Reset Your KitchenAid Ice Maker in Three Steps
Most KitchenAid ice makers reset by holding a single button for 3 to 10 seconds, depending on your model. The reset button is usually located on the front of the ice maker itself or inside the freezer compartment near the unit. After you hold the button, you will hear a chime or see a light blink — that signals the reset is complete. The ice maker will then run a cleaning cycle that takes 6 to 24 hours before it produces ice again.
Before you reset, check whether your freezer temperature is set to 0°F or below. If the freezer is too warm, the ice maker will not work even after a reset. You should also make sure the water line is connected and not frozen or kinked. A reset clears error codes and restarts the machine, but it does not fix a disconnected water supply or a temperature problem.
Key Takeaways
- Hold the reset button on your ice maker for 3 to 10 seconds until you hear a chime or see a light blink.
- The reset button location varies by model — check your manual or look on the front panel and inside the freezer compartment.
- Your freezer must be at 0°F or colder for the ice maker to work after a reset.
- The ice maker will run a cleaning cycle for 6 to 24 hours after a reset before it makes ice.
- A reset does not fix water line problems, so confirm the water supply is connected and flowing before you reset.
Locate the Reset Button on Your Model
The reset button location depends on which KitchenAid refrigerator model you own. On many models, the button is on the front face of the ice maker itself, usually marked "Reset" or with a circular symbol. On other models, the button is inside the freezer compartment on the side or back of the ice maker unit. Some newer KitchenAid models have the reset function in the refrigerator's digital display panel instead of a physical button.
Check your owner's manual first — it will show you exactly where the button is and how long to hold it. If you do not have the manual, you can find it on the KitchenAid website by entering your model number. The model number is usually on a sticker inside the refrigerator, either on the wall or on the back of a shelf. If you cannot locate a reset button after checking the manual, your model may use the control panel instead, which you can access from the front of the refrigerator.
Hold the Button and Wait for Confirmation
Once you find the reset button, press and hold it firmly for the time specified in your manual — usually between 3 and 10 seconds. Do not release the button early. You will know the reset worked when you hear a beep or chime, see a light flash, or notice the ice maker motor start running. Some models display a message on the control panel confirming the reset.
After the reset, the ice maker will begin a cleaning and calibration cycle. During this time, it may make noise or dispense water into the bin. This is normal. Do not interrupt the cycle or open the freezer door repeatedly, as this can extend the cycle time. The ice maker will not produce ice until this cycle finishes, which can take anywhere from 6 to 24 hours depending on your model.
Check Your Freezer Temperature and Water Supply
If your ice maker does not work after a reset, the problem is usually not the reset itself but the conditions around it. Your freezer temperature must be 0°F or colder. If it is warmer than that, the ice maker cannot freeze water into ice, no matter how many times you reset it. Check the temperature dial or digital display on your refrigerator and adjust it if needed. Give the freezer at least 4 hours to reach the correct temperature before you expect ice.
Next, confirm that water is reaching the ice maker. Look for the water line connection at the back of the refrigerator or under the sink. The line should be connected firmly and should not be kinked, pinched, or frozen. If the line is disconnected, reconnect it. If it is kinked, straighten it. If you suspect the line is frozen, you can thaw it by wrapping it in a warm towel or running warm water over it. Once the water supply is confirmed, wait another 6 to 24 hours for the ice maker to produce ice.
Common Mistakes That Prevent Ice Production After a Reset
The most common mistake is resetting the ice maker without checking the freezer temperature first. If your freezer is above 0°F, the ice maker will reset successfully but still will not make ice. Another mistake is not waiting long enough after the reset. Many people expect ice within an hour, but the cleaning cycle takes much longer. If you reset multiple times in a short period, you may restart the cycle each time and delay ice production even further.
A third mistake is not checking the water supply before resetting. If the water line is disconnected, frozen, or kinked, the ice maker cannot get water to freeze. Resetting will not solve this problem. Finally, some people reset the ice maker when the real issue is a clogged water filter. If your refrigerator has a water filter, replace it if it is older than 6 months or if water flow to the ice maker is slow. A clogged filter can prevent water from reaching the ice maker even after a successful reset.
What Happens During the Cleaning Cycle
After you reset the ice maker, it runs an automatic cleaning and calibration cycle. During this time, the ice maker fills with water, freezes it, and ejects it to test that all parts are working. You may hear the motor running, see water dispensing into the bin, or notice ice falling into the bucket. This is the ice maker testing itself — do not be alarmed. The cycle is designed to clear any air from the water line and may support the ice maker is ready to produce ice on demand.
The length of the cleaning cycle varies by model. Some cycles take 6 hours, while others take up to 24 hours. During this time, do not open the freezer door more than necessary, as this raises the temperature and can extend the cycle. If the cycle seems to be taking longer than 24 hours, or if the ice maker is making unusual noises, check that the freezer temperature is correct and the water supply is connected. If both are fine, the cycle may straightforward be running longer on your model.
When to Reset Versus When to Call for Service
A reset is the right first step if your ice maker has stopped producing ice, is making strange noises, or is displaying an error code. It is also worth trying if the ice maker is producing very little ice or if ice cubes are small or misshapen. A reset clears temporary errors and restarts the machine without any risk of damage.
However, a reset will not fix mechanical problems. If the ice maker is leaking water, if the motor is not running at all even after a reset, or if you see visible cracks or damage to the unit, you may need professional service. Similarly, if you have confirmed that the freezer is at 0°F or colder, the water line is connected and flowing, and the ice maker has completed a full cleaning cycle but still produces no ice, the problem is likely internal and requires a service call. Contact KitchenAid customer service or a local appliance repair technician in that case.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for ice to appear after I reset the ice maker?
The ice maker runs a cleaning cycle for 6 to 24 hours after a reset. During this time, it will not produce ice. After the cycle finishes, ice should begin appearing within a few hours. If no ice appears after 24 hours, check that your freezer is at 0°F or colder and that the water line is connected.
What if I hold the reset button too long?
Holding the button longer than recommended will not damage the ice maker. It may straightforward restart the cleaning cycle or have no additional effect. Release the button once you hear a chime or see a light blink, but if you hold it longer by accident, your ice maker will still work normally.
Can I reset the ice maker from the refrigerator's control panel?
Some newer KitchenAid models allow you to reset the ice maker through the digital display panel on the front of the refrigerator. Check your manual to see if your model has this option. If it does, the steps will be listed in the manual under "Ice Maker Reset" or "Settings."
Do I need to turn off the refrigerator to reset the ice maker?
No, you do not need to turn off the refrigerator. You can reset the ice maker while the refrigerator is running normally. A reset only affects the ice maker, not the rest of the appliance.
What should I do if the ice maker still does not work after a reset and the freezer is cold?
Check that the water line is connected firmly at both the back of the refrigerator and at the water source under your sink. If the line is connected, try replacing the water filter if your model has one. If ice still does not appear after 24 hours, contact KitchenAid or a local appliance repair service.