How to Reset a Samsung Refrigerator

Resetting your Samsung refrigerator clears temporary electronic glitches and restores normal operation. This guide covers all reset methods: power reset, control panel reset, demo mode exit, ice maker reset, filter reset, and forced defrost mode.

Before You Reset: Samsung’s Warning

Samsung official warning: “Error code history and diagnostic information will be lost during a reset, making it more difficult for a technician to diagnose issues.”

Before resetting:

1. Take a picture of any error codes displayed
2. Note when the error first appeared
3. Document any symptoms (noises, temperatures, etc.)

This information is valuable if you need to call for service later.

1. Standard Power Reset

The most common reset method that resolves most temporary errors.

Steps:

1. Unplug the refrigerator from the wall outlet OR turn off the circuit breaker
2. Wait 5 minutes — This allows capacitors to discharge completely
3. Plug back in or restore the breaker
4. Refrigerator reboots automatically

What to expect after reset:

• Display may be blank for 1-2 minutes during bootup
• Up to 4 hours for panel to show accurate temperature
• Up to 28 hours for interior to reach target temperature
• Compressor and fans should start within a few minutes

Issues resolved by power reset: 88 88 error, PC ER error, control panel glitches, unresponsive display, minor electronic malfunctions, post-power-outage errors.

2. Control Panel Reset

Reset without physically unplugging the refrigerator.

Primary Method (Most Models)

1. Press and hold Power Freeze + Power Cool simultaneously
2. Hold for 10 seconds
3. Wait for a chime sound
4. Display goes blank, then returns to normal

Alternative Method (Older Models)

1. Press and hold Energy Saver + Lighting
2. Hold for 10 seconds
3. Wait for chime and display reset

Family Hub Screen Reset

1. Open the right refrigerator door
2. Locate the red power switch inside at the top
3. Flip the switch OFF
4. Wait 30 seconds
5. Flip the switch ON
6. Wait for Samsung logo and system boot (1-2 minutes)

3. Demo Mode Exit (Cooling Off Mode)

If your refrigerator displays OF OF, cooling is disabled. This is not a reset—it’s exiting a service mode.

Standard Display Models

1. Locate the top two buttons on the LEFT side of control panel
2. Press and hold both simultaneously for 8 seconds
3. Wait for chime
4. “OF OF” disappears, temperature displays

Alternative button combinations:

Buttons	Hold Time
Energy Saver + Power Freeze	3-5 sec
Energy Saver + Freezer	10 sec
Energy Saver + Lighting	3-5 sec
Button 1 + Button 2 + Button 4	8 sec

Family Hub Models

1. Tap Apps on touchscreen
2. Open Fridge Manager
3. Tap Fridge Settings
4. Tap Cooling Off → Deactivate → Proceed

Bespoke Models

1. Hold < (left arrow) + > (right arrow) for 6 seconds
2. Display blinks
3. While blinking, press O button to disable

Convertible Models

Hold Temp. + Power Freeze + Lock for 5 seconds until chime.

Full demo mode guide →

4. Ice Maker Reset

Resets the ice maker cycle and clears ice maker errors (8E, 14E, 39E, 40E, 41E).

Reset Button Location by Model

Model Type	TEST Button Location
Fridge compartment ice maker	Side of ice maker head (blue button)
Bottom freezer models	Under ice maker unit, above bucket
Side-by-Side freezer	Front or bottom of ice maker
Bespoke	Two buttons: cubed ice + ice bites under freezer vent

Reset Procedure

1. Remove the ice bucket — Place towels underneath to catch water
2. Locate the blue TEST button — May need to reach underneath the ice maker
3. Press and hold until you hear a chime (~10 seconds)
4. Reinstall the bucket

What happens during reset:

• First chime signals test cycle starting
• Arms and tray move through test positions
• Second chime indicates test complete

After reset: Allow up to 24 hours for ice production to resume.

Warning: Do NOT press the test button repeatedly. Water may overflow or ice may jam the mechanism.

Full ice maker guide →

5. Water Filter Reset

Clears the filter replacement indicator after installing a new filter.

Standard Models

1. Locate the Filter Reset button (often labeled, sometimes same button as Ice Maker)
2. Press and hold for 3 seconds
3. Listen for chime or watch indicator turn blue

Family Hub Models

1. Tap Apps on touchscreen
2. Open Fridge Manager
3. Tap Fridge Settings
4. Tap Water Filter
5. Tap Reset

If Reset Fails

1. Disable Control Lock first — Hold Door Alarm or Lock button for 3 seconds
2. Verify filter is fully inserted — Twist clockwise until it clicks
3. Power cycle — Unplug 5 minutes, try reset again

Filter indicator colors: Blue/Green = Good | Orange/Yellow = Nearing end | Red (flashing) = Replace immediately

6. Forced Defrost Mode

Clears ice buildup causing fan errors (21E, 22E, ER FF) or defrost errors (24E, 25E).

Procedure

1. Press Power Freeze + Lighting simultaneously (or Energy Saver + Lighting on some models)
2. Hold until display changes (you may hear a beep)
3. Press Lighting button repeatedly until “Fd” displays
4. Release buttons
5. Defrost cycle runs 30-60 minutes automatically

During forced defrost:

• Heaters activate to melt ice buildup
• You may hear water dripping
• Do not open doors during cycle

After forced defrost: Power cycle the refrigerator if error codes don’t clear automatically.

Quick Reference Table

Reset Type	Method	Hold Time	Clears
Power Reset	Unplug	5 min wait	Most errors
Control Panel	Power Freeze + Power Cool	10 sec	Display glitches
Family Hub	Red switch inside door	30 sec off	Screen issues
Demo Mode Exit	Top 2 left buttons	8 sec	OF OF display
Ice Maker	Blue TEST button	10 sec	Ice maker errors
Filter Reset	Filter Reset button	3 sec	Filter indicator
Forced Defrost	Power Freeze + Lighting, then Lighting to “Fd”	Until “Fd” shows	Frost/fan errors
Network Reset	LOCK button	12 sec	Wi-Fi issues

Model Coverage

These reset procedures apply to Samsung refrigerators manufactured 2015-2025:

• RF series (French Door): RF23, RF24, RF26, RF28, RF29, RF31, RF32, RF34
• RS series (Side-by-Side): RS26, RS27, RS67, RS68
• RT series (Top Freezer): RT16, RT32, RT38, RT56
• RB series (Bottom Freezer)
• Bespoke models (all configurations)
• Family Hub models (all generations)

When Reset Doesn’t Work

If errors return immediately after reset:

1. The underlying problem still exists — Reset clears the error, not the cause
2. Hardware failure — Sensor, board, or component has failed
3. Wiring issue — Connection loose or damaged

Contact Samsung (1-800-SAMSUNG) or a technician if:

• Same error returns within minutes of reset
• Multiple different errors appear
• Refrigerator won’t cool after reset
• Display remains unresponsive

Sources

For official Samsung support:

• Samsung Refrigerator Reset
• Samsung Ice Maker Reset
• Samsung Cooling Off Mode
• Samsung US Support

Related Guides

• Samsung Refrigerator Error Codes: Complete Guide
• Samsung Refrigerator OF OF Display: Exit Demo Mode
• Samsung Refrigerator Ice Maker Not Working
• Samsung Refrigerator 88 88 Error