LG Washer UE Error Code: What It Means and How to Fix It

By Dan Mercer · Published October 5, 2026 · Updated October 6, 2026 · Codes covered: UE, uE, Ub · Sources

A UE code on an LG washer means the load is unbalanced, so the washer can't spin at full speed. It's almost never a broken part: LG says this code can usually be fixed without a technician by rearranging the laundry, changing the load or cycle, or leveling the washer.

You may see a lowercase uE while the washer is still trying to fix the balance itself, and an uppercase UE when it has given up and needs your help. Some LG pages also call it UE/Ub.

This 3-minute fix saved 0 homeowners a technician visit this month.

What the UE code means

LG calls UE an "Unbalance Error". The laundry has bunched up on one side of the drum or tub, or the washer itself isn't level, so the drum would shake too much at high speed.

uE vs. UE. These two look alike but tell you different things:

• uE (lowercase u): the washer has noticed the imbalance and is trying to correct it. On LG top loaders it adds water, agitates to separate the items, drains and tries to spin again. LG says this is automatic and no action is needed yet. It can make the spin take longer, by about 10 minutes on some top loaders.
• UE (uppercase): the washer couldn't fix it. LG says top loaders try about three times before switching to UE. At this point the cycle pauses or the spin is cut short, and you need to redistribute the load by hand.

Front loaders. LG's front-load manual lists three causes for UE: the load is too small, heavy items are mixed with light ones, or the load is out of balance. LG also notes that if UE appears at the very end of the cycle, the clothes are still too wet because the washer couldn't spin them properly.

Top loaders. LG's top-load pages add a few top-load causes: big items like blankets washed on the Normal cycle, a single laundry net washed on its own, and a washer that isn't level.

Look-alike codes. vS (it can also show as uS or u5) is a vibration-sensor error, not an unbalanced load.

Likely causes (most common first)

1. Laundry tangled or bunched on one side, often with sheets, which wrap around everything else.
2. A single bulky or heavy item, such as a comforter, rug, pillow or one pair of heavy jeans.
3. A load that's too small. A few items can't spread evenly around the drum.
4. Heavy and light items mixed together, like jeans with T-shirts.
5. Too much in the drum. LG says its front loaders work best when the drum is about 2/3 full.
6. The wrong cycle for the load. Bulky items need the Bedding or Bulky cycle. On some top loaders, low-water cycles let clothes clump together.
7. The washer isn't level or rocks on its feet, or it sits on a slippery or springy floor.
8. Shipping bolts still in place (new front loaders). LG warns that leaving them in causes severe vibration and noise.
9. A mechanical fault. If UE shows up even with an empty drum, something inside needs a technician.

How to fix it, step by step

Work through these in order and restart the spin after each step to see if the code clears.

1. Wait if it's showing uE. Let the washer finish trying to rebalance on its own. Only step in once it changes to UE.
2. Redistribute the load. Pause the washer, wait for the door or lid to unlock, and untangle the laundry. Spread it evenly around the drum, then close the door or lid and press Start/Pause. LG notes it may take a few moments before the spin starts again.
3. Balance the load size.
   • Too small: add one or two similar items, such as towels.
   • Too big: take some items out.
   • One heavy item: add a few items to spread out the weight, or reduce the spin speed.
4. Use the right cycle for big items.
   • Wash comforters, blankets, sheets and pillows on the Bedding/Bulky cycle, one at a time.
   • Top loaders: after the tub fills, press the item down so it's fully underwater, and keep it below the plastic ring at the top of the tub.
   • Don't wash things LG says can damage the washer, such as electric blankets, bath rugs and rubber mats.
5. Top loaders: try more water. LG says adding the Fabric Softener option on Cotton/Normal or Heavy Duty changes the rinse to a deeper rinse, which helps the load spread out. A higher-water cycle such as Perm Press/Casual can help too.
6. Don't wash a laundry net by itself. LG recommends filling nets only about 2/3 full and washing two or three with other clothes. Wash knitted items at least two at a time.
7. Level the washer. See "Test the part" below for LG's leveling checks.
8. New front loader? Check the shipping bolts. They're on the back of the washer. LG says they must be removed and the holes capped before use.
9. Run LG's empty-drum test. Take everything out and run Rinse and Spin (about 20 minutes on LG top loaders). If UE comes up with the drum empty, LG says the washer needs repair. If it doesn't, the washer is fine and the problem is the load, the cycle, or the leveling.

Test the part

UE doesn't have a part you can check with a multimeter. The "part" to test is the washer's balance and footing. These checks are safe and need no tools other than a level and a wrench.

1. Unplug the washer (or switch off its breaker) before you tilt it, move it or adjust the feet. Turn off the water taps if you need to pull it away from the wall.
2. Rock test. Push on each corner and on the front, back and sides. If it rocks or wobbles, it needs leveling.
3. Check with a level. LG suggests checking front to back and side to side on the top of the washer. The bubble should sit in the middle.
4. Adjust the feet. Loosen the lock nuts, then turn the leveling feet with a wrench to raise or lower that corner. LG says to extend the feet only as far as needed and keep the washer as close to the floor as practical, because feet that stick out too far can cause vibration. Tighten the lock nuts when you're done.
5. Top loaders: look at the tub. Open the lid and look at the plastic ring around the tub. If more of it shows on one side, the tub is leaning, so raise the side it's leaning toward.
6. Check the floor. On a slippery floor, LG suggests non-skid pads. A springy floor can make vibration worse.
7. Front loaders: confirm the shipping bolts are out. The holes on the back should have caps in them.
8. Plug it back in and run a test load. For top loaders, LG suggests about six pounds of laundry on Rinse and Spin. Watch for rocking during the spin.

If the washer is level, the bolts are out, and UE still appears with an empty drum, stop here and call for service. The cause is inside the cabinet and needs a technician to diagnose.

Safety notes

When to call a pro

Call LG or a qualified appliance technician if:

• UE appears during LG's empty Rinse and Spin test.
• The washer is level and loads are sensible, but UE keeps coming back.
• You hear loud banging, grinding or scraping during the spin, or the drum looks like it's sitting lower on one side even when the washer is level.
• You see a vS, uS or u5 code (vibration sensor) that doesn't clear after restarting.
• Your washer is under warranty. Check the terms before you open any panels.

LG US support is available at lg.com/us/support or 1-800-243-0000.

FAQ

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