How to Reset a Samsung Refrigerator’s Ice Maker [QUICK AND EASY]

Looking for a quick fix to reset a Samsung refrigerator ice maker that’s acting up? This article has everything you need to know about that.

Unlike restarting a whole appliance, which may require leaving it unplugged for a couple of minutes, resetting your Samsung ice maker only takes 4 easy steps that you can do in under 10 minutes.

This article will break it down for you in an easy-to-follow guide, and as a bonus, we also included tips on how to address especially stubborn ice makers that still won’t work after resetting.

Let’s dive right in!

How to Reset Your Samsung Refrigerator Ice Maker

To reset a Samsung fridge ice maker:

• Step 1: Remove the ice bucket.
• Step 2: Locate the TEST button.
• Step 3: Press and hold the TEST button on the ice maker for at least 10 seconds or until it chimes.
• Step 4: Put the ice bucket back in place.

Once the ice bucket is removed, you’ll notice a rectangular button located on the right side of the ice maker. Some Samsung refrigerator models would also have this button labeled as “TEST.”

This completely resets your ice maker, but do make sure that, after activating the button, you reinsert the ice bucket quickly and correctly back in place because the ice maker will automatically start dispensing all the built-up ice cubes.

Furthermore, without the ice bucket, your refrigerator might run into bigger errors that will require you to reset the entire unit. Resetting the whole appliance means losing all previous settings saved.

Quick Note: To reset your Samsung refrigerator’s ice maker, remember: you don’t have to turn off or unplug the fridge! As long as the ice maker isn’t dispensing ice before you remove the ice bucket, you’re guaranteed not to run into any errors that will require you to unplug the unit. Moreover, activating the TEST button will require electrical power, so make sure your fridge is still running as you reset the ice maker.

How to Remove the Ice Bucket from Your Samsung Refrigerator

To remove the ice bucket from a Samsung fridge, look for locking tabs or a similar button near the bucket and press it to loosen the bucket.

If there’s none, you can go ahead and pull the bucket out gently.

The ice bucket is a reliable part of your Samsung fridge that stores all the ice you’ve yet to dispense and use, but while the bulk of it looks complicated and dangerous to remove, don’t let it scare you!

Samsung designs its refrigerators with users in mind, so like most parts of your appliance, the ice bucket is user-friendly. In some models, all it takes is a press of a button.

Here are ways to remove the ice bucket depending on where your ice maker is located:

• In the fridge compartment or side-by-side freezer: If your ice maker is located at the top right corner of the fridge compartment — or if you’re using a side-by-side freezer model — look for a button.

Older models have a button beside the ice bucket, usually located on the ceiling of the compartment, that will loosen the bucket for you.

Meanwhile, newer models of this type don’t carry buttons anymore, so no need to panic if you don’t find one immediately!

If your fridge doesn’t have a button for the ice bucket, simply grab the bucket by the bottom and gently lift it up to loosen it in place.

Once the bucket is loosened, carefully pull it out towards you to remove it.

To reinsert the ice bucket, slide it in place and push it inside until you hear an audible click.

• On the back of the freezer door: Samsung refrigerator models that have their ice buckets on the back of the freezer usually have larger buckets.

Newer models of this kind of appliance have locking tabs on either side of the bucket that you can press to loosen the component and slide it out of place.

On the other hand, for older models, you only need to remove the ice maker cover on top of the bucket. Gently lift up the cover by the handgrips on either side, then pull it out slowly.

Once the ice maker cover is removed, you can reach the TEST button easily.

To reattach the ice bucket on newer models, slide the component into place, going upwards until you hear an audible click.

If a click doesn’t sound, locate the gear handle on the rear of the bucket and rotate it by 90 degrees, then reattach the bucket again.

• In the bottom freezer: French door models — or any other models that have a freezer drawer — usually have their ice maker on the bottom of the fridge.

For these types of refrigerators, you can remove the ice bucket by lifting up and removing it — that’s it!

When you reinsert it, make sure that it’s securely in place and doesn’t wobble or slide to the sides.

• In the top freezer: If your ice maker is located inside the top freezer, you’ll notice that the bucket is smaller than that of a side-by-side freezer.

For this type of bucket, you only need to pull them out to access the TEST button inside the ice maker. Then, to reinsert it, simply slide the bucket back into position the same way you removed it.

Quick Tip: Once you’ve triggered the TEST button, the ice maker might dispense some built-up ice immediately, but, similar to adjusting the fridge’s temperature, it can take up to 24 hours for it to stabilize. Pressing the TEST button too many times might lead to water overflowing or ice jamming, which can damage your ice maker. As such, we recommend resetting your ice maker only once per day.

Unplugging the Fridge: Does It Reset Your Ice Maker?

Unplugging your Samsung fridge may reset some settings in the control panel, but this is not a guarantee that it will reset the ice maker.

As we’ve briefly mentioned above, unplugging and restarting your entire refrigerator will reset all the prior settings you have saved, such as the temperature and defrost schedules.

So you might be wondering: will unplugging the appliance do the same for your ice maker?

Our answer to that is: it might or it might not.

Simply put, there is a chance that the ice maker will reset if you unplug the whole fridge, but it’s not a 100% guarantee, as this method is focused on restarting the control panel.

Troubleshooting the ice maker via the TEST button targets the ice maker’s system directly, so its result will be much more reliable. If the TEST button doesn’t effectively reset the ice maker, it means it’s time to get a professional to look into the matter.

Ice Maker Not Making Enough Ice after Reset: What to Do?

As previously mentioned, upon reset, the ice maker can immediately start dispensing all the ice that was jammed during its malfunction, but it can take up to 24 hours to stabilize. 

During this period, you might notice decreased performance from the ice maker, so don’t fret just yet.

When the issue persists after 24 hours, this typically points to other issues in the fridge. Before calling in a professional, here’s a quick rundown of what you should look out for if resetting the ice maker didn’t seem to work.

Cause	Solution
Ice Blockage	Put the fridge in Force Defrost (Fd) mode to thaw out all the ice buildup.In most models, simultaneously pressing the Power Freeze and Fridge buttons on the control panel for about 10 seconds will put the unit in this mode.Otherwise, you may consult your user manual for the combination of buttons to press.
Clogged Water Line	Mix equal parts vinegar and water into a solution. Put it in a water pump.Turn off the water supply valve, then unplug the refrigerator.Locate where the pipe from the water supply is connected to the pipe going into the unit, then disconnect it.Connect the water line from the fridge to the water pump. Pump enough vinegar into the fridge for at least 20 minutes, and let it run through the dispenser.Afterward, disconnect the water line from the pump and reconnect it to the water supply pipe.Let the water run for at least two gallons through the dispenser to flush out remnants of the vinegar solution.
Clogged Water Filter	Check the water filter’s authenticity. Verify if the serial number and the rib locks are compatible with your fridge model.Replace the water filter every 3 to 6 months, depending on your water consumption activities.
Inappropriate Temperature	Set the freezer temperature to 0°F (-18°C) and let your fridge stabilize this new setting for at least 24 hours.Avoid going below this temperature as much as possible, unless you put in new food that requires quick freezing.
Overcrowded Freezer or Fridge	Space out the items in your compartments to allow freer air circulation. Avoid storing too many items in the fridge.Also, avoid putting obstructing items near the door of the fridge, or towards the back where the evaporator coils are.Moreover, avoid keeping your fridge empty for long periods.

1. Ice Blockage

Despite being responsible for cooling ice cubes, thick ice buildup is the archnemesis of your Samsung refrigerator. Remember: ice isn’t supposed to accumulate on the fridge walls, or anywhere beyond your ice molds for that matter.

When the thick frost is left neglected, it can lead to overfreezing issues (samsung ice maker freezing up) or water line blockage. In the case of the latter, this can disrupt the water supply to your ice maker.

Solution: For this issue, you can either choose to defrost the ice maker (how to defrost samsung ice maker) or to defrost the entire unit. We recommend doing the latter if you notice other fridge compartments freezing up as well.

In that regard, if you’re looking to thaw the entirety of your Samsung refrigerator, try putting it on Force Defrost (Fd) mode!

Unlike the regular unplug-the-fridge-and-keep-the-doors-open method, Fd mode makes use of the appliance’s built-in heaters to melt all the ice inside. That means you no longer have to pull the cord on your fridge!

This method is even more efficient because it speeds up the thawing process, so you won’t have to wait hours to use your fridge again. It can do the job in as fast as 20 minutes!

For this, you’ll have to consult your user manual for the right combination of buttons to trigger this setting. In most units, the Power Freeze and Fridge buttons would do the trick; in some, you’ll find the Force Defrost label under different buttons.

Either way, once you’ve confirmed which ones to press, hold them simultaneously for at least 10 seconds or until the panel goes blank. 

Afterward, just press any other button then you’ll hear your refrigerator beep — that means the defrost session has begun.

You can leave the fridge doors open to help with the thawing but remember not to unplug the appliance, otherwise, the heaters won’t work.

The beeping will continue until all the ice has gone, and then your refrigerator will signal you one last time to let you know that the defrosting is over.

Quick Tip: Using a heating device to melt the ice on the fridge walls is a no-no!  While it’s understandable that you’d want to speed up the process like this, remember that your appliance is made from synthetic materials that can be sensitive to too much heat. These materials can melt under the wrong temperature. Leaving the doors open will be enough; either way, the appliance has built-in heaters, so the ice will melt just fine if you leave the fridge on its own.

2. Clogged Water Line

Say you’ve only recently defrosted the unit, but the ice maker reset didn’t seem to work, so you’re certain ice buildup isn’t the problem.

Well, you’re right — to an extent.

When all the ice from the ice maker — or the entire fridge — has gone but the ice maker still isn’t budging, then we recommend checking the water lines next.

Naturally, a clogged water line will disrupt the water supply to the ice maker, which results in the ice maker experiencing difficulty in making ice, despite resetting its settings.

One of the causes of water line blockage is thick ice buildup. Cold weather can also contribute to this, so we recommend checking in on both the fridge’s water line as well as your household water supply during winter time.

Solution: To clear out a clogged water line, you’ll need to pump a vinegar solution down it. This will be easier with a water pump (even a manual one will do!).

You can prepare the vinegar solution by mixing equal parts vinegar and water.

Then, to clean the water line connection to your Samsung refrigerator ice maker, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Ensure that all the ice in your fridge has thawed out. Afterwards, unplug the appliance for your safety.
• Step 2: Turn off the water supply valve.

• Step 3: Follow the hose from the water supply valve until you locate where it’s connected to the tube taped to the fridge via a connector.
• Step 4: Using a wrench, loosen the connector and free the pipe attached to the fridge.

• Step 5: Connect the fridge water line to the water pump, then pump as much vinegar as you can into the appliance.
• Step 6: Let the vinegar run through the dispenser for at least 20 minutes. This will filter out anything stuck in the water lines, such as small chunks of ice or mineral deposits.
• Step 7: Once you’ve let the vinegar solution cycle through the pipes, reconnect the initial water lines together. Make sure you reconnect it securely!

Then, let approximately two gallons of water run to clear out the taste.

Quick Tip: Speaking of water lines, we also recommend checking the line above your fridge for any loose connection. This is the main line that goes inside the compartments, as well as into the ice maker. This could come loose especially if you’ve recently moved your fridge. When that happens, the water supply will be compromised. You might notice your dispenser supplying less water, or it might be supplying a normal amount at the expense of your ice maker not producing any ice. Checking this part wouldn’t take much effort, so you don’t have to worry! All you need is a Philipps screwdriver to unscrew the hinge cover on top of your fridge. Then, carefully setting the cover down on its side, locate the water line going inside the unit. You don’t have to remove the cover for this, nor do you need to disconnect the electric plug. Do make sure that the water supply is closed to avoid any leaks. Once you’ve located the water line, disconnect it from the coupler by pushing the latter part in as you pull the water line out gently. Afterward, reconnect it securely in place. https://youtu.be/SAPSe5mynlc?t=98

3. Clogged Water Filter

Following the flow of water into the fridge, if the water line seems to be fine, then our next stop would be the water filter.

As its name suggests, this component filters out the impurities in both your drinking water and the water that travels into the ice maker. This way, you can be certain that you’re consuming only top-quality water.

You can’t exactly clean this part out, so if the water filter is clogged, it needs to be replaced altogether — and as soon as possible!

A clogged water filter can restrict the supply of water to the fridge’s ice maker, which in turn can damage the filter itself as well as its housing. 

Water filter housing assemblies are rarely sold in parts, so even if only one part sustains damage, replacing the entire assembly will cost you less money, time, and effort.

Solution: To avoid damaging or clogging your Samsung refrigerator’s water filter, we recommend changing it every 6 months at most. If you consume water higher than average, we recommend replacing it as early as 3 months.

Make sure to also get authentic filters only! Counterfeits can damage your fridge and cause leaks.

Quick Tip: To verify the authenticity of the water filter you’re using, make sure that the filter has the following two things: A serial number along the body of the filter. Authentic water filters have their serial numbers printed along the body, not towards the nose or anywhere else. Furthermore, you have to double-check if you’re using the right kind of filter for your fridge model. Even if you’re using an authentic filter, if it isn’t compatible with the model of your appliance, it will not work properly. You can refer to your user manual for the type of filter your refrigerator needs. Ribs on the filter body. These ribs secure the filter body in place and ensure that they don’t get dislodged while in operation. Older Samsung refrigerator models use 2-rib locks on their water filters, while newer models use 3-rib locks.

Inappropriate Temperature

While the ice maker compartment is designed to endure colder temperatures than the fridge compartment, it doesn’t mean that a limit to its endurance doesn’t exist.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends keeping the freezer at 0°F (-18°C) at the very least. This temperature is guaranteed to keep ice frozen.

Any lower might not be as good for your ice maker as you might assume. A lower temperature might theoretically make ice faster, but it could also be an agent for thicker ice buildup.

Furthermore, this can pressure the temperature regulators in your ice maker, which can lead to them malfunctioning and causing temperature errors.

Remember to check the temperature setting in your freezer, and make sure you set it to an appropriate one before you reset your ice maker.

Solution: Set the freezer/ice maker temperature to 0°F (-18°C). Remember that your Samsung fridge will take at least 24 hours to stabilize new temperature settings.

Avoid going below this temperature as much as possible, unless you just put in new food that requires quick freezing.

Overcrowded Freezer or Fridge

Samsung refrigerators typically boast a generous storage space, but you might want to watch out for how you’re maximizing it.

For one, placing items too many items too close to each other can give the fridge a hard time cooling them. 

Moreover, if you’re not mindful of the placement of your items inside the fridge, you might end up recklessly placing them in corners where they’ll eventually obstruct the fridge door.

When your fridge or freezer door can’t close properly, cold air from inside will escape while warm air from outside will enter. 

This will signal the temperature regulators to amplify the temperature until they feel that the inside is cold enough. This can eventually lead to them straining to maintain cold temperatures and ice production.

Solution: Don’t put too many items inside your fridge or freezer. Ideally, items that don’t require immediate chilling, or can survive for hours or days without being chilled take the least priority.

Avoid storing large, obstructing items near the door or towards the back of the compartment.

Also, be sure not to store perishable items for too long. Not only do they take up space, but if left for too long, they can also start emitting bad odors.

Quick Tip: Undercrowding — or leaving your fridge or freezer empty for too long — can have the same effect on your fridge as overcrowding it. The items inside your fridge contribute to airflow circulation, as food can absorb the cold air inside and help chill the item next to it. This is why it’s important to leave a small gap between items. But if you leave your fridge empty for too long, or if you store only a handful of items in it, the air inside can be left too dense. With no circulation, your fridge will strain to cool what little you have inside your fridge.

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Resetting your ice maker doesn’t end with just pressing the TEST button and waiting for it to dispense ice again. Troubleshooting this part should be treated the same way you test out a newly replaced part of the appliance.

Give it some time to compose itself and kick itself back into gear. During that grace period, we recommend double-checking that there aren’t any interruptions to the water line.

After the grace period, if the reset doesn’t seem to get your Samsung refrigerator’s ice maker working again, don’t hesitate to call for a professional to look into the matter.