What do the codes on my washing machine mean?

If your washing machine is experiencing problems, it may show a code on the display. Each code indicates a different issue with your appliance and can often be fixed without calling an engineer. Use the tables below to identify the cause of your code and any possible solutions.

If you see a check code that isn't listed then try consulting your user manual. If you have tried all possible solutions and the problem persists, please contact your nearest Samsung Service Centre or book a repair from an engineer.

Troubleshoot your issue and book a repair

Troubleshoot your issue and book a repair

Try our online troubleshooter for a resolution or book a repair if needed. All our Samsung Authorised Service Partners are endorsed by Which? Trusted Traders for Home Appliance, TV/AV installation and repair.

Get started
Learn more about Which?

Please note: Do not get confused between number and letter codes. The 5 and the S symbol can appear similar as can the 3 and E. Double check your codes if you can not find them. 

Code starts with a number

 

9
Washing machine codes table

0

The drum clean reminder is left on
  • This is not a fault. This is part of a reminder to run a cleaning cycle. The machine operates normally without running the DRUM CLEAN cycle, but it is recommended to run the cycle regularly for hygiene purposes.

1C  1E

Water level sensor issue
  • Switch off the appliance at the mains then wait 1 minute.
  • Switch the appliance back on again and start a new programme.
Washing machine codes table

3C, 3E, 3E1, 3E2, 3E3, 3E4

Motor issue
  • Switch off the appliance at the mains then wait 1 minute. Switch the appliance back on again and start a new programme.

3CP

Electronic control issue
  • Switch off the appliance at the mains then wait 1 minute.
  • Switch the appliance back on again and start a new programme.
Washing machine codes table

3CP

Electronic control issue
  • Restart the cycle.

4C, 4E

Water supply issue
  • Make sure that the water tap is opened fully and water is flowing.
  • Check that the water pressure is sufficient (min: 0.5 bar, max: 8 bar). Water flow from the tap should release at least 4 litres / minute.
  • Check and clean the mesh filter.
  • Check that the water supply hose is not clogged or kinked.
  • Check that the drain hose is secured at the right height. For further assistance, watch our video: How to resolve a 4E or 4C code.
Washing machine codes table

4C2, 4E1, 4E2, 4Ed

Water temperature issue
  • Check that your water hose is connected to a cold supply and not a hot supply. Cold water is usually indicated by a blue tap.

5C, 5E

Water drainage issue
  • Use the emergency hose to drain excess water from the drum.
  • Clean the drain pump filter.
  • Check the drain hose and waste connection for any kinks and blockages.
  • Make sure the drain hose isn't clogged and that it is straightened all the way to the drain system. The outlet drain hose should be installed at a height of at least 60cm.
  • For further assistance, watch our video: How to resolve 4E or 5E codes
Washing machine codes table

6E

Water heater not functioning

8C

MEMS sensor issue
  • Turn the appliance off and restart the cycle.
5

8E

Current error
  • Switch off the appliance at the mains then wait 1 minute. Switch the appliance back on again and start a new programme.

9E1, 9E2, 9H1

Power error
  • Switch off the appliance at the mains and wait 1 minute before switching it back on again.
  • If this doesn't fix the issue, make sure that the socket the appliance is plugged into is working.
  • If there is still no power, you may need to replace the fuse in the washing machine plug. For assistance contact Samsung support.
Washing machine codes table

11E

Low water level detected
  • Check that the level of the drain hose is not lower than the base of the washing machine.
  • Make sure the end of the drain hose is placed on the floor and that it is not clogged.
  • Check for a water leak.
  • If there is no sign of any water, switch off the power for  1 minute. Reconnect it, then try again.

12E

Button issues
  • Check to see if any of the buttons are sticking.
  • Disconnect the appliance from the mains and clean the buttons with a lightly dampened cloth.
Washing machine codes table

13E

Signal communication error
  • Wait for a few minutes, the machine may automatically return to normal operation.
  • If it doesn't, turn the machine off and restart the cycle.

14E

Button issues
  • Check to see if any of the buttons are sticking.
  • Disconnect the appliance from the mains and clean the buttons with a lightly dampened cloth.
8

Code starts with a letter

 

9
Washing machine codes table

AC6, AC, AE

Signal communication error
  • Wait for a few minutes, the machine may automatically return to normal operation. If it doesn't, turn the machine off and restart the cycle.

bE1, bE2, bE3

Button issues
  • Check to see if any of the buttons are sticking.
  • Disconnect the appliance from the mains and clean the buttons with a lightly with a dampened cloth. 
Washing machine codes table

CE

Water temperature issue
  • Check that your water hose is connected to a cold supply and not a hot supply. Cold water is usually indicated by a blue tap.

Cb

Calibration mode
  • This is not a fault.
  • Press Start/Pause to run the Calibration cycle and wait for 0 when it is complete
Washing machine codes table

dC, DC, DC1, dE, dE1

Door issues

DC3

Add door lock issue
Washing machine codes table

DDC, ddC

The Add Door was opened without pressing start/pause

dE2

On / Off switch error
  • Disconnect the appliance from the mains, wait for 5 minutes and then try again.
Washing machine codes table

E1

Water supply issue
  • Make sure that the water tap is opened fully and water is flowing.
  • Check that the water pressure is sufficient (min: 0.5 bar, max: 8 bar). Water flow from the tap should release at least 4 litres / minute.
  • Check and clean the mesh filter.
  • Check that the water supply hose is not clogged or kinked.
  • Check that the drain hose is secured at the right height.
  • For further assistance, watch our video: How to resolve a 4E or 4C code

E2

Water drainage issue
  • Use the emergency hose to drain excess water from the drum.
  • Clean the drain pump filter.
  • Check the drain hose and waste connection for any kinks and blockages.
  • Make sure the drain hose isn't clogged and that it is straightened all the way to the drain system. The outlet drain hose should be installed at a height of at least 60cm.
  • For further assistance, watch our video: How to resolve 4E or 5E codes.
Washing machine codes table

E3

Overflow error
  • Too much washing powder/liquid may have been added.
  • Switch off the power to the appliance, then wait 1 minute.
  • Switch the power supply back on. The drain pump should drain the washing machine.

E4

The load in the drum is unbalanced
  • This is not a fault. The appliance has detected an unbalanced load and has stopped the spin for safety reasons.
  • Make sure the appliance is on a flat, stable surface.
  • Redistribute washing by adding or removing items to create a more balanced load.
  • Single large/heavy items such as bath mats and large towels are unlikely to spin on their own. Please add 2/3 additional towels and put on another spin cycle.
Washing machine codes table

E5, E6

Water heater not functioning

E7

Water level sensor issue
  • Switch off the appliance at the mains then wait 1 minute.
  • Switch the appliance back on again and start a new programme.
Washing machine codes table

E8

Water temperature issue
  • Check that your water hose is connected to a cold supply and not a hot supply. Cold water is usually indicated by a blue tap.

E9

Low water level detected
  • Check that the level of the drain hose is not lower than the base of the washing machine.
  • Make sure the end of the drain hose is placed on the floor and that it is not clogged.
  • Check for a water leak.
  • If there is no sign of any water, switch off the power for 1 minute. Reconnect it, then try again.
Washing machine codes table

EA, EB

Motor issue
  • Switch off the appliance at the mains then wait 1 minute.
  • Switch the appliance back on again and start a new programme.

EC

Temperature sensor error
  • Switch the appliance off at the mains then wait 1 minute. Switch the appliance back on again and start a new programme.
Washing machine codes table

FE

Fan error

H1, HC, HE

Water temperature issue
  • Check that your water hose is connected to a cold supply and not a hot supply. Cold water is usually indicated by a blue tap.
Washing machine codes table

HE1

Water heater not functioning

HE2

Dryer heater not functioning
  • The dryer section has shut down for safety reasons as the appliance detected that the temperature was getting too hot.
Washing machine codes table

HE3

Steam function not operating normally

HOT

Appliance is too hot
  • This is not a fault. This code means the appliance is too hot. The appliance fan will continue to run until the appliance has cooled down enough for the washing to be removed (55°C). Once it has cooled, the door will unlock.
Washing machine codes table

LC, LC1, LE, LE1

Low water level detected
  • Check that the level of the drain hose is not lower than the base of the washing machine.
  • Check for a water leak.
  • If there is no sign of any water, switch off the power, reconnect and try again.

OC, OE, OF

Overflow error
  • Too much washing powder/liquid may have been added.
  • Switch off the power to the appliance, wait 1 minute then switch the power supply back on. The drain pump should drain the washing machine.
Washing machine codes table

Plo

Power error
  • Switch off the appliance at the mains and wait 1 minute before switching it back on again.
  • If this doesn't fix the issue, make sure that the socket the appliance is plugged into is working.
  • If there is still no power, you may need to replace the fuse in the washing machine plug.

Sud

Too much foam is detected
  • The appliance will usually fix this on its own, however if it doesn't you will need to run either an Eco drum clean cycle or a 90°C cotton cycle with no detergent or washing load.
  • If the code remains, check the drain pump filter and clean the water supply hose mesh filter, then run a spin cycle to drain the water from the appliance. If there is an accumulation of powder detergent, repeat the "Eco Drum Clean" cycle.
Washing machine codes table

t1, t2, tSt

The appliance is in test mode
  • Switch off the appliance at the mains then wait 1 minute.
  • Switch the appliance on again and start a new programme.

tE, tE1, tE2, tE3, tC1, tC2, tC3

Temperature sensor error
  • Switch the appliance off at the mains then wait 1 minute.
  • Switch the appliance back on again and start a new programme.
Washing machine codes table

Ub, UE

The load in the drum is unbalanced
  • This is not a fault. The appliance has detected an unbalanced load and has stopped the spin for safety reasons.
  • Make sure the appliance is on a flat, stable surface.
  • Redistribute washing by adding or removing items to create a more balanced load.
  • Single large/heavy items such as bath mats and large towels are unlikely to spin on their own. Add 2/3 additional towels and put on another spin cycle.
  • For further assistance, watch our video: My washing machine is showing a UE code during a spin cycle.

UC

Fluctuation in the supply voltage
  • Check the power cord is plugged in properly. Switch off the appliance at the mains then wait 1 minute.
  • Check to make sure the washing machine is not connected to any other apparatus or to an extension cable.
  • Switch the appliance back on again and start a new programme.

There are many different symbols, buttons and icons that are used on Samsung devices. These are designed to provide information quickly and clearly. Symbols and icons displayed on your washing machine are not the same as codes. Rather than telling you that something is wrong, icons let you know what your washing machine is doing and provide extra information. The buttons used can look very similar to the symbols and often correspond with them. It is useful to understand what both mean. 

Please note: Available icons and their appearance will vary between models.

Garment +

The T-Shirt with a + icon indicates that you can pause the cycle to add more clothing. Some washing machines have an Addwash door, making it even easier to add clothing during a cycle.

Intensive 

For badly soiled laundry. When this light is on the operation time for each cycle is longer than normal.

Child Lock

Child Lock Samsung washing machine icon

The smiley face icon indicates that Child Lock has been turned on. All buttons on your washing machine other than the power button and the control dial are disabled. On some washing machines, the door will also be locked. Read our FAQ on how to switch the child lock off on your Samsung washing machine for help turning your child lock on and off. 

Door Lock

Door Lock Samsung washing machine icon

The padlock (without a smiley face) or the key icon indicates that the door is locked. The washing machine door will lock whenever a cycle is in progress or it is unsafe to open the door. Do not attempt to open the door while this icon is lit.

Delay Start

Delay Start Samsung washing machine icon

The clock icon indicates that delay start is in use. Delay start prepares a cycle to begin at a designated time.

Time Remaining

Time Remaining Samsung washing machine icon

The hourglass icon indicates how much time is left in the cycle. The number shown on the display while the hourglass appears is the time remaining. 

Signal Off

Signal Off Samsung washing machine icon

The crossed out speaker icon and the crossed out bell indicate that the signal sounds that happen at the end of a cycle have been turned off. To turn sounds on or off  hold down the spin and options buttons simultaneously for 3 seconds.

Pure Cycle / Self Clean

Self Clean Samsung washing machine icon

The icon of a washing machine drum will be displayed after a certain number of washes. The number will vary depending on your washing machine model. This icon lets you know that a cleaning cycle should be run. 

Rinse and Extra Rinse

Extra Rinse Samsung washing machine icon

The button with a sink and no + icon is used to set the rinse count for a current cycle. You can set the rinse count to a max of 5, depending on the cycle.

The sink of water with a + icon indicates that the extra rinse feature has been turned on. Extra rinse adds additional time onto the rinse portion of the cycle to help remove laundry additives and perfumes.

Steam

Steam Samsung washing machine icon

The clouds icon indicates that the steam option has been turned on. Steam is used to improve stain treatment and use less water when washing colourfast clothing.

Interior Lamp

Interior Lamp Samsung washing machine icon

The lightbulb icon indicates that the light inside the washing machine has been turned on.

Spin and No Spin

When the no spin icon is on the drum will not spin after the final drain process. Use the spin button to change between spin settings.  To use no spin, press the spin button until the no spin indicator turns on. 

Bubble Soak

The light next to this symbol will light up when the bubble soak function is activated. This function helps remove a wide variety of stubborn stains.

Prewash 

This will add a preliminary washing cycle before the main wash cycle.

Options

Use to select between different options on your washing machine. 

Temperature 

The temperature button is used to adjust the temperature for the current cycle.

Easy Iron

Easy iron operates alongside certain wash cycles to make ironing clothes easier by reducing wrinkles during the spin.

Smart Check

This is a mode used to get detailed information about problems that occur with your washing machine using the SmartThings app. To enter smart check mode hold down the options and delay end buttons. 

Smart Control

Smart Control Samsung washing machine icon

The Wi-Fi icon indicates that your washing machine is connected to your home's Wi-Fi and the SmartThings app. Some models also support the Smart Home and Smart Washer/Dryer apps.

Enabling Smart Control lets you control the appliance using the Smart Things app. If you have not enabled Smart Control, you can monitor the appliance, but you will not be able to control it remotely.

If you are after solutions for incorrect language on your washing machine read our FAQ on how to change the language on your laundry U washing machine to set your washing machine to the correct language. 

 

Related Questions

Thank you for your feedback!

Contact Info

Samsung Account

Get connected with Samsung Account. Your gateway to all things Samsung
Sign in Create an account

Troubleshoot and book a repair

Support for your mobile devices, home appliances, TV and computing products
Learn more

Contact us

For support buying a product, help with an order or technical product support
Learn more
View more