All of a sudden, your Samsung freezer can’t do its one job.
It’s to keep the goods inside it frozen and unspoiled.
So what may have caused this?
And what can you do to solve this problem?
Keep reading to discover:
- The ideal location and outside temperature for refrigerators.
- 9 common reasons why your Samsung freezer is not freezing.
- 9 easy and quick fixes you can do at home for each of the causes.
- Steps on how to clean your freezer door seal and condenser coils.
- And many more…
Why is my Samsung freezer not freezing?
Your Samsung freezer isn’t freezing because it’s exposed to heat or in a hot area. Your unit may also don’t have enough ventilation around it. It might be in the wrong mode or temperature too. But if these are working fine, it may have a faulty door seal, dirty condenser coils, or frozen evaporator.
Samsung freezer not freezing: 9 causes & ways to fix it
#1: Your unit is near a heat source
First off, did you know that the outside temperature can affect a refrigerator?
Yup. The higher it is, the harder your fridge works to keep its interior cool.
And over time, this may cause it and its freezer not to work properly.
How to fix it
So, where did you place your Samsung refrigerator?
You may need to relocate it if it’s exposed to the heat of the sun. As well as if it’s beside an oven or range.
Generally, the ideal room temperature for refrigerators is between 55°F to 110°F (13°C to 43°C). So double-check the room it’s in as well.
“Help! I can’t relocate my Samsung refrigerator. Is there another way to fix this?”
If moving your refrigerator isn’t possible…
Try lowering both your fridge and freezer’s temperature.
This can be helpful, especially during summer. It can aid your fridge in maintaining its temperature even if it’s hot outside.
But if this tip doesn’t work, try this next one.
Don’t forget to check out: 15 Refrigerator Do’s And Don’ts (Avoid #7 At All Times)
#2: Your unit has insufficient clearances
If your Samsung refrigerator isn’t exposed to heat…
It could also be that it lacks ventilation.
Think about it.
Your fridge is a machine that can overheat. Just like any other electronic devices – such as phones and computers.
So to prevent this, it requires enough air circulation outside.
How to fix it
If you notice that your fridge is too close to the walls, move it a little bit further.
“How much clearance do refrigerators need?”
According to Samsung, there must be at least half an inch (1.27 cm) on both sides of a fridge.
Then the gap should be a minimum of 2 in (5 cm) at the back.
Note: If you’re still unsure of why your freezer doesn’t freeze, this is a good starting point. This is an easy and quick fix. So you’ll save a lot of time (and money) if this solved your problem.
But if not, it might also be that…
#3: Your freezer is over/understocked
Okay. I’m not here to judge the contents of your Samsung fridge.
I’m only telling you that your freezer might not be well-stocked in terms of quantity.
And there are 2 possible scenarios here.
One, it could be overstocked
Your freezer might be so full that its vents are all blocked.
As a result, the cold air can’t move inside your unit well. Leaving your goods warm and unfrozen.
Two, it might be the opposite – it’s understocked
Your fridge and freezer might not have enough content inside.
It may not look like it at first, but the goods inside help your unit retain its low temperature.
So the more (but not too much!), the merrier.
This is because your fridge won’t have to work twice as hard to keep itself cool.
How to fix it
Always ensure that both your fridge and freezer are well-stocked.
They must be around 50% to 75% full.
So less or more than this amount will be bad for your refrigerator.
For full refrigerators
If your Samsung fridge is overstocked, it’s time to evict some of its items.
Dispose any leftovers that have been sitting inside for days. As well as all discarded goods.
Then, reorganize everything.
Make sure that none of your goods are touching or close to the freezer vents.
For empty refrigerators
But if you have an understocked fridge, the fix is easy.
Add more items inside your refrigerator.
The more mass, the easier it will be for your fridge to operate. So it can cool and work properly.
Reading tip: 15 Best Ways To Maintain Your Refrigerator (Checklist)
#4: Your unit is in “Demo Mode”
Refrigerators have this certain setting.
It’s called “Demo or Showroom Mode.” And it’s activated while the unit is still in a store.
“What does it do?”
It switches off all the other functions of a refrigerator – including cooling.
But, it leaves the interior light on for display purposes.
Now, you may not know it, but you might have set your fridge in this mode by accident.
And this is why your Samsung freezer isn’t freezing.
How to fix it
First, verify whether your fridge is in “Demo Mode” or not.
There are Samsung models that display “OF FF” on their panels if this is activated. While others show a lit symbol.
Once confirmed, you can easily turn it off.
How?
This might vary per Samsung model.
But the general process is like this:
- Press and hold “Power Freeze” and “Freezer” buttons on your panel at the same time.
- Do this for around 3 seconds.
And that’s it.
It should deactivate the “Demo Mode” if it’s turned on.
Did this work?
If not, try holding the buttons for 5 or 8 seconds.
But if you don’t see any of the 2 buttons, check out the list below.
The steps might be a bit different for your model so read this as well:
| Model number | How to turn “Demo Mode” off | Display |
| RL38FRL41FRL44F | Click and hold “Menu” and “Select Key” for about 6 seconds. Hit the “Power Off” button as your screen blinks. | No texts or icons will appear. |
| RL38SRL41SRL44S | Press and hold “Power Off” and “Temp Key” for 8 seconds. Click “Temp Key” while your display is blinking. | No texts or icons will appear. |
Note: In other cases, this can also be fixed by simply unplugging your appliance. So try removing your fridge from its power for a minute. Then put it back in afterward.
Wait for it to cool for at least 5 minutes. Then check if your freezer and fridge are working again or not.
#5: Your freezer has an incorrect temperature
You may have also overlooked this one.
Your freezer might not be cooling enough because it’s set at the wrong temperature.
This is a possible scenario. Especially if your fridge’s “Child Lock” feature is off.
“What is it?”
It’s usually the reason why you can’t switch your Samsung ice maker on or off.
It locks all your controls. So it’ll be impossible for kids (or even you) to change the settings.
But if this mode is off, everyone has the power to control your fridge’s functions.
And this includes how cold or warm your freezer is.
How to fix it
To be sure, check your freezer’s current temperature.
If it’s higher than usual, lower it down.
“What’s the ideal temperature for freezers?”
Samsung says that freezers should be set at -2 °F (19 °C) temperature.
While the fridge compartment must be kept at 38 °F (3 °C).
Once you’re done adjusting it, also check if your “Child Lock” is on or off.
Note: You’ll see a lit padlock icon on your panel if it’s activated.
If it’s not, do the following steps to activate it:
- On your interior panel, look for the “Door Alarm/Control Lock” button. (It’s usually the last one.)
- Click and hold it for at least 3 seconds.
- Check if you see a padlock symbol.
#6: Your unit has an issue with its power source
This can also be a problem with its power supply.
To check this, look if your Samsung fridge is plugged properly into a socket.
If you can’t tell, try unplugging your refrigerator.
Wait for at least 1 minute. Then put its cord back in. But make sure that it’s inserted tightly.
If it has a loose connection, that might be the cause of your problem.
But if everything seems to be fine and your unit isn’t working at all, do the tips below.
How to fix it
Besides the loose connection, you may also have a faulty socket.
To verify this, remove the plug of your fridge. Then plug other devices into it.
If it works, the power outlet isn’t at fault.
For this, turning its dedicated circuit breaker off and on might solve the issue.
#7: Your freezer has a faulty door gasket
Have you checked your freezer door?
If not, inspect it at once.
Put your hand along its sides – where the freezer door and its compartment meets.
Then see if you can feel any cold air coming out of your unit while the door is closed.
If you can feel it in some parts, there might be gaps that let the cold air out.
This can affect the temperature inside your freezer. And it’ll cause frost build-up inside which is often the reason why fridges don’t cool properly.
How to fix it
Test your freezer door seal first.
Check whether it’s really at fault or not.
To do this, perform the ‘dollar bill trick.’
“What is it?”
Get a dollar bill and put it halfway in your fridge. Then close the door and see whether it slides or stays up there.
- If it’s the former: Your freezer door seal isn’t latching properly. This can be due to dirt or wear and tear.
- If it’s the latter: Your freezer door gasket is fine and might not need a replacement.
If there’s a problem with your freezer door seal, inspect it next.
If you haven’t cleaned it for months, it’s likely filled with mold and dust.
So using a damp soft cloth, wipe the door seal until all the dirt is removed. (Use warm water and a mild detergent for this.)
But if it’s worn out, there’s no other option but to change it.
To know how to do it on your own, check out this short clip:
#8: Your unit has dirty condenser coils
If your freezer door seal is fine, there might be another component that needs cleaning.
Usually, it’s the condenser coils.
“What are those?”
These are the black bars you see at the back of a fridge. (But some may also be found under the unit.)
Their job is to take the heat outside the fridge.
So if your condenser coils are dirty, it would be hard for them to release all the heat from the inside.
Now, this can cause an irregular temperature inside your fridge. So your Samsung freezer will not freeze as well.
How to fix it
Luckily, you can clean your condenser coils at home. (Without any help from an expert.)
You’ll need a vacuum for this. As well as a long coil cleaning brush.
- Remove the plug of your fridge from its power outlet.
- Move your unit away from the wall. The space should be enough for you to access its rear side – where the coils are.
- Run an initial cleaning of the coils using your vacuum. (Just enough to remove some of the dirt and see the coils better.)
- Scrub the coils with the long cleaning brush. Make sure you take out most of the debris and hair.
- Vacuum the coils once more as the final step.
- Move your fridge back into its original position.
- Plug its cord back in the outlet.
Wait for your fridge to cool. Then monitor it for a day or two to see if your freezer is already cooling.
#9: Your unit has frozen evaporator coils
Lastly, if the condenser coils have been cleaned and your freezer still doesn’t work…
You may have frozen evaporator coils.
“What are their function?”
These have a different job from the condenser.
There’s a fan that blows over the evaporator coils.
This causes the refrigerant to ‘boil’ and take in the heat from the outside. So it evaporates and leaves a cold gas.
After this, it’ll now go to the compressor where it’ll be pressurized.
Due to this, it’ll be hot again. Then it’ll flow into the condenser coils – where heat is absorbed and released outside the fridge.
Then the refrigerant will become liquid once again. And this cycle will be on repeat.
If this is the case, the cold air won’t also reach the areas in your freezer.
So this could be the reason why it isn’t freezing.
How to fix it
To thaw the ice, you need to force defrost your fridge.
By running this, you’ll be turning the heater on. And this will help melt all the ice on your coils and walls.
“How is it done?”
The steps can be different for every Samsung fridge. But here’s the basic process:
- Press and hold 2 buttons on your panel at the same time. (These are usually the “Power Freeze” and “Fridge” buttons.)
- Do this for around 8 seconds.
- Release the buttons when you hear a beep and when the screen goes blank.
- Click the “Fridge” button until you see “Fd” on your panel. (This means “Forced Defrost” so it indicates that you’re in that mode.)
Your fridge will continue beeping during the defrost cycle.
Wait for at least 5 minutes. Then press and hold the same 2 buttons again to stop the process.
But if your freezer still doesn’t cool, do it a bit longer. Let the usual cycle end, which is about 20 minutes.
Then, check your fridge again after a day. See if everything’s working well again or not.
If you want to know more, read this article: 7 Steps To Defrost Your Samsung Refrigerator (How-To)