The fastest way to reset your Samsung washer

Most Samsung washers respond to a power reset: unplug the machine from the wall outlet, wait five minutes, then plug it back in. This clears temporary errors and restarts the control board without erasing your saved cycles or settings. If your washer is hardwired (no plug), turn off the circuit breaker that powers it, wait five minutes, and turn it back on.

If the washer still shows an error code or will not start after a power reset, try the control panel reset. Press and hold the power button for three to five seconds to turn the machine off completely. Wait 30 seconds, then press power again. Some models require you to hold down specific buttons — usually Power and Start together — for 10 seconds while the machine is off.

A power reset fixes most problems: error codes that appear once and disappear, cycles that freeze partway through, or a washer that will not respond to button presses. It does not erase your custom cycles, favorite settings, or any data stored in the machine.

Key Takeaways

  • Unplug your Samsung washer for five minutes, then plug it back in to clear temporary errors without losing your saved settings.
  • If unplugging does not work, turn off the power button for 30 seconds, then turn it back on to reset the control panel.
  • Some Samsung models require you to hold Power and Start together for 10 seconds while the machine is off to trigger a full reset.
  • A power reset fixes frozen cycles, error codes, and unresponsive buttons but does not erase custom wash cycles or stored preferences.
  • If the washer still will not work after a reset, check for error codes on the display — they point to specific problems like water supply issues or drum locks.

When to use the control panel reset instead of unplugging

Use the control panel reset if your washer is hardwired into your home's electrical system and you cannot unplug it. This method is also faster if you want to avoid waiting five minutes. Press and hold the power button until the display goes dark — usually three to five seconds — then wait 30 seconds before pressing power again to turn it back on.

Some Samsung models have a dedicated reset button on the control panel, though this is less common. Check your user manual or the back of the control panel door to see if yours has one. If it does, press and hold it for 10 seconds while the machine is powered off.

How to reset a Samsung washer that shows an error code

Error codes tell you what went wrong. Common codes include dE (door lock error), UE (unbalanced load), OE (drain error), and IE (water inlet error). Write down the code before you reset, because it disappears once the machine restarts.

After you see the code, unplug the washer for five minutes. When you plug it back in, the code should clear. If the same code returns on the next cycle, the underlying problem — a stuck door latch, a clogged drain, or a water supply issue — still exists and needs repair. If a different code appears, the machine is detecting a new problem.

If the error code does not return after a reset, the problem was temporary and the reset fixed it. If it comes back when ready or during the next wash, the issue is likely hardware-related and the machine may need service.

Resetting a Samsung washer that is stuck on a cycle

If your washer starts a cycle and then freezes — the drum stops turning, the water does not drain, or the display freezes on a time count — a power reset usually unfreezes it. Unplug the machine, wait five minutes, and plug it back in. The cycle will restart from the beginning when you turn the machine back on.

If the cycle freezes again at the same point, the machine may be detecting a real problem: a clogged drain, a stuck door latch, or a sensor failure. In that case, the reset is not a fix — it is a temporary restart. You will need to identify and repair the underlying issue, or the freeze will happen again.

Do not force the door open while the cycle is frozen. Wait for the reset to complete and the machine to power down fully before you try to access the drum.

Resetting Samsung washer settings and preferences

A power reset does not erase your custom cycles, favorite settings, or any data the machine has stored. Your saved wash programs, temperature preferences, and cycle modifications stay in memory after you unplug and replug the machine.

If you want to erase all custom settings and return the washer to factory defaults, look for a "Factory Reset" or "Settings Reset" option in the menu. This is usually found in the Settings or Options section of the control panel — access it by pressing the Menu or Settings button, then navigating with the arrow buttons. The exact path varies by model, so check your user manual for the specific steps.

A factory reset erases all your saved cycles and preferences but does not affect the washer's core function. After a factory reset, the machine works exactly as it did when new.

What to check if the reset does not fix the problem

If your washer still will not start or still shows an error code after a power reset, check these things before calling for service:

  • The door is fully closed and latched. A partially open door prevents the cycle from starting.
  • The water supply valves behind the washer are turned on. If they are off, the machine cannot fill and will show an inlet error.
  • The drain hose is not kinked or clogged. A blocked drain causes the machine to stop mid-cycle and show a drain error.
  • The power outlet works. Plug a lamp or phone charger into the same outlet to confirm it has power.
  • The circuit breaker for the washer has not tripped. Check your home's electrical panel and flip the breaker back on if it is in the off position.

If all of these check out and the washer still will not work, the reset has done what it can. The problem is likely a hardware failure — a broken door latch, a failed water inlet valve, a clogged pump, or a control board issue — and the machine needs professional service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will resetting my Samsung washer erase my saved wash cycles?

No. A standard power reset — unplugging for five minutes or holding the power button — keeps all your saved cycles and settings. Only a factory reset erases custom programs, and that option is in the Settings menu, not a quick reset.

How long should I wait before plugging the washer back in?

Wait at least five minutes. This gives the control board time to fully discharge and clears temporary errors from its memory. Plugging it back in sooner may not clear the error completely.

What if the washer door will not unlock after I reset it?

The door lock may not release if the cycle did not complete properly. Wait 30 seconds after the reset finishes, then try opening the door. If it still will not open, the door latch may be stuck or broken and the machine may need service.

Can I reset my Samsung washer while it is running a cycle?

Yes, you can unplug it or turn off the power at any time. The cycle will stop when ready. When you plug it back in or turn the power back on, the cycle will restart from the beginning, not resume where it left off.

Does a reset fix an error code permanently?

Only if the error was temporary. If the same error code returns on the next cycle, the underlying problem still exists — a clogged drain, a stuck door, or a water supply issue — and the reset is just a temporary fix. The machine will need repair to solve the real problem.