Samsung Fridge Not Making Ice? Here's the Fix
Samsung fridge not making ice? Complete troubleshooting guide for all Samsung refrigerator models. Forced defrost, reset, and permanent fixes.
Updated April 6, 2026 · 6 min read
Why Samsung Fridges Stop Making Ice
Samsung French door refrigerators are notorious for ice maker failures. The root cause is usually ice buildup behind the ice bucket area that blocks the fan and prevents proper cycling. Samsung has acknowledged this issue in certain model years and offers a repair kit (DA82-02367A) to permanently fix it. If your Samsung ice maker has completely stopped working, check that guide first for mechanical fixes.
Fix 1: Forced Defrost
This resolves the issue in most cases. Press and hold Energy Saver + Power Freeze (or Fridge + Lighting on some models) for 8–12 seconds until the display goes blank and shows 'Fd'. The defrost cycle runs for 20–30 minutes, melting the ice buildup. Wait 24 hours after the cycle for ice production to resume.
Fix 2: Clear Ice Buildup Manually
Remove the ice bin and inspect the area behind it. If you see frost or solid ice covering the fan or around the ice maker, unplug the fridge and carefully remove it with a hair dryer. Never use sharp metal tools — you could puncture the evaporator.
Fix 3: Install the Samsung Repair Kit
Samsung's DA82-02367A kit adds a drain channel and a small heater to prevent the ice buildup from recurring. Check if your model qualifies for a free installation under Samsung's extended service program. If not, the kit costs about $30 and takes about an hour to install.
Fix 4: Check Water Supply and Filter
Replace the water filter if it's more than 6 months old. Check the water line for kinks. Confirm the water valve behind the fridge is fully open. Low water pressure (below 20 PSI) can prevent the ice maker from filling.
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Samsung Models Most Affected by Ice Maker Failures
The ice buildup problem behind the ice maker bucket is most commonly reported on Samsung French door models sold between 2014 and 2019. The most frequently cited model series include RF28, RF23, RF25, RF26, and RF4 refrigerators with French door configurations. Samsung French door models with an ice maker located in the upper-left door section rather than in the freezer drawer are most prone to this specific failure. If your model number begins with RF and was manufactured before 2020, check whether your unit is among those covered by Samsung's extended service program for ice maker defects.
Newer Samsung models, including Bespoke French door series released after 2020, revised the ice maker design to reduce the foam accumulation problem. If you own a Bespoke-series refrigerator and are still experiencing ice maker failures, the issue is more likely a water supply, filter, or sensor problem rather than the design flaw affecting older models.
How the DA82-02367A Repair Kit Works
The Samsung DA82-02367A repair kit was developed in response to widespread complaints about ice buildup behind the ice maker assembly in affected French door models. The kit includes a plastic drain channel that redirects condensation away from the ice maker fan, plus a small resistive heater strip that prevents refreezing at the drain point. When properly installed, the kit addresses the root cause rather than just clearing existing ice. Installation requires removing the ice maker bucket and the ice maker assembly itself, routing the new drain channel, attaching the heater strip to the drain line, and reconnecting the wire harness. The part costs approximately $25 to $40 and the installation takes roughly 60 to 90 minutes for a technician familiar with Samsung's ice maker layout.
Forced Defrost Mode for Different Samsung Model Series
The forced defrost entry procedure varies by Samsung model generation. On most RF-series French door models with a touchscreen, press and hold the Energy Saver and Power Freeze buttons simultaneously for eight to twelve seconds until the display goes blank and shows Fd. On models with a digital display but no touchscreen, try holding Fridge and Lighting together. On some older models, the combination is Fridge and Power Freeze. Once the display shows Fd, the forced defrost cycle runs for approximately 25 to 35 minutes. After the cycle ends, wait at least 24 hours before evaluating whether ice production has resumed.
Long-Term Reliability After the Fix
Clearing the ice buildup with a forced defrost resolves the immediate problem, but without installing the DA82-02367A drain kit or equivalent, the ice will rebuild over the following weeks to months. Most Samsung owners on affected French door models find they need to run a forced defrost every two to four weeks to maintain ice production. If you prefer a permanent solution, having a technician install the kit is worthwhile because it eliminates the cycle of buildup and defrost entirely.