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CL

Samsung Washing Machine

Severity: Minor

Source: OnlyErrorCodes.com — Every error code. One place.

Samsung Washer CL — Child Lock Activated Fix

What it means

Samsung washer CL is Samsung's 'Child Lock' indicator — not a fault.
Child Lock is intentionally activated, blocking the control panel buttons so children can't change the cycle or accidentally start the washer.
The CL appears alongside any cycle setting attempt while the lock is on.

Affected Models

  • Samsung Front Load Washer
  • Samsung Top Load Washer
  • Samsung AddWash Washer
  • Samsung EcoBubble Washer
  • Samsung QuickDrive Washer

Common Causes

  • Child Lock turned on intentionally and forgotten about
  • Child Lock toggled accidentally by leaning on the panel
  • Child Lock activated by the previous cycle's user
  • Tail-end of a cycle where Child Lock auto-engaged
  • Stuck Child Lock button preventing toggle off

How to Fix It

  1. Press and hold the Child Lock buttons.

    On most Samsung washers, hold the two buttons marked with a small key icon (often Temp + Rinse, or Spin + Soil Level) for 3 seconds.
    The exact combination is on the control panel above those buttons.
    CL clears and you regain control of the panel.

  2. Check the user manual for your specific model.

    Different Samsung models use different button combinations for Child Lock.
    If the obvious key-icon buttons don't work, check the user manual or look up your model number on Samsung's support site.

  3. Power-cycle the washer.

    If the standard combination doesn't disable Child Lock, unplug the washer for 60 seconds and plug back in.
    This sometimes resets the lock if it's stuck in software.

  4. Inspect the buttons.

    If the Child Lock button feels stuck or doesn't click cleanly, the panel button is mechanically failed.
    Replacement is a technician-level job involving a new control panel.

When to Call a Professional

CL is rarely a fault — almost always intentional.
If the Child Lock won't turn off after the standard combination, the button or the control board has a fault and needs technician inspection.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I turn off Child Lock on a Samsung washing machine?

Hold the two buttons marked with a small key icon for 3 seconds.
The exact two buttons vary by model — usually Temp + Rinse on front-load washers, or Spin + Soil Level on others.
Look just above those buttons on the control panel; the key icon and 'Child Lock' or '3 sec' text indicates which combination to hold.