Samsung 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, Ub, Ur, U6, 1 Ub, 1U6 · Sources

Verify in your manual: on some Samsung models dC is also an unbalanced-load code, on others it's a door code

A UE code on a Samsung washer means the load is unbalanced in the tub, so the washer won't spin at full speed. It's almost always something you can fix yourself in a few minutes by spreading the laundry out, adding or removing items, or leveling the washer. If it happens on nearly every load, a worn suspension part may be to blame.

Depending on your model, you may see UE, Ub, Ur, U6, 1 Ub or 1U6. Samsung lists them all as its "Unbalanced Load Error."

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

What the UE code means

Samsung's US error-code page says these codes mean "the current load in the washer is unbalanced inside the tub." Too much weight has collected on one side, and the washer can't spin safely at high speed.

Ur is different. Samsung calls Ur "Unbalanced Load Retry." The washer is about to add more water, try to rebalance the load, and then try the spin again. Samsung says a Ur code "does not mean that there is an issue with your washer." It just makes the cycle longer. Let it keep going.

UE, Ub, U6, 1 Ub and 1U6 mean the washer gave up. Samsung says these codes mean the washer "will fail to complete the cycle because the load is unbalanced." You'll usually find soaking wet laundry at the end.

About dC: Samsung's US page lists dC in the unbalance group too, with a note that on some models dC is an unbalanced-load error and on others it's a door error. Check your user manual. Our Samsung dC page covers both meanings.

Look-alike codes: Samsung lists 8E, 8C, BE and BC as Mems sensor errors (a vibration sensor on some models). These point to a sensor problem, not your load. Samsung suggests powering off for 2-3 minutes and requesting service if they return.

Likely causes (most common first)

1. Laundry bunched to one side. Sheets, blankets and other big items that soak up water tangle easily, Samsung says.
2. A load that's too small. A few items can collect on one side and leave the other side empty.
3. One heavy item on its own, like a single bath mat or a pair of jeans.
4. An overloaded drum. Samsung India lists overloading as a cause of UB and UE.
5. A washer that isn't level or rocks. If one corner wobbles or the washer touches a wall or the dryer, it can't spin smoothly.
6. Shipping bolts still in place (front loaders). Samsung says a new front loader with its shipping bolts left in "will shake a lot."
7. Items that shouldn't go in. Samsung says not to wash floor mats, pillows or dog houses.
8. Worn suspension parts. On top loaders, worn suspension rods let the tub swing off balance. On front loaders, weak shock absorbers or damaged springs can do the same, repair guides say.

How to fix it, step by step

Try these in order. Run a short Rinse + Spin after each one to see if the code clears.

1. If you see Ur, wait. The washer is rebalancing on its own. Give it time before you step in.
2. Pause and rearrange the load. This is Samsung's main fix:
   • Press Start/Pause and wait for the door or lid to unlock.
   • Untangle the items and spread them evenly around the drum.
   • Close the door and press Start again.
3. Balance the size of the load.
   • For a small load, add a few similar items, or lower the spin speed.
   • For one heavy item, add a couple of towels.
   • For an overloaded drum, take some items out. Samsung calls 3-5 pounds (about 1/3 full) a small load and 6-16 pounds (about 3/4 full) a large one. One pair of jeans weighs about a pound.
4. Use the right cycle. Samsung says choosing the wrong cycle for your laundry "can cause errors, bad performance, or both." Your manual lists which cycle suits bulky items.
5. Check the floor and the space around the washer. Samsung wants about an inch of space from the dryer and any wall. The floor should be firm. Carpet or a soft floor can add vibration.
6. Level the washer. Here's Samsung's method:
   • Try to rock the washer at each corner. All four corners should feel solid.
   • On front loaders, loosen the locking nuts on the legs with a flat screwdriver.
   • Turn a leg clockwise to raise that corner, counterclockwise to lower it. Keep the legs as short as you can.
   • Make sure every foot touches the floor, then tighten the locking nuts again.
   • If the washer is on a pedestal, level the pedestal first.
7. Remove the shipping bolts (front loaders). Open the door and push on the drum. Samsung says it should feel springy. If it feels "connected to a rock," the bolts are still in. Remove them from the back with the supplied spanner, fit the plastic caps, and keep the bolts for any future move. Top loaders don't have shipping bolts.
8. Clean the pump filter (front loaders). Samsung explains that the washer drains before it spins. If it can't drain, it won't spin. Put down towels and a pan, drain the water through the small hose, then twist out and clean the filter.
9. Check the drain hose. Samsung says it should go 6 to 8 inches into the standpipe, without an airtight seal, and shouldn't be kinked.
10. Run Calibration mode, if your model has it. Empty the drum completely. On many models you hold Temp. and Delay End for 3 seconds until Cb shows. Your manual has the exact buttons. Samsung says if the tub doesn't turn during calibration, the washer needs service.
11. Stop if UE keeps coming back on normal, well-balanced loads with a level washer. See "Test the part," or call a pro.

Test the part

UE isn't caused by a part you can check with a meter. If the load and leveling are fine, the usual suspect is the suspension, and you check that by looking and feeling, not by measuring.

1. Unplug the washer and turn off both water taps. Drain any water first, as your manual describes.
2. Check that the drum moves the way it should (front loaders). With the door open, push on the drum. It should give a little, like it's on springs. Then try to wiggle the inner drum separately from the outer tub. iFixit says any independent play is a strong sign that the spider bracket behind the drum has broken. That's a costly repair for a pro.
3. Look at the top-load suspension rods. AppliancePartsPros describes four rods with springs that hold the tub in the cabinet. Getting to them means releasing the washer's top. When a rod goes bad, the guide says the washer goes off balance and you'll hear the tub banging against the cabinet. Look for a rod that's unhooked, bent or broken.
4. Look at the front-load springs and shock absorbers. iFixit's Samsung guide shows them under the top and rear panels. Springs shouldn't be warped or off their hooks. A shock absorber shouldn't be separated. When removed, it should be very hard to push in by hand. If one is weak, replace all of them together.
5. Never remove a spring without supporting the tub. iFixit warns that the tub can drop.
6. Stop and call a pro if you find a broken spider bracket, damaged counterweights, worn bearings, or anything you'd need to take the drum out to fix. Also stop if everything looks fine and UE still happens on every load.

Samsung doesn't publish part tests for owners, and parts vary by model, so check your model number before ordering anything.

Safety notes

When to call a pro

Request Samsung service or call a qualified appliance technician if:

• UE or Ub keeps showing on balanced, normal-size loads with a level washer.
• The drum doesn't turn during Calibration mode. Samsung says this needs service.
• The washer bangs hard, walks across the floor, or makes grinding noises.
• You find a broken spring, rod, shock absorber, spider bracket or counterweight.
• Your washer is under warranty. Check the terms before you open any panels.

Samsung US support is at samsung.com/us/support or 1-800-SAMSUNG (1-800-726-7864).

FAQ

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