What a Samsung refrigerator reset does and when you need one
A reset clears error codes, stops alarm sounds, and restarts the control board without erasing your temperature settings or food. Most Samsung refrigerators have two types of reset: a soft reset (power cycle) that takes a few minutes, and a hard reset (factory reset) that wipes all custom settings and returns the fridge to factory defaults. You should soft reset first—it fixes most problems like a stuck ice maker, a beeping alarm, or a display that has frozen. A hard reset is only necessary if the control board is truly malfunctioning or if you are troubleshooting a persistent error code that the soft reset did not clear.
The reset process differs slightly depending on your model's age and features. Older Samsung fridges may have a physical reset button; newer models use a button combination or a menu option on the display panel. This guide covers both approaches so you can find the one that matches your refrigerator.
Key Takeaways
- A soft reset (power cycle) fixes most problems and takes only a few minutes; unplug the fridge for 5 to 10 minutes, then plug it back in.
- Locate your model number on the sticker inside the fridge or on the back panel to confirm which reset method your refrigerator uses.
- Newer Samsung models often use a button combination on the control panel—usually holding the Power Cool and Power Freeze buttons together for 3 to 5 seconds.
- A hard reset erases all custom settings and returns the fridge to factory defaults, so use it only after a soft reset has not solved the problem.
- If an error code returns after a reset, or if the fridge does not cool after resetting, contact Samsung support or a repair technician.
Soft reset: power cycle your refrigerator
A soft reset is the first step and the safest. Unplug the refrigerator from the wall outlet and wait 5 to 10 minutes. This clears the control board's temporary memory and stops any stuck processes. After 10 minutes, plug the fridge back in. The display will light up, and the compressor will restart. Listen for the compressor to hum within a few minutes—if it does, the reset worked.
If your fridge is built into cabinetry and you cannot reach the outlet easily, locate the circuit breaker that controls the refrigerator (usually labeled in your home's electrical panel) and switch it off for 10 minutes, then switch it back on. The effect is the same as unplugging.
Wait 24 hours before deciding whether the reset solved your problem. Some issues—like an ice maker that was stuck—may take a full cycle to clear completely. If the alarm stops, the display unfreezes, or the ice maker starts working again, the soft reset was successful and you do not need to go further.
Hard reset using the control panel buttons
If a soft reset did not work, try a hard reset using your refrigerator's control panel. On most newer Samsung models (made after 2015), press and hold the Power Cool and Power Freeze buttons at the same time for 3 to 5 seconds. The display may flash, beep, or show a confirmation message. Release the buttons and wait for the fridge to restart.
Some models use different button combinations. If your fridge has a Settings or Menu button, press it to enter the settings menu, then look for a Reset or Factory Reset option. Use the arrow buttons to navigate and select it. The fridge will ask you to confirm—press the button indicated on the display to proceed.
After a hard reset, the fridge will restart and return to factory defaults. This means your temperature settings will reset to the manufacturer's standard (usually 37°F for the fridge and 0°F for the freezer). You will need to adjust them again once the reset is complete. The reset typically takes 5 to 10 minutes.
Hard reset for older Samsung refrigerators
Older Samsung models (before 2015) sometimes have a physical reset button. Check inside the fridge, usually on the back wall or near the top of the interior. It may be labeled Reset, Alarm Reset, or Test. Press and hold it for 3 to 5 seconds. The display may beep or flash to confirm the reset.
If you cannot find a physical button, check the back of the refrigerator (you may need to pull the fridge away from the wall). Some models have a reset switch on the control board itself, accessible by removing a small panel. If you are not comfortable opening the back panel, skip this step and move to contacting Samsung support.
Finding your model number to confirm the reset method
Before you reset, confirm your exact model number so you know which method to use. Open the refrigerator door and look for a sticker on the inside wall, usually on the left or right side near the top. The sticker will show your model number, serial number, and other details. Write down the model number (it typically starts with "RF" or "RS" for Samsung refrigerators).
If there is no sticker inside, check the back of the refrigerator or the bottom front edge. You can also look at your purchase receipt or warranty paperwork. Once you have the model number, you can search Samsung's support website or your refrigerator's manual to confirm the exact reset steps for your model.
What to do if the reset does not work
If the fridge still shows an error code, does not cool, or the alarm returns after a hard reset, the problem is likely not something a reset can fix. Error codes like 1E, SE, or OF point to specific component failures—a faulty sensor, a compressor problem, or a control board issue—that require professional repair.
Before calling a technician, try the soft reset one more time and wait a full 24 hours. If the problem persists, contact Samsung support through their website or call the number on your warranty paperwork. Have your model number ready. They can walk you through additional troubleshooting or schedule a repair visit. If your fridge is still under warranty, the repair may be covered.
Resetting without losing your food
A soft reset does not affect your food or your temperature settings. The fridge stays plugged in long enough that food stays cold, and your custom temperatures are stored in the control board's permanent memory, so they will not be erased.
A hard reset, however, will reset your temperature settings to factory defaults. Before you do a hard reset, write down your current fridge and freezer temperatures (check the display panel). After the reset is complete, adjust them back to your preferred settings. Your food will not spoil during the reset process itself, but if the fridge fails to cool after the reset, you will have a problem—which is why you should always try a soft reset first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will resetting my Samsung fridge erase my ice maker settings?
A soft reset will not erase any settings. A hard reset returns the ice maker to factory defaults, which usually means it is turned on and set to produce ice. If you had disabled the ice maker, you will need to turn it off again after the hard reset.
How long does a Samsung refrigerator take to restart after a reset?
A soft reset takes 5 to 10 minutes from the time you plug it back in. A hard reset takes about 5 to 10 minutes as well. Wait at least 24 hours before deciding whether the reset solved your problem, because some issues take a full cooling cycle to clear.
Can I reset my Samsung fridge while it is still plugged in?
For a soft reset, you must unplug the fridge or turn off its circuit breaker. For a hard reset using the control panel buttons, the fridge stays plugged in—you just press the button combination. Check your manual to confirm which method your model uses.
What does it mean if my Samsung fridge shows an error code after I reset it?
An error code that returns after a reset usually means a component (like a sensor or compressor) is failing, not just a temporary software glitch. Contact Samsung support or a repair technician with the error code and your model number so they can diagnose the problem.
Do I need to turn off the ice maker before resetting?
No. You do not need to turn off the ice maker before a soft or hard reset. The reset will not damage it. If the ice maker is stuck or not working, the reset may fix it.