The fastest way to reset your Frigidaire Gallery ice maker
The quickest reset is the power-off method: unplug the refrigerator from the wall outlet, wait 5 minutes, then plug it back in. This clears the ice maker's memory and restarts its cycle. Most ice maker problems—slow production, stuck cubes, or a motor that won't turn—resolve with this single step.
If unplugging does not work, your Frigidaire Gallery has a dedicated reset button. The location depends on your model year, but it is almost always inside the freezer compartment, either on the ice maker housing itself or on the wall behind where the ice maker sits. Look for a small red or black button, roughly the size of a pencil eraser. Press and hold it for 3 to 5 seconds until you hear a click or see the ice maker motor engage.
After either reset, the ice maker takes 24 hours to produce its first batch of cubes. During this time, you may hear grinding or clicking sounds as the cycle runs—this is normal. If the ice maker still does not produce ice after a full day, move to the troubleshooting steps below.
Key Takeaways
- Unplugging the refrigerator for 5 minutes is the first step to reset most ice maker problems without opening the freezer.
- The dedicated reset button on Frigidaire Gallery models is located on the ice maker housing or the freezer wall, and requires a 3 to 5 second press.
- After a reset, wait a full 24 hours before assuming the ice maker is broken, because the cycle takes time to restart.
- If the ice maker still does not work after 24 hours, check the water supply line and the fill cup for blockages before calling for service.
Finding the reset button on your specific model
Frigidaire Gallery refrigerators made between 2015 and 2023 have the reset button mounted directly on the ice maker's plastic housing. Open the freezer door, look at the ice maker unit on the side wall or back wall, and scan the front and sides for a small colored button. It is usually recessed slightly so you do not accidentally press it while reaching for ice.
Newer models (2024 and later) sometimes place the button on the interior freezer wall behind the ice maker, which means you may need to remove the ice bucket first. If you cannot see a button on the housing itself, pull out the ice bucket by lifting it straight up, then look at the wall directly behind where it sat. The button will be within arm's reach.
If you own a Frigidaire Gallery with a bottom freezer, the ice maker is usually mounted on the inside of the freezer door. Open the door fully and look at the left or right edge of the door panel for the reset button. Some bottom-freezer models hide the button under a small plastic cover that pops off with gentle pressure.
What happens during the reset cycle
When you press the reset button or power the unit back on, the ice maker runs a diagnostic cycle that lasts 5 to 10 minutes. During this time, you will hear the water inlet valve open and close, the motor turn on and off, and possibly a grinding sound as the ejector arm moves. This is the ice maker testing its own parts—do not interrupt it or press the button again.
After the diagnostic cycle finishes, the ice maker enters standby mode and waits for the freezer to reach 15 degrees Fahrenheit or colder. Once the temperature is right, it fills with water and begins freezing. The first batch of cubes usually takes 6 to 8 hours, but the ice maker will not eject them until the full 24-hour cycle is complete. This delay prevents small or misshapen cubes from being dispensed.
Checking the water supply line before you reset
Before you reset the ice maker, confirm that water is actually reaching it. Locate the water line that runs from the back of the refrigerator to the ice maker—it is a thin plastic or copper tube, usually 1/4 inch in diameter. Follow it from the back of the fridge to where it connects to the ice maker. If the line is kinked, pinched, or frozen solid, the ice maker cannot fill with water no matter how many times you reset it.
If the line looks kinked, straighten it gently by hand. If it feels frozen, unplug the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 2 to 3 hours, then plug it back in. If the line is cracked or leaking, you will need to replace it—this is a 15-minute job with a new water line kit from a hardware store and a wrench, but it is beyond a straightforward reset.
Check the fill cup as well. This is a small cup or tray inside the ice maker that catches water from the inlet valve. If it is clogged with mineral deposits or ice, water cannot flow through. You can clean it by hand with warm water and a soft brush, or soak it in white vinegar for 30 minutes to dissolve mineral buildup.
When to reset versus when to call for service
A reset is worth trying if your ice maker is not producing ice, is producing very little ice, or is making loud grinding noises. It is also the right first step if the ice maker stopped working suddenly after a power outage or if you just installed a new water filter. In all these cases, a reset clears temporary faults and restarts the cycle.
Do not reset if water is actively leaking from the ice maker or the refrigerator, if the motor does not turn on at all even after unplugging, or if you smell burning plastic or electrical odors coming from the unit. These are signs of a mechanical or electrical failure that requires professional repair. Resetting will not fix them and may cause further damage.
If the ice maker produces ice but the cubes are small, cloudy, or taste off, a reset will not help. These problems usually point to water quality issues, a clogged water filter, or mineral buildup in the freezing mechanism. Replace the water filter first, then run the ice maker for 24 hours to see if the quality improves.
Resetting after a power outage or water filter change
Power outages sometimes leave the ice maker stuck in a partial cycle. If your power went out and the ice maker has not worked since, unplug the refrigerator for 5 minutes, then plug it back in. This clears any interrupted commands and restarts the cycle from the beginning.
If you just installed a new water filter, reset the ice maker when ready after. New filters are often filled with loose carbon particles that can clog the fill cup or inlet valve. A reset flushes these particles through the system and prevents blockages. You may notice the first batch of ice looks slightly gray or tastes faintly of carbon—this is normal and clears after one or two cycles.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for ice to appear after I reset the ice maker?
The ice maker needs 24 hours to complete a full cycle after a reset, even though the first cubes may freeze in 6 to 8 hours. The delay ensures the cubes are fully formed and properly ejected. If nothing appears after 24 hours, check the water line and fill cup for blockages, then reset again.
Will resetting the ice maker erase any settings on my refrigerator?
No. Unplugging the refrigerator or pressing the ice maker reset button only affects the ice maker's cycle—it does not change the temperature settings, the water filter timer, or any other refrigerator functions. Your settings remain exactly as they were.
Can I reset the ice maker while it is actively making ice?
Yes, but it is not necessary. If you reset while the ice maker is running, it will stop mid-cycle and restart from the beginning. This wastes the water and time already spent, so it is better to wait until the cycle finishes (usually 6 to 8 hours) before resetting.
What if the reset button is stuck or will not click?
A stuck button usually means ice or mineral deposits have frozen it in place. Unplug the refrigerator, let it sit for 30 minutes at room temperature, then try the button again. If it still will not move, do not force it—use the power-off method instead (unplug for 5 minutes, then plug back in).
Do I need to turn off the ice maker before resetting it?
No. The reset button or power-off method works whether the ice maker is on or off. However, if your Frigidaire has an on/off switch for the ice maker (usually a small lever on the side of the unit), turning it off first can help you see the reset button more clearly without the ice maker running.