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Error Code

Samsung Washer CL: What the Display Means

For the Samsung Washer families covered by the source set, **CL** means **child lock state**. The first useful step is to preserve the exact characters and model number before power cycling the appliance. 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 **CL**. Search normalization stores it as **CL** while preserving the characters a homeowner actually sees.

Content status: Verified

Error code CL
Appliance Washer
Quick answer

Child Lock state.

Model compatibility: Samsung can reuse or reformat codes across series and model years, so CL 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

For the Samsung Washer families covered by the source set, **CL** means **child lock state**. The first useful step is to preserve the exact characters and model number before power cycling the appliance. 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 **CL**. Search normalization stores it as **CL** while preserving the characters a homeowner actually sees.

Signs

Symptoms you may notice

  • The CL display becomes more meaningful if the display appears while the appliance is otherwise able to respond normally.
  • Depending on the exact model, the message can be tied to a mode, test, reminder, setup state, or protective condition rather than a failed part.
  • While CL is active, normal operation can resume after the documented mode or condition is cleared.
  • When the CL condition is present, cL appears on the display while the appliance reports: Child Lock state.
Why it happens

Possible causes

  • varies by model/region — cross-region baseline — Child Lock state
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 confirm the exact display characters and appliance model before treating the message as an issue.
  • Before opening any service area, verify the user-facing setting, mode, door, filter, container, or setup condition named by Samsung for this display.
  • As an external check for CL, use the model-specific manual to clear the status; avoid repeated resets if the message reappears unexpectedly.
  • A safe owner-level check is to record the code and the cycle stage where it appears.
  • The next non-invasive check is to verify owner-accessible water supply, drain hose/filter, load balance, door, detergent, or power only when relevant.
  • For CL, start by doing this: power-cycle once only where Samsung's guidance recommends it; if the same code reappears, move to model-specific diagnosis.

Important safety warning. Disconnect power and stop use for active leakage near electrical parts, smoke, burning smell, or repeated breaker trips. Do not bypass a safety device merely to see whether CL disappears.

Get help

When to request repair service

Service is not automatically required. Request diagnosis only if the status cannot be cleared as designed or normal operation does not resume. If CL keeps returning, record the stage at which it reappears so the technician can test the child lock state path instead of replacing parts by guesswork.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

References

Sources & references

  • https://www.samsung.com/uk/support/home-appliances/what-do-the-codes-on-my-washing-machine-mean/
  • https://www.samsung.com/us/support/troubleshoot/TSG10000997/

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