The quickest way to reset your Whirlpool ice maker

Most Whirlpool ice makers reset with a single button press or a brief power cycle. The exact method depends on your model, but the most common approach is to locate the reset button on the ice maker itself — usually a small red or black button on the front or side of the unit inside the freezer — and hold it for three to five seconds until you hear a click or see a light blink. If your model doesn't have a visible reset button, turning off the refrigerator at the wall outlet for five minutes and turning it back on will reset the ice maker's control board.

After you reset, the ice maker will run a cleaning cycle that takes about six to eight hours. You'll hear grinding or buzzing sounds during this time. Don't be alarmed — this is normal. The first batch of ice may look cloudy or taste slightly off; discard it and run the cycle again if needed.

Key Takeaways

  • The reset button on Whirlpool ice makers is usually a small red or black button located on the front or side of the ice maker unit inside the freezer.
  • If you cannot find a reset button, unplug the refrigerator for five minutes and plug it back in to reset the control board.
  • After a reset, the ice maker runs a cleaning cycle for six to eight hours, during which you may hear unusual sounds.
  • The first batch of ice after a reset may be cloudy or taste off; discard it and run another cycle if needed.
  • If the ice maker still doesn't work after reset, check that the water line is connected and the freezer temperature is at or below 0°F.

Finding the reset button on your specific model

Whirlpool ice makers come in several designs, and the reset button location varies. On top-freezer models, the button is usually on the right side of the ice maker bucket, facing inward. On side-by-side refrigerators, it's often on the front of the ice maker housing, sometimes hidden behind a small plastic cover you'll need to pry off gently. French-door models with bottom freezers typically have the button on the left or right edge of the ice maker unit.

If you're having trouble locating it, check your refrigerator's manual — you can find this online by searching "Whirlpool [your model number] manual" on the Whirlpool website or a search engine. The model number is usually printed on a sticker inside the refrigerator, either on the back wall or on the side wall near the top. Once you find the manual, search for "ice maker reset" to see a diagram specific to your unit.

The power-cycle reset method

If your ice maker has no visible reset button, or if pressing the button doesn't work, a full power cycle will reset the control board. Unplug the refrigerator from the wall outlet — do not use the power switch on the fridge itself, as that doesn't cut power to the control board. Leave it unplugged for at least five minutes. This clears any temporary errors stored in the ice maker's memory.

After five minutes, plug the refrigerator back in. You should hear a soft beep or see an indicator light, which means the control board has restarted. The ice maker will begin its cleaning cycle within a few minutes. If you don't hear or see anything, wait another minute or two — some models take a moment to initialize after power is restored.

What happens during the cleaning cycle

Once reset, the ice maker runs an automatic cleaning cycle that flushes the water line and clears the mold. This cycle typically lasts six to eight hours and produces several small batches of ice that are then discarded. During this time, you'll hear the water valve open and close, the motor turn on and off, and ice cubes dropping into the bucket. These sounds are all normal.

The first ice you see after the cycle completes may look cloudy, have an off taste, or contain small debris. This is because the water line and mold are still clearing out residual minerals and dust. Discard the first one or two batches and run the cycle again if needed. By the third or fourth batch, the ice should look clear and taste normal.

Checking the water line and temperature if reset doesn't work

If the ice maker still doesn't produce ice after a reset, the problem usually isn't the reset itself — it's one of two other things. First, check that the water line is connected and not kinked. The water line runs from the back of the refrigerator to the ice maker and is usually a thin plastic tube. If it's disconnected, pinched, or frozen, water can't reach the mold. Trace it from the back of the fridge to the ice maker and make sure it's straight and find.

Second, check the freezer temperature. The ice maker won't work if the freezer is warmer than 0°F. Use a freezer thermometer (available at any hardware store for a few dollars) to check the actual temperature. If it's above 0°F, adjust the freezer dial or digital control to a colder setting and wait 24 hours for the temperature to stabilize. If the freezer won't get cold enough, the compressor or thermostat may need service from a professional.

When to call a professional technician

Reset your ice maker and check the water line and temperature first — these solve most problems. If the ice maker still doesn't work after you've done all three, the issue is likely a faulty water inlet valve, a clogged water filter, or a problem with the control board itself. These require opening the refrigerator and testing electrical components, which is beyond safe DIY territory.

Contact a Whirlpool-authorized service technician or a local appliance repair company. Have your refrigerator's model number ready when you call. Service calls typically cost between $100 and $200 for diagnosis and repair, depending on your area and what needs to be replaced. If your refrigerator is still under warranty, check whether the repair is covered before you pay.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for the ice maker to work after a reset?

The cleaning cycle takes six to eight hours, but you may see a small amount of ice within the first two to three hours. The first batches will be cloudy or small; wait until the cycle completes and discard the first few batches before using the ice.

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

No. Resetting the ice maker only clears the ice maker's control board, not the refrigerator's main settings. Your temperature settings, display preferences, and other features will remain unchanged.

What if the reset button is stuck or won't click?

Don't force it — you can break the button. Use the power-cycle method instead: unplug the refrigerator for five minutes and plug it back in. This achieves the same reset without pressing the button.

Can I use the ice maker while it's running the cleaning cycle?

You can, but the ice produced during the cycle is not clean and should be discarded. Wait until the cycle finishes and the ice looks clear before using it.

Why is my ice cloudy even after the cleaning cycle?

Cloudy ice usually means minerals in your water, not a problem with the ice maker. If cloudiness persists after two or three cycles, your water filter may need replacing. Whirlpool refrigerators typically use a standard filter cartridge that costs $30 to $60 and takes five minutes to swap out.