Modern refrigerators Samsung are often equipped with technology Flex Zone or Cool Select+that allows flexible control of temperature conditions. Users are often faced with the need to completely disable the lower chamber, turning it into additional space for storing vegetables at above-zero temperatures or leaving it empty to save energy. This may be necessary if you are away from home for a long time or if the main compartment is full of products that do not require freezing.
The deactivation procedure depends on the specific model and type of control - touch panel, mechanical buttons or application SmartThings. It is important to understand the difference between defrost mode, energy saving mode and complete shutdown of the compressor in a separate compartment. Owners of dual-compressor systems have more room for maneuver, while in models with a single motor, you can only change the temperature mode to the warmest possible.
In this guide, we will analyze in detail the algorithms of action for various series of household appliances of the Korean brand. You will learn how to avoid mistakes during setup, what to do if the control panel is locked, and how to properly prepare equipment for the transition to a new operating mode without the risk of product damage or equipment breakdown.
Principles of operation of the Samsung cooling system
Before making changes to the operation of the unit, you need to understand its structure. Most modern models Samsung work based on technology No Frostwhich means there is no need for manual defrosting. The circulation of cold air occurs forcibly through special channels connecting the freezer and refrigerator compartments. In such systems, complete physical shutdown of one compartment without affecting the other is often impossible using software methods, since the refrigerant circulates through a single circuit.
However, engineers have provided modes that simulate shutdown. The function Cool Select+ allows you to turn the freezer into a refrigerator by raising the temperature to +3...+5°C. This is the closest analogue of “disabling” freezing available to the user. In models with three doors or a system Flex Zone the control is carried out independently, and the lower drawer can operate in the following modes: deep freezing, soft cooling, storing wine or vegetables.
There is a misconception that you can simply unplug the power cord for one chamber.
⚠️ Attention: On single-compressor models, it is strictly forbidden to try to physically disconnect the sensors or fans of one of the chambers. This will lead to overheating of the compressor and failure of the entire cooling system.The electronics will perceive this as a malfunction and block the operation of the unit. All manipulations must be carried out exclusively through the control interface.
Differences in control also depend on the generation of equipment. In older models with mechanical regulators inside the chamber, you cannot turn off the freezer separately - it always works as long as the refrigerator is on. In new digital models with a display on the door, the algorithms are more complex and allow fine tuning. Understanding the type of your device is the first step to successful setup.
Preparing to change the temperature regime
Before you begin reconfiguring operating modes, you need to perform a number of preparatory steps. This will ensure the safety of the products and the correct operation of the electronics. You should not ignore these steps, as a sudden change in temperature can lead to condensation or spoilage of the contents.
- 🧊 Empty the freezer of food if you plan to raise the temperature above -6°C, otherwise they will spoil.
- 🔌 Make sure that the refrigerator is connected to the network stably and is not in display or transport mode.
- 🧹 Check the cleanliness of the ventilation holes inside the camera so that air circulation is not disrupted when changing modes.
- 📱 Charge your smartphone if you plan to control it through the application SmartThings, or make sure the remote control is accessible.
It is important to take into account the current load refrigerator. If you set your freezer to Refrigerator mode, the interior space should be prepared to store chilled, not frozen, food. The shelves may need to be rearranged, as in freezing mode they are designed to store containers, not tall bottles.
It is also worth checking if the child lock is activated. On control panels Samsung the indicator in the form of a lock often lights up. If it is lit, button presses will have no effect. To unlock, you usually need to hold down a key combination (often Ice Type + Freezer or a separate button Lock) for 3-5 seconds until a characteristic sound signal is heard.
☑️ Preparing a Samsung refrigerator
Instructions: Shutdown via the control panel
The most common control method is using a touch panel on the outside of the door. The interface may differ depending on the series (Bespoke, RB, RS), but the logic of actions remains similar. Your goal is to find the button responsible for selecting the function or temperature of a particular camera.
Find a button with the inscription Freezer or a snowflake icon. Press it cyclically. The display will change temperature values. You need to get to the maximum value (usually -15°C or -14°C). On some models, if you continue pressing after the maximum, the "--" or "OFF" icon will light up, which means that the cooling in this zone is turned off. However, in most modern models Samsung instead of full OFF mode is activated Cool Select+.
If there is a button Freezer Select or Cool Select+on the panel, press it. The selected mode indicator will flash on the display. Use the temperature adjustment buttons (▲ and ▼) or the Mode button to switch between modes: Freeze (Frozen), Cold Store (Cooling), Soft Freeze (Soft freezing). Select the mode Cold Store (usually +3°C) to actually turn off the freezer function.
In models with a drawer Flex Zone the control can be placed at the end of the drawer or duplicated on the main panel. The algorithm is the same: selecting a zone -> selecting the “Refrigerator” mode. After selecting a mode, wait 5-10 seconds without pressing for the settings to be saved. The display will stop flashing and show the current temperature.
Control via the SmartThings application
Owners of "smart" refrigerators Samsung can control modes remotely. This is especially useful if the control panel is blocked or high. To operate, you need a module Wi-Fi inside the refrigerator and a pre-configured connection to the home network.
Open the application SmartThings on your smartphone and select the device from the list. Go to the temperature control section. Here you will see a visualization of the refrigerator chambers. Click on the freezer icon. In the menu that opens, select the desired operating mode. The application interface is often more clear than the buttons on the refrigerator, since the modes are signed with words, and not just symbols.
When changing settings through the application, the refrigerator may emit a sound signal confirming acceptance of the command.
⚠️ Attention: Changes made through the application may be applied with a delay of 1-2 minutes due to synchronization via the cloud server. Do not press the button repeatedly, expecting an instant response.
The advantage of using SmartThings is the possibility of monitoring. You can see how the temperature inside the camera changes in real time after switching modes. This allows you to make sure that the freezer has really stopped freezing and switched to above-zero temperature mode.
What to do if the application does not see the refrigerator?
Make sure that the phone and refrigerator are connected to the same Wi-Fi network (2.4 GHz). Check if the refrigerator firmware is currently being updated - during the update, controls may be temporarily unavailable. Try rebooting the router.
Table of Flex Zone and Cool Select+ operating modes
To properly understand what exactly happens to your refrigerator when switching, check out the table of modes. This data will help you choose the optimal setting for your current needs.
| Mode | Temperature | Purpose | Switch off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deep Freeze | -23°C... -15°C | Long-term storage of meat, fish | No (standard work) |
| Soft Freeze | -5°C... -1°C | Short-term storage, meat ready for cutting | No |
| Cold Store | +1°C... +4°C | Storage of vegetables, fruits, drinks | Yes (functional analogue) |
| Wine Party | +10°C... +14°C | Storage of wine and delicacies | Yes (for specific products) |
As can be seen from the table, mode Cold Store is the most suitable option if your goal is to use the freezer volume as part of the refrigerator. A temperature of +3°C prevents freezing of water and juice, but maintains food freshness.
It is important to note that when switching to modes with positive temperatures, the system can temporarily increase the fan speed or change the operation of the compressor to level out the temperature background. This is a normal operating process, accompanied by increased noise for 30-60 minutes.
Defrosting and energy saving mode
Often users are looking for a way turn off the freezer to defrost. In refrigerators No Frost complete defrosting is rarely required, mainly for washing. However, if it is necessary to speed up the ice thawing process (for example, if the defrost sensor fails), you can use special combinations.
Some models have a hidden service mode or a quick defrost mode. You can enter it by simultaneously pressing the buttons Freezer and Fridge (or Power Cool and Power Freeze) for 8-12 seconds. Symbols or numbers may appear on the screen. In this mode, the fans stop and the ice begins to melt faster.
⚠️ Attention: Service modes are intended for specialists. Do not leave the refrigerator in this state for more than 30-40 minutes without control, as this can lead to water getting on the electronic boards.
As for energy saving, switching the freezer to +3°C mode (Cold Store) really reduces energy consumption compared to deep freezing mode (-20°C), since the compressor less often needs to turn on the unit condition. However, the compartment will not become completely energy-independent, since maintaining +3°C also requires the compressor to work, especially in summer.
If the refrigerator is idle empty, it is still recommended to keep the minimum cooling mode to prevent the appearance of mold and unpleasant odors. Complete shutdown (unplugging) of an empty refrigerator requires mandatory drying and leaving the doors open.
Possible problems and solutions
During the setup process, users may encounter a number of difficulties. Most often they are associated with the blocking of buttons or the operation of electronics after power surges.
- ❄️ The buttons do not respond: Most likely, the child lock is activated. Look for the lock icon on the display and hold down the corresponding key combination (usually
Ice Type+Freezer) for 3 seconds. - 🌡️ The temperature does not change: In some budget models Samsung with one compressor and one control circuit, adjust the freezer temperature separately impossible from the refrigerator. It depends on the position of the damper and the total power.
- 🔊 The refrigerator hums loudly after switching: This is normal when changing the operating mode of the compressor or starting the fan in a new cycle. If the noise does not subside after 2 hours, check to see if the appliance is attached to the wall.
If the display blinks or shows error codes (for example, 22E, 40E) after attempting to change modes, this indicates a malfunction of the temperature sensor or defrost system. In this case, it may not be possible to programmatically turn off the freezer until the problem is resolved.
It is also worth remembering that specifications and interfaces may vary depending on the year of manufacture and region of sale.
⚠️ Attention: Technical specifications of models may vary. Always check the exact sequence of steps in the official User Manual for your specific model, indicated on the nameplate inside the camera.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to completely turn off only the freezer compartment, leaving the refrigerator working?
In models with one compressor - no, you can only raise the temperature to +3°C (mode Cool Select+). In two-compressor models, it is theoretically possible, but there is usually no standard function to “turn off the freezer compressor” through the menu, since this contradicts the logic of energy saving (it is easier to keep the temperature at +3°C than to run the compressor start-stop to maintain 0°C).
Is it safe to keep the freezer in +5°C mode all the time?
Yes, it is absolutely safe. The Cold Store or Fruit & Veg mode is intended for continuous operation. Seals and plastic are designed for a wide range of temperatures.
Why doesn’t the freezer cool immediately after turning off the mode?
The system needs time (from 2 to 12 hours depending on the load and ambient temperature) to stabilize the new temperature regime. Do not fill the chamber with food in the first hours after switching.
How to reset the settings if I am confused in the modes?
Resetting the settings to factory settings through the user menu in refrigerators Samsung is often impossible. The easiest way is to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply for 10-15 minutes. After switching on, it will start in standard mode by default.
Does turning off the freezer affect the service life of the compressor?
No, operating at higher temperatures (refrigerator mode instead of freezer) even reduces the load on the compressor, since the temperature difference between the inside of the chamber and the room is smaller, and heat inflows are lower.