This site is not affiliated with Samsung; this is an independent explanation.
Here is the Samsung washing machine error code list for the faults owners meet most often, on both top load and front load machines. Samsung shows them as two characters on the display, such as 4C, 5C, UB, DC or LC, and sometimes the second character is an E instead of a C. They are alerts, not final verdicts: the machine tells you which stage it could not complete.
On most models, the first group of codes relate to water in, water out, door state and an uneven load, and those are often yours to fix in minutes. A smaller group relate to the motor, the water level sensor or the heater, and those need a technician. Meanings shift a little between models, so use the booklet or Samsung authorised service before you take anything apart.
Common causes
1Water not entering (4C or 4E)
How to tellDrum stays dry or trickles in slowly; tap or hose may be half shut
What fixes itOpen the tap, free the hose and rinse the inlet screen
2Water not leaving (5C or 5E)
How to tellMurky water lingers in the drum and the drain runs slowly
What fixes itStraighten the drain hose and clean the drain filter
3Unbalanced load (UB)
How to tellMachine shakes and stops in spin, clothes bunched on one side
What fixes itPause, spread the clothes evenly and restart the spin
4Door or lid not closed (DC or DE)
How to tellCycle will not start or stops, the latch does not click
What fixes itRemove caught clothes and close the door firmly
5Water leak detected (LC or LE)
How to tellWater on the floor, or the code appears with a damp base
What fixes itSwitch off, check hose joints, call service if water reaches the base
6Motor or sensor fault (3C, 1C, 1E and others)
How to tellThe code repeats after a reset, the drum will not turn properly
What fixes itAuthorised service tests the motor, sensor or board
How to fix it, step by step
Pause, note the code and switch off
Read the exact two characters. Press the power button to stop the cycle, and unplug the machine if there is water on the floor.
Check the door or lid and the load
Open the door, remove stuck clothing and close it firmly until it clicks. Take out some of the clothes if the drum is packed, and spread the rest evenly.
Open the tap and clean the inlet filter
For 4C, check that the tap is fully open and that the inlet hose is not bent. Unscrew the hose end, rinse the small mesh screen and refit it hand tight.
Clear the drain hose and filter
For 5C, check that the drain hose is not kinked or pushed too far into the pipe. On a front load, open the small filter door slowly with a tray under it and clear lint and coins.
Rebalance bulky items
For UB, wash a blanket or heavy jeans along with a few light items. A single large item bunches up and throws the drum off balance.
Power reset the machine
Unplug for five minutes and plug in again. Start a short cycle with a small load. If the same code returns quickly, the fault is real.
Call Samsung authorised service for sensors and motor codes
Give the exact code, model number and what you tried. Do not open the back panel, remove the drum or test the motor yourself.
Samsung washing machine error code list for common codes
| Code | Usual meaning | First move |
|---|---|---|
| 4C or 4E | Water supply problem | Tap, hose, inlet filter |
| 5C or 5E | Drain problem | Drain hose, drain filter |
| UB | Unbalanced load | Spread the clothes |
| DC or DE | Door or lid issue | Close the door properly |
| LC or LE | Water leak detected | Switch off and check joints |
| 3C or 3E | Motor related | Reset once, then service |
| 1C or 1E | Water level sensor related | Reset once, then service |
On some top load models, DC can also appear around the drying stage, so check your manual if it appears mid cycle.
How to fix 4C error in Samsung washing machine
The 4C code means the machine waited for water and did not get enough. Check the tap first, then the hose for kinks behind the machine, then the inlet screen. If you live in a building with a rooftop tank, weak pressure at busy hours can also cause it. Try again at a quieter time or with the tap fully open.
You press start, hear a short hum, and after a few minutes the display shows 4C with an empty drum. The tap is open but the hose behind the machine is folded. Straighten it and restart, and check the small screen at the tap end if the code returns.
Samsung 5C, DC, UB and the others
To fix 5C error on a Samsung washing machine, know that most cases are a kinked drain hose or a clogged filter. For UB, the load is uneven. To fix DC error in Samsung washing machine models, check that the door or lid is not seen as closed, or the latch is damaged. If water is trapped inside, do not yank the door. Let the lock let go on its own, and keep a tray and towel ready before opening any filter. The 3C code and other motor related codes can come from overload, a stuck drum or a worn part, so reset once and then call service.
Do not open the back or top panel, test the motor or bypass a door switch. These steps risk electric shock and can void the warranty. If your machine is under warranty, call Samsung authorised service first.
Samsung washing machine spin not working
If the spin fails, look at the code. UB means rebalance the load, 5C means fix the drain, and DC means close the door properly. If no code shows and the drum hums but does not spin, the belt, motor or board may be at fault. For a general view of spin, drain and display problems across all makes, read washing machine not working.
Frequently asked questions
What does the 4C error mean on a Samsung washing machine?
On most models 4C means the machine is not getting enough water. Check the tap, the inlet hose and the inlet filter, then restart.
How do I fix the 5C error on a Samsung washing machine?
5C is usually a drain problem. Straighten the drain hose, clean the drain filter on a front load and run a drain cycle. Call service if water still stays in.
What is the UB error code in a Samsung washing machine?
UB tells you the clothes have bunched up on one side. Pause, spread them out and resume, and try not to wash one heavy item on its own.
What does the DC error mean on a Samsung washing machine?
On most models DC points to the door or lid not closing properly. Check the latch and clear caught clothes. On some models it can also appear during drying, so check your manual.
What is the LC error on a Samsung washing machine?
It usually means a water leak was detected. Switch off, check the hoses and joints and call service if water is coming from inside the machine.