Reset Your Ice Maker in Three Steps

To reset a Samsung ice maker, locate the reset button on the ice maker itself—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 until you hear a chime or see a light blink. Release the button and wait 10 to 15 minutes while the ice maker runs through its cycle. If your model does not have a visible reset button, you can reset it through the refrigerator's control panel by holding the Ice Maker button for three seconds, which will turn the ice maker off and back on.

The reset clears the ice maker's memory and restarts its water-fill cycle. This solves most common problems: ice not dispensing, slow ice production, or the ice maker stuck in an error state. After reset, the ice maker will begin filling with water and should produce ice within 24 hours, though the first batch may be cloudy or small as the system flushes.

Key Takeaways

  • Press and hold the reset button on the ice maker unit itself for three to five seconds until you hear a chime or see a light indicator.
  • If your Samsung model has no visible reset button, use the control panel Ice Maker button instead—hold it for three seconds to restart the system.
  • After reset, wait 10 to 15 minutes for the ice maker to run through its cycle, then allow 24 hours for ice production to resume normally.
  • The first batch of ice after a reset may be cloudy, small, or discolored as the system flushes water lines—this is normal and will clear within a few cycles.
  • If the ice maker still does not work after reset, check that the water supply line is connected and the filter is not clogged before calling for service.

Locate the Reset Button on Your Ice Maker Unit

The reset button is usually mounted directly on the ice maker housing, not on the refrigerator door or control panel. On most Samsung models, it is a small red or black button about the size of a pencil eraser. Check the front face of the ice maker first—this is where Samsung places it on French-door and side-by-side models. If you do not see it there, look along the sides or the back edge of the unit where it connects to the refrigerator wall.

If you cannot find a physical button, your model may use a digital reset instead. Check your refrigerator's control panel on the door or inside the fridge near the top. Look for an Ice Maker button or an icon that looks like a snowflake or ice cube. Some Samsung models also have a reset option in the Settings menu accessed through a digital display—consult your user manual for the exact path, as this varies by model year.

Press and Hold the Button Until You See or Hear Confirmation

Once you locate the reset button, press it firmly and hold it down. Do not tap it—a full press and hold is required to trigger the reset. Count to three or five seconds while holding. You should hear a beep, chime, or click from the ice maker, or see a light on the control panel blink or change color. This audio or visual signal confirms the reset has started.

Release the button when ready after you see or hear the confirmation. Do not hold it longer than five seconds, as this can cause the ice maker to enter a different mode or fail to reset properly. If you hear nothing and see no light change after five seconds, release the button, wait 30 seconds, and try again. If the second attempt also produces no response, the reset button may not be functioning and you should check the water supply connection before troubleshooting further.

Wait for the Ice Maker Cycle to Complete

After pressing reset, the ice maker will begin its startup sequence. This takes 10 to 15 minutes. During this time, you will hear the water valve open and close as the system fills the mold, and you may hear the motor begin to run. Do not open the refrigerator door repeatedly or press the button again during this cycle—let the ice maker complete its process without interruption.

The ice maker will then begin freezing the water in the mold. This first freeze cycle takes several hours. You may not see ice in the dispenser for 24 hours after reset, especially if the water lines were empty or the system was off for a long time. This is normal. The ice maker is refilling and refreezing the lines, and the first batch of ice is often smaller or cloudier than usual as trapped air and impurities flush out.

Check the Water Supply Line and Filter

If the ice maker does not produce ice within 24 hours of reset, the problem is usually a blocked water supply rather than the ice maker itself. 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 about a quarter-inch in diameter. Follow it from the ice maker back to where it connects to the refrigerator's water inlet valve, typically at the bottom back of the unit.

Check that the line is not kinked, pinched, or disconnected. If the line looks intact, the blockage is likely inside the line or in the water filter. Samsung refrigerators with ice makers have a water filter, usually located inside the fridge near the top or in a compartment at the bottom. If your filter has not been changed in six months or longer, replace it with a genuine Samsung filter or a compatible third-party filter rated for your model. A clogged filter will prevent water from reaching the ice maker even after reset.

Troubleshoot if Ice Maker Still Does Not Work

If the ice maker still produces no ice 24 hours after reset and the water line and filter are clear, check the water inlet valve. This is a small solenoid valve at the back of the refrigerator where the water line connects. Turn off the water supply to the refrigerator at the wall shutoff valve, then disconnect the water line from the inlet valve. Place a cup under the connection and turn the water back on briefly. If water flows out, the valve is open and working. If no water flows, the valve is stuck closed and will need replacement—this requires a service call.

Another common cause is a frozen water line. If your kitchen is very cold or the refrigerator is in an unheated space, ice can form inside the water line and block flow. To thaw it, unplug the refrigerator for 30 minutes, then plug it back in and reset the ice maker again. If the line remains frozen, you may need to explore a heat source to the line (a hair dryer on low heat, held several inches away) to melt the blockage, though this should only be done if you are comfortable working with the refrigerator's plumbing.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The ice maker will begin its cycle when ready after reset, but you typically will not see ice in the dispenser for 12 to 24 hours. The first 10 to 15 minutes is the startup cycle where the mold fills with water. The remaining time is the freezing process. The first batch of ice may be small or cloudy as the system flushes.

What if the reset button does not make any sound or light up?

If you press the button and hear nothing, the button itself may be stuck or the ice maker may have lost power. Check that the refrigerator is plugged in and that the outlet has power by plugging in another appliance. If power is fine, try the digital reset through the control panel instead. If neither method works, the ice maker may need service.

Can I reset the ice maker while the refrigerator is running?

Yes, you can reset the ice maker without turning off the refrigerator. The reset only affects the ice maker, not the cooling system. However, do not unplug the refrigerator during the reset cycle, as this can interrupt the process and cause the ice maker to malfunction.

Will resetting the ice maker erase any settings on my refrigerator?

No. Resetting the ice maker only restarts that component. Your refrigerator's temperature settings, display preferences, and other features will remain unchanged. The reset clears only the ice maker's memory and restarts its water-fill cycle.

What should I do if ice is coming out but it is cloudy or tastes odd?

Cloudy ice after a reset is normal and will clear within a few cycles as the water lines flush. If the ice continues to be cloudy or has an off taste after 48 hours, replace the water filter. A dirty filter causes both cloudiness and taste issues. If the filter is new and the problem persists, the water supply itself may be the issue—contact your local water utility to check water quality.