Samsung Washer UE Error Code: Unbalanced Load & What to Check First

Written by: Appliance Sleuth Editorial Team

Published September 15, 2026 · Last reviewed September 15, 2026

✓ Verification: Manufacturer-verified against Samsung US Support (2026-09-15)

Applies to: Samsung washers (a Ur code = Unbalanced Load Retry)

⚠️ Safety first: unplug the appliance before opening it. Don't work on gas or sealed refrigerant systems, never bypass lid/door locks, and if a step needs live voltage, gas, or a sealed system it's a technician job. DIY can void your warranty.

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Short answer: Samsung lists UE as an unbalanced load error — the current load in the washer is unbalanced inside the tub. Samsung’s documented checks are redistributing the load evenly, mixing large and small items, and levelling the washer. A Ur code is Samsung’s Unbalanced Load Retry: the washer will add water and retry balancing before spinning.

What UE means (per Samsung)

Per Samsung US Support, UE is an unbalanced load error: the current load in the washer is unbalanced inside the tub, so the machine cannot spin it evenly. Samsung also documents Ur as an Unbalanced Load Retry — the same underlying condition, handled by the control adding water and retrying the balance before it spins. The steps below are what Samsung presents; they are documented checks, not a confirmed diagnosis.

Code family & alternate displays

This page covers the UE / Ur unbalance family on Samsung washers. A Ur code = Unbalanced Load Retry; the display string varies by model year. If your panel shows a different string, check your model’s manual before acting.

Safe first checks (Samsung’s documented steps)

Work these in order. None of them require opening the washer.

  1. Redistribute the load evenly. Open the drum and spread the laundry out so it sits around the tub rather than piled to one side.
  2. Mix large and small items. Samsung notes that combining large and small items helps the load balance instead of a single heavy piece dominating one side.
  3. Level the washer. Check that the machine sits level and adjust the feet as needed.
  4. Run a spin cycle to confirm. After the load is redistributed and the washer is level, run a spin cycle to see whether UE has cleared.

Note: this is an ordinary load/level check on a closed machine. Do not open the washer or work on wiring to perform it. If a Ur code is displayed, the washer is retrying the balance itself — let it complete the retry before intervening.

Diagnostic branches

  • Checks clear, code returns. If the load is evenly distributed with mixed item sizes and the washer is level, and the code still returns, Samsung’s user checks are exhausted and Samsung directs the owner to request service.
  • Code returns after a spin cycle. A code that returns straight after redistribution suggests the underlying condition remains and needs further troubleshooting.
  • Ur appears during a cycle. Samsung documents Ur as an Unbalanced Load Retry — the washer adds water and retries balancing before spinning. Let the retry run; a Ur that clears on retry is the control doing its job, not a fault.

Do not replace this part yet

Don’t order a part before the load and level checks are done. Samsung presents UE/Ur as a load condition — redistributing the load, mixing item sizes, and levelling the washer — not as a failed component. Confirm any part against your exact model number before buying; parts are not universal across Samsung washer families and years.

When to stop and call a technician

If the checks don’t resolve it, Samsung directs the owner to service — have the model number ready. Further diagnosis may require a qualified technician. Never perform exposed live-voltage testing; parts must be serviced with the power disconnected.

Sources

Primary documentation used to verify the technical claims on this page.