memory and often fixes buttons that are stuck or unresponsive.

If the button still does not work after a reset, the control panel itself may be faulty. Contact Samsung's customer service or a local refrigerator repair technician. Do not try to disassemble the control panel yourself — this can damage the electronics and void your warranty.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between cooling mode and normal refrigeration?

Cooling mode runs the compressor continuously at full power to drop the temperature as fast as possible. Normal refrigeration cycles the compressor on and off to maintain your set temperature. Cooling mode uses more energy and is meant for temporary use — like when you add a large amount of warm food or want to chill the fridge quickly before a party.

Will my food spoil if I forget to turn off cooling mode?

No. Cooling mode keeps your food colder than normal, not warmer. The risk is the opposite: if cooling mode runs for days without stopping, it may freeze items in the refrigerator section that should stay fresh but not frozen. Turn it off once your food is chilled to your liking.

Does cooling mode use a lot of extra electricity?

Yes, cooling mode uses noticeably more energy because the compressor runs constantly instead of cycling on and off. If you leave it on for extended periods, you will see an increase in your electricity bill. Use cooling mode only when you need to chill food quickly, then turn it off.

Can I turn cooling mode on and off from my phone?

Only if your Samsung refrigerator has Wi-Fi and you have set up the SmartThings app. Not all Samsung models have this feature. Check your manual or the SmartThings app to see whether your model supports remote control of cooling mode. If it does, you can toggle it on or off from anywhere.

What should I do if my refrigerator is too cold after turning off cooling mode?

Check your temperature dial or digital setting and lower it by one degree. Wait 24 hours for the temperature to stabilize, then check again with a thermometer. If it is still too cold, lower it another notch. Most refrigerators have a dial or display numbered 1 to 5, with 3 or 4 being the recommended setting for normal use.