How to Reset a Samsung Dryer: All Methods

Quick Answer

Samsung dryers can be reset using two primary methods. Method 1 is a power cycle: unplug the dryer from the wall for 60 seconds, then reconnect. This clears the control board memory and dismisses any soft faults. Method 2 is a cycle cancel: hold the Start/Pause button for 5 seconds to cancel the current cycle and clear the display.

I've seen this play out a hundred times. Homeowner calls, dryer's throwing some code, they're panicking. Nine times out of ten it's a ghost code from a power hiccup. A good reset tells you everything you need to know. If the code clears and stays gone, you just saved yourself a $150 service call. If it comes back within one cycle, the board's flagging a real failure and you need to dig deeper.

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How to Reset Your Samsung Dryer

Samsung control boards are honestly pretty sensitive to voltage swings in your home. I've been out to plenty of houses where a hard reset after a storm rolling through was literally all it took. But here's the thing: if the code won't budge after these steps, that board's detected something real. Don't keep resetting it hoping it'll go away. It won't.

Most Likely Causes

Based on aggregated repair data, here is the probability breakdown for this error code:

Transient power glitch causing a false error code40%

Cycle interrupted by brief power fluctuation24%

Lint filter reminder (CL, CL9) needing acknowledgment22%

Soft control board fault after extended use14%

Symptoms You May Notice

An error code sitting on the display and the dryer was working perfectly ten minutes ago, which is your first hint it's probably a ghost code.
Drum won't spin and the buttons don't respond at all, kind of like the whole control panel just froze mid-thought.
CL or CL9 is showing and the dryer refuses to start until you clear it, which is actually by design.
Dryer stuck in the middle of a cycle and just sitting there not advancing, heat on or not, depending on exactly where it froze.
You turned it on, it ran for about 30 seconds making all the normal sounds, then it just stopped and threw a code out of nowhere.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

Flashlight (for checking behind the unit if the outlet is hard to access)

Diagnostic Checklist

Follow these steps in order. We start with the easiest external fixes before opening up the machine.

Did the reset not work?

If the problem comes back after following these steps, a component has permanently failed and needs replacement. Check the specific error code your dryer is showing:

HUB Error →DC Error →HC Error →CL9 Error →

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I need to unplug my Samsung dryer to reset it?

A full 60 seconds, minimum. Here's why: Samsung dryers have capacitors on the main control board that store a small electrical charge, kind of like a mini battery. These capacitors keep the processor's short-term memory alive during brief power flickers, which is actually useful when the lights blink during a storm. But it also means if you plug the dryer back in at 15 or 20 seconds, the board never fully restarted. It just picked up right where it left off, code and all. Set a timer. Give it the full minute.

Will resetting my Samsung dryer fix the error code?

Depends on what threw the code. If it was a power fluke, a reset fixes it permanently. But if the code came from a real part failure, like a bad thermistor or a failed heating element, the board's going to detect that fault again the second you start a new cycle. Usually takes less than two minutes to come back. So run a ten-minute Timed Dry after the reset. If the code returns, you've got a real repair on your hands. The reset basically gives you a yes/no answer on whether you need parts or just got unlucky with a voltage spike.

Does unplugging a Samsung dryer reset all my settings?

You won't lose any saved custom cycles or preferences. What you will lose is the progress on whatever was in the drum when you cut the power, so that load needs to start over. On newer WiFi-enabled models like the DV50R5400EV and DVE55R5400V, the dryer might take a moment to reconnect to your network after power comes back, but the WiFi credentials are stored in non-volatile memory and they'll survive the restart. You won't have to reconfigure your SmartThings connection or anything like that.

How do I enter service or diagnostic mode on a Samsung dryer?

On most Samsung dryers made after 2018, hold the Dryness and Wrinkle Prevent buttons at the same time until the lights flash. Once you're in test mode, rotating the cycle selector dial scrolls through the last stored error codes. I use this constantly to catch intermittent issues, like a code that only shows up every fifth cycle. A straight power reset clears codes from the display, but they're still sitting in the board's memory in test mode. That's really useful when a customer says 'it throws a code sometimes but never when you're here.' Test mode is how you catch those ghosts.

What does the CL or CL9 code mean on a Samsung dryer?

CL means clean your lint filter. CL9 means you've got about 10 cycles left before the dryer locks you out completely. It's a maintenance reminder, not a real error code. But some Samsung models genuinely won't start until you acknowledge it. To clear it, either hold Start for 5 seconds or do the full 60-second power reset. Clean the lint trap first though, seriously. A clogged lint path is the number one cause of dryer fires and I'm not exaggerating. While you're at it, go outside and check that the vent hood isn't blocked. I've found bird nests in there. Twice.

What if I keep resetting it and the same code keeps coming back?

Stop resetting it and write down the specific code. A reset is a diagnostic tool, not a fix. If the same code comes back within one or two cycles, the control board is doing exactly what it's supposed to and telling you a part has failed. The most common repeat offenders on Samsung dryers are the thermistor, the thermal fuse, and the moisture sensor bars. I replaced three thermal fuses just last month. Look up your specific error code, figure out what part it points to, and get that fixed. Resetting a hard fault over and over just delays the inevitable and sometimes causes secondary damage.

Related Samsung Dryer Error Codes

Code: HUBSamsung Dryer Error Codes: Complete Guide to Every Fault Code Code: DCSamsung Dryer DC Error Code: Door Open Fault Fix Code: HCSamsung Dryer HC Error Code: High Temperature Fault Code: CL9Samsung Dryer CL9 Code: Clean Lint Filter Reminder

Same Fix Works on These Brands

Samsung shares the same hardware platform with these brands. The diagnosis and repair steps are identical.

Samsung washerSamsung Washer 3C2 Error Code: Motor Stall Samsung washerSamsung Washer 3E Error Code: Motor Fault Samsung washerSamsung Washer 4E Error Code: Water Supply Fault (Top Load)Samsung washerSamsung Washer 5C Error Code: Drain Error (Older Display)Samsung washerSamsung Washer 8C Error Code: Vibration Sensor Fault Samsung washerSamsung Washer 8E Error Code: Motor Frequency Sensor Fault

Models Known to Experience RESET Errors

This repair applies to most Samsung dryers with this error code. Common model numbers include:

DV45R6100CW, DV45T3400W, DV50R5400EV, DVE45R6100W, DVE55R5400V, DV45H7000EW, DVG45R6100W, DVG50R5400V

Written by

Mike Sullivan

Lead Appliance Repair Technician · 20 years experience

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 14, 2026