How to Reset Your Samsung Refrigerator

Samsung refrigerators are known for their innovative technology. However, like all technology, sometimes your Samsung refrigerator may struggle to operate as it should. When this happens, it is easy to think that all it needs is a reset. However, Samsung warns against performing a reset without first investigating the cause of the issue. Situations that require a reset are discussed with the instructions below.

The following reset instructions apply to most Samsung refrigerators; however, instructions can vary depending on the model. Samsung recommends consulting your specific refrigerator’s manual for the reset instructions that apply to your model. If you cannot find the manual, you should be able to find it online by searching for “Samsung [model] Refrigerator Manual PDF.” Reset instructions should be listed in the troubleshooting section.

How to Do a Soft Reset

Pressing and holding both the “power cool” and “power freeze” buttons for five seconds will reset most models. Typically, a chime will indicate that the refrigerator has been reset.

Some Samsung refrigerators will have a specific reset button. Depending on the model, the reset button may be part of the control panel or inside the refrigerator behind the ice bucket.

How to Do a Hard Reset

A hard reset can be performed by unplugging the refrigerator or by disconnecting the power to the refrigerator in the breaker box. Once the power is disconnected, the refrigerator should be left for one to five minutes so that the electrical charge can clear out. If the refrigerator has been overheating, leave it a little longer so that it can cool down.

Family Hub Screen Reset

If you have a Samsung Family Hub refrigerator and you want to reset the screen, there is a red reset button behind the removable panel on the top of the door. A factory reset on a Family Hub refrigerator can be activated from the settings menu.

Reset Risks

Samsung warns against resetting the refrigerator to fix an error code. While a reset may clear the error code, the error code is usually appearing because of a failing part. When left untreated, the underlying condition will persist and the error code will likely return. The fault is also likely to get worse, which may result in a more costly repair.

A lot of error codes are easy to remedy without resorting to a reset. Instructions for Samsung refrigerator error codes can be found in your model’s manual or on the Samsung error codes webpage. Samsung recommends only performing a hard reset if directed to by the troubleshooting steps, after following all of the instructions.

Before resetting your refrigerator, be aware that diagnostic information and the error code history will be deleted with a reset. This means that a repair technician will likely find it harder to repair the refrigerator. If you do perform a reset, it is recommended that you record any error codes or messages so that you can show a technician.

In some models, an error code may be indicated by certain parts of the control panel lighting up. This may look like a typical case of the refrigerator needing a reset, but if you reset, you will lose the error code and potentially the information needed to fix the issue.

When Should You Reset the Refrigerator?

As mentioned above, the refrigerator should be reset if the troubleshooting instructions require it (after following all of the steps).

Power Outage

If there is a power outage, the refrigerator may need to be reset because it did not boot up properly. An “88 88,” “83E,” “85E,” or “86E” error code is often displayed after a power outage or an electricity-related issue. The instructions for the error code should be followed, which will usually require a reset.

Computer Crash

Samsung refrigerators that rely on computer chips to operate may experience a bug or freeze sometimes. When this happens, a reset will usually be required. Check your manual for instructions specific to your model and get the refrigerator serviced if the error is frequent.

Moving or Cleaning the Refrigerator

If you are cleaning or moving the refrigerator, losing the error code history when the power is disconnected is not a concern, as the refrigerator is operating normally and will begin to record diagnostic information once the power is restored.

Incorrect Temperature Display

If the temperature display is flickering or failing to give consistent, accurate readings, a reset will likely fix the issue. However, the source of the issue should be investigated and resolved before following the reset instructions for the issue.

On most models with temperature displays, the temperature control can be reset using the touchscreen panel. Refer to your owner’s manual for instructions for your specific model. If the display is not working correctly, depending on the model, a refrigerator reset may be required.

Demo Mode

When most Samsung models display an “OF OF” or “OFF” error code, it means the refrigerator is in demo mode. In demo mode, while the refrigerator appears on, the cooling system is disabled. The error code and lack of cooling are sometimes misinterpreted as the refrigerator needing to be turned off or reset. Instead, demo mode can be turned off by following the instructions in the owner’s manual (instructions vary depending on the model).

Network Reset

Wi-Fi and network information can be erased from the refrigerator by holding “Lock” for ten seconds or until “A” and “r” are displayed. If you have a Samsung Family Hub refrigerator, Wi-Fi and network information can be erased in the Wi-Fi menu by disconnecting and forgetting remembered networks.