Samsung microwave is making unusual noises

Microwaves make all kinds of sounds while running. Most of these are normal and should not be a cause of concern. Food and other material in the microwave is typically the sounds you're hearing. This guide covers the most common sounds and why they happen.

Do not run the microwave completely empty. This will cause popping noises and potentially damage the microwave.

Humming or buzzing

While the microwave is operating, it is normal for it to make a low humming or buzzing sound. This happens for several reasons, but is most commonly due to magnetron oscillation (when the microwave is heating), the vent fan running, or both. It is also normal for the volume of the microwave to slightly increase with age.

If the volume of this noise is significantly louder than it was a month ago, visit our Support Center to request service. We recommend to record the noise to assist the technician.

Clicking

As the microwave cooks food, the glass plate inside will rotate. It is not uncommon to hear it make clicking noises from time to time. If it is happening frequently, the track and roller ring may need to be cleaned, or positioned correctly.

Rattling

If the filters are not installed correctly, they can cause a rattling noise.

Note: Built in microwave combination ovens do not have removable filters.

If all removable parts are installed correctly but the noise continues, visit our Support Center to request service.

Popping and snapping

A popping sound is normal for foods with high fat or water content, like steak or tomato sauces, and is also normal for other types of food, like potatoes or popcorn. Similarly, any food residue left in a dirty microwave may also make popping sounds.

To test if the noise is coming from the microwave, clean the microwave thoroughly and then microwave a bowl or glass of water. If the popping noise occurs during this test, visit our Support Center to request service.

Vent fan is weak on Samsung over-the-range microwave

The vent fan on your over-the-range microwave is useful for keeping smoke and steam clear from the microwave. It will even turn on automatically if the microwave is getting too hot. But if the fan strength isn't strong enough to hold up a napkin, you may feel like it's not working. Fortunately, there's an easy way to tell.

Microwave turns on by itself

If your microwave turns on by itself after you close the door you may need to clean the door, check the latch, or ensure that the door is closed all the way. But if your cooktop lamp will not turn off, then it may just be wet from recent cooking. Follow this guide to get things back to normal.

The microwave sparks or arcs

The term "arcing" refers to sparks inside the microwave oven. These sparks are caused when microwaves react to gold paint on dishes, twist ties and other metallic materials, like aluminum foil. Usually, removing these kind of objects will fix the problem.

Samsung microwave does not turn on or turns off by itself

If your microwave is not turning on, or if it is turning off by itself, it could have overheated. When a microwave has been in use for a long time and overheats, just give it 30 minutes to cool off and then try to use it again. Otherwise, you'll need to check the light, the outlet, and the power cord.

Samsung microwave is not heating or has stopped working

When a microwave isn't starting or heating, the most common reason is because it is in Demo mode. This mode is used on retail showroom floors to show off microwaves without activating their magnetron. The microwave also won't heat if it does not have enough clearance or ventilation. If the microwave turns on but does not heat, checking a few settin

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