If the buttons on your Samsung refrigerator aren’t working – it’s very possible that one of the lock functions has been intentionally (or accidentally) switched on.
While these locks are great at preventing kids from using the water dispenser to create an icy slip-and-slide in your kitchen, they can be a pain when all you want is a glass of water.
If you’re trying to change a setting such as the temperature or type of ice being dispensed, and the panel is either non-responsive, chimes, or you can see that the ‘lock’ icon is lit – it’s likely that one of the locks described below is active.
There are several different locks included in your settings menu, but I’ll talk you through what each one does along with how to turn it on – and just as importantly, off!
Samsung Refrigerator Control Panel Lock or Door Alarm
The Samsung control panel lock is used to prevent any accidental changes to settings and is typically found on refrigerators where the settings buttons are on the inside or top of the refrigerator door. The settings panel will automatically lock after one minute of inactivity.
How to Turn On Samsung Refrigerator Control Panel Lock
This Control Panel lock is always on – it’s automatic. If you want to change the settings though, you’ll need to deactivate it.
How to Turn Off Samsung Refrigerator Control Panel Lock
If you need to amend your settings, simply press the ‘door alarm’ button for 3-5 seconds until you hear a chime. If the lock times out before you’ve changed all the settings you need, simply press the button again to give yourself more time.
If this doesn’t work, you can check your user manual. If you’ve lost it, take note of the model number and search for it here.
Samsung Refrigerator Dispenser Lock
If your Samsung has a water and/or ice dispenser, it’s likely it will also have a dispenser lock. This disables the dispenser from producing water or ice but leaves the rest of the control panel working as normal.
How to Turn On Samsung Refrigerator Dispenser Lock
If you have a Family Hub Fridge, go to your control panel and click ‘Apps’ then ‘Fridge Manager’. Within this, you’ll find ‘Fridge Settings’ and a ‘Lock’ button (next to the Dispenser Lock).
Note: If you have ‘Unlock’ displayed instead, this means the Lock is already turned on.
If you have a non-Family Hub model, you should find a ‘Water/Ice’ button just above your ‘Door Alarm’ – press and hold this button for 3-5 seconds or until the fridge chimes.
How to Turn Off Samsung Refrigerator Dispenser Lock
If you have a Family Hub Fridge, go to your control panel and click ‘Apps’ then ‘Fridge Manager’. Within this, you’ll find ‘Fridge Settings’ and an ‘Unlock’ button (next to the Dispenser Lock).
Note: If you have ‘Lock’ displayed instead, this means the Lock is already turned off.
If you have a non-Family Hub model, you should find a ‘Water/Ice’ button just above your ‘Door Alarm’ – press and hold this button for 3-5 seconds or until the fridge chimes.
If these options don’t work, you can check your user manual. If you’ve lost it, take note of the model number and search for it here.
Samsung Refrigerator Child Lock or Full Control Lock
Most Samsung refrigerators will have a Child Lock or Full Control Lock – particularly those which have a settings panel on the outside of the refrigerator door.
These both have the same functionality, but what it’s called will depend on your specific model. The Child Lock will lock both the control panel and the dispenser simultaneously.
How to Turn On Child Lock/Full Control Lock
If your model has an ‘Ice Maker Off’ button on the control panel – typically above the ‘Water/Ice’ button, simply press and hold for 3-5 seconds or until the fridge chimes.
How to Turn Off Child Lock/Full Control Lock
If your model has an ‘Ice Maker Off’ button on the control panel – typically above the ‘Water/Ice’ button, simply press and hold for 3-5 seconds or until the fridge chimes.
If this doesn’t work, you can check your user manual.
Other Reasons Your Samsung Refrigerator Control Panel Isn’t Working
If you’ve run through the list, and none of the locks are active – but your control panel still isn’t responding, you’ll need to complete further troubleshooting to find the source of the problem.
As with mobile phones, the easiest fix for many bugs is a ‘hard reset’ which is completed by powering your refrigerator off at the mains power for 30 minutes – before turning it back on.
If this doesn’t work, it indicates there’s likely an electrical fault, either with the control panel itself or with the wiring. Unless you’re confident with electrical DIY, I’d advise contacting a professional at this point.
Related: How to Unlock Kenmore Refrigerator
