Powering On Your Samsung Refrigerator for the First Time

To turn on a Samsung refrigerator, locate the power button or control panel on the front of the unit, usually on the right side of the door or inside the fridge near the top. Press and hold the power button for three to five seconds until you see lights turn on inside the compartments and hear the compressor begin to run. If your model has a digital display, it will show the current temperature setting once power is active.

Most Samsung refrigerators ship with the power turned off to prevent battery drain during transport and storage. Even if the unit was plugged in before you arrived, it may not be running. Check that the refrigerator is plugged into a working outlet—test the outlet with another appliance if you are unsure whether it has power.

Key Takeaways

  • The power button on most Samsung refrigerators is located on the front control panel, either on the exterior or just inside the fridge door.
  • Press and hold the power button for three to five seconds; you will hear the compressor start and see interior lights come on.
  • If nothing happens, check that the refrigerator is plugged into a working outlet and that the outlet itself has power.
  • Allow the fridge to run for two to four hours before placing food inside so the interior reaches the correct temperature.
  • If the display shows an error code or the compressor does not start, consult your user manual or contact Samsung support.

Locating the Power Button on Your Model

Samsung refrigerators come in several styles, and the power button location varies. On French door and side-by-side models, the power button is usually on the right side of the exterior, near the top of the right door. On top-freezer models, it is often inside the fridge compartment on the upper right wall. On bottom-freezer models, check the front of the fridge just above the crisper drawers or on the exterior control panel.

If you cannot find a dedicated power button, your model may use a control panel with a power icon. Look for a button marked with a circle or power symbol. Some newer Samsung models have a touch-sensitive panel instead of physical buttons—press and hold the area where the power icon appears for three to five seconds.

Your user manual will show the exact location for your specific model number. You can find the model number on a sticker inside the fridge, usually on the back wall or on the side wall near the top. Search for your model number plus "power button" online if you have the manual handy.

What Happens When You Turn On the Refrigerator

When power is activated, you will hear a soft humming or buzzing sound as the compressor starts. This is normal and means the cooling system is running. Interior lights will turn on if you open the doors. The digital display, if your model has one, will show the set temperature—usually 37°F for the fridge and 0°F for the freezer on Samsung units.

Do not be alarmed if the compressor does not run continuously. Samsung refrigerators cycle on and off to maintain temperature, so you may hear it run for 10 to 20 minutes, then stop for a while. This is how the unit operates normally. If the compressor never starts after you press the power button, move to the troubleshooting section below.

Waiting for the Refrigerator to Reach Temperature

After turning on the refrigerator, wait two to four hours before placing food inside. The interior needs time to cool down from room temperature to the safe food storage temperature of 37°F or below. If you add food too soon, the fridge will work harder to cool both the food and the air, and perishable items may not stay cold enough.

You can check the temperature by placing a thermometer inside the fridge after one hour. If it reads above 40°F after four hours, the unit may not be cooling properly. Unplug it, wait 30 minutes, and plug it back in. If the temperature still does not drop, contact Samsung support.

Adjusting Temperature Settings After Power-On

Once the refrigerator is running, you can adjust the temperature using the control panel. On models with physical buttons, look for up and down arrows or plus and minus symbols. Press the up arrow to raise the temperature (make it warmer) or the down arrow to lower it (make it colder). On touch-panel models, tap the temperature display and use the arrows to adjust.

Samsung refrigerators typically default to 37°F for the fridge and 0°F for the freezer, which are safe settings for most households. If your model has separate controls for the fridge and freezer, adjust each one independently. Changes take effect when ready, but the interior temperature will shift gradually over the next few hours.

Troubleshooting When the Refrigerator Will Not Turn On

If you press the power button and nothing happens, first check the outlet. Plug in a lamp or phone charger to confirm the outlet has power. If the outlet works but the fridge does not, try a different outlet in the same room. Some kitchens have outlets controlled by a wall switch—make sure the switch is turned on.

Next, check the power cord for damage. Look along the entire length of the cord from the fridge to the outlet for cuts, pinches, or burn marks. If the cord is damaged, do not use the refrigerator—contact Samsung or a repair technician. If the cord looks fine, unplug the fridge, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. Press the power button again and hold it for five seconds.

If the refrigerator still does not power on, check whether a control lock feature is active. Some Samsung models have a child lock or demo mode that prevents the unit from running. Look for a lock icon on the display or control panel. If you see one, consult your manual for the button combination to unlock it—this is usually holding down two buttons at once for several seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for a Samsung refrigerator to get cold after turning it on?

Most Samsung refrigerators reach safe food storage temperature (37°F or below) within two to four hours of being turned on. The exact time depends on room temperature and how full the fridge is. Freezer compartments typically take longer, sometimes four to six hours, to reach 0°F.

Is it normal for the compressor to make noise when I first turn on the refrigerator?

Yes. You will hear humming, buzzing, or a brief clicking sound as the compressor starts. These are normal operating sounds. If the noise is very loud, grinding, or continues without stopping for more than 30 minutes, the unit may have a problem—unplug it and contact Samsung support.

What if the power button does not light up or respond when I press it?

First, confirm the outlet has power by testing it with another appliance. If the outlet works, the control panel may be locked or in demo mode. Check your user manual for the unlock code. If unlocking does not work and the button still does not respond, the control board may need service—contact Samsung support with your model number.

Can I turn off the refrigerator after I turn it on?

Yes, you can press the power button again to turn it off, though most people leave refrigerators running continuously. If you need to turn it off temporarily for cleaning or moving, press and hold the power button for three to five seconds just as you did to turn it on. The display will go dark and the compressor will stop.

Do I need to do anything special before turning on a new Samsung refrigerator?

If your refrigerator was delivered recently, let it sit upright for at least four hours before plugging it in. This allows fluids in the cooling system to settle. Do not lay the fridge on its side or upside down during transport. After it has rested, plug it in and turn it on as described above.