UB
Samsung Washing Machine
Severity: MinorWhat Does This Error Mean?
The UB error on a Samsung washer means the load is unbalanced. The washer detected that clothes are bunched up on one side of the drum during the spin cycle. An unbalanced load causes excessive vibration, and the washer stops spinning to protect itself. This is not a mechanical failure — redistributing the laundry usually fixes it immediately.
Affected Models
- WF45R6100AW
- WF50R8500AV
- WF45T6000AW
- WA50R5400AW
- WF42H5000AW
- Most Samsung front-load and top-load washers
Common Causes
- Large or heavy items (comforters, towels, jeans) tangled together on one side of the drum
- Washing a single heavy item — like one pillow or one blanket — with nothing to balance it
- Overloaded drum causing clothes to pile up unevenly during the spin
- Washer is not level — an unlevel machine shifts the load during agitation
- Wet laundry absorbing too much water and becoming too heavy for the drum to balance
How to Fix It
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Pause the cycle and open the washer door.
On front-loaders, wait for the drum to stop completely before opening. The door may be locked briefly after stopping.
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Reach in and rearrange the clothes by hand. Spread them evenly around the inside of the drum. Untangle any large items that have clumped together.
Heavy items like jeans and towels tend to bunch together. Separate them and tuck smaller items between them.
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If washing a single bulky item, add 1 to 2 similar items to the load to help the drum balance.
Washing one comforter alone is a common cause of UB. Add two or three towels to balance the load.
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Check that the washer is sitting level on the floor. Place a spirit level on top of the machine. If it is not level, adjust the front feet by turning them clockwise to raise or counterclockwise to lower.
An unlevel washer rocks during spin and causes repeated UB errors even with balanced loads.
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Restart the spin cycle. The washer will attempt to rebalance and spin at full speed.
If UB returns repeatedly on properly loaded cycles, the shock absorbers inside the washer may be worn and need replacement.
When to Call a Professional
The UB code is almost always fixable without a technician. If the washer shows UB every cycle even with properly loaded laundry, the shock absorbers or drum bearings may be worn. A technician can inspect internal components for $100 to $250.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is UB the same as the UE error on Samsung washers?
Yes — they mean the same thing. Older Samsung washer models display UB for an unbalanced load. Newer models show UE for the same issue. The fix is identical: redistribute the load and restart.
Why does my Samsung washer show UB only on large items?
Large heavy items like comforters, duvets, and sleeping bags are difficult to balance. They absorb a lot of water and shift during the wash, making even distribution inside the drum harder. Always wash bulky items on a specific bedding or bulky items cycle if your washer has one.
Can an unlevel floor cause UB even with a balanced load?
Yes — if the washer sits on an uneven floor or on a mat that allows the machine to rock, it will trigger UB repeatedly. Check all four corners of the machine and adjust the leveling feet until the machine is solid and does not rock when pushed.