Why Is My Ice Maker Not Making Ice? 9 Fixes to Try First
Most fridge ice makers stop working for simple reasons: a switch, a filter, a frozen line or a warm freezer. Here's how to find the cause and fix it yourself.
When a fridge ice maker stops working, it’s tempting to assume the worst. In practice, the cause is usually simple: something is switched off, a filter is clogged, a water line is frozen, or the freezer isn’t cold enough.
Work through these checks in order. The first few take seconds and fix a surprising number of ice makers.
Safety first: unplug the fridge before you touch anything inside the ice maker, and turn off the water supply before you work on the water line.
1. Check that the ice maker is turned on
Many ice makers have an on/off switch or a wire arm (sometimes called a shut-off or bail arm). If the arm is raised, or the switch got bumped while you were reaching for food, the ice maker stops.
Fix: flip the switch on, or lower the arm. On some fridges the control is on the main display, sometimes labeled “Ice Off.”
2. Give a new ice maker time
A newly installed ice maker, or one that’s just been reconnected, usually needs about 24 hours to make its first batch. It can take up to a few days to fill the bin.
Fix: wait a full day before troubleshooting further. Throw away the first few batches, which can taste off or look discolored.
3. Make sure the freezer is cold enough
Ice makers need a cold freezer to work properly. Most manufacturers recommend about 0°F (-18°C). If the freezer is warmer, production slows or stops.
Fix: check the setting, and put a freezer thermometer inside for a few hours to confirm. Make sure the door seals tightly and that vents aren’t blocked by food.
4. Replace the water filter
A clogged filter restricts water flow, which can slow or stop ice production. If it’s been more than about six months since you changed it, that’s a likely culprit.
Fix: swap in a new filter, then run a few glasses through the dispenser to clear air from the line.
5. Look for a frozen fill tube
The small tube that carries water into the ice maker can freeze, especially if the freezer is set very cold or the water pressure is low. You’ll often see a plug of ice at the back of the ice maker where water enters.
Fix: unplug the fridge, then gently thaw the tube with a hair dryer on low, keeping it moving and away from plastic parts. Don’t use sharp tools to chip ice out.
6. Clear an ice jam
Cubes can freeze together or get stuck in the ejector, which stops the cycle.
Fix: remove the bin, break up any clumps, and gently clear stuck cubes from the ice maker with a plastic utensil. Empty the bin every few weeks if you don’t use much ice, so cubes don’t fuse together.
7. Check the water supply line
Behind the fridge there’s a thin water line, often copper or braided steel, connected to a shutoff valve.
Fix: pull the fridge out carefully and check that the valve is fully open and the line isn’t kinked or pinched. If the fridge was recently moved, this is the most common cause.
8. Check your water pressure
Ice makers need a minimum water pressure to fill properly. Many fridge makers list a minimum of around 20 psi; check your manual for your model.
Fix: if your dispenser water is slow too, low pressure or a clogged filter is likely. A reverse osmosis system can also lower pressure to the fridge.
9. When it’s a part failure
If none of the above helps, a part may have failed. The usual suspects are:
- The water inlet valve, which lets water into the fridge
- The ice maker assembly itself
- A faulty thermostat or sensor that tells the ice maker when to cycle
Replacement ice maker assemblies are often sold as a single part for a specific model. If you’re comfortable with simple repairs, it’s usually a plug-in swap; otherwise this is a good time to call a technician.
Need ice in the meantime?
If you’re waiting on a repair, or your fridge just doesn’t make enough, a countertop ice maker can produce ice in minutes. Here’s how countertop and fridge ice makers compare, and our picks for the best countertop ice makers.
Still wondering?
Why is my ice maker making small or hollow cubes? Usually low water flow: a clogged filter, low pressure or a partly frozen fill tube.
Why does my ice taste bad? An old filter, stale ice that’s been sitting for weeks, or odors from food in the freezer. Replace the filter, empty the bin and keep strong-smelling food sealed.
How do I reset my ice maker? It depends on the model. Many have a reset button on the ice maker itself or a setting on the fridge display. Check your manual, or look up your model number, which is usually printed on a sticker inside the fridge.