Samsung Microwave code **E-81** is associated with **communication open error**. The display identifies the system or condition the control detected, but it does not by itself prove which individual part should be replaced. The exact stage when the code appears can be as important as the characters themselves. Note whether it happens at startup, during fill, heating, cooling, draining, spinning, drying, or after a power event. The recorded display form is **E-81**. Search normalization stores it as **E81** while preserving the characters a homeowner actually sees.
Reviewed by Ethan Mercer · Last reviewed August 17, 2026
Written by
Ethan Mercer Appliance Repair Content SpecialistPublished August 17, 2026Updated August 22, 2026Technically reviewed August 17, 2026
Content status:
Verified
Error codeE81
ApplianceMicrowave
Quick answer
Communication open error.
Model compatibility: Samsung can reuse or reformat codes across series and model years, so E81 may mean something different on another appliance or generation. Confirm this against your model’s documentation and record your full model number before acting.
Plain language
What this code means
Samsung Microwave code **E-81** is associated with **communication open error**. The display identifies the system or condition the control detected, but it does not by itself prove which individual part should be replaced. The exact stage when the code appears can be as important as the characters themselves. Note whether it happens at startup, during fill, heating, cooling, draining, spinning, drying, or after a power event. The recorded display form is **E-81**. Search normalization stores it as **E81** while preserving the characters a homeowner actually sees.
Signs
Symptoms you may notice
The E-81 display becomes more meaningful if the appliance may lose communication between control boards, display, inverter, or other electronic modules.
Depending on the exact model, controls can become unresponsive, a feature may stop, or the code may appear after power-up.
Depending on the exact model, intermittent operation can occur if a connection or power condition is unstable.
E-81 can be accompanied by this pattern: e-81 appears and the microwave can stop or limit the function associated with communication open error.
Why it happens
Possible causes
varies by model/region — cross-region baseline — Communication open error
Before you call
Safe checks you can make
These are simple, non-hazardous checks only. If anything is unclear, stop and contact a technician.
The next non-invasive check is to power the appliance off once using the documented method, then restore power and see whether the code returns.
Before opening any service area, record whether the issue followed an outage, update, move, or service event.
Before opening any service area, do not reseat internal live connectors unless qualified to follow the exact service procedure.
For E-81, start by doing this: record the exact code and model number.
As an external check for E-81, power the microwave off for 60 seconds only if Samsung's model guidance allows a reset.
With E-81 recorded, do not remove the outer cabinet or access internal high-voltage components.
Important safety warning. Safety takes priority over clearing E-81. Do not remove the microwave outer cabinet. High-voltage components can retain dangerous energy even after the appliance is unplugged.
Get help
When to request repair service
If the owner-accessible checks do not clear E-81, A returning communication/electronic-control code can require harness, connector, board power-supply, firmware, or module testing. The repair should confirm the monitored function and its feedback before any board or component is condemned.
Book your repair
Seeing this code on your Samsung appliance?
Book a specialist visit for a clear estimate and approval before any repair.
A single documented power reset can help after an external condition or power event is corrected. If **E-81** returns at the same stage, repeated resets only erase useful evidence and do not repair the cause.
Continue only if the appliance is otherwise safe and the owner-level checks are appropriate. Stop for leakage near electrical parts, smoke, burning odor, arcing, gas concerns, repeated breaker trips, uncontrolled heating, or unsafe temperatures.
Not automatically. Samsung error codes are diagnostic indicators, not part numbers. Confirm the circuit around **E-81** before replacing anything.
The same-looking code can be reused on another Samsung appliance family or reformatted by region/model year. Match the appliance type and exact model before applying a meaning. This page therefore keeps **Microwave E-81** separate from same-looking codes used by other Samsung appliance families.
