Fridge freezer ice maker not working - how to test & reset
Samsung refrigerators fitted with Samsung ice makers produce around 120 ice cubes a day, which is in line with most manufacturer specifications. To check how many ice cubes your refrigerator is producing, empty the freezer ice bucket and let the ice maker run for 24 hours. If you're experiencing Samsung ice maker problems and the ice maker is making no ice, there are practical solutions you can try.
Please note: If these steps do not resolve your issue, please book a repair.
Recently installed freezer
If your fridge freezer or water supply has been installed recently, it is normal for the ice maker to not start producing ice straight away.
- Wait at least 12 hours after installation before expecting ice production to begin
- It can take 24 hours or more for the ice bucket to fill completely. Ice makers typically produce 10–12 cubes every 45–60 minutes, depending on temperature, usage, and type of ice maker
- If your appliance is connected to a water supply, we recommend you dispense water for around 10 seconds and discard the first few glasses to remove any air or impurities from the system
- For first-time use, allow the ice maker to run for 1–2 days and discard the first 1–3 batches of ice to ensure it is clean
Verify the ice maker is turned on
Many fridge freezers with an ice maker allow the ice maker to be switched off from the control panel. If it is turned off, the appliance will not produce ice.
Go to the main control panel on your fridge freezer.
Control panel layouts vary depending on the model so please check your refrigerator’s user manual for specific instructions if the following steps do not work on your model.
Check the ice maker status
The ice maker has two indicators:
- Ice Maker On (ice production enabled)
- Ice Maker Off (ice production disabled)
When the Ice Maker Off indicator is lit, the appliance will not produce ice, even if the Cubed Ice or Crushed Ice buttons are pressed.
How to turn the ice maker on or off
Using the navigation buttons:
Please note: This may not apply to some models
- Select < to turn it ON
- Select > to turn it OFF
Using the ice maker button:
If the ice maker is turned off, it may automatically turn back on if you press and hold the dispenser lever for more than 5 seconds.
Please note: After turning the ice maker off, wait at least 1 minute before turning it back on again.
Check for Child Lock
Your fridge freezer may have two types of lock functions:
- Control Lock – disables all controls on the refrigerator to prevent accidental use
- Dispenser Lock – disables only the ice and water dispenser
Depending on your model, one or both of these locks may be enabled, which can prevent the ice maker or dispenser from working.
While locked, buttons will not respond.
When a lock is active, a lock icon will appear on the display.
Check if Child Lock is on:
- Look for a lock symbol on the control panel
- Press a temperature control button to check operation
If the display does not respond, or the indicator blinks, the controls are locked.
How to turn off the Control Lock:
The Control Lock disables all controls on the refrigerator. Methods vary depending on your model so please check your refrigerator’s user manual for specific instructions.
Method 1
- Press and hold the Control Lock button for 3 seconds
Method 2
- Press and hold the Door Alarm button for 3 seconds
- The Control Lock indicator will turn off once unlocked
When Control Lock is active, the indicator may blink when buttons are pressed.
On some models, Control Lock may reactivate automatically if no button is pressed within 1 minute.
How to turn off the Dispenser Lock:
The Dispenser Lock disables the ice and water dispenser only. Methods vary depending on your model so please check your refrigerator’s user manual for specific instructions.
Method 1
- Press and hold the Water/Ice button for more than 3 seconds
Method 2
- Press and hold the Water button for more than 3 seconds
On some models, pressing and holding the dispenser lever for more than 3 seconds can also activate or deactivate the Dispenser Lock.
Please note:
- The Control Lock and Dispenser Lock may operate independently depending on the model.
- Disabling one lock may not restore operation if the other is still active.
Once Child Lock is disabled, test the ice dispenser again.
Don't overfill the fridge
Filling your fridge or freezer more than full capacity can restrict airflow around your food and make the appliance work harder to maintain the correct temperature.
If your freezer is too full, the ice maker may not start until the freezer reaches the correct temperature. This can result in slow or no ice production.
Check for blocked airflow:
- The freezer contains internal air vents (air holes) that allow cold air to circulate.
- If these vents are blocked, the temperature inside the freezer can rise.
- This can cause the temperature sensor to detect a higher temperature and prevent ice from being produced or dispensed
Do not block internal vents.
Avoid placing large containers or packages directly in front of vents.
Avoid overloading the freezer:
- Overloading the fridge or freezer can lead to poor airflow and uneven cooling
- This may cause the temperature to become too warm, affecting ice production
Poor airflow can result in uneven temperatures and reduced cooling performance.
To maintain proper performance:
- Keep the freezer at around 80% capacity per shelf
- Leave space between items to allow air to circulate properly
If airflow is restricted, rearrange or remove items to clear space around the vents.
In some cases, you may need to remove drawers to improve airflow.
To remove the vegetable drawer from the fridge, or the dry drawer from the freezer:
- Remove any surrounding multipurpose drawers if necessary
- If your refrigerator has a cover (A) for the drawer:
- Pull the drawer halfway out
- Press the rear clips and remove the cover
- Gently pull out the vegetable/dry drawer
After rearranging the contents, allow time for the temperature to stabilise.
Please note: Blocking vents can also affect other components such as the water filter and could lead to water leakage.
Check that the freezer temperature isn’t too high
The ice maker will only operate when the freezer reaches the correct temperature. If the temperature is too high, ice production may be slow or stop completely.
- Set the freezer temperature to below -18°C (based on a 25°C room temperature)
- A temperature of around -21°C should allow ice production to begin within 3–4 hours
Please note:
- Ice makers typically produce 10–12 ice cubes every 45–60 minutes, depending on temperature, ambient conditions, and how full the appliance is.
- It can take more than 24 hours to completely fill the ice bucket.
For models with touch displays, press the Fridge or Freezer buttons to adjust the temperature.
After adjusting the temperature, allow several hours for the freezer to reach the new setting.
Avoid frequently opening the door during this time, as this can slow down cooling.
Once the freezer has reached the correct temperature, check if ice production resumes.
Make sure the doors are completely closed
The ice maker will not function properly if the fridge freezer doors are not fully closed.
When the door is open, neither the ice maker nor the water dispenser will operate.
Check the doors are fully closed
- Make sure the door is closed tightly after use
- If the door is slightly open, cold air can escape, making it difficult for the appliance to maintain the correct temperature
Check for obstructions
- There could be Items inside the fridge or freezer which prevent the door from closing properly
- Check that nothing is resting against the back wall or door area
- Rearrange or remove any items blocking the door
Check the door seals
- Run your hand around the edge of the door to check for cold air escaping
- Place a sheet of paper between the door and the frame, then close the door and try to pull it out
- If the paper slides out easily, the door is not sealing properly
The rubber seal around the door helps to keep cold air inside. If it is not functioning correctly, it may need to be repaired or replaced.
Clean the door seals
- Dirty seals can prevent the door from closing properly and reduce cooling efficiency
- Clean the rubber seals using a damp cloth and mild detergent
- Dry thoroughly after cleaning
Once the door is fully sealed, allow time for the temperature to stabilise
Check that the fridge is level
If the fridge freezer is not level, it can affect airflow and water flow inside the appliance, as well as cause doors not to seal properly which may affect the ice maker from working properly.
Before you begin:
- The refrigerator should be placed on a flat, solid floor
- Levelling should be performed with the refrigerator empty
The legs are located underneath the refrigerator at the front.
For easier access on Side-by-Side and Four Door models, open both doors.
If your model has a front leg cover, remove it:
- Remove the screws using a Phillips screwdriver
- Lift the cover from the bottom and pull it out
Typically, there are two legs used to stabilise the appliance.
The legs should be lowered until the front wheels lift slightly off the floor.
- Clockwise to raise
- Anti-clockwise to lower
Check that the fridge doors are level
If the fridge freezer doors are not level, they may not align properly. This can prevent them from sealing correctly, allowing cold air to escape, and so affecting ice production.
Make sure the refrigerator is level before adjusting the doors.
Depending on your model, the door height can be adjusted using one of the methods below.
Please check your refrigerator’s user manual for specific instructions if the following steps do not work on your model.
Please note:
- We recommend that you align the doors with the compartments empty first, then reload item.
- Adding items before alignment may cause the doors to shift again.
Adjusting the door height using the height adjustment lever:
- Turn up to raise the door
- Turn down to lower the door
Please note:
- Slightly lifting the door while adjusting will make alignment easier.
- Maximum adjustable height is 3 mm.
- The lever will not turn past its limit and may make a noise if forced.
- Excessive adjustment may interfere with the upper hinge cover.
Adjusting the door height using the hinge:
Please note:
- The number of snap rings depends on the gap.
- Two 0.04" snap rings are provided with the product.
Adjusting the door height using the bottom hinge lever:
Adjusting the gap between the doors and the main body:
Check the water supply
If the water supply is not connected, restricted, or has low pressure, the ice maker will not produce or dispense ice.
Check the water source
- The water valve is turned on and fully open.
- The water supply is connected to a cold, potable water source.
Please note: Connecting to a hot water pipe may cause the system to malfunction.
- Make sure the water connector is properly fixed.
- The arrow should point in the direction of water flow (towards the fridge).
- Ensure the water hose is not kinked, bent, blocked, or damaged.
- Check that all connections are secure and there are no gaps or leaks.
- To prevent water leaks from the dispenser, make sure both tubes of the water line are inserted fully to the centre of transparent coupler.
Please note: Do not apply excessive force when disconnecting hoses, as the coupler may break.
Check the water pressure
A minimum pressure of 30 psi (206–861 kPa / 30–125 psi) is required. To check the pressure:
Low pressure may be caused by a kinked or blocked water line, clogged water filter or low mains pressure.
If mains pressure is too low, a booster pump may be required.
Check internal water flow
Check hose configuration
- Depending on the model, there may be one or two hose connections.
- Incorrect hose connections can result in small or no ice production.
Check installation of the water line
Please note: If the ice maker makes a buzzing sound, it may be activated but not receiving water.
Check the water filter
A clogged or old water filter can restrict water flow to the ice maker, preventing it from producing or dispensing ice.
We recommend that you replace the water filter every 6 months.
To check the filter status:
- Samsung refrigerators include a filter warning system.
- When a replacement is needed, the filter indicator will turn red and an alarm may sound.
- When a new filter is installed, the indicator may appear blue, yellow, or green depending on the model.
- As the filter reaches the end of its lifespan, the indicator will turn red.
To replace the water filter:
Please note:
- Always use Samsung-approved or compatible filters.
- Unapproved filters may leak or damage the appliance.
After replacing the filter:
The water filter replacement icon blinks to alert the user that it is time to replace the water filter. You can replace the water filter immediately and reset the water filter replacement alarm or dismiss the alarm if you want to change the water filter later.
Please note: This step may not apply to some models.
- If you have changed the water filter, tap < to reset the water filter replacement alarm.
- If you want to change the water filter later and dismiss the alarm, tap >.
- The Water Filter indicator stops blinking.
Remove and clear the ice container
Ice can form clumps in the container and cause a blockage, which can prevent proper ice dispensing.
Remove the ice container
Please note:
- Removing the ice container may vary depending on your model.
- Do not apply excessive force to the ice container cover, as it may break.
Check and clear ice build-up
If ice is stuck or clumped together and blocking the dispenser, carefully break it apart and tip the ice into the sink.
If the ice maker hasn’t been used for a while, ice cubes can form and block the mechanism.
Clearing the container will allow for fresh ice production.
Reinstall the ice container
Please note: When the ice maker is set to ON, it will continue producing ice even if the container is removed.
Reset the ice maker
If there are no visible blockages or issues, resetting the ice maker may help restore normal operation.
After resetting, allow up to 24 hours for the ice maker to begin producing ice again.
To reset the ice maker, you will first need to access the Test button.
Locate the Test button:
Please note: The exact location may vary depending on your model so please refer to your user manual.
Reset the ice maker
Please note: Do not press the Test button multiple times, as this may cause water to overflow the ice tray or ice to jam, leading to damage.
Confirm the ice maker is working
A second chime indicates the ice maker is operating correctly.
If no sound is heard, the ice maker may not be functioning properly.
After resetting, allow up to 24 hours for ice production to resume.
Dispense ice frequently
If the ice maker is not used regularly, ice can build up, clump together or block the mechanism. This can prevent ice from being produced or dispensed properly.
Dispensing ice regularly helps keep the system clear and functioning properly.
Even if you do not need ice, it is recommended to dispense it occasionally to prevent build-up and blockages.
Check for ice build-up
If the ice maker has not been used for a long time, Ice cubes may clump together and block the dispenser or internal mechanism. If this happens:
If you are not using the ice maker or do not plan to use it for a prolonged period:
When selecting Ice Off mode, always remove any remaining ice.
If you are away from home or will be for an extended period:
After a power interruption
After a power cut, the ice bucket may contain a mix of melted and refrozen ice, which can prevent the ice maker from operating correctly.
To resolve this, empty the ice bucket before using the appliance again.
Vacation mode
Some models include a Vacation Mode, which reduces fridge operation while keeping the freezer active. Please refer to your user manual for your model specific instructions.
To activate (Type 1)
Press and hold the Vacation button for 3 seconds:
To activate (Type 2)
To deactivate, press and hold the Vacation button again for 3 seconds.
Please note:
- We recommend you remove food from the fridge compartment before using Vacation mode.
- The mode may be disabled if temperature settings are adjusted.
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