The quickest way to reset a Whirlpool ice maker
Most Whirlpool ice makers respond to a straightforward reset: locate the small reset button on the ice maker itself (usually a red or black button on the front or side of the unit), press and hold it for 3 to 10 seconds until you hear a click or the motor briefly runs, then release. This clears any error state and restarts the cycle. The ice maker will begin filling and freezing within a few hours if water supply and temperature are normal.
If your model does not have a visible reset button, or pressing it does not work, you can perform a power reset by turning off the refrigerator at the wall outlet, waiting 5 minutes, and turning it back on. This resets the ice maker's control board along with the rest of the appliance. After power returns, the ice maker should resume its cycle.
Not all Whirlpool models are identical, so check your refrigerator's model number (usually on a sticker inside the fridge or on the back) and look up the exact location of the reset button in your owner's manual. Whirlpool's website has manuals available by model number if you no longer have the printed copy.
Key Takeaways
- The reset button on a Whirlpool ice maker is usually red or black and located on the front or side of the ice maker unit itself.
- Press and hold the reset button for 3 to 10 seconds until you hear a click or feel the motor run, then release.
- If no reset button is visible, turn off the refrigerator at the wall outlet for 5 minutes, then turn it back on to reset the control board.
- After a reset, the ice maker takes a few hours to produce ice again, so check that water supply and freezer temperature are correct if nothing happens.
- Find your exact model number and consult the owner's manual to confirm the reset button location, since Whirlpool models vary.
Where to find the reset button on your model
The reset button location varies by Whirlpool model year and design. On top-freezer models, the button is usually on the front face of the ice maker, below the ice dispenser opening or to the side of it. On side-by-side models, it is often on the ice maker assembly inside the freezer compartment, toward the back or on the right side. On bottom-freezer models, look inside the freezer drawer on the ice maker unit itself.
The button is typically small (about the size of a pencil eraser) and colored red, black, or white. Some newer Whirlpool models have the reset function built into a control panel rather than a physical button; in those cases, you may need to hold down a specific button combination on the ice maker's display for several seconds. Your owner's manual will show the exact sequence.
If you cannot locate the manual, search Whirlpool's support website by entering your refrigerator's model number. The model number is printed on a label inside the refrigerator, usually on the wall behind the crisper drawers or on the back wall. Write it down before you search so you have it handy.
What happens after you press the reset button
When you press the reset button, the ice maker's control board clears any error code it was holding and restarts the freeze cycle from the beginning. You may hear a brief buzzing or humming sound as the motor engages, or you may hear water flowing into the ice tray. This is normal. The ice maker will then begin freezing water into cubes.
The first batch of ice usually takes 2 to 4 hours to freeze solid, depending on your freezer temperature and how full the ice bucket already is. Do not be alarmed if the first few cubes look cloudy or misshapen—this is common after a reset and clears up once the cycle stabilizes. If the ice maker remains silent and no water flows after 10 minutes, move on to the troubleshooting steps below.
Check water supply and freezer temperature before resetting
Before you reset the ice maker, confirm that water is actually reaching it. Look under the sink or behind the refrigerator for the water supply line—a thin plastic or copper tube connected to the back of the fridge. Make sure it is not kinked, pinched, or disconnected. If the line is connected and appears intact, turn the shutoff valve (usually a small knob or lever on the wall or under the sink) to the on position and listen for water flowing.
Next, check your freezer temperature. The ice maker will not freeze water if the freezer is warmer than 0°F (−18°C). Most Whirlpool refrigerators have a temperature dial or digital display inside the freezer. Set it to the coldest recommended setting (usually marked as "3" or "4" on a dial, or around −4°F on a digital display) and wait 24 hours before resetting the ice maker. If the freezer is too warm, the ice maker will run but produce no ice.
If the water line is disconnected or the freezer temperature is very high, fix those issues first. A reset will not help if water cannot reach the ice maker or if the freezer cannot freeze it solid.
When to perform a full power reset instead
If pressing the ice maker's reset button does not work, or if your model does not have a visible button, perform a full power reset by unplugging the refrigerator from the wall outlet (or switching off the circuit breaker if the outlet is hardwired). Wait at least 5 minutes—this gives the control board time to fully discharge. Then plug the refrigerator back in or switch the breaker back on.
The refrigerator will beep or display a startup message as it powers up. The ice maker will not begin when ready; it usually takes 10 to 15 minutes for the control board to reinitialize and send power to the ice maker. After that time, you should hear the ice maker motor run and water flow into the tray.
A full power reset is more thorough than pressing the reset button alone because it clears the entire refrigerator's control system, not just the ice maker. Use this method if the ice maker has been stuck or making strange noises, or if a reset button press did not work.
Troubleshooting if the ice maker still does not work after reset
If the ice maker remains silent or produces no ice after a reset and a full power cycle, check these common causes. First, confirm the ice maker is actually turned on—many Whirlpool models have an on/off switch or lever on the ice maker itself or on the freezer wall. If it is switched off, turn it on and wait a few hours.
Second, listen for water flowing into the ice tray about 10 to 15 minutes after the reset. If you hear nothing, the water supply line may be frozen, clogged, or disconnected. Check the line again and feel it—if it is cold but not frozen, pour warm (not boiling) water over it to thaw it. If the line is clogged, you may need to disconnect it and flush it with water or replace it entirely.
Third, check the ice bucket. If it is full or jammed, the ice maker will not run. Remove the bucket, empty it completely, and reinstall it so it sits flush against the back wall. Make sure nothing is blocking the chute or the bucket opening.
If none of these steps restore ice production, the ice maker may have a mechanical or electrical fault that a reset cannot fix. At that point, contact a Whirlpool service technician or a local appliance repair shop. Describe what you have already tried so they know the reset and power cycle did not solve the problem.
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 2 to 4 hours to freeze solid. If your freezer is very cold (below −4°F), it may freeze faster. If nothing appears after 8 hours, check that water is flowing into the tray and that the freezer temperature is set correctly.
Will resetting the ice maker erase any settings on my refrigerator?
Pressing the ice maker's reset button affects only the ice maker and will not change your refrigerator's temperature settings or other preferences. A full power reset (unplugging the fridge) may reset the display or temperature settings on some models, so check your manual if you are concerned.
What if my Whirlpool refrigerator is still under warranty?
If your refrigerator is under warranty and the ice maker does not work after a reset, contact Whirlpool directly or the retailer where you purchased it. They can arrange a service call at no cost. Have your model number and purchase date ready when you call.
Can I reset the ice maker without unplugging the whole refrigerator?
Yes, if your model has a reset button on the ice maker itself, you can press that without unplugging anything. If there is no button, you will need to unplug the refrigerator or switch off the circuit breaker to perform a full power reset.
Is it normal for the ice maker to make noise right after a reset?
Yes. You may hear buzzing, humming, or water flowing as the ice maker restarts its cycle. These sounds are normal. Loud grinding, cracking, or continuous buzzing after 30 minutes may indicate a problem—in that case, turn off the ice maker and contact a technician.