Samsung Refrigerator Not Making Ice But Water Works? Here’s What to Do
Is your Samsung refrigerator not making ice but water works just fine? You’re not alone. It’s a common issue many Samsung fridge owners face, and while it might seem confusing at first, the solution is often simpler than you think.
You’ve got cool water on tap, the fridge feels cold, but that ice tray remains empty day after day. Frustrating, right? The good news is, with a bit of troubleshooting, you can often identify and fix the problem yourself—no need to panic or call for service just yet.
In this guide, we’ll walk through why your Samsung ice maker might stop working while the water dispenser is functioning, what you can do about it, and how to prevent it from happening again.
Why Is My Samsung Refrigerator Not Making Ice But Water Works?
Before diving into the fixes, it helps to understand what could be causing the issue. If your water dispenser is working, then the water line is likely fine. That narrows down the issue to the ice maker system itself. Here are the most common culprits:
1. Ice Maker Is Turned Off
It might sound too obvious, but sometimes the ice maker switch gets turned off accidentally. Many Samsung models have a small switch or button that enables or disables the ice maker.
What to check:
- Look inside the ice compartment for an ON/OFF switch.
- On newer models, this could be a digital setting accessible from the control panel.
2. Ice Maker Needs to Be Reset
Ice makers can glitch—just like a smartphone. A simple reset can sometimes fix the issue.
How to reset your Samsung ice maker:
- Locate the reset button (often under the ice tray or on the side).
- Press and hold the button for about 10 seconds until you hear a chime.
- Wait a few hours to see if it starts producing ice.
3. Ice Buildup or Frozen Water Line
Even though water flows to the dispenser, the ice maker water line can freeze up, especially in colder compartments.
Signs of a frozen line:
- No ice at all, even after 24 hours.
- Hollow or small ice cubes.
- Loud noises during the ice cycle.
Fix:
- Unplug the fridge and let the freezer defrost for a few hours.
- Use a hairdryer (on low heat) to gently thaw the ice line area.
- Avoid puncturing or forcefully scraping anything!
4. Faulty Ice Maker Assembly
If all else fails, the ice maker unit itself may be malfunctioning. Common signs include:
- Clicking noises
- Stuck ejector arm
- Water not reaching the tray
In this case, replacement might be necessary. Samsung offers replacement parts and there are how-to videos online, but if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, it’s best to call a technician.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide
Let’s break down the exact steps to troubleshoot a Samsung refrigerator ice maker issue when your water dispenser still works.
Step 1: Check the Ice Maker Power
- Open the ice compartment.
- Look for a visible ON/OFF switch or toggle.
- Toggle it off and back on to reset it.
Step 2: Verify the Ice Maker Reset
- Locate the reset button.
- Press and hold it until a chime sounds.
- Wait up to 24 hours to see if ice production resumes.
Step 3: Inspect the Water Line
- Make sure the refrigerator is level—tilted units can affect water flow.
- Check the water inlet valve (usually at the back of the fridge) for any signs of blockage or wear.
- Look inside the ice maker tube for any frozen water.
Step 4: Defrost the Ice Maker
If you suspect freezing:
- Unplug the fridge.
- Open the freezer door and leave it open for 2–4 hours.
- Use a towel to soak up any meltwater.
Step 5: Test the Water Filter
A clogged or old filter can reduce water pressure, affecting the ice maker while still allowing water to flow.
To check:
- Look at the filter’s age (replace every 6 months).
- Run a water flow test—if it’s slow, the filter might be due for a change.
When to Call a Technician
If you’ve tried everything above and your Samsung refrigerator is still not making ice but the water works, it might be time to bring in a pro. Call a technician if:
- The ice maker still doesn’t reset or respond.
- You hear grinding or clicking noises.
- There’s leaking water inside the freezer.
- You’ve already replaced the water filter and reset the ice maker.
Samsung offers warranty support for certain issues, especially if your refrigerator is still under coverage.
Common Samsung Refrigerator Models With This Issue
This issue has been frequently reported in several Samsung models, including:
- Samsung RF28HMEDBSR
- Samsung RF263BEAESR
- Samsung RF28JBEDBSG
- Samsung RS25H5111SR
- Samsung RF23J9011SR
While troubleshooting is often similar across models, always check your user manual for model-specific instructions.
Preventing Future Ice Maker Problems
Once you’ve fixed the issue, keep it from happening again with these tips:
- Replace water filters regularly (every 6 months or sooner).
- Don’t overload the freezer—it can restrict airflow.
- Keep the fridge/freezer at optimal temperatures (0°F for freezer, 37°F for fridge).
- Check for firmware updates if your fridge is smart-enabled.
- Run a monthly ice maker reset to prevent software glitches.
FAQs About Samsung Refrigerators Not Making Ice
1. Why is my Samsung ice maker not working but the water dispenser is?
Likely causes include:
- Frozen water line to the ice maker
- Ice maker turned off
- Clogged water filter
- Malfunctioning ice maker motor
2. How long does it take for a Samsung ice maker to start working after a reset?
Typically within 6 to 24 hours. If you don’t see any ice after a full day, further troubleshooting is needed.
3. Can a clogged water filter stop the ice maker from working?
Yes, a partially clogged filter may still allow water to flow to the dispenser but not with enough pressure to reach the ice maker.
4. How do I manually defrost the ice maker?
- Unplug the fridge.
- Leave the freezer door open for a few hours.
- Use a hairdryer on low heat if you need to speed it up.
5. Is there a recall on Samsung ice makers?
Samsung has faced class action lawsuits over persistent ice maker issues in some models, but there isn’t a universal recall. Always check the official Samsung support page or contact customer service to see if your model is affected.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with a Samsung refrigerator that’s not making ice but the water works can be a hassle, but it’s usually fixable without calling in a professional. By following the troubleshooting steps above, you can often pinpoint the cause—whether it’s a frozen line, clogged filter, or a simple switch setting.
Still stuck? Don’t hesitate to reach out to Samsung support or a certified technician. But most of the time, with a little patience and some basic checks, your ice maker will be humming along again before you know it.
And hey, it’s always good to know your fridge better—it saves you time, money, and future headaches.
