Samsung washer — Error Code UR

What it means

The UR (Unbalanced Load) notification on a Samsung washer means the main control board has detected excessive shaking or irregular motor RPMs during the spin cycle's startup phase. The Hall sensor (rotor position sensor) located on the motor stator tracks how fast the drum is spinning. If a heavy, knotted, or off-center batch of laundry makes the tub bounce, the Hall sensor notices these speed variations and informs the main control board. Typically, the washer will try to fix the issue by adding a bit of water and performing a brief agitation to move the clothes around. If it fails after several tries, the machine stops the cycle and shows the UR code to protect the tub, bearings, and suspension system from mechanical failure. While this is often just a loading problem, seeing the UR code repeatedly on empty or perfectly balanced loads suggests internal issues like worn suspension rods (top loaders), degraded shock absorbers (front loaders), a loose tub nut, or a malfunctioning Hall sensor.

Likely Causes

1. 1
   Uneven or Tangled Load

   Bulky items like heavy winter blankets or towels can clump up on one side of the drum, creating significant centrifugal imbalance during the spin.
2. 2
   Unlevel Washer Chassis

   If the leveling legs aren't secured tightly against the floor, the entire unit will rock, turning minor vibrations into major ones that trigger the Hall sensor.
3. 3
   Worn Suspension Rods or Shock Absorbers

   Top loaders rely on four suspension rods, while front loaders use shock absorbers. When these friction dampers wear out, they can no longer prevent excessive tub movement during the spin ramp-up.
4. 4
   Faulty Hall Sensor

   A failing rotor position sensor can transmit incorrect RPM data to the main control board, falsely reporting an imbalance even when the drum is rotating normally.
5. 5
   Fractured Spider Arm Assembly

   On front-load models, a cracked drum spider arm allows the inner stainless steel basket to wobble independently from the outer tub and motor stator, leading to severe mechanical instability.

How to clear / reset

To clear the UR error code, hit the Pause/Play button to stop the cycle. Open the lid or door, manually untangle the laundry, and spread the weight evenly around the drum or agitator. Close the machine and press Start to restart the spin. If the code persists, shut off the washer and unplug it for 3 minutes to reset the main control board. If you recently moved your washer, you must run the Calibration Mode (usually done by holding Temp and Delay End, then hitting Start) so the board can reset its understanding of the empty tub weight. If the error continues on empty loads, mechanical service is required.

Common replacement parts

FAQs