Samsung Ice Maker Won’t Come Out: 11 Steps To Fix It (2023)

Do you often have a stuck ice maker?

Hmm, you must be a Samsung fridge user.

How did I know?

Well, there are lots of complaints about this.

Removing a frozen ice maker is hard and complicated.

Since you may damage its part if you aren’t careful.

But, it’s not impossible.

So how can you safely do this?

Read on to find out:

• 11 easy steps to fix your stuck Samsung ice maker.
• What is ‘Force Defrost’ mode and how you can activate it.
• The reasons why your Samsung ice maker won’t come out.
• 5 helpful tips to keep your Samsung ice maker working properly. 
• And so much more…

Why won’t my Samsung ice maker come out?

Your Samsung ice maker won’t come out because it’s jammed with ice. The frost buildup in the compartment might be too thick so you can’t pull it out. There may be ice stuck in the drawer so the water overflows and freezes. This can also be due to a frozen water inlet or an extremely low temperature.

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Samsung ice maker won’t come out: 11 steps to fix it

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#1: Force defrost your ice maker

Your ice maker won’t come out easily because it’s frozen.

So for you to get it out from the compartment, the ice has to be thawed first.

To do this, put your Samsung ice maker into ‘Forced Defrost’ mode.

“What does it do?”

This will turn the defrost heaters on. Specifically on your freezer and ice maker.

So by activating this, you’ll melt the ice that prevents you from taking out the ice maker.

How to force defrost a Samsung refrigerator:

1. Press and hold 2 buttons on the display panel for about 8 seconds. (These will vary per model. So look at the table of button combinations below.)
2. Release your fingers when you see the display go blank.

Note: After this, your fridge will also let out a beep. This means that you’re in the ‘Forced Mode System.’

3. Click the “Fridge” button 3 to 4 times to switch to ‘Forced Defrost’ mode. (Your display will flash ‘Fd’ if you’re in the right mode.)

Note: In other models, there’s another button that needs to be pressed instead of   “Fridge.” So click it to cycle through the modes unless stated otherwise.

And that’s it.

Once the force defrost is activated, you’ll hear a long beeping noise. 

And this won’t stop until the process is done.

Button combinations for Samsung refrigerators:

Model number	Button combination	Button to click to cycle through the modes
RF263	“Energy Saver” + “Fridge”
RF267	“Freezer” + “Lighting”	Press “Lighting” 4 times
RF28	“Energy Saver” + “Power Freeze/ Freezer”	Hit “Fridge/Power Cool” 4 times
SRF680CDLS	“Fridge” + “Energy Saver”
RF24FSEDBSR	“Fridge” + “Power Save”
RF263BEAESR	“Energy Saver” + “Fridge button”
RF23J9011SR	“Cool Select” + “Freezer”	Click any of these buttons 4 times
RF23M8070SR	“Freezer” + “Control Lock”	Press “Control Lock” 4 times
Models with internal control panel	“Fridge” + “Flex Zone”	Click “Flex Zone” 4 times

You might also like: How to defrost a Samsung refrigerator?

#2: Wait for your ice maker to defrost

Typically, you should allow your ice maker to defrost on its own for around 5 minutes.

This is often enough for the frost build-up to melt inside.

And then…

#3: Turn the ‘Forced Defrost’ mode off

Your ice maker will continue defrosting – unless you unplug the fridge’s cord. 

But, it’ll also stop automatically once its cycle is finished. 

Usually, this lasts from 20 to 40 minutes.

So if the 5 minutes is done, turn the ‘Forced Defrost’ mode off.

How?

1. Press and hold the same 2 buttons that you pushed earlier. (This will take you back to the ‘Forced Modes.’)
2. Do this for 8 seconds until the screen shows ‘Fd.’
3. Click the “Fridge” button again once. Wait until the display goes blank.
4. Wait for around 15 seconds while the screen is blank.

After this, the beeping will end.

And then you’ll see the display panel return to its original settings.

#4: Remove the ice maker drawer

After defrosting, open your Samsung fridge. 

Then check if your ice maker drawer can be pulled out already.

Note: If not, the frost buildup might be too thick. So allow your ice maker to finish one defrost cycle. Or repeat steps #1 to #3 as needed.

Now, if everything’s alright, proceed with the steps below.

How to take out the ice maker drawer:

1. Press the small tab on top of the ice maker cover.

Note: You can use an object with a smaller tip (e.g., pliers, screwdriver) to do this since the gap is small.

2. Push the ice maker cover upwards.
3. Then, pull and take out the drawer.

#5: Find and press the ice maker test button

You’ve only removed the drawer.

There are still some things you need to do. But if you’re at this point already, you can now inspect the ice maker more.

However, before taking it out, perform a test first.

Step 1: Find the ice maker test button.

It’s usually a blue rubber one. And this might be hidden in most models. So look under, on the front, or right side of the ice maker.

Step 2: Press and hold the test button for about 3 to 5 seconds.

This will prompt your ice maker to begin a test. Then if it’s successful, it’ll produce a beeping sound.

During the process, it’ll create some ice cubes. And to know if there’s a problem with it, check this guide by Samsung.

It contains the different types of ice cubes that their fridges may produce. Along with their meanings and possible issues.

Note: The test may take up to 6 minutes. And you’ll also hear a chime when it’s done. 

After this, give your ice maker around 24 hours to fully adjust. So don’t expect it to produce ice 

#6: Detach the ice maker wire housing

If you’re done with the test, the next step is to take out the ice maker machine. (Finally!)

But wait, before you can do this safely, remove its wire housing first.

You’ll see it once you pull out the drawer.

It’s normally a white housing way below the ice maker with tubing connected to it.

How to do this:

1. Using a Phillips screwdriver, remove the screw that holds the wire housing.
2. Hold and pull the housing upwards and towards you.
3. Then it must come off easily.

#7: Unplug the ice maker wire harness

If you’ve successfully removed the wire housing, take out the wire harness next.

Warning: Before doing this, unplug your refrigerator cord from the power outlet. Or just switch its circuit breaker off.

“What is it and what does it look like?”

It’s an assembly of wires.

If you look at your ice maker, you’ll see a (white) tubing dangling under it.

Follow where it leads and then you’ll see its end.

Now, that part that’s connected to the fridge is the one you need to unplug before removing the ice maker.

Note: If the fit is too tight, you can use a screwdriver or any tool that can help you separate the harness.

#8: Unhinge the ice maker’s air conduit

It’s the long rectangular box under the ice maker.

In most fridges, there’s only 1 screw that you need to remove (at the right side). So you’ll still be needing your Phillips screwdriver.

However, the other side (left) is held by a plastic retention piece. And this will be harder to manipulate.

What to do?

After removing the screw, detach the air conduit next.

1. Grab a flat-bladed screwdriver.
2. Insert it in the gap on the left side of the conduit.
3. Gently nudge it outwards until it’s free from the piece that locks it in.

“Why do I have to do this?”

In this step, your goal is to expose the refrigeration line.

It’s connected to the ice maker. And you have to detach this thing first as well.

How?

Proceed to the next step below.

#9: Slightly bend down the refrigeration line

In preparation for the removal of the ice maker…

You have to gently push the refrigeration line.

“What does it look like?”

It’s the curved tubing that you’ll see upon opening the air conduit.

Now, before taking the ice maker out, it must be nudged downwards first.

This is to prevent it from snagging the ice maker while it’s being removed.

How to do this:

To bend it down, use a flat screwdriver.

Do this gently and avoid pushing the line down too much.

Be extra careful to avoid damaging it as it’s a delicate part.

#10: Take out the ice maker

Finally, you’ve now reached this step.

All the preparation is done. So now, you only need to remove the ice maker from the compartment.

How?

1. Using the finger on your one hand, press and hold the retention button on top of the ice maker.
2. Place your other hand under the ice maker.
3. Hold and pull it towards you.

Then, voilà!

You’ve just taken out your Samsung fridge’s ice maker. So you can now investigate further and trace the cause of the problem.

Note: In most cases, excess moisture results in too much frost buildup. This could be due to the water overflowing from the stuck ice maker. Or because of gaps in your door seals that let in warm air.

#11: Put everything back in place

Lastly, if you’re done repairing the ice maker, return all the parts to their original place.

To do this, simply perform the steps above in reverse order. 

I promise you, this is much easier than what you did earlier. So this could only take 2 or more minutes.  

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Bonus: 5 tips to maintain your Samsung ice maker

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#1: Change your water filter every 6 months

A fridge water filter traps contaminants in your water.

So over time, this can get clogged.

When this happens, the supply of water into your ice maker will be blocked as well. And this may affect its function.

Also, your drinking water will have an unusual smell and taste.

This is why it’s important to change your filter every 6 months.

How to do this:

Step 1: Get the right water filter for your refrigerator.

Not all Samsung fridges use the same kind of filter. 

So look at your unit’s model name and number first. Then visit this Samsung page to find the correct type for your fridge.

You can buy it directly from the Samsung website or on Amazon.

Step 2: Look for the water filter in your fridge.

“Where is it located?”

This will depend on your model.

Usually, these are its locations:

• Side-by-side refrigerators: between the produce drawers.
• French door/four flex refrigerators: on the right-side of the bottom drawer.

Step 3: Install the new water filter

To know how to do this in your Samsung fridge, watch this tutorial video:

Note: If your water filter needs to be replaced, your Samsung fridge will let you know about it. How? The display panel will flash a light that conveys a certain message:

• Blue/Yellow/Green: New filter.
• Purple: You’re close to changing it.
• Red: 6 months have passed and you need to replace it asap.

#2: Clean your ice maker drawer regularly

One of the common causes of a frozen ice maker is excess moisture. 

And to manage this, clean your ice drawer every 2 weeks.

What to do?

1. To remove the ice maker drawer, push the tab on top first. 
2. While you’re doing step #1, hold the bottom part of the drawer and push it upwards.
3. Remove the ice maker drawer from the compartment.
4. Take out all the ice inside.
5. Dry the bin and its compartment with a soft clean towel. (Do this step thoroughly.)

Samsung advises to use a damp microfiber cloth when cleaning the ice bin and its compartment. 

Note: Follow the steps above (#1 to #4) if you can’t easily pull out your ice maker drawer.

Check out also:  15 Refrigerator Do’s And Don’ts (Avoid #7 At All Times)

#3: Inspect your ice maker drawer gasket

“What is it?”

A gasket is a rubber seal that prevents air and water from coming in and out of your fridge. 

And your ice maker drawer also has this along its inner edges.

However, in the long run, its gasket can become dirty and brittle.

So while you’re cleaning your drawer, also check its seal for any molds or cracks.

Because if there’s any, it can make your ice bin not shut tightly whenever you close it.

This will now create gaps between your ice drawer and compartment. 

Then warm air will seep into those openings. And it’ll result in frost buildup or cooling issues.

What to do?

If the gasket is damaged, you need to replace it.

But if it’s only filthy, here’s what you can do:

1. Wipe your ice drawer gasket using a soft damp cloth.
2. Clean the ice compartment’s opening as well. (Specifically, the areas that the drawer seal touches.)
3. To remove the dirt in your gasket’s grooves, use a cotton swab or a wooden skewer wrapped in a soft cloth.

Note: Clean your fridge door seals too. Because if these don’t close well, the ice maker might not dispense any ice too.

#4: Dispense ice frequently

To keep your ice maker working, you also need to empty it often.

Samsung fridges create around 120 ice cubes a day. So if most of these are stuck inside, they’ll pile up and clump together.

Then, they’ll block the chute. And the ice maker won’t produce ice anymore.

To avoid this, empty your ice drawer every other week. Also, check your ice maker’s condition regularly.

#5: Turn your ice maker off when not in use

Lastly, if you don’t use the ice maker frequently, switch it off once in a while.

Do this also when you know that you’ll be gone for days.

Because again, the ice cubes may clump inside when not dispensed for days. So to prevent this and further frost buildup, turn the ice maker off.

How?

1. Click the “Ice Maker” button on your control panel.
2. Wait until you see the “Ice Maker Off” icon lights up.

Continue reading: 15 Best Ways To Maintain Your Refrigerator (Checklist)