The fastest way to reset an LG ice maker
Most LG refrigerators have a reset button on the ice maker itself, usually a small red or black switch on the side or back of the unit inside the freezer. Press and hold it for three to five seconds, then release. The ice maker will stop, the motor will reset, and it should restart its cycle within a few minutes. If you do not see a button, your model may use a different reset method — check the model number on your refrigerator's interior wall and look up the manual online.
If the button reset does not work, or if your ice maker has no visible button, you can reset it through the refrigerator's control panel. On most LG models, hold the Ice Plus button for three seconds. This triggers a full reset of the ice-making system. The display may flash or beep to confirm the reset has started.
A third option is to turn off the ice maker entirely for 30 seconds, then turn it back on. This soft reset clears minor glitches without affecting your refrigerator's other functions. Look for an Ice Maker On/Off switch, usually located inside the freezer compartment near the ice maker unit itself.
Key Takeaways
- The physical reset button on the ice maker itself is the quickest fix — press and hold for three to five seconds.
- If there is no visible button, hold the Ice Plus button on your control panel for three seconds to reset the system.
- Turning the ice maker off for 30 seconds and back on clears minor problems without a full reset.
- After any reset, wait five to ten minutes for the ice maker to restart and begin producing ice again.
- If the ice maker still does not work after reset, the water supply line, door switch, or compressor may need attention.
When to reset versus when to check the water line
A reset works best when the ice maker is running but producing no ice, making small or hollow cubes, or stuck in a cycle it will not exit. These are usually software glitches or temporary sensor errors that a reset clears.
Do not reset if the ice maker is completely silent and has never made ice since you installed it. That points to a water supply problem. Check that the water line behind your refrigerator is connected, not kinked, and not frozen. If the line is connected and the valve is open but still no water reaches the ice maker, the inlet valve itself may be faulty and will need replacement.
Also skip the reset if your freezer door does not close fully or the door switch (a small button near the hinge) is stuck or broken. The ice maker will not run with the door open, so it will appear broken when the real problem is the door. Close the door firmly and listen for a click; if it does not click, the latch may need adjustment.
Step-by-step reset using the control panel
If your LG model does not have a physical reset button, the control panel method works on most newer units. Locate the Ice Plus button on your refrigerator's display panel — it is usually marked with a snowflake icon or the words "Ice Plus."
Press and hold Ice Plus for three seconds without releasing. You will hear a beep or see the display flash. Release the button. The ice maker will stop when ready, and you should see the motor disengage. Wait five to ten minutes. The ice maker will restart on its own and begin a new cycle.
If you do not have an Ice Plus button, look for Power Freeze or Rapid Freeze — these buttons sometimes control the ice maker on certain LG models. Hold whichever button your panel has for three seconds. If none of these buttons exist on your model, the manual for your specific refrigerator will show the correct reset sequence.
Finding your LG refrigerator model number and manual
Your model number is printed on a sticker inside the refrigerator, usually on the back wall or on the side wall near the top. It starts with letters (often "LRMVS" or "LRFVS") followed by numbers. Write this down or take a photo.
Go to LG's support website and enter your model number in the search box. read the PDF manual for your refrigerator. The manual will show exactly where the reset button is located, what it looks like, and how long to hold it. It will also list all the buttons on your control panel and what each one does.
If you cannot find the manual online, you can also call LG customer service with your model number. They will walk you through the reset steps for your specific unit over the phone.
What happens after you reset the ice maker
After a reset, the ice maker enters a defrost cycle that lasts a few minutes. During this time, you may hear water running inside the freezer or see a small amount of water drain from the ice maker. This is normal and means the reset worked.
Once the defrost cycle ends, the ice maker will begin filling its mold with water. You will hear the motor hum and the water valve open. The first batch of ice usually takes 12 to 24 hours to freeze solid, depending on your freezer temperature. Do not expect ice when ready after reset.
If the ice maker makes noise but produces no ice after 24 hours, or if it goes silent again after the reset, the problem is not a software glitch. At that point, check the water line, inlet valve, and door switch as described above.
Common reasons the reset does not work
The most common reason a reset fails is that the water supply is blocked or turned off. Even if the ice maker resets and runs, it cannot make ice without water. Check the shut-off valve behind your refrigerator — it should be turned fully to the right (open). If it is already open and water is flowing, the problem is likely the inlet valve, which controls water flow into the ice maker and can fail over time.
A frozen water line will also prevent the reset from working. If your freezer is very cold or your kitchen is very cold, the water line can freeze solid. Thaw it by wrapping a heating pad around the line for 30 minutes, or by pouring warm (not boiling) water over it slowly. Once thawed, the ice maker should work again.
If the ice maker resets but the compressor does not run (you hear no humming from the back of the refrigerator), the compressor itself may have failed. This is a major repair and usually requires a service technician.
When to call a repair technician
Call a technician if the reset does not restore ice production within 24 hours, or if the ice maker makes noise but no water enters the mold. These signs point to a faulty inlet valve, water line blockage, or compressor failure — problems that require parts replacement or professional diagnosis.
Also call a technician if the ice maker was working fine and suddenly stopped, and you have confirmed that the water line is open and not frozen. A sudden stop usually means an internal component has failed, not a software glitch.
If you are not comfortable checking the water line or opening the freezer compartment to locate the reset button, a technician can do both and reset the ice maker for you. The service call typically costs between $100 and $200, plus parts if something needs replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will resetting the ice maker erase my refrigerator settings?
No. Resetting only the ice maker does not change your temperature settings, display preferences, or any other refrigerator function. It resets only the ice-making system. If you want to reset the entire refrigerator, that is a different process and your manual will explain it separately.
How often should I reset my ice maker?
You should not need to reset it regularly. If you are resetting more than once every few months, something else is wrong — usually the water supply or a failing inlet valve. A single reset should fix a temporary glitch and last for years.
Can I reset the ice maker if the freezer is full of ice?
Yes, but remove as much ice as you can first so you can access the reset button or see the control panel clearly. The reset will work whether the freezer is full or empty, but you will have an easier time if you can see what you are doing.
What if the ice maker starts leaking water after I reset it?
A small amount of water during the defrost cycle is normal. If water continues to leak after the cycle ends, or if it leaks from underneath the ice maker, the water line connection may be loose or the inlet valve may be damaged. Tighten any visible connections first, and if leaking continues, call a technician.
Does the reset button work the same way on all LG refrigerators?
Most LG models use the same three-to-five-second press-and-hold method, but some older models may differ. Always check your manual for your specific model number to be sure. The model number is on the sticker inside your refrigerator.