What to do when my refrigerator does not make ice properly?

Last Update date : Nov 23. 2020

If you're having trouble with the ice maker in your refrigerator, we have a couple of things for you to check on this page. It's also a good to check the User Manual for your specific fridge as this page only covers general information to cover most models.

Check the operation hours and temperature

When the refrigerator is used for the first time or after a long period of time, the appliance should be in operation for at least six hours before ice can be made. If the refrigerator has been in operation for more than six hours, first check the set temperature. It should be - 15 ° C or colder for the freezer compartment. 

If there is ice in the ice storage container, and you hear the sound of motor movement when you press the ice maker's lever, but the ice doesn't come out, check the following cases.

See the mode on the display

Check to see if the refrigerator is in ICE OFF mode. The ice maker function can be activated by pressing the Ice Type button.

check the ice off mode display

Note: 

  • The actual design of the display panel may differ depending on the type of model that you have.
  • This image is a reference in English but is available in the language of your country. 

Check out the ice bucket and ice cubes

  • If the ice passage is blocked by ice, it may cause an issue. Therefore, it is recommended that you periodically check and clean the ice passage.
  • Slightly lift out the ice bucket flap and check the status of the produced ice. If the ice is clumped together, dump the ice and let the ice maker produce new ice. 
  • Ice can clump if the ice maker isn't used very often or you have the temperature for the freezer set too low. When you don't use the ice maker for a while, turn the ice maker off to prevent frost from occurring.
  • If the front of the ice dispenser is clogged with ice, clear the blockage by running warm water through the ice bucket opening. 
inspect the ice bucket and ice cubes

Note: 

  • Do not put your fingers, hands or any other unsuitable objects in the chute or ice-maker bucket. You can hurt yourself and/or damage the refrigerator.
  • Never put your fingers or any other objects in the dispenser opening. You can injure yourself.
  • Do not try to disassemble the ice maker. Do not wash or spray the ice bucket with water while it is in the freezer. Remove it to clean it.

Test the inside of the ice maker

It is recommended to test the ice maker to find any of the problems are inside. You can test the ice maker by pressing and holding the test button on the ice maker. If the produced ice cubes are too small in quantity, you can consider several types of issues such as the water connection, water pressure, etc.


The test button will be located on the side or bottom of the ice maker. You'll hear a response tone when you press the button, and another tone at the end to indicate the ice maker is functional. You'll hear the motor running and a small amount of water will dispense at the end.

test the inside ice maker

Note: 

  • Samsung refrigerators produce about 120 ice cubes per day.
  • Empty the ice tray and let the unit run for 24 hours. If fewer than 50 cubes are produced during the 24-hour test, then your refrigerator requires service.
  • If your freezer has an ice maker, it may be possible for warm air to enter each time you open the door of the freezer. Most ice makers have a flap that prevents cool air from exiting the freezer and keep warm air out.
  • Open your freezer and examine the ice chute. There should be a flap of material that will be flush against the housing. If the flap is not sitting flush, check for any ice or debris that may be blocking it. 
  • When the flap and ice case do not fit properly it may cause debris from the ice to form. 

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