
Is your Samsung refrigerator displaying an error code on its screen?
Or did it start malfunctioning after a power outage?
Well then, you may have to do a reset.
Worry not! As the resetting steps are as easy as ABC.
I promise, no codings or disassembling parts at all.
That being said…
Read on to learn:
- When to do a reset.
- 7 easy steps to reset a Samsung refrigerator.
- Whether Samsung refrigerators have reset buttons.
- Samsung refrigerator error codes and what they mean.
- And so much more…
How to reset a Samsung refrigerator?
To reset a Samsung refrigerator, turn it OFF and unplug it for about 5 minutes. Doing this cuts off the refrigerator’s power supply and resolves errors. However, not all errors require resetting to fix them. So, first, identify the error code and see whether resetting the refrigerator is necessary.
7 steps to reset a Samsung refrigerator
#1: Identify the error code on the screen
According to Samsung, you should only reset your fridge when:
- Moving.
- Cleaning.
- After a power outage.
- Directed to do so in troubleshooting steps.
If you have to reset your fridge for the first three reasons, proceed to step #2.
But, if you want to reset it to resolve a specific error, you first have to learn what that error code means.
Why?
Well, simply because not all errors need resetting your Samsung fridge to be resolved. And most of them require different troubleshooting methods.
That being said, here you can familiarize yourself with Samsung refrigerator error codes. And see whether the error in your fridge needs a reset to resolve it.
You may encounter several error codes, but here are specific ones that need resetting:
Error Code | Error Name | Cause |
83E | Compressor Abnormal Current Detection Error | Due to power surge |
85E | Compressor Under Voltage Error | Due to brownout |
86E | Compressor Over Voltage Error | Due to power surge |
88 88 | Communication Fault | Due to power disruption during boot up |
If you see any of these error codes on your Samsung fridge screen, continue reading this how-to post.
But if it displays a different code, visit Samsung’s support page for specific solutions.
Note: Error codes 22E, 22C, PR ER, and PC CH also require resetting as their troubleshooting method. But they include additional steps than the ones instructed in this post.
Learn more: Why is my smart fridge not cooling?
#2: Unplug the refrigerator
Before you proceed, check your freezer. Are there any ice build-ups?
If yes, then make sure to do the following before resetting:
- Remove stored food supplies.
- Place a rug underneath your fridge.
Unplugging it for several minutes may cause the ice build-ups to melt. Causing water leakage in your smart refrigerator.
Tip: You can prevent ice build-ups by cleaning and defrosting your fridge regularly.
Once done, you can now reset your fridge.
To start the actual process, cut off the power supply of your Samsung refrigerator.
Warning: Resetting your Samsung refrigerator deletes the error history. And that’s important for a technician to properly diagnose and fix the issue with your unit. So, only do this if necessary and prompted to.
There are 2 ways you can do that:
- By unplugging it from the power socket.
- By turning off the power at the circuit breaker.
Unplugging is the most common way of resetting.
But if you can’t easily access your fridge’s power cord, then just turn it off at the circuit breaker.
“How does cutting off the fridge’s power supply help?”
By cutting off the power supply, you allow your Samsung refrigerator to reboot. And that helps refresh its system and resolve any power-related issues.
On some other appliances like smart TVs, this also helps fix glitches and software bugs.
#3: Leave it off for 5 minutes
Have you unplugged or turned OFF the circuit breaker already?
If yes, the next thing you have to do is just wait for about 5 minutes.
Leave your Samsung refrigerator turned OFF and allow the power supply to be completely cut off.
#4: Replug the refrigerator
Next, replug your refrigerator or turn the circuit breaker back ON.
If your fridge model has a manual power switch, make sure to turn it ON as well.
This step completes the resetting process.
Easy, right?
After this step, the errors in your fridge should be resolved.
#5: Check if the issue has been resolved
To confirm whether the reset is successful, diagnose your unit and check its screen.
Use this short checklist as your guide:
- Is all the information on the screen correct?
- Do all your refrigerator functions work flawlessly?
- Does the screen display the necessary information?
- Is the error code displayed on the screen earlier already gone?
If some of the things in your Samsung refrigerator seem off or the error code is still displayed, reset it again.
Proceed to step #6 for further instructions.
#6: Go back to step #2
Okay, your first attempt didn’t work.
But don’t worry, as you can redo it and maybe get a more successful output.
So, if the error in your Samsung fridge persists, perform steps #2 to #5 again.
But this time, leave the refrigerator unplugged for 10 to 15 minutes on your second try. And 1 hour for your 3rd try.
Why?
Leaving your refrigerator unplugged for a longer time allows it to reset better. Ensuring a much better result.
Also, since you’re unplugging your fridge longer…
Make sure to transfer your highly-perishable goods to tightly-covered containers or coolers.
That way, you can continue preserving your supplies while your refrigerator is OFF.
If the error persists even after the 3rd try, proceed to step #7.
#7: Contact Samsung Support for service

If it still doesn’t work, just stay away from your fridge.
And never attempt to do other troubleshooting methods. As doing so can damage your Samsung refrigerator further.
Instead, contact Samsung support for service.
Before calling Samsung support, prepare necessary information, like your:
- Error history.*
- Warranty information.
- Samsung refrigerator model.
- Error code displayed on the screen.
- Samsung refrigerator serial number.
*Error History is only available to Samsung Refrigerator Family Hub models.
And here’s how you can access it:
- On the Family Hub panel, go to “Apps.”
- Click Fridge Manager>Fridge Settings>Self Check.
- Then, tap “Start” to access the list.
Once you’ve called them and discussed your refrigerator issue, they may either:
- Send a technician to your home.
- Offer you product replacement or discount.
Important note: Performing other troubleshooting methods may void your warranty.
Frequently asked questions:
Is there a reset button on a Samsung refrigerator?
There is a reset button in some Samsung refrigerators. The switch is red and located inside the top of the right door. However, it’s only available in Samsung Refrigerator Family Hub models. And it’s only used to reset the Family Hub screen.
Note: Resetting the Family Hub screen is different from resetting the actual refrigerator.
So, pressing the red reset button will not reset your Samsung refrigerator.
“Okay, I got it. But I’d also want to reset my Family Hub screen. How can I do that?”
There are 2 ways to reset your Samsung refrigerator Family Hub screen:
- Soft reset.
- Factory reset.
Soft resetting will only delete temporary data (RAM) on your Family Hub screen. It’ll help resolve minor glitches and errors.
On the other hand, factory resetting will delete all data from your Family Hub screen. And that includes your custom settings, contacts, accounts, connectivity to other devices.
Pro tip: To backup your Family Hub data, connect it to your Samsung account.
To soft reset the Family Hub screen:
- Locate the red switch inside the top of the right door.
- Press it once.
- Then, wait for the screen to reboot.
To factory reset the Family Hub screen:
- On the Family Hub panel, go to settings.
- Select About Family Hub>Factory reset data>RESET.
- When prompted, click “RESET” again.
- Then, press “Delete all data.”
You can also watch this video to learn more:
When should you reset a Samsung refrigerator?
You should only reset a Samsung refrigerator when moving or cleaning it. You can also reset it if it starts malfunctioning after a power outage. Or when your refrigerator screen displays error codes 83E, 85E, 86E, or 88 88.
Resetting your Samsung refrigerator is a great way to resolve any errors.
But then, Samsung rarely recommends it unless necessary.
And that’s because resetting your Samsung fridge can:
- Delete error history.
- Complicate the issue.
When this happens, a technician may find it hard to diagnose and resolve the error in your Samsung fridge.
So, only reset your Samsung refrigerator when necessary and prompted to.
“My refrigerator screen displays some error codes. I should reset my fridge.”
If your Samsung refrigerator screen displays an error code, first know what it means.
Why?
First, not all Samsung refrigerator error codes need resetting to resolve them.
And second, resetting your fridge may cause more damage to your appliance. And also void your product warranty.
Once you’ve learned what that specific error code means, visit Samsung’s support page. Then, search for its troubleshooting method.
Read next: What Is a Smart Inverter on a Fridge? 5 Things To Know