What Does the UE Error Code Mean on a Samsung Washing Machine?
Open the door, redistribute the laundry evenly around the drum, untangle any twisted items, and restart the spin cycle — this resolves the majority of UE errors (takes about 5 minutes).
Fault description
When your Samsung washing machine displays UE, it has sensed that the laundry inside the drum is unevenly distributed. During the spin cycle, an unbalanced load creates vibration levels that exceed safe operating limits, so the machine halts automatically to protect both itself and your floor.
The UE code can appear mid-cycle or at the start of the spin phase. You may notice the drum rocking noticeably, the machine making a loud thumping noise, or the cycle simply pausing without completing. The display will hold the UE code until the issue is resolved and the cycle is restarted.
In most cases this is not a mechanical fault — it is the machine doing exactly what it is designed to do. A few minutes spent rearranging the load is usually all that is needed to get things moving again.
Causes
- Unevenly distributed laundry — Heavy items such as towels, jeans, or bedding can clump together on one side of the drum during washing. This creates an off-centre weight that the machine cannot compensate for when spinning at high speed.
- Tangled or balled-up clothing — Sheets, duvet covers, and similar items frequently wrap around other garments, forming a dense, lopsided bundle. Even if the total load weight is fine, a single tangled mass will trigger the UE fault.
- Washing a single heavy item — One large item — a bath mat, a single pillow, or a heavy jumper — has no counterweight in the drum. The machine struggles to balance it and will repeatedly stop and display UE.
- Overloaded or underloaded drum — Too much laundry prevents items from moving freely enough to self-balance, while too little laundry (especially one or two small items) gives the drum almost nothing to work with. Both extremes make balancing during spin very difficult.
- Worn or damaged drum bearings or suspension springs — If the drum's suspension springs or shock absorbers have weakened over time, the machine loses its ability to dampen normal movement during spin. This can cause UE errors even with a well-distributed load.
- Machine not sitting level on the floor — If the washing machine is not perfectly level, gravity pulls the drum contents to one side before the spin even begins. Adjustable feet that have shifted or a soft floor surface are common culprits.
Step-by-Step Fix
- 1
Pause the cycle and open the door
Press the Start/Pause button to stop the machine. Wait for the door lock to release — this usually takes around 1–2 minutes after the drum stops moving. Do not force the door open.
- 2
Redistribute the laundry by hand
Reach into the drum and spread the items out as evenly as possible around the full circumference. Pull apart any tangled items, especially sheets or duvet covers that may have wrapped around other garments. The goal is an even ring of laundry, not a pile on one side.
- 3
Check for a single heavy item and add a balancing piece
If you are washing one large or heavy item on its own, add one or two similar-weight items to give the drum something to balance against. A single bath mat, for example, balances much better with a couple of towels added.
- 4
Reduce the load if the drum is overfilled
The drum should be no more than three-quarters full to allow clothes to tumble freely. If it is packed tightly, remove some items and wash them in a separate load. Overloading is one of the most common reasons UE keeps returning.
- 5
Check that the machine is level
Place a spirit level on top of the machine and check both front-to-back and side-to-side. If it is not level, adjust the feet by turning them clockwise to raise or anti-clockwise to lower. Lock each foot in place with the locking nut once the machine sits flat.
- 6
Restart the spin cycle
Close the door firmly and select a spin-only cycle or resume the original programme. Stand nearby for the first few minutes to confirm the machine progresses through the spin without stopping again. If UE reappears immediately with a well-distributed load, move on to checking the suspension.
- 7
Inspect the suspension springs and shock absorbers
If the drum moves excessively when pushed by hand with the machine empty, the suspension components may be worn. This requires removing the back or front panel depending on your model. If you are not comfortable doing this, contact a service technician at this point.
Affected models
Select your model to see its full troubleshooting page.
When to call a service technician
If you have redistributed the load carefully, confirmed the machine is level, and the UE error still appears consistently with a normal, balanced wash load, the fault is likely mechanical. Worn suspension springs, failed shock absorbers, or damaged drum bearings are the most common underlying causes at this stage, and replacing these parts requires partial disassembly of the machine.
You should also call a service technician if the drum feels loose or wobbles noticeably when the machine is empty, if you can hear a grinding or rumbling noise during the spin, or if the machine moves across the floor despite being level. These are signs that internal components need professional assessment and replacement.
Spare parts and service
Visit our partners for spare parts and service
Spare parts
Book a repair
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ignore the UE error and let the machine keep trying?
It is not a good idea to repeatedly ignore UE errors. The machine stops the spin specifically to prevent damage from excessive vibration. Allowing it to continue with a severely unbalanced load can stress the drum bearings, suspension components, and motor over time, leading to more costly repairs.
Why does my Samsung washing machine keep showing UE even after I redistribute the load?
If the error returns consistently despite careful redistribution, the suspension springs or shock absorbers are likely worn and no longer able to dampen normal drum movement. A machine that is not sitting level can also cause repeated UE faults. Check the feet first, and if the problem continues, have the suspension components inspected by a service technician.
Does the UE error affect all wash cycles or just the spin?
UE is specifically triggered during the spin phase when the drum reaches higher speeds. You may not notice any problem during the wash or rinse stages. The error typically appears as the machine attempts to ramp up to full spin speed and detects the imbalance.
Is UE the same as UB on Samsung washing machines?
Yes, UE and UB refer to the same unbalanced load fault. Samsung uses both codes across different models and production years — UE is more common on older models, while UB appears on some newer ones. The cause and the fix are identical for both.
How full should I load my Samsung washing machine to avoid UE errors?
As a general rule, fill the drum to no more than three-quarters of its capacity. For bulky items like towels or bedding, half-full is a safer target. Always mix item sizes where possible — combining large and small items helps the load distribute itself more evenly during the spin.