The fastest way to reset your ice maker
Most ice makers reset by turning off the power for 30 seconds, then turning it back on. Unplug the unit from the wall outlet, wait half a minute, and plug it back in. This clears the control board's memory and restarts the cycle. If your ice maker is built into a refrigerator, locate the power cord at the back of the fridge, unplug it for 30 seconds, then plug it back in.
If unplugging does not work, look for a reset button on the ice maker itself. Most models have a small button labeled "Reset" or "Power" on the front panel or inside the ice bin. Press and hold it for three to five seconds until you hear a beep or see a light flash. Check your ice maker's manual for the exact location—it varies by brand.
After resetting, the ice maker will take 24 to 48 hours to produce its first batch of ice. During this time, the machine cycles water through the system and fills the mold. Do not assume the reset failed if no ice appears in the first few hours.
Key Takeaways
- Unplugging the ice maker for 30 seconds and plugging it back in resets the control board and restarts the cycle.
- Many ice makers have a dedicated reset button on the front panel or inside the bin that you can press for three to five seconds.
- After a reset, allow 24 to 48 hours for the ice maker to produce ice again as it refills and recycles water.
- If the ice maker still does not work after reset, check that the water line is connected and the bin is seated properly in the unit.
- Resetting clears error codes and restarts frozen cycles, but does not fix mechanical problems like a broken water valve.
When to reset instead of troubleshoot
Reset your ice maker when it stops producing ice suddenly, when it displays an error code, or when it gets stuck in a cycle and will not turn off. A reset also works if the ice maker ran out of water, if you moved the unit, or if the power went out. These situations usually just need the control board to restart.
Do not reset if water is leaking from the unit, if the ice tastes or smells wrong, or if the ice maker makes grinding noises. These point to mechanical or water quality problems that a reset will not fix. Resetting a unit with a water leak can damage the control board further.
Unplugging versus the reset button
Unplugging works on every ice maker because it cuts all power to the control board. The reset button is faster if your model has one, but not all do. Countertop ice makers almost always have a reset button. Built-in refrigerator ice makers vary—some have a button inside the freezer compartment, others require unplugging the whole fridge.
If you cannot find a reset button after checking the manual, unplugging is your backup method. Both approaches do the same thing: they clear the board's memory and restart the machine from its default state. Neither one erases settings like temperature or cycle speed if your model has adjustable controls.
What happens during the reset cycle
When you reset an ice maker, the control board clears any stuck commands and restarts the water pump. The machine then runs a test cycle to check that water flows into the mold and that the heating element works. This test cycle usually takes 10 to 15 minutes and may produce a small amount of water or slush, which is normal.
After the test cycle, the ice maker enters standby mode and waits for the mold to fill. Once the mold is full, the heating element warms the bottom of the mold slightly so the ice cubes release. The cubes drop into the bin, and the cycle repeats. The whole process from full mold to full bin takes about two to three hours per batch, depending on your model and water temperature.
Common mistakes that prevent a successful reset
The most common mistake is not waiting long enough after unplugging. Thirty seconds is the minimum—waiting a full minute is safer. If you plug the unit back in too quickly, the control board may not fully discharge, and the reset will not take.
Another mistake is resetting when the water line is disconnected or kinked. The ice maker will restart but will not produce ice because no water reaches the mold. Before you reset, trace the water line from the back of the unit to the wall outlet or refrigerator connection. Make sure it is not pinched, frozen, or disconnected.
A third mistake is expecting ice when ready after reset. The machine needs time to refill the mold and run its test cycle. If you reset in the evening, do not check for ice until the next morning. Checking too soon and opening the bin repeatedly can slow the process.
When to call for service instead
If the ice maker still does not work after you reset it and wait 48 hours, the problem is likely mechanical. Common issues that a reset cannot fix include a frozen water line, a broken water valve, a faulty heating element, or a failed control board. These require replacement parts or professional repair.
If the ice maker leaks water, makes loud grinding or clicking sounds, or produces ice that tastes like plastic or metal, do not keep resetting. These are signs of a damaged component. Continuing to run the machine can cause more damage and may void your warranty. Contact the manufacturer or a repair technician instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I wait after unplugging before plugging back in?
Wait at least 30 seconds. Waiting a full minute is safer and gives the control board more time to fully discharge. Count slowly or use a clock to make sure you wait the full time before plugging back in.
Will resetting erase my ice maker settings?
A reset clears the control board's memory but usually restores factory defaults for temperature and cycle speed. If your ice maker has custom settings you adjusted, check the manual to see if they are preserved or reset to default. Most models reset to default.
What if the reset button is stuck or does not respond?
If the button does not click or move, do not force it—you may break it. Unplug the ice maker instead and wait 30 seconds before plugging back in. If the button is physically stuck, the control board may have a deeper problem that requires professional repair.
Can I reset the ice maker while it is running a cycle?
Yes, you can unplug it at any time. Unplugging stops the current cycle and clears the board. When you plug it back in, the machine will restart from the beginning. This is safe and will not damage the unit.
Why is my ice maker still not making ice after I reset it?
Check that the water line is connected and not frozen, that the bin is seated properly, and that the power cord is fully plugged in. If all three are correct and 48 hours have passed, the water valve, heating element, or control board may be broken and need replacement.