Samsung Washing Machine UE Error: Meaning, Causes & Safe Checks

UE Usually simple Usually fixable yourself

Quick answer

Samsung UE means the load is unbalanced, so the machine has stopped or limited the spin. Samsung says it is not a fault. Spread the laundry out, add two or three towels to a single heavy item, check the machine is level, and restart the spin. Some models also need recalibrating.

Also shown as Ub Ur E4

What UE means on a Samsung washing machine

The machine has detected an unbalanced load and has stopped or reduced the spin to protect itself.

Applies to: Samsung washing machines sold in the UK. Some models show Ub, Ur or E4.

What you might notice

Likely causes

What you can safely check yourself

Stop and call a qualified engineer if:
  • The code or problem comes back after you’ve done the safe checks on this page.
  • The next step would mean removing a cover or panel, or working on the pump, valves, heater, motor, door lock or wiring. That is a job for a qualified engineer.
  • The appliance is still under warranty. Contact the manufacturer first, because DIY work can affect your cover.

Work through these in order. Stop as soon as one of the signs above applies.

Rebalance the load

  1. When the machine lets you open the door, untangle the laundry and spread it evenly around the drum.
  2. If you are washing one heavy item, such as a bath mat or a large towel, add two or three similar towels so the weight balances.
  3. Check the load suits the programme. Very small loads and overstuffed drums can both cause balance problems. Your manual gives the maximum load for each programme.
  4. Restart the spin.

For this fault: Some Samsung models need manual calibration. With the drum empty, switch off and on, hold Temp and Delay End+ for about 3 seconds until “Cb” appears, then press Start. It takes about 3 minutes and switches off when finished. Other models calibrate themselves.

Check the machine is level and on a firm floor Take care

Before you start
  • Switch off and unplug the appliance at the wall socket before you touch hoses, filters or the back of the machine. Make sure your hands and the plug area are dry.
  1. Rock the machine gently from each corner. It should not wobble.
  2. Put a spirit level on top, front to back and side to side.
  3. Adjust the feet until it is level and all four feet are firmly on the floor, then tighten the lock nuts as your installation guide shows.
  4. Wooden or springy floors make vibration worse. Manufacturers suggest a hard surface, ideally in a corner.

When to call an engineer

If the checks above don’t clear UE, or any of the stop signs apply, contact Samsung or a qualified appliance engineer. Have the model and serial number from the rating label ready, and start with Samsung UK support.

Repair or replace?

UE is usually something you can sort out yourself with the checks above, so a repair visit is rarely needed. We don’t publish repair prices because they vary by area, part and model.

Related problems

Related codes

Questions people ask

The door is still locked with a UE code. What do I do?

Samsung suggests running a drain-only cycle: select Spin and set the spin speed to “no spin”, then start it.

Is UE a fault?

Samsung lists it as “not a fault”. It usually clears once the load is rebalanced. If it keeps happening with normal loads on a level machine, book a repair.

Different code or symptom? Use the fault finder, see all Samsung washing machine codes, or read how Samsung codes work. Not sure it’s safe? Read our safety information.

Sources

Last checked against these sources: .

We write every page in our own words from manufacturer guidance and check it against the sources above. If your manual says something different, follow your manual. How we check.