What do the symbols on my washing machine mean?

If your washing machine is experiencing problems, it may show a code on the display. Each code indicates a different issue with your appliance and can often be fixed without calling an engineer. Use the tables below to identify the cause of your code and any possible solutions.

If you see a check code that isn't listed then try consulting your user manual. If you have tried all possible solutions and the problem persists, please contact your nearest Samsung Service Centre or book a repair from an engineer.

Troubleshoot your issue and book a repair

Troubleshoot your issue and book a repair

Try our online troubleshooter for a resolution or book a repair if needed. All our Samsung Authorised Service Partners are endorsed by Which? Trusted Traders for Home Appliance, TV/AV installation and repair.

There are many different symbols, buttons and icons that are used on Samsung devices. These are designed to provide information quickly and clearly. Symbols and icons displayed on your washing machine are not the same as codes. Rather than telling you that something is wrong, icons let you know what your washing machine is doing and provide extra information. The buttons used can look very similar to the symbols and often correspond with them. It is useful to understand what both mean. 

Please note: Available icons and their appearance will vary between models.

Garment +

The T-Shirt with a + icon indicates that you can pause the cycle to add more clothing. Some washing machines have an Addwash door, making it even easier to add clothing during a cycle.

Intensive 

For badly soiled laundry. When this light is on the operation time for each cycle is longer than normal.

Child Lock

Child Lock Samsung washing machine icon

The smiley face icon indicates that Child Lock has been turned on. All buttons on your washing machine other than the power button and the control dial are disabled. On some washing machines, the door will also be locked. Read our FAQ on how to switch the child lock off on your Samsung washing machine for help turning your child lock on and off. 

Door Lock

Door Lock Samsung washing machine icon

The padlock (without a smiley face) or the key icon indicates that the door is locked. The washing machine door will lock whenever a cycle is in progress or it is unsafe to open the door. Do not attempt to open the door while this icon is lit.

Delay Start

Delay Start Samsung washing machine icon

The clock icon indicates that delay start is in use. Delay start prepares a cycle to begin at a designated time.

Time Remaining

Time Remaining Samsung washing machine icon

The hourglass icon indicates how much time is left in the cycle. The number shown on the display while the hourglass appears is the time remaining. 

Signal Off

Signal Off Samsung washing machine icon

The crossed out speaker icon and the crossed out bell indicate that the signal sounds that happen at the end of a cycle have been turned off. To turn sounds on or off  hold down the spin and options buttons simultaneously for 3 seconds.

Pure Cycle / Self Clean

Self Clean Samsung washing machine icon

The icon of a washing machine drum will be displayed after a certain number of washes. The number will vary depending on your washing machine model. This icon lets you know that a cleaning cycle should be run. 

Rinse and Extra Rinse

Extra Rinse Samsung washing machine icon

The button with a sink and no + icon is used to set the rinse count for a current cycle. You can set the rinse count to a max of 5, depending on the cycle.

The sink of water with a + icon indicates that the extra rinse feature has been turned on. Extra rinse adds additional time onto the rinse portion of the cycle to help remove laundry additives and perfumes.

Steam

Steam Samsung washing machine icon

The clouds icon indicates that the steam option has been turned on. Steam is used to improve stain treatment and use less water when washing colourfast clothing.

Interior Lamp

Interior Lamp Samsung washing machine icon

The lightbulb icon indicates that the light inside the washing machine has been turned on.

Spin and No Spin

When the no spin icon is on the drum will not spin after the final drain process. Use the spin button to change between spin settings.  To use no spin, press the spin button until the no spin indicator turns on. 

Bubble Soak

The light next to this symbol will light up when the bubble soak function is activated. This function helps remove a wide variety of stubborn stains.

Prewash 

This will add a preliminary washing cycle before the main wash cycle.

Options

Use to select between different options on your washing machine. 

Temperature 

The temperature button is used to adjust the temperature for the current cycle.

Easy Iron

Easy iron operates alongside certain wash cycles to make ironing clothes easier by reducing wrinkles during the spin.

Smart Check

This is a mode used to get detailed information about problems that occur with your washing machine using the SmartThings app. To enter smart check mode hold down the options and delay end buttons. 

Smart Control

Smart Control Samsung washing machine icon

The Wi-Fi icon indicates that your washing machine is connected to your home's Wi-Fi and the SmartThings app. Some models also support the Smart Home and Smart Washer/Dryer apps.

Enabling Smart Control lets you control the appliance using the Smart Things app. If you have not enabled Smart Control, you can monitor the appliance, but you will not be able to control it remotely.

If you are after solutions for incorrect language on your washing machine read our FAQ on how to change the language on your laundry or washing machine to set your washing machine to the correct language. 

You can also find more information on washing machine codes here.

 

 

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