What to do when ready after power returns
When power comes back after an outage, your Samsung refrigerator does not automatically reset itself. The compressor may not restart right away, the display may show error codes, and the ice maker might not work until you walk through a few basic steps. Most of the time, you do not need to do anything beyond waiting 10 minutes and checking that the unit is cooling again—but if the fridge stays warm or the display is frozen, a manual reset will fix it.
Start by checking whether the refrigerator is actually running. Open the door and listen for the compressor humming at the back of the unit. Feel the coils on the back wall or side—they should be cold to the touch within 5 to 10 minutes of power returning. If you hear nothing and the coils are warm after 15 minutes, move to the reset steps below.
Key Takeaways
- Wait at least 10 minutes after power returns before assuming anything is wrong, because the compressor has a built-in delay to protect itself.
- A soft reset—turning off the breaker for 30 seconds—fixes most display errors and restarts the cooling cycle without erasing your settings.
- If the display shows an error code after a soft reset, write down the exact code and check your model's manual or Samsung's support site for that specific code.
- The ice maker will not produce ice for 6 to 12 hours after a reset, even if everything else is working normally.
- If the fridge still will not cool after a soft reset, the power outage may have damaged the compressor, and you will need to contact Samsung service.
How to perform a soft reset using the breaker
A soft reset is the safest way to restart your Samsung refrigerator without losing your temperature settings or other stored information. Locate your home's electrical panel and find the breaker that controls the kitchen outlet where the refrigerator is plugged in. The breaker should be labeled, but if you are unsure, turn off breakers one at a time and check the fridge until the power cuts.
Once you have found the correct breaker, switch it to the OFF position. Wait exactly 30 seconds—use a clock or count slowly. This pause clears the refrigerator's memory and resets its internal systems. After 30 seconds, switch the breaker back to ON. You should hear a click as the compressor restarts within 30 seconds to 2 minutes. The display may show a brief error code or flash, which is normal and will clear on its own.
Do not flip the breaker on and off repeatedly. One 30-second cycle is enough. If you flip it multiple times in a row, you can damage the compressor's start relay.
Resetting the display if it shows error codes
After a power outage, the display panel sometimes gets stuck showing an error code like E-1, E-5, or C-E. These codes usually mean the system detected a temporary glitch during the power loss, not a permanent failure. A soft reset (the breaker method above) clears most of these codes within a few minutes.
If the code persists after a soft reset, write down the exact code and check your refrigerator's manual. Samsung manuals are available free on Samsung's support website—search for your model number, which is printed on a sticker inside the fridge, usually on the wall behind the crisper drawers or on the back wall. The manual will tell you what that specific code means and whether you need service or if it will clear on its own.
Some models also have a reset button on the control panel itself, usually labeled "Reset" or "Power Cool." Pressing this button for 3 to 5 seconds can clear display errors without turning off the breaker. Check your manual to see if your model has this button and where it is located.
Getting the ice maker working again
The ice maker is often the last thing to restart after a power outage, and this is normal. Even if the fridge is cooling and the display is clear, the ice maker may not produce ice for 6 to 12 hours. During this time, the system is refilling the water line and recalibrating the ice-making cycle.
Check that the ice maker is turned on. Look inside the freezer for the ice maker unit—it is usually on the right side or back wall. There should be a small switch or lever on the side or front of the ice maker itself. Make sure it is in the ON position (usually marked with a line or dot). If it is in the OFF position, slide it to ON.
Next, confirm that the water line is connected and not frozen. The water line runs from the back of the fridge to the ice maker. If the outage happened during very cold weather, the line may have frozen. If you suspect this, pour warm (not boiling) water over the line at the back of the fridge to thaw it. Wait 30 minutes and check whether water is flowing to the ice maker.
What to check if the fridge is still not cooling
If the compressor is not running 15 minutes after the soft reset, or if the coils are still warm, the power outage may have damaged the compressor or another component. Before you call for service, check these three things.
First, make sure the refrigerator is actually plugged in. Unplug it for 10 seconds, then plug it back in firmly. Sometimes the outlet itself trips during an outage, or the plug gets slightly dislodged. If the outlet has a reset button (GFCI outlets do), press it.
Second, check the temperature settings. After a power outage, some Samsung models reset the fridge and freezer to their default temperatures, which may be warmer than you had set them. Look at the control panel or the digital display and confirm the fridge is set to around 37–40°F and the freezer to 0°F or below. If the settings are higher, adjust them down.
Third, make sure the vents inside the fridge are not blocked. Ice or frost can build up during an outage and block cold air from flowing into the fridge compartment. Open the fridge and look for ice blocking the vents, usually at the top back or on the side walls. If you see ice, do not chip it away—instead, turn off the fridge, leave the door open for 2 to 4 hours, and let it melt naturally.
When to contact Samsung service
If the fridge still will not cool after a soft reset and you have checked the plug, temperature settings, and vents, the compressor or another internal component may have been damaged by the power surge. This is not something you can fix at home, and attempting to do so can make it worse.
Contact Samsung service through their support website or by calling the number on your refrigerator's manual. Have your model number ready—it is on the sticker inside the fridge. Describe what happened: when the power went out, how long it was out, and what you have already tried. Samsung service can tell you whether repair is worth the cost or whether replacement is a better option.
If your refrigerator is still under warranty (usually one year from purchase), the repair may be covered. Check your warranty paperwork or ask Samsung when you call.
Preventing damage from future power outages
A power surge when electricity returns can damage the compressor or control board. If you live in an area with frequent outages, a surge protector designed for large appliances can help. These are different from the power strips you use for computers—they are heavy-duty units that plug into the wall and have a single outlet for the refrigerator. They cost $30 to $60 and can prevent thousands of dollars in damage.
You can also reduce the risk by not opening the refrigerator door during an outage. Every time you open it, cold air escapes and the fridge has to work harder when power returns. If the outage lasts more than 4 hours, keep the doors closed and assume the food inside is still safe—a closed fridge stays cold for about 4 hours, and a closed freezer for about 48 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I wait before doing a reset after power comes back?
Wait at least 10 minutes. The compressor has a built-in delay that prevents it from restarting when ready after a power loss, so it may look like nothing is happening. If the fridge is still not cooling after 15 minutes, then do a soft reset using the breaker.
Will a power outage erase my temperature settings?
Not usually. A soft reset preserves your settings. However, some Samsung models reset to factory defaults during a long outage. Check your temperature display after power returns—if the fridge is set to a warmer temperature than you remember, adjust it back down manually.
Is it normal for the ice maker to not work right after a reset?
Yes. The ice maker can take 6 to 12 hours to start producing ice again after a power outage, even if everything else is working. Make sure the ice maker switch is in the ON position and the water line is not frozen.
What does it mean if the display shows an error code that won't go away?
Most error codes clear after a soft reset. If one persists, look up the code in your model's manual on Samsung's support website. Some codes indicate a real problem that needs service, while others are temporary glitches that will resolve on their own.
Can I reset the fridge without turning off the breaker?
Some Samsung models have a reset button on the control panel itself. Check your manual to see if yours does. If not, the breaker method is the most reliable way to do a full reset without losing your settings.