The **A8** display on a Samsung washing machine points to **factory test mode is active**. Treat it as a diagnostic direction rather than a parts order: operating conditions, wiring, sensors, actuators, and control electronics can overlap. Samsung appliances monitor whether a function reaches an expected state within a certain sequence. When that check fails, the control can store or display a code even though the root cause may sit elsewhere in the same circuit. The recorded display form is **A8**. Search normalization stores it as **A8** 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 codeA8
ApplianceWasher
Quick answer
Factory test mode is active.
Model compatibility: Samsung can reuse or reformat codes across series and model years, so A8 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
The **A8** display on a Samsung washing machine points to **factory test mode is active**. Treat it as a diagnostic direction rather than a parts order: operating conditions, wiring, sensors, actuators, and control electronics can overlap. Samsung appliances monitor whether a function reaches an expected state within a certain sequence. When that check fails, the control can store or display a code even though the root cause may sit elsewhere in the same circuit. The recorded display form is **A8**. Search normalization stores it as **A8** while preserving the characters a homeowner actually sees.
Signs
Symptoms you may notice
When the A8 condition is present, the display appears while the appliance is otherwise able to respond normally.
On affected Samsung washing machine models, the message can be tied to a mode, test, reminder, setup state, or protective condition rather than a failed part.
One clue that supports the A8 diagnosis is that normal operation can resume after the documented mode or condition is cleared.
When the A8 condition is present, a8 appears on the display while the appliance reports: Factory test mode is active.
Why it happens
Possible causes
varies by model — official regional/current support — Factory test mode is active
Before you call
Safe checks you can make
These are simple, non-hazardous checks only. If anything is unclear, stop and contact a technician.
A safe owner-level check is to confirm the exact display characters and appliance model before treating the message as an issue.
With A8 recorded, check the user-facing setting, mode, door, filter, container, or setup condition named by Samsung for this display.
To rule out an accessible cause, use the model-specific manual to clear the status; avoid repeated resets if the message returns unexpectedly.
A safe owner-level check is to record the code and the cycle stage where it appears.
Before requesting service for A8, check owner-accessible water supply, drain hose/filter, load balance, door, detergent, or power only when relevant.
The next non-invasive check is to power-cycle once only where Samsung's guidance recommends it; if the same code returns, move to model-specific diagnosis.
Important safety warning. Safety takes priority over clearing A8. Disconnect power and stop use for active leakage near electrical parts, smoke, burning smell, or repeated breaker trips.
Get help
When to request repair service
For A8, the service threshold is straightforward: Service is not automatically required. Request diagnosis only if the status cannot be cleared as designed or normal operation does not resume. Bring the exact model number and a photo of the display so the diagnosis stays tied to the documented Samsung code.
Book your repair
Seeing this code on your Samsung appliance?
Book a specialist visit for a clear estimate and approval before any repair.
You can try the one reset Samsung documents for the model, but **A8** returning afterward means the condition still exists. Note the operating stage instead of cycling power repeatedly.
Because **A8** is not treated here as a conventional component failure, service is not automatically required. Clear or complete the documented mode and confirm that normal operation resumes.
Not automatically. Samsung error codes are diagnostic indicators, not part numbers. Confirm the circuit around **A8** 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 **Washer A8** separate from same-looking codes used by other Samsung appliance families.
