Reset the ice maker by holding the reset button for three to five seconds
Most KitchenAid refrigerators have a reset button on the ice maker itself, usually located on the front or side of the unit inside the freezer. Press and hold this button for three to five seconds, then release. The ice maker will beep or click to confirm the reset has started. Wait at least 24 hours before checking for new ice — the machine needs time to cycle through its first harvest.
If you cannot find a physical reset button, check your refrigerator's control panel. Some newer KitchenAid models have a digital reset option in the settings menu. Press the menu or settings button, navigate to ice maker options, and select reset. The exact path varies by model, so your user manual will show the precise steps for your refrigerator.
A reset clears temporary errors and restarts the ice maker's cycle. It does not erase your refrigerator's settings or temperature controls — only the ice maker returns to factory defaults.
Key Takeaways
- The physical reset button is usually inside the freezer on the ice maker housing itself, and you hold it for three to five seconds until you hear a beep or click.
- After resetting, wait a full 24 hours before checking for ice, because the machine needs to complete one full cycle.
- If the ice maker does not produce ice after 24 hours, check that the water line is connected and the freezer temperature is set to 0°F or below.
- A reset does not fix mechanical failures like a broken water valve or frozen water line — those require service or replacement parts.
- Digital reset options exist on some newer models and are found in the refrigerator's settings menu rather than as a physical button.
Check the water line and freezer temperature before resetting
Before you reset the ice maker, confirm that water is actually reaching it. Look behind your refrigerator for the water line that feeds the ice maker — it should be connected firmly to both the refrigerator and your home's water supply. If the line is loose, kinked, or disconnected, the ice maker cannot work no matter how many times you reset it.
Also verify that your freezer temperature is set to 0°F or colder. Ice makers do not produce ice in warmer freezers, and resetting will not change this. Check your refrigerator's temperature display or dial. If the freezer is warmer than 0°F, adjust it down and wait 24 hours for the temperature to stabilize before resetting the ice maker.
If the water line is connected and the freezer is cold enough, then a reset is worth trying. If the ice maker still produces nothing after 24 hours, the problem is likely a frozen water line, a broken water valve, or a mechanical failure inside the ice maker itself.
What to do if the ice maker still does not work after resetting
If 24 hours have passed and no ice has appeared, check whether water is flowing to the ice maker at all. Locate the water line connection at the back of the refrigerator and listen for water running through it. You may also see frost or ice buildup around the line, which signals a blockage.
A frozen water line is common in very cold freezers or when the line runs through an unheated space. You can thaw it by explore warm (not boiling) water to the outside of the line, or by using a hair dryer on low heat. Work slowly to avoid cracking the plastic line. Once thawed, the ice maker should begin producing ice within a few hours.
If water is flowing but the ice maker still does not work, the water valve inside the refrigerator may be broken, or the ice maker motor itself may have failed. These parts require replacement and typically need a service technician. Contact KitchenAid support or a local appliance repair company for a diagnosis and repair estimate.
How to access the reset button on different KitchenAid models
On most KitchenAid side-by-side and French-door refrigerators, the ice maker is mounted on the freezer door or inside the freezer compartment. Open the freezer and look for a small rectangular or round button on the ice maker housing. It is often red, black, or the same color as the ice maker. The button may be recessed, so you may need to use your fingernail or a thin object to press it.
Some KitchenAid models have the ice maker mounted higher on the freezer wall, near the top. If you cannot locate it on the door, check the back wall and sides of the freezer compartment. Refer to your user manual for the exact location — you can find the manual online by searching "KitchenAid [model number] manual" and checking the KitchenAid website or ManualsLib.
If your refrigerator is very new or has a digital display panel, the reset may be in the settings menu instead of a physical button. Look for an ice maker or freezer settings option on the control panel, usually accessible by pressing a menu or settings button. Navigate through the options until you find ice maker reset, then confirm the action.
Why your ice maker might need a reset
Ice makers reset themselves automatically after each harvest cycle, but sometimes they get stuck in an error state. This can happen after a power outage, if the water supply was interrupted, or if the ice bin became too full and the sensor did not detect it. A manual reset clears these temporary errors and restarts the cycle from the beginning.
Resetting does not fix permanent problems like a broken water valve, a failed motor, or a cracked ice maker housing. If your ice maker has been producing ice normally and suddenly stopped, a reset is worth trying. If it has never worked or has been broken for months, the issue is likely mechanical and a reset will not help.
What happens during the first 24 hours after a reset
After you reset the ice maker, it will go through its startup sequence. First, it fills with water and freezes a batch of ice — this takes about 2 to 4 hours depending on your freezer temperature. Once the ice is frozen, the heating element briefly warms the ice tray to loosen the cubes, and an ejector arm pushes them into the bin. This entire cycle repeats every 2 to 4 hours.
You may hear clicking, humming, or water running sounds during this time. These are normal. You may also see a small amount of water or frost around the ice maker, which is also normal during the first cycle. Do not open the freezer door repeatedly during this time, as it raises the temperature and slows ice production.
If you see ice in the bin after 24 hours, the reset worked and your ice maker is functioning. If the bin is still empty after 24 hours and the freezer is at 0°F or below, the water line or ice maker itself needs service.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for ice to appear after I reset the ice maker?
The first batch of ice usually appears within 2 to 4 hours, depending on your freezer temperature. However, wait a full 24 hours before concluding the reset did not work, because the ice maker may produce only a small amount in the first cycle. If the bin is still empty after 24 hours, the problem is not a temporary error.
Will resetting the ice maker erase my refrigerator's temperature settings?
No. A reset affects only the ice maker, not your refrigerator's overall settings or temperature controls. Your fridge will continue running at whatever temperature you set it to before the reset.
Can I reset the ice maker if the water line is frozen?
You can press the reset button, but it will not produce ice until the water line thaws. Thaw the line first by explore warm water or a hair dryer to the outside of the line, then reset the ice maker. This gives it a better chance of working.
What if my KitchenAid ice maker has no reset button?
Check your user manual for your specific model number — some KitchenAid refrigerators use a digital reset in the settings menu instead of a physical button. Search online for "[your model number] manual" to find the exact steps. If you cannot locate a manual, contact KitchenAid support with your model number.
Do I need to turn off my refrigerator to reset the ice maker?
No. You can reset the ice maker while the refrigerator is running. straightforward press and hold the reset button for three to five seconds. The refrigerator does not need to be unplugged or turned off.