Samsung refrigerator error codes
What the codes on a Samsung fridge display mean, which ones you can try to clear yourself, and which ones need a technician. This page follows Samsung’s own published lists and leaves out anything Samsung does not document.
Codes differ by model and region
Samsung does not use one universal code set. The same code can mean different things, or not exist, depending on the model line and the country. Samsung’s Canadian page says its list does not cover every code, and we did not find a mapping to specific models. Read the code on your display, then confirm it against the manual for your model number. Samsung Turkey publishes a different format, covered in its own section below.
Before you touch anything
- Unplug the fridge before you touch any component, wiring or the harness.
- Do not unplug the fridge or press panel buttons to clear a code unless the steps for that code say so. Samsung warns this can hide the fault from the technician.
US and Canada codes
This table is our own summary of the codes on Samsung’s US and Canadian support pages. Codes marked as Family Hub apply to models with that screen.
| Code | What Samsung says | What you can try | When to call service |
|---|---|---|---|
AP | The fridge hosts a temporary Wi-Fi network for SmartThings setup. | Nothing. It is not a fault and clears after setup finishes or times out. | No. |
All icons flashing | A normal start-up self-check right after the fridge is plugged in. | Wait for it to finish. | See Samsung’s page. |
21E | Freezer fan error. The control board sees no fan rotation. | Defrost the freezer, check that the door gaskets seal, and do not overpack. A fan can freeze up from an open door or a gasket gap. | Yes, if it persists. The fan motor may have failed. |
22E / 22C | Fridge fan error. A door left open can cause it. | Unplug it, keep both doors open for several hours, then plug it back in. | Yes, if the code returns. |
83E, 85E, 86E, 88 88 | 83E: abnormal compressor current. 85E: supply voltage too low. 86E: supply voltage too high. 88 88: a communication fault after a power disruption. | Cut power for 60 seconds, then restore it. | Yes, if the code comes back. |
PC ER / PC CH | Communication error between components, from a power surge or a poor door connection. | Turn power off, reseat the harness above the door, then turn power back on. | See Samsung’s page. |
OF OF, O FF, OFF OFF, or scrolling bars | Cooling Off mode, the shop display setting. Not a fault. | Samsung describes a press-and-hold on the upper left buttons, about 5 to 8 seconds, ending with a chime. Some newer models add the top right button. Steps vary by model, so follow your manual. | Only if the mode will not exit. |
Ice Off (blinking) | The ice bucket is missing or not seated. | Reseat the ice bucket. | See Samsung’s page. |
41 / 42 (blue interior lights flashing) | A Family Hub problem. | Restart the Family Hub with the reboot switch located high inside the right-hand door. | See Samsung’s page. |
41C | A Family Hub error, listed for 3-door French door models only. | Run the available software update and confirm on screen. | See Samsung’s page. |
76C or blinking Autofill light | Water detected in the Autofill compartment. | Samsung gives no home fix on its list. | Yes. |
85C | The supply voltage dipped, often following a short power cut. Samsung describes it as harmless. | Hold OK for 3 seconds to clear it. | See Samsung’s page. |
5E | Fridge defrost sensor. | None listed. | Yes. |
8E, 14E | Ice maker sensor (8E is the freezer-side sensor). | None listed. | Yes. |
33E | Ice pipe heater. | None listed. | Yes. |
39E / 39C | Ice maker function. | None listed. | Yes. |
40E / 40C | Ice room fan. | None listed. | Yes. |
84C | Compressor lock. | None listed. | Yes. |
For any code not in the table, Samsung’s advice is to request service.
Samsung Turkey codes (E08 to E11)
Samsung Turkey documents separate Exx codes on single-code pages. Do not merge them with the US table above. The Turkish pages do not name specific models. They describe a three-button panel.
| Code | What Samsung says | What you can try | When to call service |
|---|---|---|---|
E08 | Voltage has dropped under 170 V. The unit pauses in standby and resumes when power returns. | None listed. | If the code stays. Samsung points to its Live Support. |
E09 | The freezer is not cold enough, often after a long outage. | Do not refreeze food that has thawed. Lower the freezer set point or use Quick Freeze (the page gives a range of -16 to -24 °C). Keep the door shut. | See Samsung’s page. |
E10 | The fridge compartment is not cold enough, for example after an outage, a first start or loading hot food. | Use Rapid Cooling until the compartment reaches +4 °C. | If it persists. |
E11 | The compartment is running colder than normal, which can freeze food. | Switch Rapid Cooling off, or set the fridge to 4 °C or warmer. | See Samsung’s page. |
Family Hub Self Check
This is the only self-diagnosis Samsung documents for owners. On a Family Hub fridge, go to Apps, then Fridge Manager, then Fridge Settings, then Self Check, then Start. It lists current and past codes, which is useful to read out to a technician. Non-Family Hub models have no official owner-facing equivalent that we could verify.
When to call service
- A code in the table above says service, or the suggested steps did not clear it.
- A fan, voltage or compressor code returns after you have cut power once.
- Any code that is not listed. Samsung’s advice is to request service.
Beyond the fix
Tips and tricks
- Check the door gaskets seal all the way round, and do not pack the fridge so full that doors cannot close.manufacturer manual
- To check a fan, one video films the compartment with a phone light, closes the door, then reopens it to look for airflow.technician video
- A showroom Cooling Off message is not a fault. One video says the exit buttons differ by display type.technician video
Common mistakes
- Unplugging for any code. Samsung says to do so only where the steps say so, such as 60 seconds for power codes.
Easily confused with
- 21E is the freezer fan and 22E is the fridge fan per Samsung. Some videos label 22E differently, so check the Samsung table.
Further reading
Questions
Do all Samsung refrigerators use the same error codes?
No. Codes differ by model line and by region. The table above comes from Samsung support pages for the US and Canada, and Samsung Turkey uses a different set. Samsung’s Canadian page also says its list is not complete, so check your manual for your model number.
Should I unplug my Samsung fridge when a code appears?
Only if the steps for that code say to. Samsung advises against unplugging or pressing panel buttons to clear a code otherwise, because it can make the technician’s diagnosis harder. Where a code does call for a power cycle, such as 22E or 88 88, follow the timing in the table.
Is there a way to run a self-diagnosis on a Samsung refrigerator?
Samsung documents one for owners: the Self Check on Family Hub models. Open Apps, then Fridge Manager, then Fridge Settings, then Self Check, then Start. It shows current and past codes. A technician-only service mode exists, so we do not list it.
What if my code is not on this page?
Samsung’s guidance for any code not on its list is to request service. Contact Samsung support or an authorized technician.
Sources
Samsung support: US fridge code page; Canada fridge code page; Samsung Turkey: E08, E09, E10, E11. CodeFix is independent and not affiliated with Samsung.