The three ways to reset a Samsung fridge, and when to use each one

A Samsung refrigerator reset falls into three categories: a soft reset (power cycle), a factory reset (settings return to default), and a control panel reset (clears error codes). Most problems — ice maker not working, display frozen, temperature not holding — respond to a power cycle first. A factory reset wipes your custom settings but fixes deeper software glitches. A control panel reset clears fault codes without touching anything else. Which one you need depends on what is actually wrong.

Before you try any reset, check whether your fridge is still under warranty. Samsung covers parts and labor for one year from purchase, and a reset may void that coverage if a technician later finds a hardware fault. If your fridge is new and malfunctioning, contact Samsung support first — they may send a technician instead of having you troubleshoot.

Key Takeaways

  • A soft reset (unplugging for five minutes) fixes most display and ice maker problems without erasing your settings.
  • A factory reset returns all settings to default and clears error codes, but you will need to reprogram temperature, ice type, and water filter status afterward.
  • A control panel reset clears fault codes from the display without affecting temperature or ice maker settings.
  • Samsung refrigerators with Wi-Fi can be reset through the SmartThings app, which is faster than unplugging if your phone has a connection.
  • If the fridge is still cooling and freezing normally, a reset is usually safe; if it is not maintaining temperature, the problem is likely hardware and a reset will not fix it.

Soft reset: unplug the fridge for five minutes

A soft reset is the first step for any malfunction. Unplug the refrigerator from the wall outlet, or switch off the circuit breaker that controls it. Wait five minutes — this drains residual power from the control board and clears temporary glitches. Plug it back in or switch the breaker back on.

The fridge will beep once or twice as it powers up. The display may show a startup sequence or error codes for a few seconds; this is normal. After two to three minutes, the compressor should hum and the display should stabilize. If the problem was a frozen display, unresponsive buttons, or an ice maker that stopped dispensing, a soft reset usually fixes it within the hour.

Do not open the doors during the five-minute wait or when ready after powering back on. The fridge needs time to stabilize its internal temperature and sensor readings.

Factory reset: return all settings to default

A factory reset clears all custom settings — temperature preferences, ice type, water filter status, and any error codes — and returns the control board to its original state. This fixes deeper software problems that a power cycle does not touch, like a display that shows the wrong temperature or an ice maker that runs constantly.

The steps vary by model. On most Samsung French-door and side-by-side models, hold the Fridge and Freezer buttons together for three to five seconds until the display flashes or shows a reset confirmation. On some models, you hold Power Cool and Power Freeze instead. On ice-dispensing models, you may need to hold Ice Type and Crushed Ice together. Check your model number on the back of the fridge or in your manual to confirm the exact button combination.

After the reset completes, the display will go blank for a few seconds and then restart. You will need to reprogram the fridge temperature (usually 37°F), freezer temperature (usually 0°F), ice type (cubed or crushed), and water filter status. The fridge will prompt you through these settings on the display. This process takes about five minutes.

Control panel reset: clear error codes without losing settings

If your display shows an error code (like 5E, 1E, or OF) but the fridge is still cooling normally, a control panel reset clears the code without erasing your temperature settings or ice preferences. This is useful when a sensor has a temporary fault or the control board has logged an old error.

Hold the Power button for ten seconds until the display goes dark. Release it and wait ten seconds. Press Power again to turn the display back on. The error code should be gone. If it reappears within a few hours, the sensor or component triggering the code may have a real fault and will need service.

Reset through the SmartThings app (Wi-Fi models)

Samsung refrigerators with Wi-Fi connectivity can be reset through the SmartThings app on your phone, which is faster than unplugging if your phone is already connected to your home network. Open the SmartThings app, select your refrigerator, tap the menu (three dots), and look for Settings or Device Settings. Scroll to Reset or Restart Device and confirm.

The app will show a countdown as the fridge restarts. This performs a soft reset without requiring you to unplug anything. If the app does not show a reset option, your model may not support remote reset, and you will need to unplug the fridge instead.

What a reset will and will not fix

A reset fixes software glitches: frozen displays, unresponsive buttons, ice makers that do not dispense, compressors that run constantly, and error codes that appear and disappear. It does not fix hardware failures like a broken compressor, a failed evaporator fan, or a leaking water line.

If your fridge is not cooling to the right temperature even after a reset, or if it is making unusual grinding or clicking sounds, the problem is likely a mechanical component and a reset will not help. The same is true if water is pooling inside the fridge or if the ice maker is completely silent (no motor sound at all). In these cases, contact Samsung support or a service technician.

A reset is safe to try on any Samsung fridge. It will not damage the appliance or void your warranty if performed correctly. The only risk is that you will spend time troubleshooting a problem that actually requires a repair visit — but that is a time cost, not a damage cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will resetting my fridge erase my water filter status?

A soft reset (power cycle) will not erase it. A factory reset will, and you will need to tell the fridge whether you have installed a new filter or reset the old one. The display will prompt you to set this after a factory reset.

How long does a reset take?

A soft reset takes five minutes of unplugging plus two to three minutes for the fridge to stabilize after power returns. A factory reset takes about five minutes total, including the reprogram steps. A control panel reset takes less than a minute.

What if the reset does not work?

If the problem persists after a soft reset and a factory reset, it is likely a hardware fault. Contact Samsung support with your model number and a description of the problem. They can walk you through additional diagnostics or arrange a service visit.

Can I reset my fridge while it is plugged in?

For a soft reset, no — you must unplug it or switch off the breaker. For a factory reset or control panel reset, yes — these use button combinations on the display and do not require unplugging. The SmartThings app reset also works while the fridge is plugged in.

Do I need to turn off the ice maker before resetting?

No. A reset will not damage the ice maker. If the ice maker is malfunctioning, a reset may fix it. If it does not, turning it off beforehand will not change the outcome.