The Reset Button and Where to Find It

Most Whirlpool refrigerators have a reset button on the ice maker itself, located inside the freezer compartment. The button is usually red or black, about the size of a pencil eraser, and sits on the side or front of the ice maker housing. Open your freezer and look at the ice maker unit—it is the plastic box mounted on the wall or in the corner. The reset button should be visible on the exterior.

If you cannot find a physical button, your model may use a different reset method. Some newer Whirlpool models reset through the control panel on the refrigerator door instead. Check your refrigerator's manual or the model number plate (usually on the back wall inside the fridge) to confirm which type you have. The model number will tell you whether to look for a mechanical button or a digital reset option.

Key Takeaways

  • The reset button on a Whirlpool ice maker is usually red or black and located on the ice maker housing inside the freezer.
  • Press and hold the button for three to ten seconds—the exact time depends on your model, so check your manual if the ice maker does not respond after five seconds.
  • After resetting, wait 24 hours before expecting ice; the ice maker needs time to refill the water line and freeze a new batch.
  • If the ice maker still does not work after reset, check that the water supply line is connected and the freezer temperature is at 0°F or below.

How to Press the Reset Button Correctly

Locate the reset button and press it firmly with your finger or the tip of a pen. Hold it down for three to five seconds, then release. You may hear a click or see the ice maker motor start briefly—this is normal and means the reset worked. Some models require you to hold the button for up to ten seconds, so if nothing happens after five seconds, keep holding and count to ten before releasing.

After you release the button, step back and listen. The ice maker should make a humming or grinding sound as it cycles through its initial setup. If you hear nothing at all, the reset may not have taken. Try pressing the button again, this time holding it for the full ten seconds. Do not press repeatedly in quick succession—one long press is more effective than multiple short taps.

What Happens After You Reset

Once you reset the ice maker, it will begin filling with water and freezing a new batch of ice. This process takes time. You should not expect ice to appear in the bin for at least 24 hours, and sometimes up to 48 hours for the first full cycle. During this time, the ice maker will run several times as it fills the mold, freezes the ice, and ejects it into the bin.

You may hear unusual sounds during the first day after reset—clicking, humming, or water running through the lines. These are all normal as the system primes itself. If the sounds continue beyond 48 hours or if no ice appears after two days, the reset alone may not have solved the problem, and you will need to check other components.

Check the Water Supply Before Resetting

Before you reset the ice maker, confirm that water is actually reaching it. Look behind your refrigerator and trace the water line that connects to the ice maker. The line should be firmly attached at both ends—one end at the refrigerator's water inlet valve and the other at the ice maker itself. If either connection is loose, tighten it by hand or with a wrench, depending on the fitting type.

Also check that the water shut-off valve (usually located where the water line enters the wall or under the sink) is turned on. If it is closed, no water will reach the ice maker no matter how many times you reset it. Turn the valve counterclockwise to open it. If you are unsure whether the valve is on or off, look for a small handle—if it points along the pipe, it is open; if it points across the pipe, it is closed.

Freezer Temperature Must Be Cold Enough

The ice maker will not produce ice if your freezer is too warm. Check the freezer temperature by placing a thermometer inside for a few hours. It should read 0°F or below. If it is warmer than that, adjust the freezer dial or digital control to a colder setting and wait 24 hours for the temperature to stabilize before resetting the ice maker.

A freezer that is too warm usually means the thermostat is set incorrectly or the door seal is leaking cold air. Make sure the freezer door closes completely and that the rubber seal around the edge is not cracked or dirty. If the seal looks damaged, it may need to be replaced. Once the temperature is correct and stable, reset the ice maker and wait for ice production to resume.

When to Check the Water Filter

If your Whirlpool refrigerator has a water filter (most models do), a clogged filter can prevent water from reaching the ice maker even after a reset. The filter is usually located inside the refrigerator, either in the upper right corner or in the base grille at the bottom front. Check how long it has been since the filter was changed—most filters should be replaced every six months or after filtering 300 gallons of water.

If the filter is old or you are unsure when it was last changed, replace it with a new one. A clogged filter will slow water flow to a trickle, and the ice maker may not fill properly. After installing a new filter, run water through the dispenser for 30 seconds to flush air from the line, then reset the ice maker. Wait 24 hours for the first batch of ice to appear.

Troubleshooting If the Reset Does Not Work

If the ice maker still does not produce ice after 48 hours, the problem is likely not the reset itself but something blocking the water supply or a mechanical failure inside the ice maker. Start by checking the water inlet valve—the small solenoid that opens to let water into the ice maker. If this valve is stuck closed, water cannot enter no matter how many times you reset.

You can test the inlet valve by listening for a clicking sound when the ice maker cycles. If you hear clicking but no water flows, the valve may be faulty and will need to be replaced. This is a job for a technician, as it requires disconnecting water lines and accessing the back of the refrigerator. If you hear no clicking at all, the problem may be with the ice maker's control module or motor, which also requires professional service.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I hold down the reset button?

Most Whirlpool models require three to five seconds, but some need up to ten seconds. If nothing happens after five seconds, keep holding until you reach ten. Check your manual for your specific model number to be certain. A single long press is more reliable than multiple short presses.

Why is my ice maker still not making ice after I reset it?

The most common reasons are a clogged water filter, a disconnected water line, a freezer that is too warm, or a stuck water inlet valve. Check all four of these before assuming the reset failed. If the freezer is cold, the water line is connected, the filter is new, and you still have no ice after 48 hours, the ice maker itself may need professional repair.

Do I need to turn off the refrigerator to reset the ice maker?

No. You can reset the ice maker while the refrigerator is running. straightforward press the reset button on the ice maker itself. You do not need to unplug the unit or flip any breakers. The reset button only affects the ice maker, not the entire refrigerator.

Can I reset the ice maker from the control panel instead of the button?

Some newer Whirlpool models have a digital reset option in the control panel menu, but most still use a physical button on the ice maker. Check your manual to see if your model supports panel reset. If it does, the manual will tell you which buttons to press and in what order.

How often should I reset my ice maker?

You should only reset the ice maker when it stops producing ice or after you have replaced the water filter. Resetting it repeatedly without a reason will not improve performance and may cause unnecessary wear. A properly functioning ice maker does not need regular resets.