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 core method works on most units made in the last decade.

The clock display appears in the upper right or center of the microwave's screen. On newer Samsung models with touchscreen displays, you may tap a clock icon instead of pressing a physical button. Older models with membrane keypads have a dedicated Clock button you press once to enter clock-setting mode.

If your microwave is brand new or has lost power, it will display 12:00 or 88:88 until you set it. This takes about 30 seconds and requires no special tools—just your fingers and the control panel.

Key Takeaways

  • Press Clock, enter the time with the number pad, then press Clock or Start to save the time on most Samsung models.
  • Touchscreen models require you to tap a clock icon and use the on-screen keypad instead of physical buttons.
  • The time format (12-hour or 24-hour) depends on your model and may be set during initial setup or changed in the settings menu.
  • If the clock resets after a power outage, you will need to set it again using the same steps.
  • Consult your model's manual if the Clock button does not respond or if the display shows an error code.

Locating the Clock Button on Your Control Panel

Samsung microwaves have the Clock button in different locations depending on the model year and style. On most units, it sits in the top row of buttons, often to the left of the Start button or near the Power Level button. Some models label it Clock/Timer if the same button handles both functions.

If you cannot find a dedicated Clock button, check whether your microwave has a touchscreen display. Touchscreen models typically show a clock icon at the top of the screen that you tap to enter time-setting mode. The icon often looks like a small clock face or the word "Clock" in a box.

Refer to the label printed on or near the button itself. If the label is worn away, your microwave's manual (usually available as a PDF on Samsung's website) will show you the exact button layout for your model number.

Entering the Time: 12-Hour vs. 24-Hour Format

After pressing Clock, the display will show a blinking cursor or highlight, ready for input. Use the number pad to type the time. For a 12-hour format (the default on most Samsung microwaves), enter the hour and minute as you normally would—for example, 9:30 for 9:30 a.m. or 2:15 for 2:15 p.m.

Some Samsung models allow you to toggle between 12-hour and 24-hour time format. This setting is usually found in a Settings or Options menu accessed by holding down a button (often More or Settings) for three seconds. Check your manual for the exact path, as it differs by model.

If you enter the time and the display shows an error or does not accept your input, you may have entered too many digits. Press Clear or Cancel and try again, making sure you enter only four digits for a 12-hour time (for example, 0930 for 9:30 a.m.).

Confirming Your Entry and Saving the Time

Once you have typed the time, press Clock again to confirm and save it. On some models, you may press Start instead—the manual for your specific model will clarify which button to use. The display will stop blinking and show the time in steady digits, indicating the clock is now set.

The microwave will begin counting forward from the time you entered. If you set it to 2:15 p.m., the display will show 2:15, then 2:16, then 2:17, and so on. This confirms the clock is running and keeping time correctly.

If the time does not appear or the display returns to 12:00, the entry did not save. Press Clock again and repeat the steps, entering the time more slowly if you are using a touchscreen.

What to Do If the Clock Keeps Resetting

Samsung microwaves retain the clock time during brief power interruptions thanks to a backup battery inside the unit. However, if the microwave loses power for more than a few hours, or if the backup battery is dead, the clock will reset to 12:00 or 88:88 when power returns.

If your clock resets every time you unplug the microwave or after a power outage, the backup battery may be failing. This is a normal wear item and typically lasts five to ten years. You can set the clock again each time, or contact Samsung service to replace the battery if resetting becomes frequent.

If the clock resets while the microwave is plugged in and the power has not gone out, there may be a control board issue. Unplug the microwave for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and try setting the clock again. If it resets when ready, contact Samsung support or a service technician.

Adjusting the Clock If You Set It Incorrectly

If you set the clock to the wrong time, you do not need to clear it and start over. Press Clock again, and the display will show the current time with a blinking cursor. Use the number pad to type the correct time, then press Clock or Start to save. The old time will be replaced.

Some older Samsung models require you to press Clear before pressing Clock a second time. If pressing Clock does not bring up the time for editing, try pressing Clear first, then Clock.

On touchscreen models, tap the clock icon, and a keypad will appear on the screen. Highlight the incorrect digits and type over them, or clear the entire entry and start fresh.

Using the Timer Function Separately from the Clock

The Clock button and the Timer button are separate functions on Samsung microwaves. Setting the clock does not affect the timer, and using the timer does not change the clock display. The clock runs continuously in the background, while the timer counts down only when you set up it.

If your microwave has a combined Clock/Timer button, pressing it once enters clock-setting mode, and pressing it again (or pressing a different button like Timer) switches to timer mode. Refer to your manual if you are unsure which button controls which function on your model.

The clock will continue to display and keep time even while the microwave is running a cooking cycle or a timer countdown.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Samsung microwave clock show 88:88?

The 88:88 display usually means the microwave has lost power or the backup battery has drained. Press Clock, enter the correct time, and press Clock or Start to set it. If it shows 88:88 again when ready after, the backup battery may need replacement.

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

Many Samsung models support 24-hour format, but the setting is usually in a Settings or Preferences menu rather than the Clock button itself. Hold down More or Settings for three seconds to access the menu, then look for a time format or clock option. Your model's manual will show the exact path.

What if the clock button does not respond when I press it?

Try unplugging the microwave for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. If the button still does not work, the control panel may have a fault. Check that you are pressing the correct button—some models use a touchscreen icon instead of a physical button. If neither works, contact Samsung support or a service technician.

Does setting the clock use any electricity?

No. Setting the clock requires only a few button presses and uses negligible power. The clock itself runs on a small backup battery inside the microwave, so it keeps time even during a power outage (until the battery drains, which takes years).

Will the clock stay set if I unplug the microwave?

Yes, for several hours or even days. Samsung microwaves have a backup battery that preserves the clock time during brief power interruptions. If the microwave is unplugged for weeks or months, or if the backup battery fails, the clock will reset when you plug it back in.