Why your code might look slightly different
Samsung has used several different code sets across its washer lineup over the years, more so than some other brands. An older top-load machine and a newer front-load model can display different codes for a similar underlying problem, and a digital display shows codes differently than an older LED panel. If the exact code on your machine doesn't match anything in the table below, your owner's manual or Samsung's model-specific support lookup is the more reliable source. This page covers the codes with enough real-world volume to be worth a dedicated guide, not every code Samsung has ever used.
Same letters, different brand. Samsung and LG both use the letters UE and DE on their washers, but each brand assigns its own meaning to them internally. If you've owned washers from both brands, or you're reading general "washer error code" advice online, don't assume a code means the same thing across brands. Always match the code to the specific machine in front of you.
Full Samsung washer error code table
| Code | What it means | Common causes |
|---|---|---|
| 4C | Water supply error, the washer isn't getting enough water, or fast enough | Supply valve not fully open, kinked inlet hose, clogged inlet filter, low household water pressure |
| SC | Drain error, the washer isn't draining within its expected time | Clogged drain pump filter, kinked drain hose, drain hose positioned too high |
| UR | Unbalanced load, the washer's sensor detects uneven weight and tries to rebalance on its own before pausing the spin if it can't | Uneven load distribution, a single heavy or bulky item, washer not sitting level |
| SUD | Excess suds detected in the tub | Too much detergent, or the wrong type for the machine |
| UB | A load-balance code some models display alongside or instead of UR | Similar causes to UR, uneven weight in the drum |
| SE | A sensor-related code; on some model generations it's tied to suds detection rather than a separate fault | Varies by model, check your manual for the specific meaning on your machine |
| U6 | A water-level or pressure-sensor code, which overlaps with 4C on some model generations | Similar causes to 4C in many cases |
| 4E | A no- or low-water-supply code, closely related to 4C on many models | Similar causes to 4C |
| UE | An unbalanced-load code on Samsung machines, distinct from LG's UE code | Similar causes to UR/UB |
| DE | A door error, distinct from LG's DE code | Door or lid not detected as closed or locked |
| LE | Generally tied to a leak or motor-related fault on Samsung washers; check your manual for the exact meaning on your model | Varies by model |
SUD, UB, SE, U6, 4E, UE, DE, and LE don't have a dedicated walkthrough page on this site yet. If one of those is what you're seeing, check your owner's manual or Samsung's model-specific support lookup for now.
Before you call for service
A handful of basics apply regardless of which code you're seeing. Unplug the washer for about 60 seconds and restart, which clears a meaningful share of transient sensor faults without any repair at all. Confirm the door or lid is fully closed and latched. And rule out a child-lock or demo mode, both of which can make the display behave in ways that look like an error but aren't one.