If your Samsung washing machine has stopped responding, is stuck on an error code, has frozen mid-cycle, or is behaving unpredictably after a power fluctuation, a reset is the right first step. Samsung’s control boards respond well to a proper power-cycle reset, and it clears a wide range of electronic glitches in about 60 seconds. Here’s how to reset a Samsung washing machine correctly, for both front-load and top-load models.
The standard reset (works on virtually all Samsung washers)
- If the machine is running, press and hold the Start/Pause button for about 5 seconds to cancel the cycle, or press Power to switch it off.
- Unplug the machine from the socket (or switch the socket off).
- Wait 60 seconds to 3 minutes — Samsung recommends waiting a full minute to allow the control board to fully discharge.
- Plug back in, power on, and select a programme to start fresh.
If an error code was showing before the reset, check whether it reappears. A code that comes back immediately means the underlying problem is still present — the reset cleared the error display, not the fault. See our Samsung error code guide for what each code means and how to fix the cause.
Resetting using the control panel (for soft resets)
Some Samsung models allow a control-panel reset without unplugging. On front-load WW series models: press and hold the Temperature and Delay End buttons simultaneously for 5 seconds — the display resets. On top-load WA series: press and hold Power + Start together for 5 seconds. These panel resets work for clearing child lock states and soft glitches, but for a thorough board reset after an error or power outage, the full unplug method above is more reliable.
Samsung SmartThings reset (for smart models)
On Samsung models with Wi-Fi and SmartThings app connectivity, you can check machine status and run a self-diagnosis from the app. If the app shows an error: open Samsung SmartThings, select your washing machine, tap “Run” under Self Check/Smart Check. The app decodes the error and suggests a fix. For a Wi-Fi-level reset (to reconnect after a router change or app issue), press and hold the Smart Control button for 3 seconds to reset the Wi-Fi module without affecting washing settings.
Specific reset situations
- After a power outage: unplug for 60 seconds, plug back in, restart. Most power-cut related freezes clear this way.
- 4E/4C (water fill error): fix the cause first (tap, hose, filter), then power-cycle reset.
- 5E/5C (drain error): clean the drain filter and check the drain hose, then reset.
- Child lock (CL showing): hold the Child Lock button ~3 sec — see our child lock guide.
- Machine frozen mid-cycle: hold Start/Pause 5 seconds to cancel, then full unplug reset.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I reset my Samsung washing machine?
Switch it off and unplug for 60 seconds to 3 minutes, then plug back in and start fresh. This power-cycle reset clears most electronic glitches and error states on both front-load and top-load Samsung models.
How do I reset a Samsung front-load washing machine?
Press and hold Start/Pause to cancel any running cycle, switch off using Power, unplug for 60 seconds, plug back in. For a panel soft-reset: hold Temperature + Delay End together for 5 seconds on WW series models.
Why doesn’t the reset clear my Samsung washing machine error?
Because the underlying fault is still there. A reset clears the control board’s state; it doesn’t fix a blocked drain filter (causing 5E) or a kinked inlet hose (causing 4E). Address the cause first, then reset.
The bottom line
The correct Samsung washing machine reset is a full unplug for 60 seconds — not just pressing Power off and on. After fixing the cause of any error code, this clears the board and lets you restart fresh. A code that returns immediately after a proper reset means the fault itself still needs to be addressed, not the reset procedure.