The fastest way to reset your Samsung ice maker
Most Samsung refrigerators have a reset button on the ice maker itself, usually a small red or black switch on the side or back of the unit inside the freezer. Press and hold it for three to five seconds, then release. The ice maker will stop, the motor will reset, and it should resume making ice within 24 hours. If you cannot find the button or your model does not have one, you can reset through the control panel instead.
Before you reset, check that water is flowing to the refrigerator. Look under the sink or behind the fridge for the water line connection — it should be hand-tight and not leaking. If the water supply is off or the line is kinked, the ice maker will not work even after a reset. Thaw any ice buildup around the inlet valve with a hair dryer on low heat if water has frozen inside the line.
Key Takeaways
- The physical reset button on the ice maker itself is the quickest fix and takes only seconds to perform.
- If no reset button exists on your model, use the control panel menu to find the ice maker reset option, which varies by refrigerator age and series.
- A reset will not work if the water supply is turned off, the water line is kinked, or the inlet valve is frozen.
- After resetting, wait 24 hours before assuming the ice maker is broken — it takes time to cycle and produce the first batch.
Finding and using the physical reset button
Open your freezer and look at the ice maker unit itself. On most Samsung models made in the last ten years, the reset button is a small red or black switch located on the right side or back panel of the ice maker housing. It may be labeled "Reset" or "Test," or it may have no label at all. If the button is hard to see, use a flashlight and look carefully along all edges of the ice maker.
Press the button firmly and hold it for three to five seconds. You should hear a click or feel the button depress. Release it and listen for the ice maker motor to stop briefly, then restart. This signals that the reset worked. Do not press it repeatedly — one firm hold is enough. If the button is stuck or will not depress, do not force it; move on to the control panel reset instead.
Resetting through the refrigerator control panel
If your Samsung has a digital display on the front, you can reset the ice maker from the menu. Press the "Menu" or "Settings" button on the control panel. Navigate to "Ice Maker" or "Freezer Settings" using the arrow buttons. Look for an option labeled "Reset," "Reset Ice Maker," or "Test Ice Maker." The exact wording depends on your model year and series.
Select the reset option and confirm. The display may show a countdown or a message saying the ice maker is resetting. Wait for the process to finish — this usually takes 10 to 30 seconds. Once the menu returns to normal, the reset is complete. If you cannot find an ice maker menu on your control panel, consult your user manual or search for your specific model number on Samsung's website to see if a reset option exists.
Checking the water supply before you reset
A reset will not help if water cannot reach the ice maker. Locate the water shut-off valve under your sink or behind the refrigerator. It should be in the "on" position — usually a handle pointing in line with the pipe, not across it. If it is off, turn it on by rotating the handle until it points along the direction of the water line. Wait a few minutes for water pressure to build, then check if the ice maker begins to cycle.
Next, inspect the water line itself. Follow it from the shut-off valve to the back of the refrigerator. Look for kinks, cracks, or pinch points where the line bends sharply. If the line is kinked, straighten it gently by hand. If it is cracked or leaking, the line will need to be replaced — this is not a repair you can fix with a reset. Check the connection at the back of the refrigerator as well; it should be hand-tight and not dripping.
What to do if the ice maker still does not work after reset
Wait at least 24 hours after resetting before concluding the ice maker is broken. The ice maker needs time to cycle through its fill and freeze process. During this time, you may hear clicking, buzzing, or humming sounds as the motor and solenoid valve operate. This is normal. Check back after one full day to see if ice has accumulated in the bin.
If no ice appears after 24 hours and the water supply is on and flowing, the problem may be a frozen inlet valve, a faulty solenoid, or a broken fill tube. These require professional repair or replacement parts. You can try thawing a frozen inlet valve by turning off the water supply and using a hair dryer on low heat to warm the valve area for 10 to 15 minutes, but if that does not work, contact a Samsung service technician or a local appliance repair company.
Resetting different Samsung refrigerator models
Samsung ice makers vary slightly by model. On French-door and side-by-side models from 2015 onward, the reset button is usually on the right side of the ice maker housing. On older models or compact units, it may be on the back. Some newer Samsung refrigerators with Wi-Fi connectivity allow you to reset the ice maker through the SmartThings app on your phone, though this feature is not available on all models.
If you own a Samsung refrigerator with an ice and water dispenser on the front door, the ice maker itself is still located in the freezer compartment, and the reset process is the same. The dispenser is just a chute connected to the ice maker bin. Resetting the ice maker will not affect the water dispenser, which has its own separate system.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for ice to appear after I reset the ice maker?
The first batch of ice usually takes 24 hours to form after a reset. The ice maker needs to fill with water, freeze it solid, and then eject the cubes into the bin. You may hear the motor running and clicking sounds during this time. If no ice appears after 48 hours, the water supply or a component inside the ice maker may be faulty.
Will resetting the ice maker erase my refrigerator settings?
No. Resetting the ice maker only restarts that one component. Your temperature settings, display preferences, and any other refrigerator functions will remain unchanged. A reset is a soft restart, not a factory reset of the entire appliance.
Can I reset the ice maker if the freezer is full of ice buildup?
Yes, but you should thaw the buildup first. Ice buildup around the ice maker can prevent it from ejecting cubes properly and may block the reset button. Use a hair dryer on low heat or let the ice melt naturally by raising the freezer temperature slightly for a few hours. Once the excess ice is gone, perform the reset.
What if the reset button is stuck and will not click?
Do not force a stuck button — you may break it. Instead, use the control panel reset method if your refrigerator has a digital display. If neither method works, the ice maker may have an internal fault that requires professional repair. Contact Samsung support or a local appliance technician.
Does the ice maker reset if I unplug the refrigerator?
Unplugging the refrigerator will restart the ice maker, but it is not the recommended method. Unplugging can disrupt other functions and may cause temperature fluctuations inside the fridge and freezer. Use the physical reset button or control panel reset instead, which are designed for this purpose.