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How to reset an ice maker
Whether you discovered an empty ice bin before a family gathering or reached for ice on a warm afternoon only to find none coming through the dispenser, a refrigerator ice maker not working can throw off the rhythm of a busy household. Knowing how to reset an ice maker—and what to check if the reset does not restore ice production—can help you address the issue quickly and get back to what matters most. This guide walks through a basic ice maker reset process step by step and covers owner-level troubleshooting tips.
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When to reset an ice maker
Understanding what to do when an ice maker stops working starts with recognizing when a reset is the right first step. In many cases, the ice maker may have been accidentally turned off, experienced a minor cycle interruption or encountered a temporary issue that a reset can help address. Before exploring more involved troubleshooting, it is worth running through the common signs that suggest a reset may be useful.
Refrigerator ice maker troubleshooting often begins with a close look at what the appliance is — and is not — doing. Each of the following situations can be a signal that a reset is worth attempting:
The ice maker has stopped producing ice entirely — the bin is empty and no cubes are forming after 24 hours of normal use.
Ice production has slowed noticeably — the ice maker is cycling but producing far fewer cubes than usual.
The ice maker is cycling but the bin remains empty — ice may be forming but not dropping into the bin, which can indicate a temporary cycle issue.
The ice maker was recently installed or the refrigerator was moved — a reset can help the appliance establish a full operational cycle after a disruption.
A power outage or power surge has occurred — an interruption to the power supply can disrupt the ice maker's cycle, and resetting the ice maker can help restore normal operation.
If the ice maker has exhibited any of these behaviors, the reset steps in the next section can be a helpful starting point.
Steps to reset an ice maker
Knowing how to reset an ice maker can be an easy place to start when the ice maker becomes unresponsive or stops producing ice. The exact reset method varies by model — some Whirlpool® refrigerators have a dedicated reset button on the ice maker unit itself, while others require a power cycle. Reviewing the owner's manual or use and care guide for the specific model is always recommended for the most accurate guidance. In many cases, these steps can help restore ice production and serve as a solid foundation for refrigerator ice maker troubleshooting before scheduling service.
Step 1: Locate and check the ice maker
The first step in any ice maker reset is to open the freezer compartment and locate the ice maker unit. Depending on the model, the ice maker may be mounted in the upper portion of the freezer compartment, inside a freezer drawer or along the interior freezer wall. Once located, confirm that the ice maker's power switch or control arm is in the "on" position — a control arm in the raised position signals the unit to stop producing ice, and this is sometimes the cause of an empty bin. Understanding how a refrigerator ice maker works can be helpful at this stage, especially when identifying the control arm, water fill tube and ice mold that are part of the ice maker's standard components. Consult the owner's manual for the specific model if the ice maker location or switch position is unclear.
Step 2: Power the ice maker off and on again
If you’ve confirmed the ice maker was on and set to dispense ice, you’ll want to start by power cycling it. Locate the power switch for your ice maker and switch it off. After a few seconds, switch it on again. Remove the ice bin if applicable and place some paper towels under the dispenser to catch any water or ice that may be dislodged during the process.
On models that do not have a dedicated power button, unplug the refrigerator from the wall outlet, wait approximately five minutes and then plug it back in.
Step 3: Press the reset button
Once the ice maker has been turned off and then on again, the next step is to reset the ice maker cycle. On models that have a dedicated reset button, this button is typically located on the underside or back panel of the ice maker unit. Use a pencil eraser to press and hold the button for approximately five seconds, then release and allow the ice maker a few moments to restart. The ice maker may dispense any existing ice before running a new cycle.
For model-specific guidance on locating controls, a familiarity with the parts of a refrigerator can help identify what to look for inside the freezer compartment. Always consult the use and care guide for step-by-step guidance that matches the specific model.
Step 4: Wait for a full cycle to confirm the reset
After completing the reset, the ice maker will need time to run through a full cycle before new ice appears in the bin. In many cases, a refrigerator ice maker can take up to 24 hours to resume full ice production after a reset — though initial cubes may begin to form within a few hours depending on the model. It is recommended to discard the first one or two batches of ice after a reset per manufacturer guidance, as these initial cubes may carry residual taste from the reset process. Exact timing can vary by model, freezer load and ambient temperature. If after 24 hours the ice maker is still not producing ice, the troubleshooting section below covers a few possible causes to check next.
Why your ice maker may still not be working after a reset
An ice maker reset addresses temporary cycle interruptions, but if your refrigerator ice maker is not working after a reset, an underlying hardware or supply issue may need attention. Before scheduling a service call, check these key areas:
Freezer temperature and airflow: Confirm your freezer is set to 0°F (-18°C). High internal temperatures—often caused by frequent door openings, overpacked shelves, or blocked interior air vents—can halt ice production.
Water supply and filter: Ensure the water supply valve behind the refrigerator is fully open and the water line is free of kinks. A clogged water filter can also restrict water pressure; replacing the filter every six months helps maintain proper flow.
Frozen water inlet tube: Check the fill tube at the back of the ice maker for frost or ice buildup. A frozen inlet line prevents water from reaching the mold, even when the supply valve is open.
Bin obstructions and control arm position: Inspect the ice bin and dispenser chute for clumped or frozen ice masses that may be blocking movement. Make sure the shutoff arm has not been pushed into the raised "off" position.
Some issues — such as a frozen water line or an ice maker leaking water — may require additional attention beyond a reset alone. For more detail on each of these issues and more, explore this comprehensive ice maker troubleshooting guide.
Running through how to clean an ice maker after a reset is also a practical way to address existing buildup and help maintain production going forward.
Ice maker leaking water: possible causes and fixes
7 freezer problems & how to troubleshoot them
Ice maker reset FAQs
The following answers address some of the common questions that tend to come up after following the reset steps above or when encountering ongoing ice maker concerns.
A reset can sometimes clear temporary error codes by interrupting the ice maker's cycle. Persistent error codes may indicate a component issue that needs further attention.
When an error code appears on the refrigerator display, a power cycle or reset may resolve a temporary code that was triggered by a minor cycle interruption. However, if the same error code returns after the reset is complete, that is often a signal that a component — such as the water inlet valve, ice maker motor or temperature sensor — may need service. Always consult the owner's manual or use and care guide for model-specific error code descriptions before attempting additional troubleshooting. For persistent codes, contacting a certified technician is the recommended next step.
Yes, unplugging a refrigerator can reset the ice maker. Unplug for 5 minutes, then plug back in. Some models may also require manual resetting via a reset button — check the owner's manual for model-specific guidance.
Unplugging the refrigerator is one of the most commonly recommended ways to reset an ice maker when a dedicated reset button is not available or accessible on the model. The five-minute wait allows the ice maker's internal electronics to fully discharge and reset their cycle before power is restored. After plugging the refrigerator back in, the ice maker may take up to 24 hours to resume full ice production — discard the first batch of ice per manufacturer guidance. Consult the owner's manual to confirm whether any settings need to be manually re-entered after a power cycle on the specific model.
After a reset, most refrigerator ice makers can take up to 24 hours to resume full ice production. Initial cubes may appear within a few hours. Discard the first one or two batches per manufacturer guidance.
The exact timeline depends on the model, the freezer temperature and how much ice was in the bin before the reset. A freezer set to the recommended 0°F (-18°C) will typically reach ice-making conditions more quickly than one that is warmer or heavily loaded with food. If no ice has appeared after 24 hours, working through the troubleshooting checks in the section above — starting with the freezer temperature and water supply — can help identify whether there is an underlying issue contributing to the delay.
Not all ice makers have a dedicated reset button. Many models use a power cycle as the reset method. Check the owner's manual or use and care guide to confirm the reset method for the specific model.
The location and availability of a reset button varies significantly across refrigerator models and ice maker types. Side-by-side models, French door refrigerators and top-freezer refrigerators may each use a different reset approach. On some models, the reset button is located on the underside of the ice maker unit; on others, press-and-hold reset is performed on the bail arm or control arm. For models without any physical reset button, the power cycle method — unplugging the refrigerator for five minutes — serves as the reset process.
Yes, a frozen water inlet line can stop ice production even after a reset. This may indicate the freezer temperature is too low or there is restricted water flow. Check the water line and consult a certified technician if the issue persists.
An ice maker water line frozen at the inlet is one of the less obvious causes of continued ice production failure after a reset. Because water cannot reach the ice mold when the inlet is frozen, the ice maker will cycle through its process without producing any output. To check for this issue, inspect the fill tube at the back of the ice maker unit for frost or ice buildup. If the freezer temperature is set below the recommended range — typically 0°F (-18°C) — the water in the fill tube can freeze before it reaches the mold. Adjusting the freezer temperature and allowing the fill tube to thaw can sometimes address this on its own. If the frozen line persists, a certified technician can assess whether the water inlet valve or fill tube needs service.
Resetting an ice maker is not a routine maintenance task — it is a first-response step when the ice maker stops working or becomes unresponsive. Frequent resets may signal an underlying issue worth having a technician review.
Under normal operating conditions, an ice maker should produce ice reliably without needing to be reset. A reset is most useful after a disruption — such as a power outage, a recent move, changes to the water supply or an accidental change to the control arm position. If resets are needed repeatedly over a short period of time, this pattern may indicate that a component is experiencing recurring issues. Routine maintenance — including replacing the water filter every six months and cleaning the ice maker every three to six months — can help avoid the buildup conditions that sometimes lead to cycle disruptions.
A reset may help if small or hollow ice cubes are caused by a temporary cycle interruption. Ongoing small or hollow cubes may indicate a clogged water filter or low water pressure — replacing the filter every 6 months can help maintain ice quality.
Small or hollow cubes are often a sign that the ice maker is not receiving a full fill of water during the ice-making cycle. After a reset, if the water fill returns to normal, the cube size should return to its standard size within a few cycles. If the problem continues, the water filter is typically the first thing to check — a filter that has exceeded its replacement interval can restrict flow enough to reduce the amount of water filling each cube. Replacing the water filter according to the manufacturer's schedule — generally every six months — is one of the most practical ways to help maintain ice quality and full cube formation.
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