The fastest way to reset a Frigidaire ice maker

Most Frigidaire ice makers respond to a straightforward reset: locate the reset button on the ice maker itself — it is usually a small red or black button on the front or side of the unit — and press and hold it for three to five seconds. Release the button and wait 24 hours. The ice maker will cycle through its system and should begin producing ice again.

If your ice maker has no visible reset button, or if pressing it does not work, turn off the refrigerator at the wall outlet, wait five minutes, and turn it back on. This power cycle resets the ice maker's control board. Again, wait a full day before deciding whether the reset worked — the machine needs time to fill the water line, freeze the first batch, and eject it.

If neither method produces ice after 24 hours, the problem is usually not the reset itself but something blocking the process: a frozen water line, a clogged filter, or a stuck ejector arm. Those require different fixes.

Key Takeaways

  • Press and hold the reset button on the ice maker for three to five seconds, then wait 24 hours before checking for ice.
  • If there is no reset button, unplug the refrigerator for five minutes, plug it back in, and wait another 24 hours.
  • A successful reset does not mean ice will appear when ready — the machine needs time to fill, freeze, and eject the first batch.
  • If ice still does not appear after 24 hours, check for a frozen water line, clogged filter, or stuck ejector arm rather than repeating the reset.

Where the reset button is located on different Frigidaire models

The reset button location varies by model year and style. On top-freezer and bottom-freezer Frigidaire refrigerators, the button is usually on the front of the ice maker housing itself, visible when you open the freezer door. Look for a small colored button — often red, sometimes black — near the bottom or side of the ice maker unit.

On French-door and side-by-side models, the reset button may be on the back of the ice maker, which means you will need to pull the ice maker drawer out slightly or remove it entirely to reach it. Check your model's manual for the exact location; Frigidaire's website lets you search by model number and read the manual as a PDF.

Some older Frigidaire models do not have a dedicated reset button. If you cannot find one after checking the front, back, and sides of the ice maker, the power-cycle method (unplugging the refrigerator) is your reset option.

What happens during the reset cycle

When you press the reset button or power-cycle the unit, the ice maker's control board clears its memory and restarts from zero. The machine then runs through a diagnostic sequence: it checks the water inlet valve, fills the mold, freezes the water, and ejects the ice. This entire cycle takes several hours, which is why waiting 24 hours is important — you need to give the machine time to complete multiple batches.

During this time, you may hear clicking, buzzing, or humming sounds from the ice maker as it runs through its cycle. These are normal. You may also see water dripping or hear water flowing through the line. Do not interrupt the cycle by opening the freezer repeatedly or pressing the button again.

Why your ice maker might need a reset

Ice makers stop producing ice for several reasons, and a reset addresses the ones caused by a control board glitch or a temporary sensor error. If the ice maker was working and suddenly stopped, or if it is stuck in a loop (running constantly but not ejecting ice), a reset often fixes it.

A reset does not fix mechanical problems. If the water line is frozen, the filter is clogged, the ejector arm is stuck, or the inlet valve is broken, pressing the reset button will not help. The machine will cycle, but it will not produce ice because the underlying blockage or failure remains.

Checking the water line and filter before resetting

Before you reset, spend two minutes checking two things that commonly stop ice production and are straightforward to fix yourself. First, look at the water line running from the back of the refrigerator to the ice maker. If it appears white or cloudy, it is frozen. Thaw it by pouring warm (not boiling) water over the line, or use a hair dryer on low heat held a few inches away. Do this over a towel to catch drips.

Second, locate the water filter — usually inside the refrigerator, in a corner of the fridge section or under the sink if your model uses an external filter. If the filter has not been changed in six months or longer, replace it. A clogged filter blocks water from reaching the ice maker even if everything else works. Frigidaire filters are model-specific; search your model number on the Frigidaire website or call their customer service line to order the correct one.

If the line is not frozen and the filter is new or recently changed, then a reset is the next logical step.

What to do if the reset does not work

If 24 hours have passed and no ice has appeared, check these things in order. First, confirm that the ice maker is actually on — there is usually a small switch or lever on the front of the unit. If it is in the off position, flip it on and wait another 24 hours.

Second, verify that water is reaching the ice maker at all. Look inside the mold area (you may need to remove the ice bucket). If the mold is completely dry, the water inlet valve may be stuck closed or the water line may be blocked. If the mold is wet or has a thin layer of ice, water is reaching it but something is preventing ejection — usually a stuck ejector arm or a temperature sensor failure.

Third, listen for the sound of the ejector motor running. When the ice maker cycles, you should hear a buzzing or clicking sound as the ejector tries to push ice out. If you hear nothing, the motor may have failed. If you hear the sound but no ice appears, the ejector arm itself may be stuck or broken.

At this point, the issue is beyond a reset. You will need either a replacement ice maker assembly (which Frigidaire sells as a part) or a service call from a technician. Replacement ice makers for Frigidaire refrigerators typically cost between $150 and $400 depending on the model, plus installation if you hire someone to do it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for ice to appear after I reset the ice maker?

The first batch of ice usually appears within 4 to 8 hours, but it can take up to 24 hours depending on your freezer temperature and the model. The machine needs time to fill the mold, freeze the water solid, and eject the ice. Do not assume the reset failed until a full day has passed.

Can I reset the ice maker without unplugging the whole refrigerator?

Yes, if your model has a reset button. Pressing the button resets only the ice maker, not the entire refrigerator. If there is no reset button, unplugging the refrigerator is the only way to reset the control board. You do not need to unplug it for more than five minutes.

Will resetting the ice maker erase my refrigerator's settings?

No. Pressing the ice maker reset button affects only the ice maker. A full power cycle (unplugging the refrigerator) may reset the display temperature if your model has a digital control panel, but it will not erase saved settings on most modern Frigidaire refrigerators. Check your manual if you are concerned.

What if the reset button is stuck and will not press?

Do not force it — you may break the button or damage the housing. Instead, use the power-cycle method: unplug the refrigerator for five minutes and plug it back in. This achieves the same reset without pressing the button.

Should I empty the ice bucket before resetting?

It is not necessary, but it is a good idea. Removing old ice lets you see clearly when new ice begins to form, so you will know the reset worked sooner. It also gives the ejector arm more room to move during the cycle.