The fastest way to disable your ice maker
The simplest method is to locate the ice maker power switch, which sits inside your freezer on the left or right wall, usually near the top of the ice bucket. Flip it to the Off position. The switch looks like a small lever or toggle, often white or black, and may have an indicator light that turns off when disabled. This stops ice production when ready without touching any other refrigerator settings.
If you cannot find a physical switch, your model uses a digital control instead. Press the Ice Off or Ice Maker button on the control panel inside the refrigerator or on the door. The exact button name and location varies by model year—check the panel above the shelves or on the inside of the door. A light or message on the display will confirm the ice maker is off.
Both methods work when ready. You do not need to unplug the refrigerator or change the temperature settings. The ice already in the bucket will remain frozen; only new ice production stops.
Key Takeaways
- Most Samsung models have a physical toggle switch inside the freezer near the ice bucket that turns the ice maker on and off with one flip.
- Newer models use a digital button on the control panel or door instead of a physical switch; look for a label that says Ice Maker or Ice Off.
- Turning off the ice maker does not affect refrigeration or freezer temperature—only ice production stops.
- You can turn the ice maker back on the same way, and it will resume making ice within a few hours.
- If you cannot locate the switch or button, your model number is printed on a sticker inside the refrigerator, and Samsung's website has a manual with photos for your specific year.
Finding the switch on your specific model
Samsung refrigerators made in the last ten years use one of two designs. French-door and side-by-side models almost always have a physical switch mounted on the inside left or right wall of the freezer compartment, positioned just above or beside the ice bucket. Open your freezer, look at both walls, and you should see a small lever. It may be labeled "Ice On/Off" or have a straightforward line drawing of an ice cube.
Older models and some compact units have the switch on the outside of the ice bucket itself. Pull the bucket out slightly and check the back or sides for a small toggle. If the bucket slides out easily, the switch is usually there.
If your freezer has no visible switch, your refrigerator uses touch controls. Check the digital panel on the inside of the refrigerator door or the control display above the top shelf. Press and hold the button labeled "Ice Maker," "Ice," or a snowflake symbol for two to three seconds. The display will show a confirmation message or light.
What happens when you turn off the ice maker
Turning off the ice maker stops the water valve that feeds the ice-making mechanism. No new ice will form, but the refrigerator continues to run normally. Your freezer stays at the same temperature, and all other functions—fresh food cooling, water dispenser, and any other features—work unchanged.
Existing ice in the bucket will not melt unless you remove it or the freezer temperature rises. If you leave the ice maker off for weeks, the ice will eventually sublimate (turn to frost and disappear), but this takes time. You can also empty the bucket manually if you want to clear it out.
When you turn the ice maker back on, it takes two to four hours to produce the first batch of ice. The water line must refill, and the freezing cycle must complete. You may hear the water valve open and close during this time—this is normal.
Common reasons to turn off your ice maker
Many people disable the ice maker when they do not use ice regularly or want to reduce water consumption. If your household does not drink ice water or use ice in drinks, turning it off saves water and prevents the ice bucket from filling with old, stale ice that eventually gets thrown away.
Some owners turn it off temporarily during repairs or when the ice maker is malfunctioning—for example, if it is making ice too slowly, producing cloudy ice, or leaking water. Disabling it gives you time to troubleshoot or call a technician without the machine running continuously.
If you are moving or leaving the house for an extended period, turning off the ice maker prevents water from sitting in the lines and freezing, which can damage the mechanism. It also stops the refrigerator from working harder than necessary while you are away.
Troubleshooting if the switch or button does not work
If you flip the switch and the ice maker keeps running, the switch may be stuck or disconnected. Try flipping it back and forth several times to may support it seats fully. If it still does not respond, the switch itself may be faulty and need replacement—this is a common wear item on older models.
If your model uses a digital button and pressing it does nothing, check that the refrigerator is plugged in and the control panel has power. Look for a display light or indicator. If the panel is completely dark, the refrigerator may have lost power or the control board may need a reset. Unplug the refrigerator for five minutes, then plug it back in.
If the ice maker still runs after you have turned it off, the water inlet valve may be stuck open. This is a more serious issue that requires a technician. In the meantime, you can prevent ice from forming by closing the water supply valve under the sink or behind the refrigerator—look for a small knob or lever on the water line. Turn it clockwise until it stops.
Finding your model number and manual
If you cannot find the switch or button on your refrigerator, your model number will help you locate the exact instructions. Open the refrigerator door and look for a sticker on the inside wall, usually on the left side near the top or on the back wall. The sticker shows the model number, serial number, and other details. Write down the model number—it typically starts with "RF," "RS," or "RH" followed by numbers.
Go to Samsung's support website and enter your model number in the search box. You can read a PDF manual that includes photos and step-by-step instructions for your specific refrigerator. The manual will show exactly where the ice maker switch is located and how to use it. You can also call Samsung customer service with your model number, and they will walk you through the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will turning off the ice maker affect my water dispenser?
No. The ice maker and water dispenser use the same water line, but they are controlled separately. You can turn off the ice maker and still use the water dispenser on the door. Turning off the water dispenser does not affect the ice maker.
How long does it take for the ice maker to start working again after I turn it back on?
Two to four hours. The water line must refill and the freezing cycle must complete. You may hear the water valve click and the ice maker hum during this time. The first batch of ice may be smaller or cloudier than usual—this is normal.
Can I turn off just the ice dispenser but keep the ice maker running?
Yes, if your refrigerator has a separate ice dispenser button on the door. Pressing "Ice Off" on the dispenser stops ice from coming out, but the ice maker continues to fill the bucket inside the freezer. Check your control panel for an "Ice Dispenser" button separate from the ice maker control.
What if my ice maker switch is broken and I cannot turn it off?
Close the water supply valve behind the refrigerator or under the sink. Look for a small knob or lever on the water line and turn it clockwise until it stops. This prevents water from reaching the ice maker. You can leave it closed indefinitely, though you will not be able to use the water dispenser either until you reopen it.
Does turning off the ice maker save energy?
Yes, slightly. The ice maker uses energy to freeze water and run the water valve. Turning it off reduces the refrigerator's overall power draw, though the difference is usually small—a few dollars per year on most models. The main reason to turn it off is usually convenience or water conservation, not energy savings.