Your Samsung washer is flashing the UE error code, which means it’s detected an unbalanced load and can’t complete the spin cycle. This frustrating error prevents your washer from finishing its job, leaving you with soaking wet clothes and a machine that won’t cooperate.
Step-by-Step Fixes
Step 1: Pause and Redistribute Your Laundry
Hit the pause button on your Samsung washer immediately. Open the door and manually redistribute the clothes inside the drum. Heavy items like towels or jeans often clump together on one side, throwing off the balance. Spread everything evenly around the drum, making sure no single area is overloaded. Close the door and restart the cycle.
Step 2: Remove or Add Items to Balance the Load
If redistributing doesn’t work, you might have too few or too many items. A single heavy blanket or just two towels can trigger the UE code. Remove some items if the drum is packed tight, or add a few similar-weight items if you’re washing just one or two things. The ideal load fills the drum about 3/4 full when dry. Press start and see if the error clears.
Step 3: Check Your Washer’s Level
Grab a bubble level or use a level app on your phone. Place it on top of your Samsung washer, checking both front-to-back and side-to-side. If the bubble isn’t centered, your machine is tilted. Adjust the washer’s feet by turning them clockwise to lower or counterclockwise to raise. Most Samsung washers have self-adjusting rear legs that level automatically when you lift the back slightly and set it down.
Step 4: Inspect the Suspension Rods and Springs
Turn off and unplug your washer for safety. For top-loaders, remove the top panel to see the suspension rods. For front-loaders, you’ll need to remove the front or rear panel. Look for broken springs, damaged shock absorbers, or suspension rods that have come loose. These parts keep the drum stable during spinning. If you spot damage, these components need replacement.
Step 5: Run a Calibration Cycle
Samsung washers have a built-in calibration mode that can fix minor balance issues. Make sure the drum is completely empty. Press and hold the Temp and Delay End buttons simultaneously for 3 seconds until “Cb” appears on the display. Press Start/Pause to begin calibration. The drum will spin for about 3 minutes. This recalibrates the weight sensors and can resolve persistent UE errors.
Step 6: Reset Your Washer Completely
If nothing else works, perform a full reset. Unplug your Samsung washer from the wall outlet. Wait exactly 60 seconds. While unplugged, press and hold the Start/Pause button for 5 seconds to discharge any remaining power. Plug the washer back in and run a small test load with just a few towels.
Likely Causes
Cause #1: Uneven Floor Surface
Your laundry room floor might have subtle slopes or dips that aren’t obvious to the naked eye. Even a slight tilt can cause the UE error, especially during high-speed spin cycles. Check by placing a marble on the floor near your washer. If it rolls in any direction, your floor is uneven. The solution is to adjust the washer’s leveling feet more precisely or place a piece of plywood under the machine to create a level surface.
Cause #2: Worn Shock Absorbers
Samsung washers manufactured between 2018 and 2025 use shock absorbers to minimize drum movement. These wear out after 5-7 years of regular use. You’ll know they’re failing if your washer moves excessively during spin cycles or makes loud banging noises. To check, push down on the drum when it’s empty. If it bounces more than once or feels loose, the shocks need replacement. This repair is best handled by a technician.
Cause #3: Damaged Door Lock Assembly
A faulty door lock can trigger the UE error even when the load is perfectly balanced. The washer’s computer thinks the door isn’t secure and stops the spin cycle as a safety measure. Test this by starting a cycle and gently pulling on the door. If it has any give or doesn’t feel completely locked, the latch mechanism needs attention. Clean the latch area with a damp cloth first, as lint buildup often causes this issue.
When to Call Expert Help
Contact a Samsung-certified technician when the UE error persists after trying all these fixes, especially if your washer is under warranty. Professional help is essential when you hear grinding noises, see visible damage to internal components, or if the drum moves excessively when pushed by hand. Technicians have specialized tools to diagnose electronic control board issues that can masquerade as balance problems. Expect to pay $150-300 for most repairs in 2025, but warranty coverage might reduce this cost.
Copy-Paste Prompt for AI Help
“My Samsung washer model [insert your model number] keeps showing UE error code. I’ve already tried redistributing the load and checking if it’s level. The washer is [age] years old and located on a [tile/wood/concrete] floor. The error happens most often when washing [describe your typical load]. What specific troubleshooting steps should I try for my exact model?”