The Quick Answer

To disable the Wi-Fi on a Samsung Bespoke fridge, open the door to access the internal control panel. Press and hold the “Door Alarm” and “Fridge” buttons simultaneously for 3 to 5 seconds until the Wi-Fi icon stops blinking and disappears. If you have a touchscreen model, navigate to Settings > Network > Wi-Fi > Off. For total privacy, you must also open the SmartThings app on your phone, locate the fridge, and tap “Remove Device” to sever the cloud connection.

Why Is It So Hard to Find the “Off” Switch?

Unlike an airplane mode button on your smartphone or a simple physical toggle switch on a router, Samsung does not make it overtly obvious how to sever the appliance’s internet connection. This is an intentional design choice.

The entire Bespoke series is built around the SmartThings ecosystem, and the manufacturer desperately wants the appliance online to collect diagnostic data, push mandatory firmware updates, and send you alerts (like when the door is left open or when it is time to order a new, highly profitable water filter). In 2026, consumer data is a massive commodity; tracking how often you open your fridge doors is valuable behavioral data.

Method 1: The Control Panel Disconnect (Soft Disable)

The easiest way to turn off the Wi-Fi broadcasting from the fridge is directly through the internal control panel. Depending on your specific Bespoke model (4-Door Flex, French Door, or Bottom Freezer), the sleek, minimalist panel is usually located inside the main refrigerator cabin on the right or left internal wall to keep the exterior glass looking clean.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Open the refrigerator doors and locate the digital control panel.
2. Wake up the panel by tapping any button or pressing the digital screen.
3. Tap the “O” (Circle) or “Settings” icon to navigate through the horizontal menu options until you find the network or Wi-Fi symbol.
4. The Secret Combo: Press and hold the “Door Alarm” button and the “Fridge” temperature button simultaneously for about 3 to 5 seconds.
   (Note: On some newer touchscreen “Family Hub” models, you simply navigate the Android-style interface to Settings > Network > Wi-Fi > Off).
5. Watch the display. The Wi-Fi icon on the digital panel should blink rapidly and then disappear or turn completely off.
6. This physically stops the fridge’s internal wireless card from actively broadcasting its setup signal or frantically searching for your router.

Method 2: The SmartThings “Forget” Method (Cloud Disable)

If you already connected the fridge to your home network during the initial installation phase and now want it gone, turning it off at the panel isn’t enough. You need to permanently remove it from the cloud app to stop the constant background data syncing and prevent the app from sending you “Device Offline” warning notifications.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

• Open the SmartThings App on your smartphone.
• Navigate to the “Devices” tab at the bottom of the screen and find your Bespoke Refrigerator icon.
• Tap on the Refrigerator to open its specific temperature and control page.
• Tap the Three Dots (Menu) located in the top right corner of the screen.
• Select “Edit” and then scroll to the bottom and tap “Delete device” or “Remove device”. Confirm your choice.

The Hardware Reality: Ice Makers and Diagnostics

A common fear among consumers is that “dumbing down” a smart fridge will break it. It is incredibly important to note that disconnecting the Wi-Fi will only disable cloud-based features: you will lose “Door Open” smartphone notifications, remote temperature controls, and Bixby voice commands.

However, it will absolutely not affect the mechanical cooling performance, the compressor cycle, or the physical ice maker. The primary motherboard that runs the thermodynamics of the appliance operates entirely independent of the Wi-Fi card.

The Elephant in the Room: Samsung Ice Makers

Speaking of Samsung ice makers, they are notoriously, infamously problematic, with or without a Wi-Fi connection. The dreaded freeze-over issue is a mechanical flaw, not a software bug. If you are desperately troubleshooting your appliance because the ice maker is acting up, disabling the internet will not fix a mechanical freeze-over.

Instead, you need to consult our dedicated DIY repair manual on How to Fix a French Door Ice Maker That Keeps Freezing. If the unit is completely iced shut and refusing to drop ice, you will likely need to replace the physical heating components to melt the frost buildup, which we cover extensively in the OEM Replacement Heater for Samsung Ice Maker guide.

Reclaiming True Appliance Reliability

There is a growing movement of homeowners deliberately seeking out “dumb” appliances. If dealing with mandatory smart tech updates, finicky touchscreen displays, and failing in-door ice makers has you regretting your high-tech purchase entirely, it might be time to look into pure, mechanical reliability.

The longest-lasting refrigerators on the market today are the ones with the fewest moving parts and the fewest circuit boards. Check out our expert recommendations for the Most Reliable Refrigerator Without Ice Maker to find commercial-grade appliances built to last 20 years without ever asking you for a Wi-Fi password.