The basic power-on steps for a Samsung refrigerator
Most Samsung refrigerators power on through the control panel on the door or inside the fridge. Locate the power button or settings panel — usually a digital display with buttons or a touchscreen — and press the power button or the button marked with a power symbol. The display should light up within a few seconds, and you will hear the compressor begin to run. If nothing happens, check that the refrigerator is plugged in and that the outlet has power by testing it with another appliance.
Some Samsung models do not have a dedicated power button. Instead, you turn the unit on by adjusting the temperature controls. Look for a dial or digital setting labeled with temperature numbers or a "Cool" setting. Turning this control away from "Off" activates the cooling system. The refrigerator will begin running once you set it to any temperature above the off position.
If your refrigerator has a display panel that shows "Cooling Off" or a similar message, press the button next to that message or hold down the power button for three seconds to resume operation. This happens when the unit was previously shut down through the control panel rather than unplugged.
Key Takeaways
- Samsung refrigerators typically power on through a button on the control panel, which is usually located on the door or inside the fridge near the top.
- Some models turn on by adjusting the temperature dial or digital setting away from the "Off" position rather than pressing a separate power button.
- The compressor should begin running within seconds of powering on, and you will hear a humming sound as the cooling system activates.
- If the display shows "Cooling Off" or the unit does not respond, check that the refrigerator is plugged in and the outlet has power.
- Consult your model's manual or the control panel labels if you cannot locate the power button, as placement varies between Samsung refrigerator lines.
Where the power button is located on different Samsung models
The location of the power button depends on your refrigerator's design. On French-door and side-by-side models, the control panel is usually mounted on the inside of the right door, near the top. On top-freezer models, the controls are often on the inside wall of the refrigerator compartment, also near the top. Look for a digital display or a row of buttons; the power button is typically marked with a power symbol or labeled "Power" or "On/Off."
Touchscreen models have the power button integrated into the display itself. Press the area marked with a power icon or the word "Power" on the screen. If the screen is dark and unresponsive, the unit may be in a locked state or the outlet may not be supplying power.
Older Samsung refrigerators or basic models may have a straightforward dial or lever on the exterior of the door or on the side. Turning this dial clockwise or moving the lever to a numbered setting activates the cooling system. Check the area around the door handle or on the side of the fridge if you do not see a control panel inside.
What to do if the refrigerator does not turn on
Start by confirming that power is reaching the outlet. Plug in a lamp, phone charger, or another small appliance into the same outlet. If that device works, the outlet has power and the problem is with the refrigerator. If the other device does not work, the outlet itself is dead — try a different outlet or have an electrician check the circuit.
Check the power cord for visible damage, such as cuts, burns, or exposed wires. If the cord looks damaged, do not attempt to use the refrigerator. Unplug it and contact Samsung service or a repair technician.
Look at the control panel display. If it is completely dark with no light at all, the unit is not receiving power. If the display is lit but shows "Cooling Off" or a similar message, the refrigerator is powered but the cooling system is disabled — press the power button or adjust the temperature setting to resume cooling.
If the display shows an error code, write down the exact code and check your manual or Samsung's support website for that specific model. Error codes indicate a particular problem — such as a sensor failure or door issue — rather than a straightforward power problem.
Understanding the temperature settings after turning on
Once the refrigerator is on, you will need to set the temperature. Samsung refrigerators typically have separate controls for the refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment. The refrigerator section is usually set between 35 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit, and the freezer between 0 and 5 degrees Fahrenheit. These are the factory defaults and work for most households.
Adjust the temperature using the buttons or dial on the control panel. Press the up or down arrow to raise or lower the temperature, or turn the dial to the desired setting. The display will show the current temperature setting. Wait 24 hours after turning on the refrigerator before placing food inside, as the unit needs time to reach the set temperature throughout both compartments.
If your model has a "Quick Cool" or "Rapid Freeze" button, do not press it during normal startup. These buttons are for temporary use when you need to cool the unit faster — for example, after a power outage — and should be turned off once the refrigerator reaches the desired temperature.
Resetting a Samsung refrigerator that was previously off
If your refrigerator was unplugged or powered down through the control panel, you may need to reset it before it will run again. Unplug the unit from the outlet and wait five minutes. This clears any error codes or temporary faults from the system. Plug it back in and press the power button or adjust the temperature setting to turn it on.
If the refrigerator was off for more than a few hours, allow it to sit unplugged for at least five minutes before restarting. This gives the compressor time to equalize internal pressure, which prevents damage when the unit powers back on.
After plugging in and powering on, listen for the compressor to start running. You should hear a humming sound within 30 seconds. If you hear nothing after two minutes, unplug the unit again and wait another five minutes before trying once more.
When to contact Samsung service
Contact Samsung service if the refrigerator is plugged in and powered on but the compressor does not run and the interior does not cool after 24 hours. This indicates a mechanical or electrical failure that requires professional repair.
Also reach out to Samsung if the display shows an error code that you cannot find in your manual, if the unit makes unusual noises such as grinding or clicking, or if water is leaking from the bottom. These are signs of internal problems that cannot be fixed by turning the unit on or adjusting settings.
Samsung offers phone support and can direct you to authorized repair centers in your area. Have your model number ready — it is usually printed on a sticker inside the refrigerator or on the back of the unit — when you call.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to wait before plugging in a new Samsung refrigerator?
Yes. If the refrigerator was transported on its side or back, wait at least four hours before plugging it in. If it was upright the entire time, you can plug it in when ready. Waiting allows any oil in the compressor to settle, which prevents damage when the unit starts.
Why is my Samsung refrigerator running but not getting cold?
The most common cause is that the temperature setting is too high or set to "Off." Check the control panel and make sure the temperature is set to a number between 35 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit for the refrigerator section. If the setting is correct and the unit still is not cold after 24 hours, the compressor may have failed and you will need service.
Can I turn off my Samsung refrigerator and turn it back on later?
Yes, but avoid doing this frequently. Each time you power cycle the refrigerator, the compressor experiences stress. If you need to turn it off temporarily — for cleaning or moving — wait at least five minutes before powering it back on. Do not leave it off for more than a few hours if food is inside, as perishables will spoil.
What does it mean if the control panel is lit but the refrigerator is not cooling?
The display being lit means power is reaching the unit, but the cooling system is not running. Check that the temperature setting is not on "Off" and that it is set to a number rather than a mode like "Vacation." If the setting is correct, the compressor may have failed and the unit needs service.