How to remove the backlight in a Samsung refrigerator: all working methods

Internal lighting in the refrigerator Samsung is a useful feature that makes it easier to find food in the dark. However, there are situations when it begins to interfere: for example, if the light is too bright, flickers due to a malfunction, or is simply annoying at night. Unlike light bulbs in older models, modern refrigerators Samsung equipped with LED backlighting, which can work differently depending on the series and type of cooling system.

In this article we will look at all the possible ways to turn off the backlight - from simple settings in the menu to physically disconnecting the contacts. You will learn how to do this in models with No Frost, Side-by-Side and classic single-chamber refrigerators, as well as what precautions need to be taken to avoid damaging the equipment. If you are faced with the problem of flickering light or just want to save energy, you will find a solution here.

Why might you need to turn off the backlight?

At first glance, the internal light in the refrigerator seems like a harmless function. However, there are several good reasons why users want to deactivate it:

• 💡 Too bright light —especially relevant for models with powerful LED lamps that dazzle when opening the door at night.
• ⚡ Saving electricity —the backlight consumes up to 5-10 W per hour, which over the course of a year can add up to a noticeable amount.
• 🔧 Fault —if the lamp flashes, gets hot or works constantly (even with the door closed), this is a signal of a breakdown.
• 😴 Psychological discomfort —some people get irritated by the sudden switching on of the light, especially in bedroom.
• 🐭 Insect bait —in hot regions, light can attract midges and other pests.

It is important to understand that in most cases the backlight is not intended to be permanently turned off by the manufacturer. This means that after manual deactivation, side effects may occur - for example, sensor failure or loss of warranty (if we are talking about physical intervention). Therefore, before starting the procedure, evaluate how necessary it is.

⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators Samsung with a system Family Hub (built-in display), turning off the backlight may lead to malfunction touch screen. Before intervening, check whether your model belongs to this series.

Method 1: Software shutdown via the menu (for new models)

The safest method is to use the built-in settings of the refrigerator. Unfortunately, it does not work on all models, but only on devices with electronic controls and a display. Typically, this option is available in refrigerators Samsung series RF, RS and Bespoke (released after 2018).

To check if your model has this function, follow these steps:

1. Open the refrigerator door and locate the control panel (usually located on the inside of the door or on the top panel).
2. Press and hold the Lighting (or Display) button for 3-5 seconds. In some models, you must first go to Settings → Lighting.
3. If the option is available, a menu with brightness adjustment or the option to turn it off completely will appear on the display (Off).
4. Confirm the selection and close the door - the changes will be saved automatically.

If button Lighting no, try the combination: press simultaneously Power Cool and Power Freeze for 5 seconds. This can open a hidden menu of service functions, where sometimes there is a light control option.

Find the control panel on the door

Hold the button Lighting/Display 3-5 seconds

Check the Settings menu → Lighting

Try the combination Power Cool + Power Freeze-->

⚠️ Attention: On some models Samsung SmartThings disabling the backlight through the menu may be reset after power failure. In this case, you will have to repeat the procedure again.

Method 2: Mechanical shutdown of the lamp (for all models)

If the software method does not work, physical disconnection of the backlight remains. This method is universal, but requires caution - incorrect actions can lead to a short circuit or loss of warranty. Before starting work. data-i="94">be sure to unplug the refrigerator be sure to unplug the refrigerator!

In refrigerators Samsung two types of lighting are used:

• 💡 Lamp incandescent (in older models until 2015) - usually located under the lampshade on the top panel.
• 🔆 LED module (in new models) - can be built into the housing or secured with latches.

Disconnection instructions:

1. Remove the plastic cover of the lampshade (carefully pry it flat a screwdriver or a plastic card).
2. If it is an incandescent lamp, simply unscrew it counterclockwise. For the LED module, find the power connector and disconnect it.
3. Insulate the exposed contacts (if any) with electrical tape or heat-shrink tubing.
4. Install the cover in place and check whether it interferes with the closing of the door.

In models with the system No Frost the lamp may be hidden behind the air duct. In this case, you will have to remove the inner panel (usually it is attached to clips) Be careful not to damage the cooling tubes!

What to do if the refrigerator is turned off after the lamp is turned off. beeps?

If, after disconnecting the backlight, the refrigerator starts beeping, this means that the diagnostic system has recognized a malfunction. In most cases, the squeak disappears after 10-15 minutes, when the electronics “get used” to the new state. If the signal does not stop, try unplugging the plug for 30 seconds, and then turning on the refrigerator again.

Method 3: Disabling the door sensor (for experienced users)

If you need to turn off the light, but at the same time keep the lamp working (for example, for future repairs), you can “deceive” the system by turning off the door opening sensor. This method is suitable for models where the backlight is controlled by a magnetic or mechanical switch.

Action algorithm:

1. Find. sensor - usually this is a small plastic part on the refrigerator body that is pressed when the door is closed.
2. Carefully remove the sensor cover (it can be latched or screwed).
3. Disconnect the power connector from the microswitch or fix it in a pressed position (for example, with a piece of plastic).
4. Check that the light does not turn on when the door is opened.

This method has a significant drawback: the refrigerator will “think” that the door is constantly closed.This can lead to:

• 🚨 Disabling the sound signal when opened for a long time.
• ❄️ Violation of the defrosting cycle (in models with No Frost).
• 📊 Incorrect operation of energy-saving modes.

Method 4: Using an external switch (for convenience)

If you need to periodically turn the backlight on/off (for example, at night), you can install an external switch in the lamp power circuit. This is a safer method than constantly disconnecting the wires, and does not require deep intervention in the design.

Implementation options:

• 🔌 Smart socket — connect the refrigerator through an outlet with a timer (for example, Xiaomi Smart Plug) and set up a power-off schedule for the night.
• 💡 External switch —solder a small toggle switch into the lamp circuit (soldering iron skills will be required).
• 🔄 Time relay —install it in the gap of the backlight wire (can be hidden inside the case).

The advantage of this method is that you do not lose the functionality of the refrigerator, but at the same time control the operation of the light. However, please note that completely turning off the power supply to the refrigerator for a long time (more than 1-2 hours) can lead to defrosting of food.

Software shutdown through the menu

Mechanical disconnection of the lamp

Disconnecting the sensor doors

Using an external switch

I don’t know, I haven’t tried it yet-->

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

When trying to turn off the backlight, users often make mistakes that can lead to damage to the refrigerator. Here are the most common of them and ways to prevent them:

• ⚡ Working under voltage — never try to disconnect the wires without removing the plug from the socket. Even when turned off, some boards retain a residual charge.
• 🔧 Damage to the door seal — when removing the internal panels, it is easy to touch the rubber seal. This will lead to a breakdown of the seal and an increase in energy consumption.
• 💡 Use of incompatible ones lamps — if you decide to replace the lamp with a less powerful one, make sure that it is suitable for voltage (usually 12V or 24V for LED).
• 📱 Resetting settings after updating —in refrigerators with a Wi-Fi module, the software shutdown of the light may be reset after updating the firmware.

Another typical problem is a constantly burning light after the sensor is turned off. This happens if the contacts are not closed correctly. To correct the situation, check:

1. The position of the microswitch - it must be either completely turned off or securely locked in the pressed state.
2. The integrity of the wire insulation - bare contacts can short-circuit the case.
3. The presence of foreign objects - sometimes pieces of plastic or metal get between the contacts.

Samsung models in which the backlight cannot be turned off

Not all refrigerators Samsung can deactivate the internal light. Here is a list of series where this is difficult or impossible to do without serious intervention in the electronics:

If your refrigerator is to one of these series, weigh the pros and cons before intervening. In some cases it is easier use external solutions —for example, stick matte tape on the lamp to diffuse the light or install a night light with a motion sensor nearby.

⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators Samsung with technology Twin Cooling Plus (two independent cooling systems) turning off the backlight in one camera can affect the operation of the other. Before intervention, study the connection diagram in the technical data sheet.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about turning off the backlight

Is it possible to turn off the backlight only in the freezer, leaving it in the refrigerator?

Yes, in most two-chamber models Samsung (for example, RL38 or RB37) the backlight is controlled separately for each camera. You need to locate and unplug the light or sensor in the freezer compartment only. Usually it is located under the top panel or behind the plastic air duct box.

After turning off the backlight, the refrigerator began to operate louder. Is this normal?

No, this is not normal. Most likely, when dismantling the lamp, you touched the system fan No Frost or the refrigerant pipes. Immediately return everything to its original condition and check that the interior panels are not loose. If the noise does not go away, contact the service.

How to turn off the backlight in a Samsung refrigerator with a display without breaking it?

In models with Family Hub or a touch screen (RS6, RF23), physically turning off the light can break the display. Try:

1. Hold the button Home for 10 seconds - this may open a hidden menu.
2. In the section Settings → Display look for the option Interior Light.
3. If all else fails, use an external solution (for example, a smart socket with a timer).

The light in the refrigerator is flickering, but the lamp is intact. What is the problem?

Flashing refrigerator lights Samsung often signal about:

• Failure of the door sensor (check if the door closes tightly).
• Power surges in the network (connect a stabilizer).
• Problems with the control board (diagnostics required).

If the blinking started after a power outage, try resetting the settings: unplug for 5 minutes, then plug it back in.

Is it possible to replace a standard lamp with an LED strip?

Technically yes, but there are nuances:

• The voltage of the tape must match the voltage of the standard lamp (usually 12V or 24V).
• The power should not exceed 5 W, otherwise overheating is possible.
• The tape must be reliably isolated from moisture (use silicone case).
• Connect through a resistor to avoid current surges.

Such a modification will void the warranty on the refrigerator.