Samsung washing machine buttons not working? (Here’s why)

That being said, try pressing the power button, if it is the only working button on the control panel, it is likely that the child lock is active.

For more serious or complex issues, it is best to contact Samsung customer service for further assistance. 

Let’s take a quick look at the various factors that are preventing the buttons on your Samsung washing machine from working.

Child Lock

Most modern washing machines have a child lock feature, which is actually a safety feature that helps prevent children and others from changing the wash cycle settings on the machine accidentally.

When you activate the child lock feature, it locks the control panel. However, the power ON/OFF button remains functional in most cases.

The control panel will display a child lock icon through which you can identify if it is active.

So, just disable the child lock feature from the control panel by pressing the child lock button for some time or until the child lock icon disappears.

If your specific washer model does not have a child lock button then simply press and hold the spin and temperature buttons for at least 3 seconds.

You can also try to press and hold the rinse and temperature buttons together for 3 seconds and see if that helps to disable the child lock feature.

Note: These methods are applicable to most Samsung washing machine models that have a child lock feature.

Power Supply

If none of the buttons work on the control panel of your Samsung washer, check to see if the power cord is plugged into an outlet.

If it isn’t plugged in, just plug it in and try turning the washer on to make sure all the buttons are working fine.

Another possibility is that the circuit breaker has been tripped, so try to reset the breaker and try using the functions of the machine.

If there isn’t any power supplied to the washer, check if the outlet itself is working by plugging in another appliance.

Finally, if you notice the specific outlet itself is not working, it’s possible that the circuit board itself is faulty, you will need to contact an electrician in this case.

Also, when it comes to the power supply, there can be a temporary fluctuation that may wave cause an interruption, you can try running the washing machine after some time and see if it helps.

Power Cord

The power cord of the washer goes into an outlet and can wear out due to regular wear and tear.

However, premature wear-outs can also occur if it gets pressed under or behind the machine or other objects.

Moreover, power surges can also melt the wires of the power cord due to excess heat in the electrical supply.

So, unplug the cord from the outlet and simply inspect for any wear outs and if it looks good then simply look at the point where it connects to the washing machine.

To do this you will need to remove the access panel of the washer to locate the connecting points.

If you find it loose or disconnected then get it fixed and run the washer again, however, if it seems damaged then replacement is a better solution.

Worn-out or stuck buttons

One possibility is that the buttons on the control panel are worn out from repeated use and may need troubleshooting.

Another possibility is that there is something preventing the buttons from making contact with the electrical circuit board underneath.

It’s possible that there could be something caught in the button holes, such as dirt or grime preventing the buttons from being pressed all the way down.

If the buttons cannot be pressed easily and look jammed, try to turn off the washer and wipe clean the areas around the button with a slightly damp cloth.

Also, make sure to use a dry soft brush or a toothbrush and scrub near the edges of the stuck buttons to clear the accumulation of dirt and grime.

If that doesn’t work you will need to detach the control panel from the machine and try to clean it from the inside using a soft brush and a blower.

Faulty Control Panel

The control panel is said to be the brain of a washing machine, and over time, it can start to wear out.

The most common sign of a worn-out control panel is that the washing machine doesn’t respond to input.

And, you may also notice the display on the washer’s control panel becoming dim or sometimes flickering.

The fault with the control panel can also be due to defects in its internal wiring.

So, the first thing to check when your Samsung washing machine buttons are not working is the control panel.

Start by inspecting the panel for any signs of physical damage, such as cracks, dents, scratches, or possible signs of wear out.

If it’s damaged or worn out, you should either contact Samsung customer service for assistance to get a suitable replacement or reach out to a professional repair person.

A Blown fuse

The fuse in the washing machine is there to protect the electrical components from damage.

For instance, if there is a power surge or other problem with the electrical supply, the fuse will blow and cut off the power supply to the washer.

This prevents any further damage from occurring due to overloads and short circuits in the electrical supply.

So, if the washer is not getting power from its outlet, you will first need to check for a blown fuse.

You should refer to the user manual of your washer model to locate the fuse responsible for supplying power to the machine.

In most cases, you will find a fuse near the control board, usually situated behind the control panel of the washing machine.

Once you are able to locate it (it is a small tube-like glass) check if it’s broken or has turned black, this indicates that the fuse is blown.

You can get it replaced yourself or through a service professional and doing this should resolve the issue.

Worn-out or lose Electrical wires

If the machine is properly plugged in and the outlet is operational, it is possible that there is loose connectivity in the machine’s electrical wiring, such as the wiring in the power cord or any internal wires of the machine being loose or worn out.

Also, there are multiple wires that run through the control panel that also needs to be checked.

If there are any loose wires, simply tighten them up and see if that solves the current problem. However, if one or two wires are faulty you will need to replace the particular wire harness.

To accomplish this task you can contact a repair person specializing in electrical and washing machine troubleshooting.

Check for Error Codes

Your Samsung washing machine may display error codes on the control panel that can indicate why the buttons are not working.

Refer to the user manual or check out Samsung’s error code here to identify the meaning of the code.

Once you have identified the issue, you can take the necessary steps to resolve it.

Calibrate the Control Panel

Sometimes, the control panel on your Samsung washing machine may need to be recalibrated to function properly.

Refer to the user manual for instructions on how to perform a calibration.

This process may help to resolve the issue and get the buttons working again.

Moisture accumulation

Moisture accumulation can cause buttons on a Samsung washing machine to malfunction or not work at all. If this is the case, it’s important to dry the control panel and surrounding area thoroughly before attempting to use the machine again.

Final Thoughts

If your washing machine’s buttons are not working it could be due to a number of different factors, which can sometimes be difficult to diagnose.

In such a situation, you should always start by inspecting the power supply to the machine and then move toward diagnosing the other factors.

To troubleshoot electrical stuff it is always advised to contact a professional electrician or a specialist repairman.

Frequently Asked Questions