What a Samsung fridge reset does and when you need one
A reset clears temporary settings and error codes from your Samsung refrigerator's control board without erasing your saved preferences like temperature or ice maker settings. Most resets take less than a minute and solve common problems: the fridge not cooling properly, the ice maker stuck, error codes on the display, or the touchscreen frozen or unresponsive.
You do not need to reset your fridge for routine maintenance. A reset is useful when the fridge is running but behaving oddly—not when it will not turn on at all, or when water is leaking inside the cabinet. Those are different problems that need a different approach.
Key Takeaways
- A soft reset (unplugging for 10 minutes) clears temporary errors and is the first step to try before anything else.
- A control panel reset uses buttons on the fridge itself and takes about 30 seconds, and works on most Samsung models made in the last 10 years.
- A factory reset erases all your custom settings and should only be done if the fridge is malfunctioning badly or you are preparing to sell it.
- If the fridge still does not work after a reset, the problem is likely a failed part—compressor, control board, or sensor—and you will need a technician.
Soft reset: unplug the fridge for 10 minutes
This is the gentlest reset and the one to try first. Unplug the refrigerator from the wall outlet, or switch off the circuit breaker that powers it. Wait 10 minutes. Plug it back in or switch the breaker back on.
During those 10 minutes, the control board loses power and clears temporary error codes and frozen settings. When power returns, the board restarts fresh. This solves most cases of a frozen touchscreen, an error code that will not clear, or an ice maker that stopped working for no obvious reason.
Leave the fridge unplugged for the full 10 minutes. Plugging it back in after 30 seconds usually does not work because the board still has residual charge.
Control panel reset: using the buttons on your fridge
If unplugging did not work, try a control panel reset using the buttons on the fridge itself. The exact steps depend on your model, but most Samsung fridges follow one of these two methods.
Method 1: Press and hold the Power Cool and Power Freeze buttons together. Locate these two buttons on the control panel (usually on the front, sometimes inside the fridge compartment). Press and hold both at the same time for 3 to 5 seconds until you hear a beep or see the display flash. Release the buttons. The fridge will restart.
Method 2: Press the Energy Saving button three times in quick succession. Some models use the Energy Saving button instead. Press it three times rapidly. The display should flash or beep, and the fridge will reset.
If you are not sure which buttons your model has, check the control panel itself—buttons are usually labeled. If the labels are worn off, look up your model number (it is on a sticker inside the fridge, usually on the side wall or top) and search for "[your model number] control panel" online to see a photo.
Factory reset: erasing all custom settings
A factory reset returns the fridge to its original settings from the factory. This erases your saved temperature preferences, ice maker settings, and any custom modes you have set up. Do this only if the fridge is malfunctioning so badly that a soft reset and control panel reset did not help, or if you are selling or donating the fridge and want to clear all your settings.
To perform a factory reset, unplug the fridge for 10 minutes (same as a soft reset), then plug it back in. when ready press and hold the Power Cool and Power Freeze buttons together for 8 to 10 seconds—longer than a control panel reset. You should see the display flash twice or hear two beeps. The fridge is now reset to factory defaults.
After a factory reset, you will need to set the temperature again (usually 37°F for the fridge, 0°F for the freezer), turn the ice maker back on if you want it, and adjust any other features you use regularly.
What to do if the reset does not work
If the fridge still is not cooling, the ice maker still is not working, or error codes still appear after a soft reset and a control panel reset, the problem is not a temporary glitch—it is a failed part. The compressor (which cools the fridge), the control board itself, a temperature sensor, or the ice maker motor may have failed.
At this point, a technician needs to diagnose the problem. You can call a Samsung service center or a local appliance repair company. Have your model number ready (on the sticker inside the fridge). Tell them what you have already tried—the soft reset and control panel reset—so they know the problem is not a straightforward fix.
If the fridge is still under warranty (usually one year from purchase), contact Samsung directly before calling a repair company. The repair may be covered.
Resetting specific features without resetting the whole fridge
You do not always need to reset the entire fridge. If only one feature is acting up, you can often reset just that feature.
Ice maker not working: Turn off the ice maker using the control panel or the button on the ice maker itself. Wait 30 seconds. Turn it back on. If that does not work, unplug the fridge for 10 minutes, then plug it back in.
Touchscreen frozen: Try a soft reset (unplug for 10 minutes). If the screen is still frozen after that, the display panel itself may have failed and will need replacement by a technician.
Error code on the display: Write down the exact code (like E-1, C-1, or 22E). Unplug the fridge for 10 minutes. If the code comes back, search for "[your model number] [error code]" to find what the code means. Some codes indicate a sensor failure or a compressor problem that a reset cannot fix.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a reset erase my ice maker settings or temperature preferences?
A soft reset and control panel reset will not erase your settings. A factory reset will erase everything and return the fridge to its original factory settings, so you will need to set the temperature and ice maker again.
How long does it take for the fridge to cool again after a reset?
After a soft reset or control panel reset, the compressor should start running within a few minutes. It may take 2 to 4 hours for the fridge to reach the correct temperature if it was warm. If the compressor does not start at all after 10 minutes, the reset did not solve the problem.
Can I reset the fridge while it is plugged in?
A soft reset requires unplugging. A control panel reset (pressing buttons) can be done while the fridge is plugged in. However, if the control panel reset does not work, follow it with a soft reset by unplugging.
What if the fridge beeps constantly after a reset?
Constant beeping usually means a door is open, the temperature is too warm, or there is an error code. Check that both the fridge and freezer doors are closed. If they are closed and beeping continues, unplug for 10 minutes and plug back in. If beeping returns, the fridge may have a sensor failure.
Is it safe to reset the fridge myself, or do I need a technician?
A soft reset and control panel reset are completely safe to do yourself. You are not opening the fridge or touching any parts inside. A factory reset is also safe. If the fridge still does not work after these steps, then you need a technician to diagnose a hardware failure.