The quickest way to set the time

Press the Clock button on your Samsung microwave's control panel. The display will show the current time and a cursor will appear. Use the number pad to enter the time in 24-hour format (so 1 p.m. is 13:00), then press Clock again to save it. The whole process takes about 10 seconds.

If your microwave has no dedicated Clock button, look for a button labeled Time Cook or Timer — some Samsung models use these instead. The steps are the same: press it once to enter clock mode, type the time, and press it again to confirm.

The display will return to showing the time once you've saved it. If the time doesn't stick after you close the door, the microwave may have lost power or the backup battery may be dead — see the section below on that.

Key Takeaways

  • Press the Clock button, enter the time using the number pad in 24-hour format, then press Clock again to save.
  • If your microwave has no Clock button, try Time Cook or Timer — Samsung uses different labels on different models.
  • The time resets to 12:00 or 00:00 when power is lost because the backup battery has drained.
  • You do not need to unplug the microwave or reset it to change the time — just use the Clock button.

What to do if the time keeps resetting

A Samsung microwave that loses its time setting every time you unplug it or lose power has a dead backup battery. This is a small rechargeable battery inside the control panel that keeps the clock running during a power outage. Once it dies, it cannot hold the time anymore.

You have two options: replace the backup battery yourself (usually a CR2032 coin cell, available at any drugstore for $3 to $8), or contact Samsung service to have it replaced. Replacing it yourself requires opening the control panel, which means unplugging the microwave and removing the front cover — a 15-minute job if you're comfortable with basic disassembly. If you're not, a service call will cost $100 to $200 depending on your location.

Until you replace the battery, you can still use the microwave normally. You'll just need to reset the time each time the power goes out. The clock function itself is not essential to cooking — it's only for display.

Samsung microwaves that use a different time entry method

Some older Samsung models and a few current ones use a dial or a + and − button instead of a number pad. If your microwave has these controls, press Clock, then use the + button to increase the hour and the − button to increase the minutes. Press Clock again when you reach the correct time.

This method is slower than typing on a number pad but works the same way. The time will save as soon as you press Clock the second time. If you overshoot the time, keep pressing + or − to cycle back around — the display will roll from 23:59 to 00:00.

How to set the time if the display is blank or frozen

If the display shows nothing or the time is stuck on one number, unplug the microwave for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. This resets the control panel without erasing any saved settings. The display should light up again and show 12:00 or 00:00.

Once power is restored, press Clock and enter the time as usual. If the display stays blank after you plug it back in, the control panel itself may be faulty and will need replacement by a technician. This is rare but does happen if the microwave has been exposed to moisture or power surges.

Checking your model number if you're unsure which button to use

Your Samsung microwave's model number is printed on a sticker inside the door frame or on the back of the unit. Write it down and search for "[model number] clock button" or "[model number] manual" online. Samsung's support site has PDF manuals for most models, and they show exactly which button controls the clock and the correct time format for your specific microwave.

The manual also tells you whether your model uses 12-hour or 24-hour time display. Most Samsung microwaves default to 24-hour format, but some allow you to switch. If you want 12-hour time (with a.m./p.m. indicator), the manual will show you how to change that setting.

Why the time matters and when you can skip it

The microwave's clock is purely informational — it does not affect how the microwave cooks. You can leave it blinking 12:00 forever and the microwave will work exactly the same. The time display is useful if you want to know what time you started cooking or if you're using the microwave's delay-start feature, which lets you set the microwave to begin cooking at a specific time.

If you never use delay-start and don't care what time the display shows, you don't have to set the clock at all. The only reason to set it is convenience or habit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to set the time when I first plug in a new Samsung microwave?

No. The microwave will work without the time being set. It will display 12:00 or 00:00 until you set it, but cooking functions are not affected. You can set the time whenever you want, or not at all.

What if I press Clock and nothing happens?

Make sure the microwave is plugged in and the display is lit. If the display is dark, press any button to wake it up. If the Clock button still doesn't work after that, try the Time Cook or Timer button instead — your model may use a different label. If no buttons respond, unplug the microwave for 30 seconds and plug it back in.

Can I set the time to 12-hour format instead of 24-hour?

Some Samsung models allow this, but not all. Check your manual by searching "[model number] manual" online. If your model supports it, the manual will show you which button to press to toggle between 24-hour and 12-hour display.

Will changing the time affect my cooking settings or recipes saved in the microwave?

No. The clock is separate from the cooking functions. Changing the time will not erase any saved settings, presets, or cooking programs.

How often do I need to reset the time?

Only when the power goes out or you unplug the microwave. If the time keeps resetting during normal use, the backup battery is dead and needs replacement.