The quickest way to reset your Samsung washing machine

Most Samsung washing machines reset by holding the power button for 5 to 10 seconds, then waiting 5 minutes before turning it back on. This soft reset clears temporary errors and stops the machine mid-cycle without erasing your saved settings. If that does not work, unplug the machine for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and press power again — this is a hard reset that works on nearly all models.

A reset is different from a factory reset. A reset clears the current error or stuck cycle. A factory reset erases all your custom settings and returns the machine to how it came from the factory. Most people need a reset, not a factory reset, when the machine freezes, shows an error code, or will not start.

Key Takeaways

  • Hold the power button for 5 to 10 seconds to soft reset most Samsung models without losing your saved cycles.
  • Unplug the machine for 30 seconds if the power button reset does not work, then plug it back in and press power.
  • A reset clears error codes and stuck cycles; a factory reset erases all your custom settings and should only be used as a last step.
  • Check your model number on the back or side of the machine before attempting a factory reset, because the steps vary by age and type.

Soft reset: the power button method

Press and hold the power button on the front of your Samsung washing machine for 5 to 10 seconds without letting go. You should see the display go dark or the lights flicker. Keep holding until the machine beeps or the display resets.

Once the display clears, release the button and wait 5 minutes. Do not open the door or press anything during this time. After 5 minutes, press power again to turn the machine back on. The cycle counter and any error codes should be gone. This method works on top-load and front-load models made in the last 10 years.

Hard reset: unplugging the machine

If holding the power button does not clear the error or unlock the door, unplug the washing machine from the wall outlet. Leave it unplugged for at least 30 seconds — longer is fine. This drains the control board's memory and forces a complete restart.

After 30 seconds, plug the machine back in. Wait a few seconds for the display to light up, then press the power button. The machine should start fresh. If the door is still locked, wait another minute before trying to open it — the lock solenoid needs power to release. This method clears stuck cycles, frozen displays, and most error codes that the power button alone cannot fix.

Common error codes and what they mean

Samsung washing machines display error codes on the front panel when something goes wrong. dE or dC means the door will not lock or unlock — usually fixed by a soft reset. UE means the load is unbalanced; stop the cycle, redistribute the clothes, and restart. OE means the drain is clogged or the hose is kinked — check the drain filter and hose before resetting.

IE means water is not filling the tub — check that the inlet hoses are turned on and not frozen. SE means the motor is not spinning — this often needs a reset, but if it happens again after reset, the motor may need service. FE means too much water in the tub; this usually clears on its own after a reset, but if it repeats, the water level sensor may be faulty.

Write down the error code before you reset, because it will disappear. If the same code comes back after a reset, the machine likely has a hardware problem and should be serviced rather than reset again.

Factory reset: erasing all custom settings

A factory reset returns your Samsung washing machine to its original settings and erases all custom cycles you saved. Only do this if a soft reset and hard reset have not worked, or if you are selling the machine and want to clear your data.

The steps vary by model. On many newer Samsung machines, hold the power button for 3 seconds, then press the temperature button and the spin speed button at the same time for 3 seconds. The display should show "rSt" or flash. On older models, you may need to hold power and a different button combination — check the manual or the back of the machine for the model number and look it up on Samsung's website.

After a factory reset, the machine will restart and ask you to set the language and other basics, just like when it was new. All your saved cycles will be gone. This is a last resort and should not be your first step.

When to reset versus when to call for service

Reset the machine if it shows an error code, the display is frozen, the cycle will not start, or the door is stuck. Reset also if the machine beeps constantly or will not respond to button presses. Most of these issues clear after a soft reset or hard reset.

Call for service if the same error code comes back within a few days of resetting, if water leaks from the bottom or sides, if the drum does not spin even after reset, or if the machine makes grinding or squealing noises. These are signs of a faulty sensor, motor, or seal that a reset cannot fix. Resetting a machine with a hardware problem will not solve it and may delay getting it repaired.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will resetting my washing machine erase my saved cycles?

A soft reset or hard reset will not erase your saved cycles. Only a factory reset erases them. If you just hold the power button or unplug the machine, your custom settings stay in memory.

How long does it take for a reset to work?

A soft reset takes about 5 to 10 minutes total — a few seconds to hold the button, then 5 minutes of waiting. A hard reset takes about 30 seconds of unplugging plus a minute or two for the machine to restart. If the error comes back after that, resetting again will not help.

Can I reset my Samsung washing machine while it is mid-cycle?

Yes. Holding the power button or unplugging the machine will stop the cycle. The water inside will drain automatically after a few minutes, or you can open the door manually once the machine powers down. The clothes will be wet, so wring them out or run a spin cycle after you restart.

What if the door is locked and I cannot open it after a reset?

Wait at least 1 minute after the reset completes before trying the door again. The lock solenoid needs power to release. If it is still locked after 2 minutes, unplug the machine again for 30 seconds and try once more. If the door stays locked, the solenoid may be faulty and the machine should be serviced.

Is there a reset button on Samsung washing machines?

No. Samsung washing machines do not have a dedicated reset button. You reset by holding the power button, unplugging the machine, or using a button combination for factory reset. The power button is your main tool.