Setting the Clock: The Basic Steps
To set the clock on a Samsung microwave, press the Clock button on the control panel, enter the time using the number pad, then press Clock or Start to confirm. The exact button names and sequence vary slightly between Samsung models, but this three-step pattern works on most units made in the last ten years.
Before you start, check whether your microwave is in 12-hour or 24-hour mode. Some Samsung models default to 24-hour time (military time), so if you see 13:00 instead of 1:00 PM, you may need to change the time format first. The mode button is usually labeled Time Mode, 12/24, or Clock Mode and sits near the Clock button.
If your microwave has been unplugged or lost power, the clock will flash or show 0:00. This is normal and does not affect cooking — you can still use the microwave without setting the clock. However, the display time will be wrong until you set it.
Key Takeaways
- Press Clock, enter your time with the number pad, then press Clock or Start to save the time on most Samsung models.
- Check your time format (12-hour or 24-hour) before entering the time, because some models default to military time.
- The Clock button is usually on the upper left or center of the control panel, often near buttons for power level and cooking time.
- If the clock flashes after a power outage, you will need to reset it, but the microwave will still cook normally without the correct time displayed.
Locating the Clock Button on Your Control Panel
The Clock button sits in different places depending on your Samsung model. On most countertop microwaves, it is in the upper left corner of the keypad or in the center row above the number pad. On some over-the-range models, the Clock button may be on the right side of the control panel or integrated into a touch screen.
If you cannot find a button labeled Clock, look for one labeled Time, Set Clock, or Timer. Timer and Clock are different functions — Timer counts down from a number you set, while Clock displays the actual time of day. If you press Timer by mistake, press Cancel or Clear to exit and start over.
Your microwave manual will show the exact location and label for your model. If you no longer have the manual, you can find a PDF version on Samsung's website by entering your model number (usually printed on a sticker inside the door or on the back of the unit).
Entering the Time Correctly
After pressing Clock, the display will show a time format — usually two digits for hours and two for minutes, separated by a colon. Use the number pad to enter the time. For example, to set 3:45 PM, press 3, 4, 5 in order. Do not press a colon or AM/PM button; the microwave handles those automatically in 12-hour mode.
If your microwave is in 24-hour mode and you want to set 3:45 PM, enter 15, 4, 5 instead (15:45 in military time). You can switch between 12-hour and 24-hour mode before or after entering the time — the mode button usually sits near the Clock button and is labeled 12/24, Time Mode, or AM/PM.
If you make a mistake while entering the time, press Cancel or Clear to start over. Do not press Start or Clock until you have entered the complete time, or the microwave will save the incomplete entry.
Confirming and Saving Your Time
Once you have entered the correct time, press Clock again or press Start to save it. The display will stop flashing and show the time you entered. On some models, you may see a brief confirmation message or hear a beep.
If the time does not save or the display returns to flashing, the microwave may not have recognized your entry. Press Clock again and re-enter the time, making sure each digit is clear and you press the buttons firmly. If the problem continues, the control panel may have a loose connection or a faulty button — contact Samsung support or a repair technician.
The clock will now run continuously and update every minute. It will keep the correct time even during brief power interruptions if your microwave has a backup battery, which most Samsung models do. However, a long power outage or unplugging the unit will reset the clock to 0:00 or a flashing display.
Switching Between 12-Hour and 24-Hour Time
Most Samsung microwaves ship in 12-hour mode (showing 1:00 PM instead of 13:00), but some models default to 24-hour mode. If you see times like 13:00, 14:30, or 23:45 on your display and you prefer 12-hour time, you can change it.
Press the Time Mode or 12/24 button once to toggle between formats. The display will show the same moment in time in the new format — for example, 13:00 becomes 1:00 PM. You do not need to re-enter the time; the microwave straightforward displays it differently. Press the button again to switch back.
Some Samsung models require you to hold the Time Mode button for two or three seconds to change the format. Check your manual or try a short press first; if nothing happens, hold it down for a few seconds and watch the display for a change.
What to Do If the Clock Keeps Flashing
A flashing clock display usually means the microwave lost power or was unplugged. This does not indicate a problem — it straightforward means the clock needs to be reset. Follow the steps above to set the time again.
If the clock flashes even after you set it and press Clock to confirm, the control panel may have a loose connection or the backup battery may be dead. Try unplugging the microwave for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in and setting the clock again. If it still flashes after you confirm, the microwave may need service.
A flashing clock does not prevent the microwave from cooking. You can still use it to heat food, defrost, or run any cooking program — the time display is separate from the cooking function. However, the microwave will not show the correct time of day until you reset the clock.
Resetting the Clock to Factory Settings
If you want to clear the clock and return it to the default state (usually 0:00 or 12:00), press and hold the Cancel or Clear button for three to five seconds. Some Samsung models also have a Reset button on the control panel or inside the microwave near the power cord.
Resetting the clock does not affect any other settings or stored programs. It only clears the time display. If you reset by accident, straightforward set the clock again using the steps above.
A full factory reset — which clears the clock, power level memory, and any custom settings — usually requires pressing a combination of buttons or accessing a service menu. This is rarely necessary and is not recommended unless you are troubleshooting a specific problem. Refer to your manual or contact Samsung support before attempting a full reset.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Samsung microwave clock keep resetting to 0:00?
The backup battery inside the microwave may be dead or disconnected. If the clock resets every time you unplug the unit or after a power outage, the battery is likely the cause. Contact Samsung support or a repair technician to have the battery replaced. Until then, you can still use the microwave normally — just reset the clock each time it loses power.
Can I set the clock while the microwave is cooking?
No. The control panel is locked during cooking to prevent accidental changes. Wait for the cooking cycle to finish or press Cancel to stop it, then set the clock. Once cooking is complete, the clock will resume displaying the time.
What if I cannot find the Clock button on my model?
Check your microwave manual by searching Samsung's website with your model number. Some older or compact Samsung models may not have a dedicated Clock button — instead, you may press a Menu or Settings button to access the time. If your model truly has no clock function, the microwave will still cook normally; it straightforward will not display the time of day.
Does setting the clock affect the microwave's cooking performance?
No. The clock is a display feature only. Whether the time is correct, flashing, or missing entirely, the microwave will heat food at the same power level and for the same duration. The cooking function is completely separate from the clock display.
How do I know if my microwave is in 12-hour or 24-hour mode?
Look at the time displayed. If it shows numbers between 1 and 12 with AM or PM, it is in 12-hour mode. If it shows numbers between 0 and 23 (like 13:00 or 23:45), it is in 24-hour mode. Press the Time Mode or 12/24 button to switch between them.