When your ice maker suddenly quits, it feels like a mini kitchen crisis. No more iced coffee, no more chilled water, no more freezing water to shock your hard boiled eggs. Before you call in a repair tech, here’s a few troubleshooting steps you can try at home. Most ice maker problems are simple, quick to fix and don’t require a handyman.

Step 1: Check the Water Supply

Why: No water = no ice.

• Make sure the water supply valve behind your fridge is turned on.
• Look for kinks or pinches in the water line.
• If you see leaks, it may need tightening or replacement.

Step 2: Confirm Freezer Temperature

Why: Ice needs a steady freezing environment.

• Your freezer should be 0–5°F.
• Use a fridge thermometer if you’re not sure.
• If it’s too warm, check that the vents aren’t blocked by food and that the door seals are tight.

Step 3: Inspect the Ice Maker Arm or Sensor

Why: If the machine thinks the bin is full, it won’t make more.

• Look for a plastic/metal arm or sensor flap inside the ice maker.
• If it’s stuck in the “up” or “off” position, gently move it down to restart production.

Step 4: Replace the Water Filter

Why: A clogged filter slows water flow, so your cubes come out small—or not at all.

• Most fridge filters need changing every 6 months.
• If you can’t remember the last time you swapped yours, it’s probably way overdue.

Step 5: Reset the Ice Maker

Why: Sometimes it just needs a reboot.

• Many ice makers have a reset switch or button.
• Check your fridge’s manual for instructions.
• Press and hold to reset, then give it a few hours to cycle.

Step 6: Call for Backup (If All Else Fails)

If you’ve tried all the above and still no luck, you may be dealing with a broken motor, mold heater, or control board. At that point, it’s usually time to call a technician—or consider replacing the ice maker module altogether.