If your LG washing machine has stopped mid-cycle, is showing an error code, has unresponsive buttons, or has developed an odd behaviour that appeared suddenly, a reset is almost always the right first step. LG’s control boards can get into error states from power fluctuations, interrupted cycles or software glitches — and a proper reset clears those states in a way that simply pressing Start again doesn’t. Here’s how to reset an LG washing machine correctly, and what to do if the reset doesn’t work.
The standard reset method (works on most LG front-load and top-load models)
- Press the Power button to switch the machine off (if it’s running, you may need to press and hold Power for 3–5 seconds).
- Unplug the machine from the wall socket, or switch off the dedicated socket it’s connected to.
- Wait a full 60 seconds — not 5 or 10. This is enough time for the capacitors on the control board to discharge and the processor to clear its memory state.
- Plug the machine back in and switch the socket on.
- Press Power to turn the machine on and start a fresh cycle.
If an error code was showing, check whether it reappears. If it does, the underlying fault is still present — a reset cleared the display state, not the problem. See our LG error code guide for what each code means and what to fix first.
LG SmartDiagnosis reset (for smart models)
On LG’s Wi-Fi and NFC-enabled models, you can run a SmartDiagnosis check from the LG ThinQ app — this reads the machine’s current state and identifies the issue. For a software-level reset on these models: open the ThinQ app, select your machine, and look for a “Restart” or “Reset” option in the settings. Some models also support a control-panel reset by pressing and holding the Wi-Fi and Power buttons together for 5 seconds.
Resetting to factory defaults (full reset)
A full factory reset clears all saved cycles and preferences. On most LG front-loaders: press and hold the Child Lock button for 5 seconds, or hold Spin Speed + Temp simultaneously for 5 seconds. The display briefly goes blank and resets. This is useful when the machine has saved settings that are causing repeated issues, or if you’re doing a deep troubleshoot. Check your model’s manual for the exact button combination, as it varies between the WM (front-load) and WT (top-load) series.
Model-specific reset notes
- LG front-load (WM series): standard power-cycle reset works for most error codes. Hold Power 3 sec if the machine is mid-cycle.
- LG top-load (WT series): same power-cycle reset. On older models, lifting the lid and closing it again after a reset can help the machine re-detect the load.
- LG inverter top-load (T series India): same method. If the display shows a blinking code after reset, note the code and refer to the error guide.
When to reset vs when to fix the underlying issue
A reset is appropriate when: the machine has frozen mid-cycle with no apparent cause, an error code appeared after a power outage, buttons have become unresponsive, or a single unexplained error has appeared. A reset is not a fix for: a blocked drain filter (OE error will return), a kinked inlet hose (IE error returns), an unbalanced load (UE error returns), or any physical fault. Fix the cause first, then reset.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I reset my LG washing machine?
Switch it off, unplug from the socket, wait 60 seconds for the control board to discharge, then plug back in and start fresh. This clears most error states and software glitches.
How do I reset an LG washing machine after a power cut?
Unplug for 60 seconds and restart — this is exactly the right response to a power-cut related fault. The PF (power failure) code that sometimes shows after a power cut clears on restart once power is stable.
Why does my LG washing machine keep showing the same error after reset?
Because the underlying fault is still present. A reset clears the control board’s memory; it doesn’t fix a blocked filter, kinked hose, or failing sensor. Address the cause described in the error code first, then reset.
The bottom line
The correct LG washing machine reset takes 60 seconds and starts with a full unplug — not just pressing Power again. After addressing the cause of any error code, this power-cycle reset clears the board and lets you start fresh. If the same code returns immediately, the problem is the fault, not the reset.