What Calibration Does and When You Need It
Calibration tells your Samsung washer to recalibrate its sensors so it can accurately detect load size, water level, and drum weight. You do not need to calibrate often — only when the washer starts behaving oddly, like running longer than usual, not spinning out water properly, or displaying error codes. If your washer is working normally, calibration is not necessary.
Most Samsung washers have a built-in calibration mode that takes about 3 to 5 minutes to run. The machine goes through a test cycle with no clothes inside, and the sensors reset themselves to factory defaults. This is different from a regular wash cycle and does not use water or detergent.
You may also see calibration mentioned in your manual as "drum calibration" or "auto calibration." The steps are the same regardless of the name.
Key Takeaways
- Calibration resets your washer's sensors and takes 3 to 5 minutes with no clothes or water inside.
- Start calibration by pressing and holding specific buttons on your control panel — the exact buttons depend on your model number.
- Your model number is on a sticker inside the door frame or on the back of the machine, and you will need it to find the right button combination.
- If calibration does not fix the problem, check for error codes in your manual or contact Samsung support with your model number.
How to Find Your Model Number
Before you start, locate your model number. This is a string of letters and numbers that tells you exactly which washer you own. Samsung uses different calibration steps for different models, so you need this number to do it correctly.
Open the washer door and look at the sticker on the inside of the door frame, usually on the left side. The model number starts with "WF" or "WA" and is followed by numbers. Write it down or take a photo. If you cannot find it there, check the back of the machine or the right side of the door frame.
Once you have the model number, you can look up the exact calibration steps for your machine. Samsung's support website lets you search by model, or you can check the manual that came with your washer.
Calibration Steps for Most Samsung Top-Load Washers
If you own a Samsung top-load washer, the calibration process usually works like this: Make sure the drum is empty and the door is closed. Press and hold the Power button and the Temp button together for 5 seconds. The display should show "CAL" or a calibration symbol.
Once calibration mode is active, press the Start button. The washer will run a short cycle — you will hear the drum spin and move, but no water will fill. Let it run until it stops on its own, which takes about 3 to 5 minutes. Do not open the door or press any buttons while it is running.
When the cycle finishes, the display will return to normal. Your washer is now calibrated. Run a test wash with a small load to make sure everything is working as it should.
Calibration Steps for Most Samsung Front-Load Washers
Front-load washers calibrate differently. Make sure the drum is empty and the door is closed. Press and hold the Power button and the Delay Start button together for 3 seconds. You should see "CAL" appear on the display.
Press the Start button to begin calibration. The drum will rotate and the washer will go through its test cycle without water. This takes about 3 to 5 minutes. Do not interrupt the cycle.
When the cycle ends, the display returns to normal and calibration is complete. Some front-load models may use a different button combination — if the steps above do not work, check your manual or search your model number on Samsung's website.
What to Do If Calibration Does Not Work
If you pressed the buttons and nothing happened, you may have the wrong button combination for your model. Go back to your manual or Samsung's support site and double-check the steps for your specific model number. Button combinations vary widely across Samsung's product line.
If calibration ran but your washer still has the same problem, the issue may not be sensor-related. Error codes like "dE" or "UE" point to specific mechanical problems that calibration cannot fix. Look up the error code in your manual to understand what it means, then contact Samsung support with your model number and the error code.
If your washer is not displaying an error code but is still behaving oddly — for example, not draining fully or running much longer than it should — try running a test cycle with a small load of towels after calibration. Sometimes the sensors need a real load to reset properly.
When to Contact Samsung Support
If calibration does not solve the problem or if you cannot get into calibration mode at all, contact Samsung directly. Have your model number ready. You can reach Samsung through their website, by phone, or through their mobile app. They can walk you through troubleshooting steps specific to your machine or arrange a service visit if something is broken.
If your washer is still under warranty, Samsung may cover the repair cost. Check your paperwork or ask the support agent when you call.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to calibrate my Samsung washer regularly?
No. Calibration is only needed when your washer starts showing signs of a problem, like longer cycle times, poor water drainage, or error codes. Normal operation does not require calibration.
Will calibration erase my custom settings?
Calibration resets the sensors to factory defaults, but it does not erase your saved cycles or custom settings. Your preferences will remain after calibration is complete.
What if my model number is not on Samsung's website?
Older Samsung washers may not have online documentation. Call Samsung support with your model number and they can tell you the calibration steps over the phone or email you the manual.
Can I calibrate my washer while it has clothes in it?
No. The drum must be completely empty for calibration to work correctly. The sensors need to measure the empty drum to reset properly.
How long does calibration take?
The calibration cycle itself takes 3 to 5 minutes. You should not interrupt it or open the door during this time.