The basic reset: power cycle and control panel

The fastest way to reset a Samsung ice maker is to turn off the ice maker switch, wait a few minutes, and turn it back on. Most Samsung fridges have an ice maker on/off switch on the front control panel or inside the freezer compartment—look for a lever or button marked with an ice cube symbol. Flip it to off, wait three to five minutes, then flip it back to on. This clears any stuck commands and lets the ice maker restart its cycle.

If that does not work, try a full power cycle: unplug the fridge from the wall outlet, wait five minutes, and plug it back in. This resets the entire fridge's electronics, not just the ice maker. When you plug it back in, the display may show a startup sequence or ask you to confirm settings—this is normal. The ice maker will not produce ice for the first 24 hours after a power cycle while the system refreezes the water line.

Key Takeaways

  • The ice maker switch (usually on the control panel or inside the freezer) is the first thing to toggle off and back on.
  • A full power cycle—unplugging the fridge for five minutes—resets the ice maker's electronics when the switch alone does not work.
  • After any reset, wait 24 hours before expecting ice, because the water line and mold need time to refreeze.
  • If the ice maker still does not work after a reset, check that the water line is connected and the filter is not clogged.
  • Call a Samsung service technician if the ice maker does not cycle on after a reset or if water leaks from the ice maker compartment.

Check the water line connection before resetting

Before you reset anything, make sure the water line that feeds the ice maker is actually connected. Samsung ice makers need a constant water supply, and a loose or kinked line will stop ice production even if the ice maker itself is working. Look behind or underneath your fridge for a thin plastic or copper tube running from the water inlet valve (usually at the back, bottom left) to the ice maker inside the freezer.

Trace the line from the valve to the ice maker and look for kinks, cracks, or loose connections. If the line is kinked, straighten it gently—do not use force. If a connection is loose, you can tighten it by hand, but if water drips out when you do, turn off the water supply to the fridge first. The water shutoff valve is usually under your kitchen sink or behind the fridge. If the line is cracked or the connection will not tighten, the line needs to be replaced—this is a job for a technician.

Replace or clean the water filter

A clogged water filter will block water from reaching the ice maker, and the ice maker will not reset its way out of that problem. Samsung fridges with ice makers have a water filter, usually located inside the fridge (often in the upper right corner or in a compartment on the door) or behind the fridge. Check your fridge's manual or look for a filter cartridge labeled with a model number starting with DA or HAF.

If the filter has not been changed in six months or longer, replace it. A new filter costs between $30 and $60 depending on the model. If you just changed the filter and the ice maker still will not work, the new filter may be defective—try removing it temporarily to see if water flows to the ice maker without it. If water flows freely without the filter, the filter is the problem. If water still does not flow, the issue is in the water line or inlet valve, and you will need a technician.

What to do if the ice maker cycles but produces no ice

Sometimes the ice maker will turn on and you will hear it running, but no ice comes out. This usually means the water is not reaching the mold, or the mold is frozen solid. First, check that the freezer temperature is set to 0°F or below—ice makers need very cold temperatures to work. If your freezer is warmer than that, the ice will melt before it hardens.

If the temperature is correct and the ice maker is cycling, the water inlet valve may be stuck or the water line may be frozen. You can try pouring warm (not boiling) water over the water line at the back of the fridge to thaw it, but be careful not to splash the electrical components. If that does not help, or if you hear the ice maker running but water never reaches the mold, the inlet valve or the line inside the fridge is blocked. This requires a technician to diagnose and repair.

Reset the ice maker after replacing parts

If you have replaced the water filter, reconnected the water line, or had a technician repair the inlet valve, reset the ice maker again to clear any error codes. Turn off the ice maker switch, wait three minutes, and turn it back on. Then wait 24 hours—the ice maker needs time to fill the mold, freeze the ice, and eject it. You may hear clicking, humming, or water running during this time. This is normal.

If you still see no ice after 24 hours, turn off the ice maker again and check that water is actually flowing into the mold. You can do this by looking inside the ice maker compartment (usually in the freezer door or back wall) and watching for water to drip into the mold when the ice maker cycles. If you see no water, the water line or inlet valve is still the problem. If you see water but no ice forms, the freezer temperature is too warm or the mold itself is defective.

When to call a Samsung technician

Call a Samsung service technician if the ice maker does not cycle on after you have reset it twice, or if you hear the ice maker running but water never reaches the mold. Also call if water leaks from the ice maker compartment, if the ice maker produces only a small amount of ice, or if the ice tastes or smells wrong even after you have replaced the water filter.

Samsung's customer service line can help you find a local technician or walk you through more detailed troubleshooting over the phone. Have your fridge's model number ready—it is usually on a sticker inside the fridge, on the back, or in your purchase paperwork. A technician visit typically costs between $100 and $300 for diagnosis and repair, depending on what needs to be fixed.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The ice maker usually takes 24 hours to produce its first batch of ice after a reset. The water line needs to refreeze, the mold needs to fill and freeze, and the ejector needs to push the ice out. If you see no ice after 48 hours, the water line is likely blocked or the freezer is too warm.

Will resetting the ice maker erase my fridge's settings?

A power cycle (unplugging the fridge) may reset the temperature settings or ask you to confirm them when you plug it back in. Write down your current freezer and fridge temperatures before you unplug, so you can set them again if needed. Toggling the ice maker switch alone will not change any settings.

Can I reset the ice maker if the water line is frozen?

Resetting will not thaw a frozen water line. You can try pouring warm water over the line at the back of the fridge, or you can turn off the ice maker and let the fridge sit at room temperature for a few hours. If the line stays frozen, it may be kinked or the freezer may be too cold—call a technician.

What does it mean if the ice maker makes noise but no ice comes out?

The ice maker is cycling, but water is not reaching the mold or is not freezing. Check that the freezer temperature is 0°F or below and that the water filter is not clogged. If both are fine, the water inlet valve or the line inside the fridge is blocked, and you will need a technician.

Should I turn off the ice maker if it is not working?

Yes, turn off the ice maker switch if it is not producing ice and you do not plan to fix it right away. This prevents the ice maker from running constantly and wasting water. You can turn it back on once you have reset it or had a technician repair it.