What a reset does and when you need one

A reset clears the dishwasher's control board memory and stops it from running a cycle that's stuck, frozen, or behaving oddly. Most Samsung dishwashers have two kinds of reset: a soft reset (which restarts the control board without erasing settings) and a hard reset (which returns the machine to factory defaults). You'll use a soft reset far more often—it fixes display errors, unresponsive buttons, and cycles that won't start or stop.

A reset is not the same as a factory reset. A soft reset keeps your saved cycles and preferences. A hard reset wipes everything and is only necessary if the dishwasher is malfunctioning so badly that a soft reset doesn't help, or if you're troubleshooting a serious control board problem.

Key Takeaways

  • A soft reset takes 5 to 10 minutes and fixes most stuck cycles or unresponsive controls without erasing your settings.
  • The most common soft reset method is to hold the Start/Cancel button for 3 to 5 seconds until the display clears.
  • If the soft reset doesn't work, turn off the circuit breaker to the dishwasher for 5 minutes, then turn it back on.
  • A hard reset (holding buttons for 10+ seconds) erases all saved cycles and preferences and should only be done as a last resort.
  • If the dishwasher still won't respond after a hard reset, the control board may be faulty and you'll need to call a technician.

Soft reset using the Start/Cancel button

This is the quickest fix and works for most problems. Open the dishwasher door to stop the current cycle. Locate the Start/Cancel button on the control panel—it's usually labeled with both words or sometimes just "Start" with a cancel symbol.

Press and hold the Start/Cancel button for 3 to 5 seconds. You should see the display go blank or show a brief message. Release the button and wait 10 to 15 seconds. The display should light up again and show the home screen or a ready state. If the dishwasher responds normally after this, the soft reset worked.

Power cycle reset using the circuit breaker

If the Start/Cancel button doesn't work—for example, if the control panel is completely unresponsive—a power cycle reset is the next step. This forces the control board to restart by cutting power completely.

Locate your home's electrical panel and find the circuit breaker that controls the dishwasher. It's usually labeled "Dishwasher" or "Kitchen" and is a single switch. Switch it to the OFF position. Wait 5 minutes—this gives the control board time to fully discharge. Switch the breaker back to ON. The dishwasher should power up and display its home screen. If it does, the power cycle reset worked.

If you can't find the breaker or aren't comfortable working with the electrical panel, you can unplug the dishwasher instead (if it's plugged into an outlet rather than hardwired). Unplug it, wait 5 minutes, and plug it back in. The result is the same.

Hard reset to factory defaults

A hard reset erases all saved cycles, preferences, and any custom settings you've created. Only do this if a soft reset and power cycle reset have both failed. Different Samsung models use different button combinations, so check your manual first—the method varies by year and model line.

A common hard reset method is to press and hold the Start/Cancel button for 10 to 15 seconds (longer than a soft reset). Some models require you to hold Start/Cancel plus another button, such as the Delay Start or Eco button, at the same time. When you see a confirmation message or the display resets to a blank or setup screen, release the buttons. The dishwasher is now reset to factory settings.

After a hard reset, you may need to run a short cycle to clear any residual water or detergent in the tub. Run the Rinse cycle with no dishes inside, then the dishwasher should be ready to use normally.

What to do if the reset doesn't work

If both a soft reset and a power cycle reset fail to restore normal operation, the problem is likely not a stuck control board but a faulty component. This could be a broken door latch sensor, a failed water inlet valve, or a damaged control board itself.

At this point, you'll need to call a Samsung service technician or a local appliance repair company. Before you call, write down what the dishwasher is doing (or not doing)—for example, "won't start," "display is blank," "fills with water but won't drain," or "buttons don't respond." This information helps the technician diagnose the problem faster. If your dishwasher is still under warranty, contact Samsung directly; if not, a local repair shop is usually faster and less expensive.

How to find your model number and manual

Your Samsung dishwasher's model number is printed on a sticker inside the door edge or on the side wall of the tub. It starts with "DW" or "WD" followed by numbers. Write it down or take a photo.

Go to samsung.com, click Support, and search for your model number. read the user manual as a PDF. The manual contains the exact reset steps for your specific model, including any button combinations unique to your year and line. Manuals also list error codes that may appear on your display, which can help you understand what went wrong.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a reset erase my saved cycles?

A soft reset will not erase saved cycles or preferences. A hard reset will erase everything and return the dishwasher to factory defaults. If you want to keep your settings, always try a soft reset first.

How long does a reset take?

A soft reset takes 5 to 10 minutes from start to finish. A power cycle reset takes about 5 minutes of waiting time plus a minute or two to switch the breaker. A hard reset takes 10 to 15 seconds to perform, but the dishwasher may take a few minutes to fully restart afterward.

Can I reset the dishwasher while it's running a cycle?

Yes. Opening the door stops the cycle, and pressing Start/Cancel will cancel it. The dishwasher will drain and stop. You can then perform a soft reset. Do not attempt a hard reset while a cycle is running, as it may interrupt water drainage.

What if the display shows an error code after the reset?

Error codes mean a specific component has failed or is not communicating with the control board. A reset will not fix a broken part. Write down the error code and look it up in your manual, or search "Samsung [model number] error [code]" online. If the code persists after a reset, contact a technician.

Is it safe to reset the dishwasher myself?

Yes. A soft reset and power cycle reset are safe and require no tools or special knowledge. A hard reset is also safe. The only time you should call a technician is if you're uncomfortable working with your home's electrical panel, or if the reset doesn't fix the problem.