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Samsung dryer error codes: what each one means

Use this table for Samsung electric and gas dryers with a digital display, plus notes for models that use blinking lights. Match the code or code family to the meaning, then do only the safe first check listed. If a code returns, contact a technician or an independent repair company.

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Reading the code

Samsung dryers show codes on the time display, while some models use blinking indicator lights instead. After the listed check, clear many codes by unplugging the dryer or turning off power at the breaker for 1 to 5 minutes, then restart once; there is no universal button sequence for all fault codes. CL is Child Lock and dn is a firmware download message, so those are status messages rather than dryer faults.

Have the model number ready

The company will ask for it first. It's on a sticker or metal plate, usually in one of these spots:

Where the model tag usually is on a dryer12
  1. Inside the door opening, on the frame
  2. Some models: on the back panel

Samsung dryer error codes

Models without a digital display use blinking light patterns rather than alphanumeric codes.

16 codes

CodeWhat it meansCheck firstUsually
HC / hE / HC4The dryer is getting too hot or has a high temperature heating fault; also shown as 1 HC, and on no display models the 60 min or Extra Low light may blink. Full guide →Unplug the dryer, clean the lint screen, check the accessible exhaust duct for lint or kinks, then restore power and try again.Often a home check
9C1 / 9E / 2EThe dryer detected abnormal supply voltage or an electronic control power issue; also shown as 9E1, and on no display models the 80 min light may blink.Unplug the dryer, make sure it is not using an extension cord, then plug it directly into its proper outlet.Often a home check
dC / dE / dFThe door, latch, or door sensing circuit is not being detected as secured; also shown as do, d0, 1 DC, or 1 dF, and on no display models the High or 40 min light may blink. Full guide →Unplug the dryer, remove items caught at the door, check that the latch is not visibly loose or broken, then close the door firmly.Often a home check
tC / tS / tEA temperature sensor or thermistor reading is out of range; also shown as t5, tO, t0, tE3, tC5, tCS, 1 tC, 1tC5, or 1tCS.Unplug the dryer, clean the lint screen, and check the accessible exhaust duct for lint buildup or crushing.Often a home check
bE / bE2 / bC2A control panel button is stuck or being sensed as held down; also shown as 6E, 6E2, or 6C2, and on no display models the Low light may blink. Full guide →Unplug the dryer, then press and release each control button around its edges to make sure none is stuck.Often a home check
AC / AE / EtThe dryer's internal controls are not communicating correctly; also shown as EEE, AE3, AE4, AE5, E3, or 1 AC, and on no display models the Medium light may blink.Unplug the dryer for 60 seconds, restore power, and restart once.Often a home check
C80 / C90 / ClgThe Vent Blockage test found a restricted exhaust path; also shown as C8, C9, C8o, C9o, Cg, or Cl9.Unplug the dryer, clean the lint screen and accessible exhaust duct, then run the Vent Blockage test again if your model has it.Often a home check
CtThe Vent Blockage test could not read correctly because the internal dryer temperature was too cold or too hot.Keep the dryer at normal room temperature for an hour, then run the Vent Blockage test again.Often a home check
C1 / CL1The Vent Blockage test detected laundry in the drum when the drum should be empty.Unplug the dryer, remove all laundry from the drum, restore power, and run the Vent Blockage test again.Often a home check
FC / FE / 1 FCThe dryer detected an invalid power source frequency; on no display models the Extra Low and 20 min lights may blink.Unplug the dryer for 1 minute, restore power, and restart the cycle once.Often a home check
3CThe control detected a motor error.Power off the dryer for 2 to 3 minutes, restore power, and restart once. If 3C returns, call a technician for internal testing.Often a home check
oDThe control detected a dry time error.Power off the dryer for 2 to 3 minutes, restore power, and restart once. If oD returns, call a technician for internal testing.Often a home check
1 AC7The control detected an electronic control error.Power off the dryer for 2 to 3 minutes, restore power, and restart once. If 1 AC7 returns, call a technician for control diagnosis.Often a home check
HC2A gas dryer detected a gas ignition error.Power off the dryer for 2 to 3 minutes, restore power, and restart once. If HC2 returns, call a technician for gas ignition checks.Often a home check
CLChild Lock is active and the control panel, and on some models the door, may be locked.Check the user manual for the Child Lock off control sequence; do not force the door or controls.Often a home check
dnA firmware download is in progress and the dryer will restart after installation finishes.Do not unplug the dryer while dn displays; let the update finish, and ask a technician if it stays longer than 24 hours.Often a home check

Don't see your symptom?

Describe it on the phone. The company on the other end works on these every day and will know what to ask.

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Common questions about appliance repair

How do I reset a Samsung dryer code?

After doing the listed check, unplug the dryer or turn off power at the breaker for 1 to 5 minutes, then restore power and restart once. If the code returns, stop resetting it so a technician can read the stored history.

Why does the same code keep coming back?

A returning code means the dryer is still detecting the condition, such as a blocked vent, stuck button, door latch issue, power supply issue, or failed internal part. Use only the safe first check in the table, then call a technician if it repeats.

Are CL and dn error codes?

CL is Child Lock and dn means a firmware download is in progress. They are status messages unless the dryer will not leave that state after the model's normal steps.

Why does my Samsung dryer blink lights instead of showing a code?

Some models without a digital display use blinking indicator lights for the same fault families. The table notes the confirmed light patterns in the meaning text.

Still showing the problem after the checks?

Call and describe what you tried. You'll be connected with an independent repair company near you.

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