Press the Power Button to Start Your Samsung Dishwasher

To turn on your Samsung dishwasher, locate the Power button on the control panel — usually on the front face near the top or side of the door. Press it once. The display will light up, and you'll hear a beep or see an indicator light. The dishwasher is now powered on and ready to run a cycle.

If nothing happens when you press Power, check that the dishwasher is plugged in and that your home's circuit breaker hasn't tripped. Some Samsung models have a child lock feature that can prevent the buttons from responding; if the control panel feels unresponsive, hold the Power button for three to five seconds to unlock it.

Key Takeaways

  • The Power button is located on the front control panel and turns the dishwasher on with a single press.
  • After pressing Power, select a wash cycle using the cycle selection buttons before the dishwasher will begin spraying water.
  • If the buttons don't respond, the child lock may be active — hold Power for three to five seconds to disable it.
  • Make sure the door is fully closed and latched before starting a cycle, or the dishwasher will not run.
  • Check that your home's circuit breaker is on and the power cord is firmly plugged in if the display doesn't light up.

Select a Wash Cycle After Powering On

Pressing Power alone does not start the wash. After the display lights up, you must choose a cycle. Look for buttons labeled with cycle names such as Normal, Eco, Intensive, or Quick Wash. Press the button for the cycle you want. The display will show which cycle is selected, often with a light or highlight around that button.

Once you've selected a cycle, press the Start button — sometimes labeled "Start/Pause" — to begin the wash. The dishwasher will beep, the display may show a countdown timer, and water will begin spraying inside the tub. The cycle will run automatically until complete, which typically takes 2 to 4 hours depending on the cycle you chose.

Close and Latch the Door Properly

Your Samsung dishwasher will not run if the door is not fully closed. Push the door shut until you hear or feel a click — this is the latch engaging. If the door is ajar even slightly, the control panel may be unresponsive, or the dishwasher may start and then stop when ready.

If you've closed the door and the dishwasher still won't start, open it and check that nothing is blocking the latch mechanism inside the door frame. Dried food or a misaligned rack can prevent the door from latching completely. Close the door again and try pressing Start.

Troubleshoot When the Dishwasher Won't Turn On

If the control panel display is completely dark and unresponsive, first check that the power cord is plugged firmly into the wall outlet. Then walk to your home's electrical panel and look for a breaker labeled for the kitchen or dishwasher. If it is in the "Off" position or in the middle, flip it to "On" and return to the dishwasher. Press Power again.

If the display still does not light up, the dishwasher may have a thermal fuse or internal safety switch that has tripped. This usually happens after a power outage or electrical surge. Unplug the dishwasher for 30 seconds, then plug it back in and try pressing Power. If the display remains dark, contact Samsung support or a repair technician — this indicates an internal electrical issue.

If the display lights up but the buttons don't respond to your touch, the child lock is likely on. Hold the Power button for three to five seconds without releasing. You should hear a beep or see the lock icon disappear from the display. Now try selecting a cycle and pressing Start.

Understand the Control Panel Layout

Samsung dishwashers vary in design, but most follow a similar button arrangement. The Power button is usually at the top left or center of the panel. Below or to the right are the cycle selection buttons — each one corresponds to a specific wash type. At the bottom or far right is the Start/Pause button, which begins the cycle or pauses it mid-wash.

Some newer Samsung models have a digital display screen instead of individual cycle buttons. On these models, you press a cycle button or use arrow buttons to scroll through options, and the screen shows your selection. Once the cycle is highlighted, press Start to begin.

Refer to your dishwasher's manual if you're unsure which button does what — the manual came with your dishwasher or is available on Samsung's website if you enter your model number. Taking a photo of the control panel with your phone can also help you remember button locations.

Load the Dishwasher Before Turning It On

Always load your dishes, glasses, and utensils into the racks before you power on the dishwasher. Place larger items on the bottom rack and smaller, more delicate items on the top rack. Make sure nothing blocks the spray arms — these rotate during the cycle and need clear space to spin.

Add detergent to the dispenser cup on the inside of the door or to the main wash compartment, depending on your model. Close the dispenser door firmly. If you skip detergent, the dishwasher will run but your dishes will not be clean. Once everything is loaded and detergent is added, close the door, press Power, select your cycle, and press Start.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Samsung dishwasher beep when I press the Power button?

A beep is normal and means the dishwasher has powered on successfully. The beep confirms that the control panel received your command. If the beep is continuous or repeating, the child lock may be active — hold Power for three to five seconds to turn it off.

Can I start the dishwasher with the door open?

No. The dishwasher will not start if the door is not fully closed and latched. If you press Start and nothing happens, open the door, check that the latch is clear of debris, and close it firmly until you hear a click. Then try again.

What does it mean if the display shows a code like "IE" or "OE"?

Error codes indicate a problem — usually a water inlet issue (IE) or drain issue (OE). Do not force the cycle to start. Check that the water supply valve under the sink is turned on, and that the drain hose is not kinked or clogged. If the error persists, contact Samsung support.

How long does a typical wash cycle take?

Most cycles run between 2 and 4 hours. Eco cycles are often longer (3 to 4 hours) because they use less water and heat. Quick Wash cycles may finish in 30 minutes to 1 hour. The display will show a countdown timer once the cycle starts.

Can I pause the dishwasher mid-cycle?

Yes. Press the Start/Pause button during a running cycle to pause it. The dishwasher will stop spraying and draining. Press Start/Pause again to resume. Do not open the door while paused — wait until the cycle is complete to avoid water spillage.