The fastest way to reset a Samsung ice maker
Most Samsung ice makers respond to a straightforward reset: turn off the ice maker switch (usually a toggle on the front or side of the unit), wait 10 seconds, then turn it back on. The ice maker will run a test cycle and resume normal operation within a few minutes. If that does not work, you may need to reset the whole refrigerator by unplugging it for 5 to 10 minutes, then plugging it back in.
Before you reset anything, check whether the ice maker is actually off. Some Samsung models have a switch that looks like it is on when it is actually off, or the switch may be in a position you did not notice. Look for a small lever or button on the ice maker itself, or check your refrigerator's control panel for an ice maker setting.
If the ice maker still does not work after a reset, the problem is usually one of three things: the water line is frozen or disconnected, the water filter is clogged, or the ice maker mechanism itself has failed. A reset will not fix any of those, but it will rule out a temporary software glitch.
Key Takeaways
- Toggle the ice maker switch off for 10 seconds, then back on to perform a basic reset that fixes most temporary problems.
- If the toggle reset does not work, unplug the refrigerator for 5 to 10 minutes to reset the whole unit's control board.
- Check that the ice maker switch is actually in the on position before assuming it needs a reset.
- A reset will not fix a frozen water line, clogged water filter, or a broken ice maker mechanism—those require repair or replacement.
Where to find the ice maker switch on your Samsung
The location of the ice maker switch varies by model. On most French-door and side-by-side Samsung refrigerators, the switch is a small toggle or lever on the front of the ice maker bin itself, usually on the right side. On some models, it is a button on the refrigerator's main control panel, labeled "Ice Maker" or "Ice On/Off."
Open the freezer door and look inside the ice maker compartment. If you see a small plastic lever or toggle sticking out from the side or front of the ice maker unit, that is your switch. Push it down to turn the ice maker off, or up to turn it on. The switch may also be a button you press once to toggle between on and off.
If you cannot find a physical switch, check the refrigerator's digital display or control panel on the front. Some newer Samsung models let you turn the ice maker on and off from the touchscreen or button panel. Look for an icon that looks like ice cubes or a snowflake, and press it to toggle the ice maker.
How to do a full refrigerator reset if the ice maker switch does not work
If toggling the ice maker switch does not restart the ice maker, unplug the refrigerator from the wall outlet. Wait 5 to 10 minutes. This clears the refrigerator's control board memory and resets all its systems at once.
After 10 minutes, plug the refrigerator back in. You may hear beeping or see lights flash as the unit powers back up—that is normal. The ice maker will run a test cycle automatically, which takes a few minutes. You should hear the water valve open and the ice maker motor run. If you do not hear anything, the problem is not a software glitch.
Some Samsung models also have a reset button on the control panel itself. Check your refrigerator's manual or the manufacturer's label inside the fridge to see if yours has one. If it does, press and hold the reset button for 3 to 5 seconds, then release it. This performs the same function as unplugging and replugging the unit.
Check the water line and filter before assuming the ice maker is broken
If the ice maker still does not produce ice after a reset, the problem is usually not the ice maker itself but the water supply feeding it. Samsung ice makers need a constant supply of water, and if that line is frozen, disconnected, or blocked, no reset will help.
Locate the water line that runs to the ice maker. On most Samsung refrigerators, it enters from the back of the unit and connects to the ice maker with a small plastic or copper tube. Check that the connection is tight and that the tube is not kinked or crushed. If the tube is frozen solid, you may need to thaw it by placing a warm cloth against it or running warm water over it.
The water filter is another common culprit. Samsung refrigerators have a water filter (usually labeled "DA29-00003G" or similar, depending on the model) that supplies both the ice maker and the water dispenser. If the filter is clogged, water cannot reach the ice maker. Check how long it has been since you replaced the filter—Samsung recommends replacing it every 6 months. If it has been longer, replace the filter and run the ice maker again.
What to do if the ice maker still does not work after a reset
A reset fixes temporary software problems, but it will not repair a broken water inlet valve, a failed ice maker motor, or a frozen water line. If the ice maker does not respond to a reset and the water line and filter are both clear, the ice maker mechanism itself may need repair or replacement.
Before you call a repair technician, try one more thing: check whether your refrigerator is in demo mode. Some Samsung models have a demo mode that disables the ice maker and water dispenser so the unit can be displayed in a store without making a mess. If demo mode is on, the ice maker will not work no matter what you do. Look for a demo mode button or setting on the control panel, usually marked "Demo" or "Showroom Mode," and turn it off.
If the ice maker still does not work, contact a Samsung service center or a local refrigerator repair company. They can test the water inlet valve, the ice maker motor, and the control board to find out which part has failed. Repair costs vary, but replacing an ice maker assembly typically runs between $300 and $500 in labor and parts, depending on your model and your location.
How to know if the ice maker is actually running
After you reset the ice maker, listen for the sound of the water valve opening and the motor running. You should hear a quiet humming or buzzing sound for a few seconds as the ice maker fills with water, then a grinding sound as the ice tray rotates and ejects ice into the bin. This whole cycle takes about 10 to 15 minutes on most Samsung models.
If you hear nothing at all, the ice maker is not getting power or water. If you hear the motor running but no water sound, the water line is blocked or the inlet valve is stuck. If you hear water running but the motor does not turn, the motor itself may have failed.
You can also watch the ice maker through the freezer door to see whether it is moving. Open the freezer and look at the ice maker bin. If the tray inside is rotating or if you see water spraying into the mold, the ice maker is working. If nothing moves and nothing happens, a reset will not fix it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a Samsung ice maker to make ice after a reset?
The first batch of ice usually takes 20 to 30 minutes after a reset. The ice maker runs a test cycle when it powers back on, which takes a few minutes, and then it starts filling the mold and freezing ice. You should see ice in the bin within half an hour if the water line and filter are working.
Will resetting the ice maker erase my refrigerator settings?
A reset of just the ice maker switch will not change any settings. A full refrigerator reset (unplugging for 10 minutes) may reset the temperature settings and any custom preferences you have set, so you may need to adjust the fridge and freezer temperature again after the reset.
Can a frozen water line unfreeze on its own?
A frozen water line will not unfreeze unless the temperature around it rises. If your kitchen is very cold or if the refrigerator's freezer temperature is set too low, the line can stay frozen. You can thaw it by placing a warm cloth against the line or by raising the freezer temperature slightly for a few hours.
What does it mean if the ice maker runs but produces no ice?
If you hear the motor running and water flowing but no ice forms, the water is probably too warm to freeze, or the ice tray is not cold enough. Check that your freezer temperature is set to 0°F or below. If it is, the problem may be a faulty ice maker thermostat or a broken heating element that should eject the ice.
Is it safe to unplug my Samsung refrigerator for a reset?
Yes, unplugging a refrigerator for 5 to 10 minutes is safe and will not damage it. Food will stay cold during that time because the refrigerator is well insulated. Just make sure to plug it back in after 10 minutes so the food does not warm up.