What calibration does and when you need it

Calibration tells your Samsung washer to recalibrate its sensors so it measures water level, weight, and spin speed correctly. Over time — or after a power outage, a repair, or a factory reset — the washer's internal sensors can drift out of alignment. When that happens, the machine may overfill, underfill, run longer than necessary, or not spin out enough water.

You do not need to calibrate your washer on a schedule. You only calibrate when you notice a problem: clothes coming out soaking wet, the tub not filling properly, or cycles running much longer than they should. If your washer is working normally, leave it alone.

Calibration is a one-time process that takes about 10 minutes and uses no water or detergent. It resets the washer's load-sensing system to factory defaults.

Key Takeaways

  • Calibration resets your washer's sensors and takes about 10 minutes with the drum empty and the door closed.
  • You only calibrate if the washer is overfilling, underfilling, or running cycles that are too long — not as routine maintenance.
  • The exact steps depend on your model: some use the control panel buttons, others use a combination of button presses and dial turns.
  • After calibration completes, run one normal wash cycle with no clothes to confirm the sensors are working correctly.
  • If calibration does not fix the problem, the issue is likely a faulty sensor or motor, not a calibration drift.

How to calibrate using the control panel

Most Samsung top-load and front-load washers made in the last five years calibrate through the control panel. Start with the washer empty and the door closed. Do not add water, detergent, or clothes.

Press and hold the Power button for 3 seconds to turn the washer on. Then press and hold the Temp and Speed buttons together for 5 seconds. The display should show "CAL" or a calibration symbol. If it does not, release and try again — the timing matters.

Once calibration mode is active, the washer will run a short cycle with no water. You will hear the drum spin and stop several times. This usually takes 5 to 8 minutes. Do not open the door or press any buttons while it runs.

When the cycle finishes, the display will return to normal or show a checkmark. Power off the washer, wait 30 seconds, then power it back on. Your calibration is complete.

How to calibrate using button and dial combinations

Older Samsung models and some specialty cycles use a different entry method. With the washer off, turn the cycle dial to the Spin or Rinse position (check your manual for which one). Then press and hold Power for 3 seconds.

While the washer is on, press the Start/Pause button three times in quick succession. The display should flash or show "CAL". If nothing happens, turn off the washer and try the other dial position.

Once calibration mode activates, the washer will run the same short cycle as the button method — spinning the drum without water for several minutes. Let it finish without interruption, then power off and restart.

If your model has a digital display and physical buttons, your manual will specify which buttons to use. Samsung's support website lets you search by model number and read the exact calibration steps for your machine.

Finding your model number and manual

Your Samsung washer's model number is printed on a sticker inside the door frame or on the back of the machine. It starts with "WF" (front-load) or "WA" (top-load) followed by numbers and letters.

Go to samsung.com/us/support, enter your model number in the search box, and select your washer from the results. read the PDF manual under "Manuals and Documents." The calibration section is usually near the beginning, under "Maintenance" or "Troubleshooting."

If you cannot find the manual online, take a photo of the model sticker and call Samsung support at 1-800-726-7864. They can walk you through calibration over the phone or email you the manual.

What to do after calibration

After calibration finishes and the washer restarts, run one full wash cycle with no clothes and no detergent. Use warm or hot water and the Normal or Heavy Duty cycle. This test cycle lets the sensors confirm they are reading correctly and helps clear any residual calibration data from the system.

Watch the water level during the fill phase. It should reach the middle of the drum or slightly higher, depending on your cycle. If the washer still overfills or underfills after this test cycle, the sensor itself may be faulty and will need replacement.

Once the test cycle completes successfully, your washer is ready to use normally. You do not need to calibrate again unless you experience the same problems in the future.

When calibration will not solve the problem

Calibration fixes sensor drift, but it cannot fix a broken sensor, a clogged water inlet valve, or a failing motor. If your washer still overfills after calibration, the water-level sensor is likely faulty. If it still runs long cycles, the weight sensor or motor may be the issue.

Other signs that point to hardware failure rather than calibration: water leaking from the door, the drum not spinning at all, or the washer not filling even after calibration. In these cases, you will need a repair technician or replacement parts.

If you have a Samsung washer under warranty, contact Samsung support before paying for a repair. They may send a technician at no cost or provide a replacement unit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will calibration erase my saved cycles or settings?

No. Calibration only resets the sensor measurements, not your custom cycles, language, or other preferences. Everything you have set up will remain the same after calibration finishes.

Can I calibrate my washer if it will not turn on?

No. The washer must have power and be able to respond to button presses to enter calibration mode. If your washer will not turn on, check that it is plugged in and the circuit breaker has not tripped. If it still will not power on, the control board may be faulty and will need service.

How often should I calibrate my washer?

Only when you notice a problem — overfilling, underfilling, or cycles running too long. Calibration is not routine maintenance. Most washers never need it if they are working correctly.

What if I calibrate and the problem gets worse?

Power off the washer when ready and wait 5 minutes before turning it back on. If the problem persists, the sensor or motor is likely faulty. Do not attempt another calibration — contact a repair technician instead.

Does calibration use water or electricity?

Calibration uses electricity to spin the drum but no water and no detergent. It is a dry cycle that takes about 10 minutes. Your water and sewer bill will not be affected.