Reset the ice maker by holding the reset button for three to five seconds

Most Samsung refrigerators have a reset button on the ice maker itself, located inside the freezer compartment. Push and hold this button until you hear a chime or see a light blink — usually three to five seconds. Release the button and wait a few minutes. The ice maker will begin its cycle and should produce ice within 24 hours if water supply and temperature are correct.

If you cannot find a physical reset button, your model may use a soft reset instead. Turn off the ice maker using the control panel or the switch on the side of the ice maker unit, wait 30 seconds, then turn it back on. This clears temporary errors without affecting your refrigerator settings.

Not all ice maker problems require a reset. Before you reset, check that the water line is connected, the freezer temperature is set to 0°F or below, and the ice bucket is seated properly. A reset will not fix a frozen water line or a broken water inlet valve.

Key Takeaways

  • The reset button is usually inside the freezer on the ice maker unit itself, and you hold it for three to five seconds until you hear a chime.
  • If there is no physical button, turn the ice maker off and back on using the control panel or the side switch.
  • After a reset, wait 24 hours for ice production to resume; the first batch may be cloudy or small.
  • A reset will not fix water supply problems, frozen lines, or temperature issues — check those first.
  • If ice production does not resume after a reset and water and temperature are correct, the ice maker itself may be faulty.

Locate the reset button on your specific Samsung model

Samsung ice makers vary by refrigerator model. On French-door and side-by-side models, the reset button is usually on the front or side of the ice maker housing inside the freezer. On some bottom-freezer models, you may need to remove the ice bucket to see it. The button is typically small, red or black, and labeled "Reset" or marked with a symbol.

If you cannot find the button in your freezer, check your refrigerator's manual for the exact location. You can also look up your model number — it is printed on a sticker inside the refrigerator, usually on the back wall or side — and search Samsung's support site for a diagram. The model number starts with "RF", "RS", or "RT" followed by numbers.

Check water supply and temperature before resetting

A reset will not work if the ice maker lacks water or is too warm. Before you reset, make sure the freezer temperature is set to 0°F or colder. Check your control panel or digital display. If the temperature is above 0°F, lower it and wait 24 hours before resetting, because the ice maker will not cycle properly in a warm freezer.

Next, locate the water line connection at the back of the refrigerator. It is a thin plastic or copper tube that runs from the wall or floor to the back of the unit. Make sure it is connected firmly and not kinked or frozen. If the line is frozen, you will see ice buildup on the tube. Thaw it by wrapping a warm towel around it or turning off the refrigerator for a few hours, then resetting.

If the water line is disconnected or the refrigerator has no water line at all, the ice maker cannot work. You will need to connect a water line or call a technician. Resetting will not produce ice without water.

What to expect after you reset the ice maker

After a reset, the ice maker will begin a cleaning and test cycle. You may hear grinding or buzzing sounds as the mechanism moves. This is normal. The cycle usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. Do not open the freezer door during this time.

Once the cycle finishes, the ice maker will start making ice. The first batch may be small, cloudy, or misshapen because the water line is clearing air. Discard the first one or two batches and let the ice maker run for 24 hours. After that, ice should be clear and normal-sized.

If the ice maker is silent after the reset and does not begin a cycle, the reset did not work. Try the soft reset again, or check that the ice maker is switched on at the control panel.

Soft reset using the control panel or power switch

If you cannot locate a physical reset button, use the control panel to turn the ice maker off and on. On most Samsung models, there is an "Ice Maker" button or toggle on the front display. Press it to turn the ice maker off, wait 30 seconds, then press it again to turn it back on. This clears the ice maker's memory without affecting refrigerator temperature or other settings.

Some older Samsung models have a mechanical switch on the side of the ice maker itself. Flip it to the "Off" position, wait 30 seconds, then flip it back to "On". This performs the same soft reset as the control panel.

A soft reset is gentler than a hard reset and often solves minor errors like a stuck cycle or a sensor glitch. If the ice maker still does not work after a soft reset, try the physical reset button next.

When to call a technician instead of resetting

If the ice maker still produces no ice after a reset and you have confirmed that water supply and freezer temperature are correct, the problem is likely inside the ice maker itself. Common failures include a broken water inlet valve, a faulty motor, or a sensor that cannot detect the ice bucket. These require replacement parts and professional service.

You should also call a technician if the water line is frozen solid and will not thaw, or if water is leaking from the ice maker or water line. Leaks can damage your kitchen floor and walls. Do not attempt to repair the water line yourself unless you are experienced with plumbing.

Samsung offers in-home service through its support line. You can also contact a local appliance repair company. Have your refrigerator's model number ready when you call.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for ice to appear after a reset?

The ice maker will begin its cycle when ready after a reset, but the first ice cubes usually appear within 2 to 4 hours. A full bucket may take 24 hours. If no ice appears after 24 hours and water and temperature are correct, the reset did not solve the problem.

Will resetting the ice maker erase my refrigerator settings?

No. Resetting the ice maker only affects the ice maker itself. Your temperature settings, water filter status, and other refrigerator functions will remain unchanged.

What if the reset button is stuck or does not click?

A stuck button usually means the ice maker mechanism is jammed. Do not force it. Try the soft reset using the control panel instead. If the soft reset does not work, the ice maker may need professional repair.

Can I reset the ice maker while the refrigerator is running?

Yes. You do not need to turn off the refrigerator to reset the ice maker. The reset only affects the ice maker, not the cooling system.

Why is my ice cloudy after a reset?

Cloudy ice is normal for the first batch after a reset. It means air is still in the water line. Discard the first one or two batches and the ice should clear up within a few hours as the line fills completely with water.