Wondering what's going on in there?
How a Samsung ice maker works, in plain English
Most Samsung French-door fridges put the ice maker up in the fridge section, not the freezer. That saves freezer space, but it means the ice maker has its own cold air supply and its own defrost. When that defrost falls behind, ice builds up.
- The ice maker. On many models, it's in the top left corner of the fridge section, behind a cover. Others have it in the freezer.
- The water filter. Water passes through it on the way to the ice maker and the dispenser.
- The dispenser. It shares the water supply, so it's a good clue: strong water there means the water reaches the fridge.
Samsung's own checklist, in order: the freezer at 0°F or colder, the bucket and door sealed, Ice Off turned off, only ice in the bucket, the Test button, the water supply and filter, and a level fridge. The questions at the top follow the same order.
Samsung's advice differs from general ice maker advice in one big way: don't defrost a Samsung ice maker yourself. Samsung says its ice makers defrost automatically, and if ice builds up anyway, it needs service.
Rather not do it yourself? Call an appliance repair tech.
That's a fine choice. Maybe you're busy. Maybe you're selling the house and just want it done right. An appliance repair tech can fix the ice maker or put in a new one.
Most repair companies charge $60–$150 to come out, and many put that toward the repair.
Find refrigerator repair near you
Find refrigerator repair near me →Opens Google Maps. We don't ask for your number.
What to say
Calling a pro? Here's what to say.
A few lines to read when they pick up, and the questions to ask before anyone comes out.
Before you call
Say this
Hi. My Samsung ice maker isn't working. When's the soonest you can get here? And what's your fee for the visit? Does it go toward the repair?
Always ask
- What's your fee to come out, and does it go toward the repair?
- Do you work on my brand, and can you bring the likely part on the first visit?
- Will you tell me the full price before you start any work?
Watch out if
- They push a brand-new appliance on the first visit for a small problem.
- They won't give you a price before starting.
- They want you to pay for parts before they've found the problem.
Feeling pushed to decide on the spot? You can say no and hang up. You owe nothing for a phone call.
Answer up to 5 quick questions. We'll give you the words a pro uses.
Answer the questions →More of a list person?
Common symptoms, causes, tests and costs
Find the row that sounds like your Samsung. The quick test is something you can check yourself in a few minutes.
| What you notice | What it probably is | Quick test | Do it yourself | With a pro | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Installed or turned on in the last day | It just needs more time | Wait a day and check again | Free | Not needed | FIXSee the answer: It just needs more time |
| Ice Off light is on | The ice maker is turned off | Look for a lit Ice Off icon on the display | Free | Not needed | FIXSee the answer: The ice maker is turned off |
| Freezer set warmer than 0°F | The freezer isn't cold enough | Check the freezer setting on the display | Free | Not needed | FIXSee the answer: The freezer isn't cold enough |
| Frost or ice on the ice maker, or the bucket frozen in place | The ice maker has frozen over | Look for frost on the ice maker and around the bucket | Pro job | $100–$250 | CALLSee the answer: The ice maker has frozen over |
| Clumped ice, a scoop or food in the bucket | The bucket is jammed or has something in it | Pull out the bucket and look inside | Free | Not needed | FIXSee the answer: The bucket is jammed or has something in it |
| Bucket not locked in, or the door doesn't close tight | The bucket or door isn't sealed | Push the bucket in until it locks | Free | Not needed | FIXSee the answer: The bucket or door isn't sealed |
| Test button chimes and the tray fills | The ice maker works. Give it a few hours | Wait 3 hours after the test | Free | Not needed | FIXSee the answer: The ice maker works. Give it a few hours |
| Water is slow with the filter in, faster without it | The water filter is clogged | Take the filter out and test the flow | $20–$40 | $85–$250 | FIXSee the answer: The water filter is clogged |
| Valve partly closed or line kinked | The water supply is partly off or kinked | Look behind the fridge and at the shutoff valve | Free | Not needed | FIXSee the answer: The water supply is partly off or kinked |
| Slow water even with the filter out and the valve open | Your home's water pressure is too low | Time 6 ounces from the dispenser with the filter out | Pro job | $50–$150 | CALLSee the answer: Your home's water pressure is too low |
| Dispenser strong, but no water reaches the ice maker | Water isn't reaching the ice maker | Press Test and watch for water at the end | Pro job | $85–$250 | CALLSee the answer: Water isn't reaching the ice maker |
| Test button does nothing, even after a power cycle | The ice maker unit has failed | Press and hold Test for 10 seconds | Pro job | $100–$600 | CALLSee the answer: The ice maker unit has failed |
| An error code on the display | The fridge is showing an error code | Look at the display after pressing Test | Pro job | $100–$600 | CALLSee the answer: The fridge is showing an error code |
2026 U.S. averages, rounded. Pro prices include parts and labor. Most repair companies charge $60–$150 to come out, and many put that toward the repair. Nights, weekends and big cities cost more. See all repair prices
Want proof it's working?
The Test button check
Samsung builds a test into the ice maker.
- Press and hold the Test button until it chimes, up to 10 seconds.
- Wait about 6 minutes for a fridge-section ice maker, or about 30 seconds for a freezer one.
- Listen for the water valve to hum, and watch water pour into the tray.
- Water pours in: the ice maker and water are working. Expect ice within about 3 hours.
- No water: check the water flow. Take the questions at the top.
- No chime at all: turn the fridge off for 2 minutes and try again. If it still does nothing, request service.
Not sure it's safe to keep running?
Stop and turn off the water if…
- Water is leaking behind the fridge or onto the floor.
- Water is dripping from the ice maker into the fridge.
- The ice bucket is frozen in place. Don't force it or heat it.
Close the shutoff valve to the fridge, turn on Ice Off, and dry any water. Then request service.
Got a big repair quote?
Should you repair it or replace it?
An ice maker problem almost never means you need a new fridge. Ice maker repairs usually cost $100–$250, and a new ice maker unit runs about $250–$600 installed, according to HomeGuide. Before you pay:
- Check your warranty. Contact Samsung with your model and serial number.
- Ask about software updates if your fridge connects to SmartThings.
- The half rule. If a repair costs more than half the price of a new fridge, get a replacement price too.
Ran into a word you don't know?
Samsung ice maker words, explained
Button names vary by model. Check your manual if yours looks different.
- Ice Off
- A button and light on Samsung displays. When the light is on, the ice maker is off.
- Power Freeze
- A Samsung setting that cools the freezer faster for a few hours.
- Test button
- A small button on the ice maker that runs a test fill. Hold it until it chimes.
- Ice bucket
- The bin that holds the ice. It must lock in place.
- Water filter
- A cartridge that cleans the water. Samsung rates its filters for about 6 months.
- Shutoff valve
- A small valve behind the fridge or under the sink that turns the water to the fridge on and off.
- Water inlet valve
- An electric valve on the back of the fridge that sends water to the ice maker and dispenser.
- Fill tube
- A small tube that carries water into the ice maker's tray.
- SmartThings
- Samsung's app for connected appliances. It can also deliver software updates.
- Reverse osmosis filter
- An under-sink water filter system. It can lower the water pressure to the fridge.
- Model number
- A code on a sticker inside the fridge section. You need it for service and parts.
Still have questions?
Questions people ask most
Why is my Samsung ice maker not making ice but water works?
When a Samsung fridge's water works but the ice doesn't, check the ice maker side: Ice Off, a jammed or frozen bucket, and the Test button. If the Test button chimes but no water reaches the tray, the ice maker's valve or fill tube needs service.
Is a Samsung ice maker that's not working an emergency?
A Samsung ice maker that's not working is not an emergency, unless water is leaking behind the fridge or dripping from the ice maker. Then close the fridge's water valve, turn on Ice Off and dry the floor. If the ice bucket is frozen in place, don't force it or heat it. Samsung says to request service.
How do I reset my Samsung ice maker?
To reset a Samsung ice maker, press and hold the Test button until it chimes. If nothing happens, turn the fridge off at the outlet or breaker for 2 minutes, then try again.
Can I defrost my Samsung ice maker myself?
No, Samsung says not to defrost its ice makers yourself. Its ice makers defrost automatically, and if ice builds up anyway, Samsung says to request service. Don't use a hair dryer or force a frozen bucket.
Where is the Test button on a Samsung ice maker?
The Test button is on the Samsung ice maker itself, usually on the front or side. You may need to take the bucket out to reach it. Your manual shows where it is on your model.
How long does a Samsung ice maker take to make ice?
Samsung says fridge-section ice makers make a tray about every 45–65 minutes, and freezer ice makers about every 85 minutes. After a fix, give it about 3 hours.
Do I have to use a Samsung water filter?
Samsung says to use only Samsung-brand water filters. Off-brand filters can fit poorly or slow the water.
Who do I call for a Samsung ice maker that's not working?
If your Samsung fridge is under warranty, contact Samsung support first. If it's out of warranty, call a repair tech who works on fridges. The pros we list aren't approved by Samsung. If your home's water pressure is low, call a plumber instead.
How we built this
The questions follow Samsung's own troubleshooting order for ice makers: settings and freezer temperature, the ice maker and bucket, the Test button, then the water flow. Each answer makes some causes more likely and others less likely.
Prices are 2026 national averages from published repair-cost guides, rounded. Your local prices will differ.
- Samsung, ice maker is not working (read October 2026)
- HomeGuide, refrigerator repair cost: ice maker and water valve (read October 2026)
- Fixr, ice maker repair cost (August 2025)
- HomeAdvisor, water heater repair cost: plumber visit (June 2026)
About Samsung: StuffBreaks is independent and not affiliated with Samsung. Samsung is a trademark of its owner. Where Samsung's own instructions differ from general advice, this page follows Samsung's. They come from Samsung, ice maker is not working (checked October 8, 2026).
How we make money: some links go to parts stores that pay us a small commission, and some pro listings pay us when you call them. Verdicts come from the diagnosis, not from who pays more.