Samsung Appliance Error Codes

21E: Freezer fan error

21E means the electronics are not sensing rotation from the freezer fan when it should be running. Samsung says the fan is usually frozen up from a door left open or a gap in the door gasket, though the fan motor can also fail.

• Freezer door left open or a gasket gap letting moist air in
• Frost or ice packed around the freezer fan
• Freezer packed so full the door does not close completely
• Failed freezer fan motor

• Check that the freezer is not overpacked and the door closes fully.
• Look at the door gasket for gaps, folds or tears and make sure it seals all the way around.
• If you choose to, defrost the unit fully (doors open, towels down) before restarting, as Samsung suggests.

• The code returns after defrosting
• The freezer will not hold 0°F
• The fan is noisy or silent with the door switch pressed

Samsung asks owners not to unplug the fridge or press buttons to clear a code unless its own steps say to, because that can erase information a technician uses to diagnose it.

Manufacturer sources: Samsung US: Refrigerator error codes; Samsung Canada: Common refrigerator error codes. Checked October 27, 2026.

22E (also shown as 22C): Fridge fan error

22E or 22C means the control is not getting feedback from the fan that moves cold air through the fridge section. Samsung says it is often caused by running the fridge with a door left open too long, which lets frost build on the fan, but it can also be a failed fan motor.

• A door left open or not sealing, letting frost freeze the fan
• Ice buildup around the fridge evaporator fan
• A failed fan motor or a wiring problem

• Make sure nothing is blocking either door and the gaskets touch all the way around.
• Samsung's published step for this code: unplug the fridge, leave the doors open for a few hours (put towels down for melt water), then plug it back in, close the doors and resume normal use.
• Keep food in a cooler while it defrosts and check temperatures with a fridge thermometer afterward.

• The code comes back after a full defrost
• The fridge section stays above 40°F
• You hear a fan scraping, clicking or not running at all

Samsung asks owners not to unplug the fridge or press buttons to clear a code unless its own steps say to, because that can erase information a technician uses to diagnose it.

Manufacturer sources: Samsung Canada: Common refrigerator error codes; Samsung US: Refrigerator error codes. Checked October 27, 2026.

33E: Ice pipe heater error

33E is Samsung's ice pipe heater error. The small heater keeps the water fill tube to the ice maker from freezing. When it fails, the fill tube can freeze and the ice maker stops getting water.

• Failed ice pipe (fill tube) heater
• Wiring or connector problem to the heater
• Control board not powering the heater

• Check whether the ice maker is still making ice and whether the fill tube area shows ice.
• Make sure the water supply valve behind the fridge is open and the filter is not overdue.
• Keep using the fridge and freezer normally; this code affects ice making, not cooling.

• The code stays on or keeps coming back
• The ice maker has stopped filling
• Ice keeps forming in the fill tube

Samsung asks owners not to unplug the fridge or press buttons to clear a code unless its own steps say to, because that can erase information a technician uses to diagnose it.

Manufacturer sources: Samsung US: Refrigerator error codes. Checked October 27, 2026.

39E (also shown as 39C): Ice maker function error

39E or 39C is Samsung's ice maker function error. The ice maker did not complete its cycle the way the control expected, often because ice is jammed or the ice maker assembly has a fault.

• Ice jammed in the ice maker or bucket
• Ice maker module or motor fault
• Water supply problem leading to a bad fill

• Remove the ice bucket and check for clumped or jammed ice; empty and reseat it.
• Make sure the water supply valve is open and the water filter is not overdue.
• Check that the ice maker is switched on in the settings.

• The code returns after clearing ice
• The ice maker stays stuck or makes no ice
• Water is leaking near the ice maker

Samsung asks owners not to unplug the fridge or press buttons to clear a code unless its own steps say to, because that can erase information a technician uses to diagnose it.

Manufacturer sources: Samsung US: Refrigerator error codes. Checked October 27, 2026.

5E: Fridge defrost sensor error

5E is Samsung's fridge defrost sensor error. The sensor tells the control when the coils are clear of frost. If it fails, defrost may not run correctly and frost can build up and block airflow.

• Failed fridge defrost sensor
• Wiring or connector problem to the sensor
• Heavy ice buildup around the sensor

• Note whether the fridge section is getting warm and whether you see frost on the back wall.
• Keep doors closed and use a fridge thermometer to watch temperatures (40°F or below in the fridge).
• Leave the code on the display for the technician unless Samsung's steps for your model say otherwise.

• The fridge warms up or frost keeps building
• The code is on the display and does not clear

Samsung asks owners not to unplug the fridge or press buttons to clear a code unless its own steps say to, because that can erase information a technician uses to diagnose it.

Manufacturer sources: Samsung US: Refrigerator error codes. Checked October 27, 2026.

84C: Compressor lock

84C is Samsung's compressor lock code. It means the compressor is not starting or running normally. That is part of the sealed refrigeration system, which only a licensed technician should work on.

• Compressor not starting or locked
• Problem with the compressor drive or control
• Power supply problems

• Confirm the fridge is on its own outlet with no extension cord or power strip.
• Move perishables to a cooler and watch temperatures with a thermometer.
• Do not try to service the compressor or anything in the sealed system yourself.

• Any time you see this code
• The fridge or freezer is warming up

Samsung asks owners not to unplug the fridge or press buttons to clear a code unless its own steps say to, because that can erase information a technician uses to diagnose it.

Manufacturer sources: Samsung US: Refrigerator error codes; Samsung Canada: Common refrigerator error codes. Checked October 27, 2026.

88 88 (also shown as 83E, 85E, 86E): Power or communication fault

88 88 is a communication fault that Samsung says can happen when power is disrupted during startup. Related codes 83E, 85E and 86E point to abnormal compressor current, low voltage or over voltage after a surge or brownout.

• Power outage, surge or brownout
• Power interrupted while the fridge was starting up
• A shared or loose outlet

• Unplug the fridge or turn off its circuit breaker for 60 seconds, then restore power (this is Samsung's published step for these codes).
• Plug the fridge directly into a wall outlet, not an extension cord or power strip.
• After a storm or outage, watch the code for a day.

• The code comes back after the 60 second power reset
• The fridge stops cooling
• Breakers trip or the outlet feels warm (call an electrician for the outlet)

Manufacturer sources: Samsung US: Refrigerator error codes; Samsung Canada: Common refrigerator error codes. Checked October 27, 2026.

OF OF (also shown as O FF, OFF OFF): Cooling Off (demo) mode, not a fault

OF OF, O FF or OFF OFF means the fridge is in Cooling Off mode, also called Demo or Shop mode. Cooling, ice making and the dispenser are turned off. Samsung says service is not required.

• Cooling Off mode turned on by accident (often by holding two buttons)
• Fridge left in showroom mode after delivery

• On most models with the panel on the outside left: touch and hold the top two buttons on the left side for 5 to 8 seconds until a chime sounds.
• On some newer models the top button on the right side is also needed. Try two buttons first.
• Wait a few moments to confirm the display does not return to OF OF. Repeat if it does. Your user manual has the exact steps for your model.

• You cannot get out of Cooling Off mode with the manual steps
• The display is normal but the fridge still is not cooling

Manufacturer sources: Samsung US: Refrigerator error codes; Samsung US: Fridge shows OF OF or O FF. Checked October 27, 2026.

4C (also shown as 4E, nF): Not filling (water supply) error

4C, 4E or nF means water is not entering the washer correctly. Samsung lists closed or kinked supply hoses, a missing hot water connection, a drain hose pushed too far into the standpipe, and clogged inlet screens as common causes.

• Water valves not fully open
• Kinked supply hoses, or hot and cold hoses swapped
• Hot water line not connected (the washer may call for hot water even on cold cycles)
• Clogged inlet filter screens from sediment
• Drain hose inserted too far into the drain pipe (siphoning)

• Open both hot and cold valves fully and leave them open while the washer runs.
• Check that hot goes to hot and cold to cold, and that the hoses are not bent. Samsung says not to use Flood Safe hoses.
• Check that the drain hose sits about 6 to 8 inches into the drain pipe, not deeper.
• Unplug the washer or switch off its breaker for 1 minute, then try again.
• With the valves off, disconnect the hoses and clean the small inlet screens if you see debris. Hard water and sediment can clog them over time.

• Water still does not flow with valves open and screens clean
• You hear the valve buzz but no water comes in
• The code returns every cycle

Manufacturer sources: Samsung US: Washing machine error codes; Samsung UK: What the codes on my washing machine mean. Checked October 27, 2026.

5C (also shown as 5E, nd): Drain error

5C or 5E (nd on some models) means the washer is not draining at the right speed or at all. A clogged drain pump filter or a kinked or blocked drain hose is the usual cause.

• Clogged drain pump filter (coins, hair ties, lint)
• Kinked or clogged drain hose
• Drain hose too low or pushed too deep into the standpipe
• Too many suds from non-HE detergent
• Failed drain pump

• Unplug the washer and put towels and a shallow pan in front of it.
• Open the small access panel at the bottom front, drain water through the emergency hose, then remove and clean the pump filter.
• Pull the washer out and straighten or clear the drain hose.
• Make sure you are using HE detergent in the right amount.

• The filter and hose are clear and it still will not drain
• The pump hums but no water moves
• The door will not open with water inside

Manufacturer sources: Samsung UK: What the codes on my washing machine mean; Samsung US: Washing machine error codes. Checked October 27, 2026.

LE (also shown as LC, 1E, 1C, LC1): Water level or leak error

LE, LC, 1E or 1C means moisture was detected where it should not be, or the water level sensor has a problem. Samsung says to look for a leak first and to rule out excess suds.

• A small leak from a hose, the door boot or the pump
• Kinked supply or drain hoses
• Too much detergent or non-HE detergent creating suds
• Water level sensor problem

• Look under and around the washer for water and check hose connections.
• Make sure supply and drain hoses are not kinked. Do not remove the screw that holds the drain hose holder on the back.
• Run an empty cycle with no detergent. If suds appear, keep running empty cycles until they stop.

• You find a leak from inside the washer
• No suds, no visible leak, and the code continues

Manufacturer sources: Samsung US: Washing machine error codes; Samsung UK: What the codes on my washing machine mean. Checked October 27, 2026.

Sud (also shown as SUd, 5ud, Sd): Too many suds

Sud means the washer detected an over-sudsing condition. It pauses so the suds can settle, then continues on its own. Samsung says it does not mean service is needed; it comes from detergent use.

• Non-HE detergent
• Too much HE detergent
• Detergent added to the drum and the dispenser

• Let the washer finish; it resumes automatically.
• Use only HE detergent and measure to the line for your load.
• If suds persist, run an empty rinse cycle with no detergent.

• Sud appears with correct HE detergent use
• The washer also leaks or will not drain

Manufacturer sources: Samsung US: Washing machine error codes. Checked October 27, 2026.

UE (also shown as Ub, U6, dc (some models)): Unbalanced load error

UE, Ub or U6 means the load is unbalanced in the tub and the washer will not finish the spin. Ur is a retry message that just means the washer is trying to rebalance. On some models dC also means unbalanced load, so check your manual.

• A single heavy item like a rug, comforter or jacket
• Laundry tangled to one side
• Very small loads
• Washer not level or shifting on the floor

• Untangle and spread the laundry evenly in the tub.
• Wash heavy single items with a couple of towels to balance them.
• Close the door and press Start to restart.
• Check that the washer is level and all four feet touch the floor.

• It shows the code on normal, balanced loads
• The tub knocks loudly or the washer walks across the floor
• The washer will not spin at all

Manufacturer sources: Samsung US: Washing machine error codes. Checked October 27, 2026.

dC (also shown as dE, dE1, dL, LO, FL): Door error

dC, dE, dE1, dL and similar codes mean the door is not detected as closed and locked. On some Samsung models dC instead means an unbalanced load, so check the user manual for your model.

• Laundry caught in the door or gasket
• Door not fully closed
• Damaged or misaligned latch or door lock
• Child Lock active with water in the tub

• Open the door, clear any clothes from the gasket, and close it firmly.
• Check that the latch is securely attached and not damaged.
• If Child Lock is on and there is water in the tub, close the door or turn off Child Lock; the washer will drain after 30 seconds.

• The door is closed and the code stays
• The latch or hinge is broken
• The door will not unlock after the cycle

Manufacturer sources: Samsung US: Washing machine error codes; Samsung UK: What the codes on my washing machine mean. Checked October 27, 2026.

dE (also shown as dC, dF, do, d0): Door error

dE, dC, dF or do on a Samsung dryer means the door, its latch or the door sensor is not detected as secured.

• Clothes caught in the door
• Door not fully closed
• Damaged latch or strike
• Faulty door switch or sensor

• Open the door, clear any clothing, and close it firmly.
• Check that the latch is attached and not cracked or bent.
• Power the dryer off for 2 to 3 minutes and try again.

• The door closes but the code stays
• The latch or hinge is damaged

Manufacturer sources: Samsung US: Dryer displays an error code; Samsung Canada: Dryer error codes. Checked October 27, 2026.