The fastest way to reset a 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 two most common approaches are a dedicated reset button (usually inside the freezer compartment or on the ice maker itself) or unplugging the refrigerator for 5 to 10 minutes. Before you reset, check whether the ice maker is actually off—many owners think it is broken when it is straightforward switched to the off position by accident.
A reset clears the ice maker's memory and restarts its cycle. This solves most common problems: ice production that has stopped, a stuck auger (the spiral that pushes ice into the bin), or a cycle that will not complete. If the ice maker still does not work after a reset, the issue is usually a clogged water line, a frozen fill tube, or a part that has failed—all of which require a different fix.
Key Takeaways
- Check the ice maker's on/off switch first—it is often accidentally turned off and looks like the machine is broken.
- Most Whirlpool models reset by pressing a button inside the freezer or unplugging the unit for 5 to 10 minutes.
- After a reset, the ice maker takes 6 to 12 hours to produce its first batch of ice.
- If the ice maker still does not work after a reset, the problem is usually a frozen water line or a failed component that needs professional repair.
Finding the reset button on your Whirlpool model
The reset button location varies by Whirlpool model year and style. On many French-door and side-by-side models, the button is mounted directly on the ice maker housing inside the freezer—look for a small red or black button, usually labeled "Reset" or "Test." Press it firmly for 3 to 5 seconds until you hear a click or see a light blink. On some older models, the button is on the back wall of the freezer compartment.
If you cannot find a physical button, consult your refrigerator's manual or check the model number plate (usually on the side wall inside the fridge or on the back of the unit). Whirlpool's website has a searchable manual database where you can read the exact diagram for your model. The manual will show you the ice maker's location and whether your model has a reset button or requires a power cycle instead.
Resetting by unplugging the refrigerator
If your Whirlpool has no reset button, or if pressing the button does not work, unplug the refrigerator from the wall outlet for 5 to 10 minutes. This forces a complete power reset and clears the ice maker's control board. After 10 minutes, plug it back in and listen for a humming sound—this means the compressor is restarting. The ice maker should begin its cycle within a few minutes, though it may take 6 to 12 hours to produce ice.
During the power-off period, keep the freezer door closed to preserve cold temperature. Do not open it repeatedly or the thaw cycle will take longer. Some Whirlpool models have a backup battery in the control board that keeps settings in memory even during a power loss, so the reset may not feel like anything has changed—but the ice maker cycle will restart regardless.
What happens after you reset the ice maker
After a successful reset, the ice maker enters its fill cycle. You should hear a buzzing or humming sound as the water inlet valve opens and water flows into the mold. The cycle then freezes the water for 1 to 2 hours, ejects the ice into the bin, and repeats. The entire process from reset to first ice usually takes 6 to 12 hours, depending on your freezer temperature and the ambient room temperature.
If you hear nothing after 10 minutes, or if the water inlet valve does not open, the reset did not solve the problem. Check whether the water supply line is connected and not frozen. If the line is clear and the valve still does not open, the inlet valve itself may have failed and will need replacement by a technician.
When a reset does not fix the ice maker
A reset solves problems with the ice maker's control cycle, but not with the water supply or mechanical parts. If the ice maker still does not work after a reset, check these common culprits: a frozen fill tube (the small pipe that carries water into the mold), a clogged water filter, or a kinked water line behind the refrigerator. A frozen fill tube is the most common reason an ice maker stops working in cold climates or when the freezer is set very cold.
To check for a frozen fill tube, look inside the ice maker housing for a small tube running from the back wall into the mold. If it looks icy or blocked, you can try thawing it by pouring warm (not boiling) water over it, or by turning off the ice maker for a few hours and letting it thaw naturally. If the tube is clear and the water line is not kinked, the inlet valve or the control board may have failed—both require professional repair.
Preventing ice maker problems after a reset
Once your ice maker is working again, keep it running smoothly by checking the water filter every 6 months. A clogged filter reduces water pressure and can cause the fill cycle to fail. Whirlpool refrigerators typically use a standard filter cartridge (often labeled as a "W10295370" or similar) that you can replace yourself by twisting it out and screwing in a new one.
Keep the freezer temperature between 0 and 5 degrees Fahrenheit. If it is colder than that, the fill tube can freeze even if the water line is flowing. If you live in a very cold climate or your kitchen is unheated, insulate the water line with foam pipe wrap to prevent freezing. Check the water line connection at the back of the refrigerator once a year to make sure it has not kinked or loosened.
When to call a professional
If the ice maker still does not produce ice after a reset and you have confirmed that the water line is not frozen or clogged, the problem is likely a failed component. The inlet valve, the control board, or the motor that drives the auger may need replacement. These parts are not difficult to replace, but they require opening the ice maker housing and disconnecting electrical connectors—work that most homeowners prefer to leave to a technician.
Call a refrigerator repair service if you see water leaking from the ice maker, if the ice maker cycles but produces no ice, or if you hear grinding sounds from inside the housing. These symptoms point to a mechanical or electrical failure that a reset cannot fix. A technician can diagnose the exact part and replace it in 1 to 2 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for ice to appear after I reset the ice maker?
Most Whirlpool ice makers produce their first batch of ice within 6 to 12 hours of a reset. The exact time depends on your freezer temperature and how cold the mold gets. If you do not see ice after 24 hours, the reset did not work and you should check the water line or call a technician.
Will resetting the ice maker erase my refrigerator's settings?
A reset button on the ice maker itself will not affect your refrigerator's temperature settings or other functions. A full power cycle (unplugging the unit) may reset the display panel or temperature controls on some older models, but most modern Whirlpools have a backup battery that preserves these settings during a brief power loss.
Can I reset the ice maker if the water line is frozen?
Yes, you can reset it, but the ice maker will not produce ice until the water line thaws. Thaw the line by turning off the ice maker and letting it sit for several hours, or by pouring warm water over the fill tube. Once the line is clear, reset the ice maker again and it should begin its cycle.
What is the difference between a reset button and unplugging the refrigerator?
A reset button restarts only the ice maker's control cycle without affecting the rest of the refrigerator. Unplugging the entire unit performs a full power reset on all systems. If the reset button does not work, unplugging is the next step to try.
Do I need to turn off the ice maker before I reset it?
No. You can reset the ice maker whether it is on or off. If it is currently off, a reset will turn it back on and start the cycle. If it is on, a reset will restart the cycle from the beginning.