How to Reset a Samsung Washer

Important: Samsung officially states that there is no true reset function on their washing machines. What’s commonly called a “reset” is simply a power cycle—unplugging the washer and allowing it to discharge. This guide explains how to properly power cycle your Samsung washer and when it’s appropriate to do so.

When to Reset Your Samsung Washer

Reset your washer when:

• An error code appears and won’t clear
• The control panel is unresponsive
• Buttons don’t respond as expected
• The washer stops mid-cycle unexpectedly
• After a power outage or surge
• The display shows incorrect information
• Cycles aren’t running properly

Model Coverage

These reset methods apply to:

• Samsung front-load washers: WF42, WF45, WF50, WF56 series
• Samsung top-load washers: WA45, WA50, WA52, WA54 series
• AddWash models
• Smart washers with Wi-Fi
• Models manufactured 2015-2024

Specific button combinations may vary by model—check your owner’s manual for exact instructions.

The Only Reset Method: Power Cycle

Samsung officially confirms that the only way to “reset” a Samsung washer is to power cycle it. Here’s the proper procedure:

Steps

1. Turn off the washer by pressing the Power button
2. Unplug the power cord from the electrical outlet
3. Wait 1-5 minutes — Samsung recommends this range for the capacitors to discharge
4. Plug the washer back in
5. Press Power to turn on
6. Test by starting a cycle

Why This Works

The control board contains capacitors that store electrical charge. Unplugging allows these components to discharge completely, which can clear temporary electronic glitches. However, this does NOT reset the washer to factory settings—it simply clears temporary error states.

Warning: Don’t Over-Reset

Avoid repeatedly resetting your washer. Each power cycle can clear diagnostic error history that technicians need to properly diagnose problems. If you’re experiencing recurring errors, address the underlying issue rather than repeatedly power cycling.

Method 2: Cancel and Reset

For clearing a stuck cycle:

Steps

1. Press and hold the Start/Pause button for 3-5 seconds
2. Wait for the cycle to cancel — the washer may drain first
3. Press Power to turn off
4. Wait 1 minute
5. Press Power to turn back on
6. Select a new cycle and start fresh

Method 3: Calibration Mode

Calibration mode recalibrates the washer’s sensors and can resolve persistent issues:

For Front-Load Washers (WF Series)

1. Ensure the drum is empty — no laundry inside
2. Turn on the washer
3. Press and hold Temp + Delay End simultaneously for 3 seconds (or as specified in your manual)
4. The display will show “Cb” or similar calibration indicator
5. Press Start to begin calibration
6. Wait for completion — the drum will spin in both directions
7. When finished, the washer returns to standby

For Top-Load Washers (WA Series)

1. Empty the drum completely
2. Turn on the washer
3. Press and hold Soil Level + Delay End for 3 seconds (check your specific model)
4. Look for “Cb” or calibration mode indicator
5. Press Start
6. Allow calibration to complete

What Calibration Does

• Recalibrates the weight/load sensor
• Resets water level calibration
• Restores default timing parameters
• Clears accumulated sensor drift

When to Run Calibration

• After moving the washer
• After leveling adjustments
• When cycles aren’t filling or draining correctly
• When the washer consistently misjudges load size
• After repairs involving the drum or sensors

Method 4: Wi-Fi/Smart Reset

For Samsung Smart washers connected to SmartThings:

Via SmartThings App

1. Open the SmartThings app
2. Select your washer
3. Tap Settings (gear icon)
4. Look for Factory Reset or Network Reset options
5. Follow app prompts

Network Reset Only

To reset only the Wi-Fi connection:

1. On the washer, navigate to settings (if display allows)
2. Select Network Settings
3. Choose Reset Network
4. Reconnect to your home Wi-Fi through the app

Method 5: Factory Reset

A factory reset returns all settings to original defaults. This is more drastic than a power reset:

Steps (Varies by Model)

1. Turn on the washer
2. Access the settings menu (method varies by model)
3. Navigate to Factory Reset or Initialize
4. Confirm the reset
5. Wait for the washer to restart

What Factory Reset Clears

• Custom cycle preferences
• Saved favorite settings
• Network/Wi-Fi credentials
• Language and display preferences
• Usage statistics

Note: Factory reset does NOT clear error history stored for service diagnostics.

Child Lock Reset

If “CL” displays and controls won’t respond:

1. Press and hold the Child Lock button for 3 seconds
2. Or try: Temp + Rinse held for 3 seconds (model dependent)
3. The lock icon should disappear
4. Controls should now respond normally

Troubleshooting Reset Issues

Reset Doesn’t Clear Error Code

If the error returns immediately after reset:

• The underlying problem hasn’t been resolved
• Address the specific issue indicated by the code
• See our error code guides for troubleshooting

Controls Still Unresponsive After Reset

• Try a longer unplugged period (10-15 minutes)
• Check the electrical outlet with another device
• The control board may have failed

Calibration Won’t Start

• Ensure the drum is completely empty
• Verify the door is fully closed
• Try the button combination again, holding for 5 seconds
• Check your owner’s manual for model-specific instructions

Preventing Future Reset Needs

• Use a surge protector for your washer
• Don’t interrupt cycles frequently
• Keep the washer clean (run tub clean cycle monthly)
• Address error codes promptly rather than repeatedly resetting

Safety Notes

• Resetting cannot fix mechanical problems
• If you smell burning or see smoke, do NOT reset—unplug and call for service
• Reset is not a substitute for repair when components have failed

Sources

For official Samsung support:

• Samsung: Resetting Your Washing Machine
• Samsung US Support

Related Guides

• Samsung Washer Error Codes: Complete Guide
• 4E Error: Water Supply Fix
• UE Error: Unbalanced Load Solutions