The quickest reset: hold the Start button for three to five seconds
Most Samsung dishwashers reset by holding the Start button for three to five seconds while the door is closed. The control panel will beep or flash, and the cycle will stop. This clears any active program and returns the dishwasher to its idle state—ready for a new cycle or settings change.
If your model has a digital display, you may see the screen go blank for a moment, then show the default screen. This is normal and means the reset worked. You can now start a fresh cycle or adjust settings without the dishwasher remembering the previous one.
This soft reset does not erase your saved settings or preferences. It only stops the current operation. Use this method when a cycle is stuck, running longer than expected, or when you want to cancel mid-wash without waiting for it to finish.
Key Takeaways
- Hold the Start button for three to five seconds to stop the current cycle and reset the dishwasher to its default state.
- A soft reset clears the active program but keeps your saved settings and preferences intact.
- If the control panel is unresponsive, turn off the breaker for five minutes, then turn it back on to perform a hard reset.
- Error codes usually clear after a soft reset, but if they return, the dishwasher may need service.
- Never reset during a cycle if water is actively spraying—wait for the spray to stop first.
When to use a hard reset: power cycle the entire unit
A hard reset cuts all power to the dishwasher and clears both the active cycle and any temporary errors stored in memory. This is stronger than holding the Start button and works when the control panel does not respond to button presses.
Locate the circuit breaker that controls your dishwasher—usually labeled "Kitchen" or "Dishwasher" in your home's electrical panel. Switch it to the OFF position. Wait five minutes. This gives the dishwasher's internal circuits time to fully discharge. Then switch the breaker back to ON.
The dishwasher will take 30 seconds to a minute to power back up. You may hear a beep or see lights flash on the control panel. Once the display stabilizes, the hard reset is complete. If error codes reappear after a hard reset, the dishwasher likely has a sensor or component issue that requires professional service.
Clearing error codes without a full reset
Samsung dishwashers display error codes like IE (water inlet), OE (drain), or 1E (water level sensor) when they detect a problem. Many of these codes clear on their own after a soft reset, but some stick until you address the underlying issue.
If an error code appears, first try the soft reset: hold Start for three to five seconds. If the code disappears and does not return on the next cycle, the error was temporary. If it returns, the problem is real—a clogged drain, a faulty inlet valve, or a sensor malfunction—and a reset will not fix it.
Do not ignore recurring error codes. They tell you something is broken. Continuing to run the dishwasher with an active error can cause water damage or allow dirty water to back up into your kitchen. Contact a Samsung service technician or a local appliance repair company if the code returns within a few cycles.
Resetting after a power outage or electrical issue
If your home lost power or you had an electrical surge, your Samsung dishwasher may be stuck on a blank screen, showing a blinking light, or refusing to start. A hard reset usually restores normal operation in these cases.
Switch the breaker off for five minutes, then back on. If the dishwasher still does not respond, check that the breaker itself did not trip—the switch should be fully in the ON position, not halfway between ON and OFF. If the breaker keeps tripping when you turn the dishwasher on, there is an electrical fault inside the unit and you need a technician.
After power is restored, you may need to reset the time and date on the control panel if your model has a clock display. Check your user manual for the button sequence, as it varies by model year.
Resetting specific features: delay start, child lock, and settings
If you want to cancel a Delay Start that you set by accident, hold the Start button for three to five seconds. The delay will clear and the dishwasher will either start when ready or return to standby, depending on your model.
To turn off Child Lock, press and hold the button labeled "Control Lock" or "Child Lock" (usually on the far left or right of the control panel) for three seconds. The light next to it will turn off. If you cannot find this button, check your user manual—some Samsung models use a different button combination, often involving the Delay Start and Cycle buttons pressed together.
To reset all settings to factory defaults—including temperature preferences, cycle selections, and sound alerts—you typically need to access the service menu. This varies widely by model. The safest approach is to perform a hard reset (breaker off for five minutes, then on) and then manually adjust your preferred settings when the dishwasher powers back up.
What not to do when resetting your dishwasher
Do not unplug the dishwasher from the wall outlet if it is hardwired into your home's electrical system. Most Samsung dishwashers are connected directly to the circuit breaker, not a plug. Trying to unplug a hardwired unit can damage the cord or create a safety hazard. Always use the breaker instead.
Do not reset the dishwasher while water is actively spraying inside. Wait for the spray to stop and the cycle to pause. Interrupting mid-spray can leave standing water in the tub and cause mold or odor problems.
Do not assume a reset will fix a mechanical problem. If the dishwasher is leaking, not draining, or making unusual noises, a reset will not solve it. These are signs of a broken part—a pump, valve, or seal—that needs replacement. Resetting will only delay the repair and risk water damage to your kitchen.
When to call a professional instead of resetting
If you have reset the dishwasher twice and the same error code returns, or if the dishwasher will not start at all even after a hard reset, contact a Samsung service center or a local appliance repair technician. Repeated resets are a sign that the problem is not temporary.
Common issues that require professional service include a faulty water inlet valve (IE error), a clogged or broken drain pump (OE error), a failed door latch, or a control board malfunction. These parts cannot be fixed by resetting and will only get worse if you keep trying.
Samsung offers phone support through their customer service line, and many local repair shops offer same-day or next-day appointments. Getting service early is cheaper than waiting for the dishwasher to fail completely or damage your kitchen with a leak.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I hold the Start button to reset my Samsung dishwasher?
Hold it for three to five seconds. You will hear a beep or see the display change. If nothing happens after five seconds, release and try again. If the button still does not respond, perform a hard reset using the circuit breaker instead.
Will resetting my dishwasher erase my saved cycles and preferences?
A soft reset (holding Start) will not erase saved settings. A hard reset (turning off the breaker) may reset some preferences like temperature or sound alerts, but your main cycle choices usually stay. Check your user manual if you have specific settings you want to keep.
What does it mean if the error code comes back after I reset?
A recurring error code means the dishwasher detected a real problem—not just a temporary glitch. Common causes are a clogged drain, a faulty sensor, or a broken valve. Resetting will not fix these. Contact a repair technician to diagnose the issue.
Can I reset my Samsung dishwasher if it is still running a cycle?
Yes, you can hold Start to stop the cycle. But wait until the water spray stops before you do—interrupting mid-spray can leave standing water inside. Once the spray pauses, it is safe to reset.
My dishwasher is stuck on a blank screen. Will a reset help?
Probably. Turn off the circuit breaker for five minutes, then turn it back on. If the screen stays blank after the breaker is back on, the control panel may be broken and you will need service. If the screen lights up but is unresponsive, try holding Start for five seconds.