What a reset does and when you need one

A reset clears temporary error codes and restarts the control board without erasing your saved settings like temperature preferences or ice maker status. Most KitchenAid refrigerators have two types of reset: a soft reset (power cycle) that fixes display glitches and minor sensor hiccups, and a hard reset that fully restarts the system. You need a reset when the fridge shows an error code, the display is frozen, the ice maker stopped working for no obvious reason, or the compressor won't turn on after a power outage.

A reset is not the same as a factory reset, which erases all your settings and returns the fridge to its original state. Most household problems are solved by a soft reset alone. A hard reset is the next step if the soft reset does not work. If neither works, the issue is likely a failed component—compressor, control board, or sensor—and you will need a technician.

Key Takeaways

  • A soft reset (power cycle) takes five minutes and fixes most display errors and sensor glitches without erasing your temperature settings.
  • Unplug the fridge for five minutes, then plug it back in; the control board will restart and clear temporary error codes.
  • If the soft reset does not work, locate the reset button on your specific model—usually inside the fridge near the control panel or behind the kick plate—and hold it for three to five seconds.
  • Write down any error codes before you reset, because they disappear once the system restarts and can help a technician diagnose the problem later.
  • If the fridge still does not respond after both resets, the problem is a hardware failure and requires a service call.

How to do a soft reset by unplugging

Unplug the refrigerator from the wall outlet. Wait five minutes. This gives the control board time to fully discharge and clear any temporary errors stored in its memory. Plug the fridge back in. The display should light up, and the compressor should start running within a few minutes. Listen for the hum of the compressor and feel the back wall of the fridge to confirm it is getting cold again.

A soft reset works because the control board is a small computer. When power is cut, it loses the temporary data causing the error—much like restarting a frozen computer. Your saved settings (temperature, ice maker on or off, water filter status) are stored in permanent memory and survive the power cycle. If the fridge was showing an error code, that code should be gone after the reset.

If you have a power strip or surge protector, unplug the fridge directly from the wall outlet instead. Some power strips do not fully cut power when switched off, so the control board may not fully reset. Give yourself five full minutes before plugging back in—three minutes is often not enough for the board to fully discharge.

Finding and using the hard reset button

The hard reset button location varies by KitchenAid model year and style. Check your owner's manual first—it will show you exactly where the button is on your unit. If you do not have the manual, search online for "KitchenAid [your model number] reset button" to find a diagram. The model number is usually on a sticker inside the fridge, on the back wall or on the side wall near the top.

Common locations for the reset button are inside the fridge near the control panel (often behind the crisper drawers or on the ceiling), on the back of the fridge near the compressor, or under the kick plate at the bottom front. Some models have a recessed button that requires a thin tool like a straightened paperclip to press. Once you locate it, press and hold the button for three to five seconds. The display may go dark for a moment, then restart. You should hear the compressor kick on within a few minutes.

Do not confuse the reset button with the power button or the ice maker on/off switch. If you press the wrong button, nothing harmful happens—just try again. If you cannot find a reset button after checking the manual and searching your model number, your fridge may not have a dedicated reset button and a soft reset (unplugging) is your only option.

What to do if error codes appear after reset

Write down the exact error code before you do anything else. Error codes like "dE" (door error), "FF" (freezer fan failure), or "rC" (refrigerant circuit problem) tell a technician what failed. Once you reset the fridge, that code disappears from the display, so if you need service later, you will not be able to show the technician what the original problem was.

After you reset, run the fridge for 24 hours and watch for the error code to return. If it does not come back, the reset solved the problem—usually a temporary sensor glitch or a control board hiccup from a power surge. If the same code appears again within a day or two, the problem is a hardware failure (a faulty sensor, a failing compressor, or a damaged control board) and the fridge needs professional service. Do not keep resetting; each reset cycle stresses the control board slightly, and repeated resets on a failing board can make the problem worse.

Resetting after a power outage

After a power outage, your KitchenAid fridge may not restart on its own even after power returns. Unplug the fridge for five minutes, then plug it back in. This forces a soft reset and clears any error codes the control board recorded during the outage. The compressor should start within a few minutes and the fridge should begin cooling again.

If the fridge still does not cool after a soft reset, check that the thermostat dial inside the fridge is set to a cooling position (usually marked 1 to 5 or Low to High). During a power outage, some people accidentally bump the dial to the off position. If the dial is set correctly and the fridge still will not cool, do a hard reset using the reset button if your model has one. If neither reset works, the outage may have damaged the compressor or control board, and you will need a service call.

When to call a technician instead of resetting

Do not keep resetting if the fridge shows signs of a hardware failure. If the compressor does not run at all (no humming sound, no vibration), if water is leaking inside or under the fridge, if one section is cold but the other is not, or if the fridge is making loud grinding or squealing noises, a reset will not fix it. These are signs of a failed compressor, a broken fan, a clogged defrost drain, or a refrigerant leak—all of which require a technician.

Call a KitchenAid service center or a local appliance repair company if a soft reset and hard reset do not solve the problem within 24 hours. Have your model number and the error code (if you wrote it down) ready when you call. A technician can run diagnostic tests that a reset cannot, and they have the parts and tools to replace a failed component. Trying to reset a fridge with a failed compressor or control board will not bring it back to life and may delay getting it fixed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will resetting erase my temperature settings?

A soft reset (unplugging) will not erase your temperature settings. A hard reset using the reset button may erase them on some models—check your manual to be sure. If your settings are erased, you can set them again by adjusting the thermostat dial or the digital control panel inside the fridge.

How long does it take for the fridge to cool again after a reset?

The compressor should start running within a few minutes of plugging the fridge back in. It usually takes 30 minutes to an hour for the fridge section to reach the target temperature and two to four hours for the freezer to fully refreeze. If the fridge is not cold after four hours, the reset did not solve the problem.

Can I reset the fridge while it is plugged in?

No. For a soft reset, you must unplug the fridge from the wall outlet. If your model has a hard reset button, you can press it while the fridge is plugged in—the button restarts the control board without cutting power to the compressor. Check your manual to confirm your model's reset button works this way.

What if the display is completely dark and will not turn on?

Unplug the fridge for five minutes, then plug it back in. If the display still does not light up, check that the outlet is working by plugging in a lamp or phone charger. If the outlet works but the display does not, the control board or display panel has failed and needs professional repair.

Is it safe to unplug the fridge for five minutes?

Yes. Unplugging for five minutes will not spoil the food inside. The fridge will stay cold for several hours because the insulation keeps the temperature stable. Do not leave it unplugged longer than necessary, but five minutes is safe.