How to Reset a Samsung Washer: 3 Methods That Work

Quick Answer

Before you reset anything, write down whatever error code is showing.

I've been fixing Samsung washers for years and honestly, most of the glitches I see are the control board freaking out after a power spike or a sensor hiccup. A simple power cycle fixes it probably 70% of the time. But some of those ghost codes stay buried in memory even after you've already fixed the actual problem. Knowing how to wipe that error log is what separates a 5-minute fix from a whole frustrated afternoon.

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How to Reset Your Samsung Washer

Here's how I actually explain this to my customers: a reset is a diagnostic tool, not a permanent fix. It forces the washer to re-evaluate all its sensors and figure out if a fault is still physically there or just a leftover memory glitch. You already cleared the clog or leveled the machine? Great. These steps help the computer realize the problem's gone so it'll actually start running normal cycles again.

Most Likely Causes

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

Temporary sensor glitch after power fluctuation40%

Error code stuck in memory after the fault was already fixed24%

Child lock or demo mode accidentally activated22%

Cycle interrupted by a power outage14%

Symptoms You May Notice

Error code sitting on the display and it just won't clear no matter how many times you hit the power button.
Buttons are completely unresponsive. You're pressing stuff and nothing happens at all.
Machine froze partway through a wash with wet clothes inside and the door is locked shut.
The control panel is doing this annoying strobe thing where lights flash but it won't start or respond to anything.
Starts fine but stops at the exact same point every single cycle, usually right at the spin transition.

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 washer is showing:

4C Error →SC Error →DC Error →UB Error →

Frequently Asked Questions

Will resetting my Samsung washer delete my custom settings?

Don't worry about your saved 'My Cycle' settings or Wi-Fi connections. A standard error reset only hits the fault memory, not your user preferences. It's basically like rebooting your computer, your files stay put but the background errors get cleared out. Only a full factory 'Service Mode' reset would wipe everything, and that's not what we're doing here.

My Samsung washer is stuck mid-cycle with water in the drum. What do I do?

If it won't drain electronically, there's an emergency drain hose behind the small access panel on the bottom front of front-loaders. Put a shallow pan or some towels down first because that hose holds a lot of water. For top-loaders you might have to manually scoop some out. Don't force the door open while the drum's still full, you'll end up with a literal flood and a potentially damaged door latch on top of everything else.

How often is it normal to need a reset?

Once in a while after a power outage? Totally normal. But if you're resetting your Samsung more than once a month, something is actually wrong with the machine. Usually it's a failing drain pump, a worn door latch, or dirty power coming from your outlet. Constant resets also wear out the control board over time, so don't treat this as a permanent solution to a mechanical problem.

Can I reset my Samsung washer without unplugging it?

Yeah, actually. Method 3 (the Temp plus Spin combo) clears the error log without unplugging anything. And if your machine is just stuck or frozen, holding Start/Pause for 5 seconds will usually cancel the cycle and trigger a drain. The full unplug is really just for when the control board itself is locked up and not responding to any button presses at all. Start with the button methods, unplug only if those don't work.

I reset my Samsung washer but the same error code came right back. What now?

That means the fault is still physically present in the machine, and the reset just confirmed it. A code that comes back immediately after clearing is actually useful information, it tells you the problem isn't a glitch, it's a real broken part. Look up that specific error code on our site and go from there. Common repeaters on Samsung are the door latch (dL or dc), drain pump (5E or SE), and water inlet (4E or 4C). Don't keep resetting. Go find the actual part.

Related Samsung Washer Error Codes

Code: 4CSamsung Washer 4C Error Code: No Water Supply Code: SCSamsung Washer SC Error Code: Drain Failure Code: DCSamsung Washer DC Error Code: Door Not Latched Code: UBSamsung Washer UB Error Code: Unbalanced Load

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 washers with this error code. Common model numbers include:

WF45R6100AW, WF45T6000AW, WF45R6300AW, WF50R8500AV, WF45H5200AW, WA54R7200AW, WA50R5400AW, WA45T3400AW

Written by

Mike Sullivan

Lead Appliance Repair Technician · 20 years experience

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 14, 2026