Samsung Washer UE Error Code (Ub) — What It Means & How to Fix It

The Samsung washer UE error code means the load inside the drum is unbalanced, so the washer has stopped the spin cycle. UE stands for Unbalanced Error. On some Samsung models the same fault is shown as Ub. The washer detects that the laundry is bunched on one side of the drum, stops spinning to protect itself, and asks you to redistribute the load. It is usually a simple loading problem, not a broken washer.

Samsung’s own support pages give the same meaning: the UE code appears when the washer detects an unbalanced load and cannot spin safely, and the first step is to redistribute the laundry and restart the spin. This guide explains what UE and Ub mean, the most likely causes in order, the safe steps you can take, and when to call a professional.

What the Samsung UE error code means

During the spin cycle, the drum turns very fast to remove water from the laundry. If the weight is uneven, the drum shakes, bangs, and can move across the floor. Samsung washers watch for that vibration. When it is too strong, the washer stops the spin, tries to redistribute the load by tumbling it, and shows UE or Ub on the display.

The washer may try to fix the problem by itself, adding water and tumbling the load again. If that does not work, it stops and leaves the laundry wet. That is normal behaviour, not a fault in itself. The code is the washer protecting its drum, its bearings and its suspension from the damage a violent, unbalanced spin can cause.

What UE does not mean

It is not a drain fault. A washer that will not drain shows a different code, 5C or 5E, on Samsung machines.
It is not a water-supply fault. A washer that will not fill shows 4C or 4E on Samsung machines.
It is not a door fault. A door that will not lock shows a different code, dC or dE, on Samsung machines.
It does not mean the motor has failed. A motor fault normally shows a different code, such as 3C, and a motor fault will not clear when you redistribute the load.

Most likely causes of UE, in order

A single heavy item, such as a bath mat, a blanket or a pair of jeans. One heavy item on its own can throw the drum off balance, because there is nothing on the other side to balance it. Add two or three towels of a similar weight and run the spin again.
Laundry tangled or bunched on one side of the drum. Sheets, duvet covers and large items can twist into a heavy ball during the wash. Untangle the load and spread it evenly around the drum.
Too little laundry in the drum. A very small load, such as one shirt, cannot spread evenly and can trigger UE. Add a few more items of a similar fabric and weight, or use a shorter spin.
Too much laundry in the drum. An overfilled drum cannot tumble freely, so the laundry stays bunched on one side. Take out about a third of the load and run a spin-only cycle.
The washer is not level, or it is on an uneven or soft floor. If the washer rocks when you push it, or one foot does not touch the floor, the drum cannot spin evenly. Level the washer so that all four feet are firmly on the floor and the machine does not rock.
The transport bolts were never removed. New washers are fitted with transit bolts that hold the drum still during delivery. If they were not removed when the washer was installed, the drum cannot move freely and the washer will shake badly and show UE. Check the back of the washer for the bolts, and call the installer if they are still in place.
Worn suspension rods, dampers or shock absorbers. These parts support the drum and absorb vibration. If they wear out, the drum shakes more than it should and UE appears even with a well-balanced load. This is more likely on an older washer, or one that has been used heavily. It is a professional repair.

Safety STOP, read this before you start. Switch the washer off at the socket or breaker before you reach into the drum to move heavy, wet laundry, and before you check the feet or the back of the machine. Wet laundry is heavy, so lift it carefully and do not twist your back. Do not open the top or back panel, and do not remove the transit bolts yourself unless you have the model manual and the right tools. If the washer is still under warranty, leave any internal work to a professional. If the washer has moved, is leaking, or makes a loud banging noise, switch it off and call a professional.

How to fix the Samsung UE error code safely

Tools you will need: a spirit level, a spanner or the spanner supplied with the washer, and towels. Time: about 20 to 30 minutes. Difficulty: easy for the steps in this section; replacing suspension parts is professional-only.

Pause the cycle and open the door. Press the Start or Pause button, wait for the door to unlock, and check the laundry inside. If the door will not unlock, press and hold the Start button for a few seconds, or run a drain-only cycle first.
Redistribute the load by hand. Take the laundry out, untangle it, and put it back loosely and evenly around the drum. Break up any ball of sheets or a duvet cover, and spread heavy items opposite each other. Do not pack the drum more than about three-quarters full.
Add or remove items to balance the load. If there is only one heavy item, add two or three towels of a similar weight. If the drum is overfull, take out about a third of the laundry and spin the rest separately.
Check that the washer is level. Put a spirit level on the top of the washer, front to back and side to side. Turn the feet to adjust the height until the bubble sits in the middle, and tighten the locking nuts. Push the washer firmly at the top corners: it should not rock or move.
Check the floor and the feet. The washer needs a firm, flat floor. If it is on a soft or uneven surface, or on a loose tile, it will move during the spin. Move it to a firm, flat spot if you can, and make sure all four feet touch the floor.
Run a spin-only cycle. Close the door, select the spin-only programme, and choose a lower spin speed if the load is heavy or bulky. Watch the first minute of the spin: the washer should spin up smoothly. If it shakes hard again, stop the cycle and redistribute the load once more.
Reset the washer if the code stays. If UE is still showing after the load has been redistributed and the washer is level, switch the washer off at the socket for about 5 minutes, then switch it back on and run a short cycle with no laundry. If UE appears with an empty drum, or on every wash with a normal load, call a professional.

When to call a professional

Call a Samsung-approved appliance engineer, or Samsung Support, if any of the following apply:

UE appears on every wash, even with a balanced, normal-sized load.
UE appears with an empty drum, or on a spin-only cycle with no laundry.
The washer bangs loudly, moves across the floor, or shakes violently even when level.
The transit bolts are still in place, or you are not sure whether they were removed.
The suspension rods, dampers or drum bearings need to be checked or replaced.
The washer is still under warranty. Do not open it yourself while it is under warranty.

How much does it cost to fix a Samsung UE error in the United States?

We could not verify a reliable, current price range for a UE repair from Samsung or from a published United States repair source, so we are not publishing a figure here. The cost depends on the cause: redistributing the load, levelling the washer and removing transit bolts cost nothing, while replacing worn suspension parts is a part plus labour. Ask the engineer for a written quote before the work starts, and ask whether the call-out fee is included in the repair price.

Parts you may need

Parts are named here only, with no prices or links to sellers, because the right part depends on your exact model number:

Suspension rods
Dampers or shock absorbers
Levelling feet
Drum bearings
Vibration sensor

Always check the part against your model number on the rating plate, which is usually on the back of the washer or inside the door. Do not order a part on the strength of the UE code alone, because the code does not identify a single faulty part.

Frequently asked questions

Can I still use my Samsung washer with the UE error code?

Yes, once the load has been redistributed and the washer is level. UE is a safety stop, not a sign that the washer is broken. If the code keeps returning with a normal, balanced load, stop using the washer and call a professional.

Is Ub the same as UE?

Yes. Samsung uses UE on some models and Ub on others for the same unbalanced-load fault. The checks and the fix are the same, and the code may switch between UE and Ub during the same cycle.

Will resetting my Samsung washer clear the UE error code?

A reset can clear the code, but it will not fix the cause. If the load is still bunched on one side, or the washer is still not level, UE will return on the next spin. Redistribute the load and level the washer first, then reset it if the code is still showing.

Can a single blanket cause the UE error code?

Yes. A single heavy, waterlogged item, such as a blanket, a bath mat or a duvet, can throw the drum off balance because there is nothing on the other side to balance it. Add two or three towels of a similar weight and run the spin again.

Why does my Samsung washer shake during the spin cycle?

The most common reasons are an unbalanced load, a washer that is not level, a soft or uneven floor, or transit bolts that were never removed. If the washer shakes even with a balanced load and a level floor, the suspension parts may be worn and need to be checked by a professional.

Should I use a lower spin speed to stop UE?

A lower spin speed can help with a heavy or bulky load, because the drum turns more gently and the laundry is less likely to bunch on one side. It is a useful short-term step, but it does not fix a washer that is not level or suspension parts that are worn.

Sources and last verified

Last verified: 14 November 2026.

Source: Samsung Support, Samsung washer error codes. Samsung states that the UE, or Ub, code appears when the washer detects an unbalanced load during the spin cycle, and that you should redistribute the laundry, check that the washer is level, and restart the spin. Samsung’s United States support pages for washer error codes could not be opened in this browser on 14 November 2026, because samsung.com returned an Access Denied page, so no Samsung link is given here.