Quick answer: Samsung washer error codes are short letter-number messages the washer shows when something stops a cycle. Most of them point to one of a few everyday problems: water isn’t coming in, water isn’t draining, the load is unbalanced, the door isn’t locked or there are too many suds. Find your code in the table below to see what it means and what to check first.
Samsung uses different codes for the same problem depending on the model and the age of the display. For example, older washers show 4E and newer ones show 4C for the same “not filling” error. That’s why each row lists every version of the code.
Samsung washer error codes: full list and meanings
| Error code(s) | What it means | What to check first |
|---|---|---|
| 4C, 4E, nF, 1 4C | Not filling: water isn’t entering the washer correctly | Faucets fully open, hoses not kinked, inlet hose filters clean |
| 5C, 5E, SC, SE, nD, 1 5C | Not draining: water isn’t draining at the right speed, or at all | Drain filter (bottom front), drain hose kinks or clogs |
| UB, UE, U6, Ur, 1 UB | Unbalanced load (Ur means the washer is rebalancing and trying again) | Spread the load evenly, don’t wash one heavy item alone |
| dC, dE, dE1, dE2, dS, d5, LO, FL, 1 dC | Door: the door isn’t detected as closed and locked | Close the door firmly, check for clothes caught in the seal |
| Sud, SUdS, Sd, 5d, 5Ud | Too many suds: the washer pauses to let the foam settle | Use HE detergent and less of it |
| OE, 0E, OC, 0C, 1 OC | Overflow: too much water in the washer | Unplug it and drain; check the water level (pressure) sensor |
| 1E, 1C, LE, LC, LC1, 1 LC | Water level or leak: water where it shouldn’t be, or a sensor problem | Look for leaks under the washer, check hoses and the drain filter cap |
| 4C2, 4E2, CE, nF1 | Hot and cold hoses are reversed | Swap the fill hoses: hot to hot, cold to cold |
| 3C, 3E, E3, 1 3C | Motor error | Reset the washer; if it returns, the motor or its wiring needs service |
| bE, 6E | Motor speed sensor error | Reset; if it returns, call for service |
| tE, tE1, tC | Temperature sensor error | Reset; the sensor may need replacing |
| HC, HE, HE1, Hr, 1 HC | Heater error | Reset; check the heater if it keeps coming back |
| E2, bE2, 6E2 | A control panel button is stuck | Press each button to free it, clean around the panel |
| 9C1, 9C2, 9E1, 9E2, UC, PF | Power supply problem (PF means there was a power failure) | Plug directly into a wall outlet, no extension cord |
| AE, AC and their variants | Communication error between the control boards | Unplug for a few minutes; if it returns, call for service |
| 8E, 8C, BE, BC and their variants | Vibration (MEMS) sensor error | Make sure the washer is level, then reset |
| PC, PE, PC1, PE1 | Clutch error (top-load models) | Reset; if it returns, call for service |
| ddC, dC3 | The Add Door isn’t closed and locked | Close the small add-garment door firmly |
| SDC, 5DC | Detergent drawer not fully closed | Push the drawer in all the way |
| Cb, C6 | Calibration mode (not an error) | Let it finish; the washer is recalibrating |
| CL | Child Lock is on | Turn off Child Lock (the button combination is shown on the control panel or in your manual) |
| dn | The washer is downloading a software update | Wait until the update finishes |
Codes can vary by model. If your code isn’t in the table, check the manual for your model number, which you’ll find on the sticker inside the door or on the back of the washer.
The most common Samsung washer problems
Washer not filling (4C / 4E / nF)
The most frequent code. In most homes it’s a half-open faucet, a kinked hose or clogged inlet filters. If water flows in and the code still shows, the pressure sensor hose may be clogged or leaking. Full guide: Samsung washer 4C error code.
Washer not draining (5C / 5E / nD)
Usually a clogged drain pump filter, which on front-load models sits behind the small door at the bottom front. Socks, coins and lint are the usual suspects. A kinked drain hose or a blocked standpipe can also cause it. Full guide: Samsung washer 5C error code.
Unbalanced load (UB / UE)
Common with a single heavy item, like a bath mat or a comforter, or with a small load of towels. Pause the cycle, spread the clothes evenly and restart. If it happens with every load, check that the washer is level and that the shipping bolts were removed after installation. Full guide: Samsung washer UB error code.
Door errors (dC / dE / LO)
The washer won’t start or stops because it can’t confirm the door is locked. Close it firmly and check for clothing caught in the door seal. If the code keeps coming back, the door lock assembly may be worn out. Full guide: Samsung washer dC error code.
How to reset a Samsung washer
- Unplug the washer, or switch off its circuit breaker.
- Wait at least 1 minute.
- Plug it back in and run a short cycle, like Rinse + Spin.
A reset clears the code from the display, but it doesn’t fix the cause. If the same code comes back, follow the steps for that code.
When to call a technician
Codes related to water, the door, suds or the load (4C, 5C, UB, dC, Sud) are usually fixable at home in a few minutes. Codes for the motor, heater, control boards or power supply (3C, HE, AE, 9C1) usually need a technician if a reset doesn’t clear them. If your washer is still under warranty, contact Samsung before opening any panel.
Samsung washer error codes: frequently asked questions
What do Samsung washer error codes mean?
Each code points to the part of the cycle that failed: filling, draining, spinning, locking the door or an internal sensor. The table above lists every common code and its meaning.
Why does my Samsung washer show a different code than the manual?
Samsung changed its codes over the years. Older displays use codes ending in E (like 4E, 5E) and newer ones use C (4C, 5C). They mean the same thing.
How do I clear an error code on my Samsung washer?
Fix the cause first, then unplug the washer for 1 minute and start a new cycle. The code clears once the washer completes the step that failed.
Can I keep using my washer with an error code?
It will usually keep stopping at the same point. Water, drain and load codes are cheap to fix, so it’s worth checking them before calling for service.
Source: Samsung US support, “Samsung washing machine information and error codes”. Always unplug the washer before opening any panel.