Has your Samsung fridge ice maker stopped producing ice?
Or is the ice bucket stuck?
That can happen due to frost and ice build-ups on the ice maker fan.
But don’t worry, fixing it is very simple.
I promise, you just have to press some buttons, and that’s it! So…
Continue reading to learn:
- How and when you should only reset the ice maker.
- 9 easy-to-follow steps to defrost a Samsung ice maker.
- Whether there’s a defrost button on Samsung ice makers.
- And so much more…
How do I defrost my Samsung ice maker?
To defrost your Samsung ice maker, defrost the fridge manually by unplugging it and leaving the fridge door open until the ice build-ups melt. You can also force-defrost it by pressing a combination of buttons on the display panel. Or reset the ice maker by pressing its “Test” button.
Defrosting Samsung ice maker: 9 easy steps
#1: Unplug the appliance
If you don’t mind waiting for hours to defrost your Samsung fridge ice maker, continue with this method.
But if you want a quick and easy solution, jump to step #4.
Important note: Before you begin, prepare a towel or rug underneath the unit and empty the ice bucket and the freezer. As to prevent water spillage coming from the melted ice and frost.
One way to fix an ice maker that isn’t producing ice is to defrost it.
But since Samsung ice makers don’t have “defrost buttons,” your best solution is to defrost the whole unit.
And you can do that by unplugging the refrigerator. And leaving the fridge door open to melt the ice build-ups.
If the plug of the refrigerator is inaccessible, locate its circuit breaker. Either near the unit or on the main breaker box.
Then, toggle the switch OFF.
“What is this for?”
Your fridge can’t manually defrost while it’s ON. So, you have to cut off its power supply to start the defrosting and resetting process.
Note: Depending on the thickness of the ice build-ups, it can take about 2 to 4 hours.
So, consider doing this method when there are little or no supplies on your fridge to avoid food spoilage.
Suppose you have food stored in the freezer. Place it in plates to avoid leaks and store it in a cooler. To preserve it better, put ice cubes or ice packs on it.
For dry goods like veggies, wrap them in food plastic wraps before storing them in a container.
#2: Leave the fridge door open
After unplugging the refrigerator, leave the fridge door open.
This step is necessary to let warm air enter the unit. And help melt the ice build-ups on the ice maker and the freezer.
How?
When warm air gets in contact with cool air from the fridge, it turns into moisture. And that moisture helps thaw out ice build-ups that are causing the problem.
You may have to pull out the fridge a little to let its doors swing wide open.
This alone can defrost your appliance. But to speed up the process, continue to the next step.
#3: Use a fan, boiling water bowls or a hairdryer
Next, place a fan in front of the refrigerator. And position it right in front of the ice maker.
You can use a stand fan or an electric hand fan to help melt the ice build-ups. Just make sure that the fan can withstand a few hours of operation.
Or you can also place bowls of boiling water on the shelves close to the walls.
Here are some helpful reminders when doing it:
- Keep the fridge doors closed.
- Replace the boiling water every 10 minutes.
- Put a towel underneath the bowls to avoid damage on the shelves.
Note: Alternatively, you can use a hairdryer to melt the frost and ice build-ups on the ice maker. But use it only as an alternative tool as too-warm air can further damage your unit.
After that, leave your Samsung refrigerator as is until all ice build-ups melt.
If the manual defrosting takes too long, consider force defrosting your appliance. See the next step for instructions.
You might also like: How to reset the filter light on a Samsung refrigerator?
#4: Press and hold 2 control buttons
To access Samsung’s force defrost mode, press a series of buttons on the display panel.
Note: This is performed with the fridge ON.
In some Samsung fridge models, you have to press and hold the “Fridge” and “Energy Saver” buttons for 8 to 12 seconds. Or until the display panel goes blank and you hear a chime.
This chime indicates that the appliance is in “Test Mode.”
Depending on your fridge model, this combination of buttons varies. So, make sure to review your product manual to see which one applies to your unit.
Below are some of the examples:
- “Lighting” + “Freezer.”
- “Flex Zone” + “Fridge.”
- “Fridge” + “Power Save.”
- “Freezer” + “Cool Select.”
- “Control Lock” + “Freezer.”
#5: Press any button on the display
Once you hear the chime, release the buttons.
Then, press any button on the display panel once. It can also be one of the two buttons you’ve pressed earlier.
Once done, a series of options will show up on the screen, referred to as Samsung’s “Forced Mode System.”
You’ll know that you’re on track when you see the “Fd (Force Defrost option.”
#6: Press the same button 2 to 3 times
To navigate through the options, press the same button 2 to 3 times. Or until you’ve selected the Fd option.
Suppose the same button you used didn’t do anything. Try the other button you’ve pressed earlier.
Upon selecting the Fd option, your Samsung refrigerator will release a long beep.
This indicates that the appliance is undergoing force defrosting. And this process can take about 5 minutes.
Note: Repeat steps #4 to #6 as long as necessary. Or as long as there are frost and ice build-ups on the ice maker and its fan.
#7: Reset the fridge
Once the beep has stopped, and the ice build-ups are melted, reset your fridge. Doing this helps get its condenser and compressor back to running.
Plus, it resets the ice maker system. So, make sure not to skip this vital step.
Here’s how to reset a Samsung refrigerator:
- Unplug the appliance.
- Wait for about 5 minutes.
After 5 minutes, you’re supposed to replug and turn ON the refrigerator.
But since you’re troubleshooting the ice maker, make sure to check on it first.
Why?
When defrosting the appliance, a certain amount of water remains on the ice maker.
And while that isn’t threatening at all, it can affect the quality of ice cubes your fridge produces.
#8: Clean the ice maker
Next, clean and dry your Samsung ice maker.
To do that:
- Press the release tab on the ice maker.
- Pull out the ice bucket.
- Wipe and dry it using a clean, cotton towel.
- Inspect the gaps on the ice maker and dispenser.
- Return the ice bucket to its place.
Note: If you found cracks on the ice maker and dispenser gaps, contact Samsung support for service.
While you’re at it, watch this short video to learn how to maintain your Samsung fridge’s ice maker properly:
Reading tip: Samsung Ice Maker Keeps Freezing Up: 9 Quick Fixes
#9: Turn ON your appliance
Finally, replug your refrigerator to get it back on service.
Once you’ve replugged it, check whether:
- The fridge interior light is ON.
- The vents are releasing cool air.
- All the control buttons are functional.
- All the LED backlights on the panel work.
- The compressor, condenser, and fan motor are running.
If it is, then you’ve successfully defrosted your Samsung ice maker. And you can now start using it as before.
If some parts are unresponsive, reset your refrigerator once again.
BONUS: Reset the ice maker
Is your Samsung fridge’s ice maker still unresponsive? If yes, reset it.
This will help reboot the ice maker’s motor and reactive its fan.
Warning: A reset can also cause water overflow and ice jam. So, only do this if necessary and instructed by Samsung support.
To do it:
- Open your fridge door.
- Pull out the ice bucket.
- Locate the ice maker’s test button.
- Press and hold it until you hear a chime.
- Then, return the ice bucket to catch the remaining ice.
Depending on your fridge model, the Samsung ice maker test button is located:
- On the side.
- Near the front.
- At the bottom.
Plus, it usually has a pointing arrow or a “Test” label on it. So, you shouldn’t have a hard time locating it.
“How would I know if the test process is already done?”
The process is complete once the chime has stopped. And this can last for several minutes.
Check out: How To Turn A Samsung Ice Maker On And Off