Hi @unicorncupcake,
What is the make and model number of the refrigerator?
Most auto defrost refrigerators go into an auto defrost mode approx. once every 8-10 hours and during this time (about 20-25 minutes) the compressor and the evaporator fan which is inside the freezer compartment behind a panel, are both stopped and the temperature in the freezer compartment is allowed to rise (usually from 0°F) to aid in the defrost action. It should never get >32°F though. The refrigerator compartment will also get warm because the cool air that is used to cool it down is coming from the freezer compartment and of course there is none during this time because the fan is stopped.
After the auto defrost period has ended, the compressor and evaporator fan are both restarted to cool the fridge and freezer back down to their set temps, (usually 0°F & 38°F) This may take a little while to achieve depending on how warm the compartments actually are at the time e.g. doors being opened a lot so more cool air is lost etc
If the compressor is not running when the temps are as you said, give it approx. 30 minutes and if it hasn’t restarted by then there may be a defrost problem. Try turning off the power to the refrigerator and waiting about a minute or so and then turning it back on. Sometimes, depending on the make and model this resets the control board and it will restart the compressor. Unfortunately the same thing might happen again on the next auto defrost cycle when it occurs ~10 hours later.
If the compressor is running then check if you can hear if the evaporator fan running. It will stop when a door is opened (either door) and will start again when they’re shut. It will run as long as the compressor is operating. You may have to place your ear next to the cabinet and listen for it stop and start when you open and close a door.
If the fan is not running when the compressor is running, it may still be a defrost problem e.g. iced over fan caused by a faulty defrost heater, faulty defrost thermostat or a blocked drain leading from under the evap unit to the evap pan under the compartments or if not iced over it could be a faulty fan or fan power supply.