Samsung Refrigerator: not making ice

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

If your Samsung refrigerator is not making ice, you may notice an empty ice bucket or slow production. This issue can stem from various causes such as a clogged water filter, low water pressure, or a frozen fill tube. Understanding these factors can help you troubleshoot effectively and restore your ice maker's functionality.

Urgency: Low

Important Tips for Samsung Models

  • Samsung explicitly recommends using the ice maker Test/Reset button but warns not to perform the reset more than once per day to prevent overflow or ice jamming damage.
  • Recurring fill tube freezing/ice room icing is frequently reported by owners of certain multi-door and French door models; at least one documented successful fix is replacing the fill tube with a heater-wrapped version designed to prevent re-freezing.

Possible Causes

Clogged/overdue water filter restricting flow to the ice maker

How to Identify: Ice production slows then stops; water dispenser flow may be reduced; filter is older than manufacturer recommendation; replacing/bypassing the filter temporarily restores flow/ice (where supported by model.

Part: Water filter (Samsung OEM filter / filter housing)

Low water pressure or partially closed supply valve preventing proper fill

How to Identify: No ice and/or small/hollow cubes; dispenser water flow weak; water valve behind fridge not fully open; recent plumbing work; pressure issues in the home.

Part: House water supply valve / supply line

Ice maker requires reset/test (stalled control logic, minor fault, or after maintenance)

How to Identify: Ice maker appears powered but does not cycle; using the test button initiates a harvest or diagnostic sequence; condition may improve after reset; unit may have been recently serviced or lost power.

Part: Ice maker module/control (test/reset button function)

Frozen/blocked fill tube preventing water from entering ice mold (ice maker compartment icing)

How to Identify: No ice but water supply is OK; visible ice buildup around the fill tube or ice room; thawing/defrosting restores operation temporarily; recurring freeze-ups.

Part: Ice maker fill tube / fill cup / ice room ducting

Ice maker turned OFF, improperly seated bucket, or ice bucket jam preventing operation

How to Identify: Ice maker setting is OFF; bucket not fully inserted; ice clumps jam ejector; removing and reseating bucket restores function; ice present in maker but not dropping to bucket.

Part: Ice maker on/off setting, ice bucket, bin switch/sensor

Faulty water inlet valve not opening properly (electrical or mechanical failure)

How to Identify: Adequate house pressure and new filter but no water enters ice maker; test cycle runs but no fill; valve may hum but not pass water; intermittent or no fill.

Part: Water inlet valve assembly

Defective ice maker assembly/module (motor, heater, mold thermostat/sensor failure)

How to Identify: Test/reset fails to cycle correctly; no harvest/ejection; ice mold does not fill or eject despite confirmed water supply; repeated icing problems; error codes (model dependent.

Part: Ice maker assembly/module

DIY Solutions

Run the Samsung ice maker Test/Reset cycle correctly (once per day max)

Easy 5-10 minutes (plus see if ice returns within 24 hours)
  1. Remove the ice bucket to access the ice maker assembly.
  2. Locate the rectangular Test/Reset button on the side or bottom/front area of the ice maker (position varies by model).
  3. Press and hold the Test button until you hear a chime or the cycle starts (per Samsung instructions).
  4. Reinstall the bucket and wait to see if the ice maker cycles and produces ice (production may take several hours).
  5. Do NOT press the Test button repeatedly; Samsung recommends no more than once per day to avoid overflow or jamming damage.
⚠️ Safety First: Do not press the Test button repeatedly; Samsung warns this may cause overflow or jamming that can damage the ice maker.

Replace the water filter (or confirm proper OEM filter installation) to restore flow

Easy 10-15 minutes
  1. Identify your filter model (often printed on the filter or in the owner manual).
  2. Replace the filter with a compatible Samsung OEM filter (or verified compatible equivalent).
  3. Flush the system per the filter instructions to remove air and carbon fines (usually several liters/gallons through the dispenser).
  4. Allow 12–24 hours for ice production to normalize.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure the filter is fully seated to prevent leaks or air intrusion.

Check and restore water supply pressure/flow to the refrigerator

Easy 10-20 minutes
Tools Needed: Flashlight
  1. Verify the shutoff valve feeding the refrigerator is fully open.
  2. Inspect the water line behind the fridge for kinks, crushing, or damage.
  3. If water dispenser flow is weak, correct the supply issue (open valve fully, straighten line).
  4. After restoring flow, run the ice maker test/reset once and wait several hours for ice.
⚠️ Safety First: Be careful moving the refrigerator to avoid damaging the water line.

Defrost a frozen fill tube / ice room blockage (temporary fix for freeze-up issues)

Moderate 20-45 minutes
Tools Needed: Hair dryer (low heat) OR warm towels, Towel for water catch
  1. Turn OFF the ice maker (and unplug refrigerator if working near wiring) to avoid cycling during defrost.
  2. Remove the ice bucket and inspect the fill tube area for ice buildup.
  3. Gently thaw the frozen area using warm towels or a hair dryer on LOW heat, moving constantly to avoid overheating plastic parts.
  4. Dry the area, reinstall the bucket, turn the ice maker back ON, then run a single test/reset cycle.
  5. Monitor for recurrence over the next 1–2 weeks; repeated freeze-ups often indicate a known Samsung ice-room/fill-tube design issue or heater/insulation problem.
⚠️ Safety First: Do not use high heat or open flame; plastic components can warp.

Clear ice bucket jams and ensure bucket is fully seated

Easy 5-10 minutes
  1. Remove the ice bucket and dump any fused/clumped ice.
  2. Check for ice blocking the ejector path or bucket auger area.
  3. Reinstall the bucket firmly until it is fully seated and the bin switch/sensor is engaged.
  4. Run a single test/reset cycle if needed.
⚠️ Safety First: Do not chip ice with sharp tools that can crack the bucket or ice maker.

Professional Repairs

Replace water inlet valve (no fill despite good pressure and new filter)

Estimated Cost: $180 - $450

Replace ice maker assembly/module

Estimated Cost: $200 - $600

Address recurring fill-tube/ice-room freeze-up with updated parts (heater-equipped fill tube or service kit where applicable)

Estimated Cost: $250 - $700

When to Call a Professional

Ice maker passes reset/test sound sequence but never fills with water after filter and supply checks.
Fill tube/ice room repeatedly freezes up within days to weeks after defrosting.
You see water leaking into the ice room, freezer, or under the refrigerator during ice maker operation.
Ice maker test/reset does not initiate any cycle, suggesting electrical/module failure.
You suspect a failed inlet valve or sealed system temperature issue but cannot safely diagnose electrical components.

Preventive Maintenance

  • Replace the refrigerator water filter on schedule (or sooner if water quality is poor) and flush after replacement: Restricted flow leading to no ice / small hollow cubes
    Frequency: Every 6 months (or per your model manual/water quality)
  • Keep freezer temperature at the manufacturer-recommended setting and avoid frequent long door openings: Slow/no ice production and ice room freeze-thaw issues
    Frequency: Ongoing
  • Periodically inspect and straighten the water supply line behind the refrigerator: Intermittent no-ice events due to reduced or blocked water flow
    Frequency: Every 6-12 months

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Samsung Refrigerator not making ice?
Common causes include clogged water filters, low water pressure, or a frozen fill tube.
How do I fix Samsung Refrigerator not making ice myself?
Try resetting the ice maker, replacing the water filter, or checking for blockages.
How much does it cost to fix not making ice?
Professional repairs range from $180 to $700 depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for not making ice?
Call a technician if DIY solutions fail or if you suspect a major component is faulty.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

78%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: DIY

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Ice maker malfunction (6 mentions)
  • Control panel issues (1 mentions)
  • Door not closing properly (1 mentions)
  • Water supply issues (solenoid valve) (1 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Resetting the ice maker

    Success rate: 25.0%

  2. Replacing the ice maker

    Success rate: 8.0%

  3. Using forced defrost

    Success rate: 8.0%

  4. Accessing and turning off the ice maker via ice tray

    Success rate: 8.0%

  5. Sealing the box and ordering parts

    Success rate: 8.0%
Analysis based on 9 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. Samsung Ice Maker Repair Labor Cost?
  2. Is there a guide to the beeps and error codes for Samsung re...
  3. I want to buy a Samsung 4 door Fridge
  4. Samsung ice maker problems
  5. Forced defrost on Samsung fridge?
  6. Samsung Upper Ice Maker just started making ice after not ma...
  7. Samsung refrigerator ice maker
  8. What is this Part samsung refrigerator. Rs267tdrs and can I ...
  9. Samsung RF217ACWP not making ice

Community Discussions

ice maker stopped making ice

Used forced defrost to potentially resolve ice maker issue; food in fridge/freezer likely safe.

DIY View on Reddit →

ice maker stops making ice

Use a steamer to defrost the ice maker and check for firmware updates or lower the freezer temperature.

DIY View on Reddit →

control panel isn’t working and the ice maker isn’t making ice

Pull the ice tray out to access a black button to turn off the ice maker.

DIY View on Reddit →

not making ice

Replace the ice maker.

DIY View on Reddit →

not making ice

Resetting the ice maker seemed to resolve the issue temporarily.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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