Door Locked
Samsung Washing Machine
Severity:What Does This Error Mean?
A Samsung washer door that will not open is usually locked because water is still in the drum, or the thermal door interlock has not yet released. Wait 3 minutes after the cycle ends — the lock releases automatically once it cools.
Affected Models
- Samsung Front Load Washer
- Samsung AddWash Washer
- Samsung EcoBubble Washer
- Samsung WashTower
Common Causes
- Water still in the drum — machine will not unlock until fully drained
- Thermal door interlock needs 1–3 minutes to cool and release
- Power outage mid-cycle left the lock engaged
- Child lock activated on the control panel
- Faulty door lock solenoid
How to Fix It
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Wait 3 minutes after the cycle ends.
Samsung front-load washers use a thermal door lock. After the cycle the lock takes 1–3 minutes to cool and release. Do not force the door during this time.
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Drain the machine if water is still inside.
The machine will not unlock while water is in the drum. If water is visible through the door, the machine has not drained. Clean the pump filter and run a Spin/Drain cycle to remove the water.
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Check if Child Lock is active.
Look at the display for a lock icon or the letters CL. Child Lock prevents the door from opening and disables all buttons. To deactivate: hold the Child Lock button for 3 seconds (see your manual for the exact button).
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Use the emergency door release.
If power was lost mid-cycle, reach into the filter access panel at the bottom. Some Samsung models have a small cord or lever near the filter — pulling this manually releases the door lock. Check your model's manual for the location.
When to Call a Professional
If the drum is empty, the child lock is off, and the door still will not open after waiting 5 minutes, the door lock solenoid has failed and needs replacement.