How to Reset a Samsung Refrigerator (Display, Ice Maker & Full Reset)
Method 1: Display panel reset
Clears a frozen display or unresponsive touch controls without affecting cooling or stored settings.
- On Family Hub models: hold the Energy Saver and Power Freeze buttons simultaneously for 8 seconds.
- On non-Family Hub models with a top panel: hold the Freezer and Fridge temperature buttons simultaneously for 8 seconds.
- The display will go blank momentarily and then restart.
- If an error code was showing, check whether it returns — if it does, the underlying fault persists.
Method 2: Ice maker reset
Use this when the ice maker has stopped producing ice, is making smaller-than-usual cubes, or is showing an ice-related error code.
- Locate the ice maker inside the freezer compartment (usually upper left).
- Look for the Test button — a small recessed button on the side or underside of the ice maker assembly.
- Press and hold for 3 seconds until you hear a chime or see the ice maker begin to cycle.
- Close the freezer door. The ice maker will run a full test cycle over the next 6 minutes.
- If ice production doesn't resume within 24 hours, check water pressure, the inlet valve, and the ice maker sensor.
Related error code: Samsung E5 (ice maker sensor issue).
Method 3: Full power reset (hard reset)
Clears all active error codes and resets the control board fully. Use this when error codes persist after a panel reset, or when the refrigerator is behaving erratically.
- Press and hold the Power Freeze and Power Cool buttons simultaneously for 8 seconds — or simply turn the unit off at the wall or circuit breaker.
- Leave unpowered for 5 full minutes.
- Restore power.
- Allow 24 hours for the refrigerator to return to target temperatures before loading food.
How to enter Samsung refrigerator diagnostic mode
On many Samsung models you can access a self-diagnostic display to read active and stored error codes:
- With the fridge in normal operation, press and hold Freezer Temp ▲ and Fridge Temp ▲ for 8 seconds.
- The display cycles through sensor readings and fault codes.
- Note any codes shown — refer to our Samsung error code guide library for meanings.
- Press and hold the same buttons for 8 seconds to exit diagnostic mode.
Common Samsung refrigerator error codes
- ER IF — ice maker fan speed fault
- ER DH — defrost cycle did not complete
- E1 — ambient sensor value invalid
- H1 — high compartment temperature
- F1 — control communication fault
See all Samsung error code guides.
When a reset won't resolve the problem
A reset clears the control board's state — it doesn't fix hardware failures. If the same error code reappears within one cycle of operation, the physical component associated with that code needs inspection or replacement. Persistent cooling issues after a reset warrant a professional service call.
Frequently asked questions
Will resetting my Samsung fridge erase temperature settings?
A power cycle resets custom temperature settings to Samsung defaults (37°F fridge / 0°F freezer). Reconfigure your preferred temperatures after the reset.
How long does it take a Samsung fridge to cool after a reset?
Allow 24 hours for the unit to stabilise at target temperatures. In the first few hours after powering back on, temperatures will be higher than normal — this is expected.
My Samsung fridge shows 'OF OF' or 'O FF' — is that an error?
No, 'OF OF' means the unit is in Demo/Showroom mode — cooling is disabled. Exit demo mode by holding the Energy Saver and Lighting buttons for 5 seconds.
Does a Samsung refrigerator reset itself after a power outage?
Yes — it powers back on and resumes normal operation. However, if a power surge occurred, a manual reset is recommended to ensure the control board is in a clean state.