The Samsung washing machine UB UR error code means the machine has detected an unbalanced load and cannot safely ramp up to a high-speed spin cycle. Fortunately, this is almost always caused by a tangled heavy item, an overloaded drum, or an unlevel washing machine, rather than a broken internal mechanical part.
⚠️ SAFETY FIRST: While this specific error is usually solved by rearranging clothes, if you need to physically move the machine or adjust its hardware, always unplug the washing machine from the electrical outlet to prevent any accidental starts or electrical hazards.
What Causes the Samsung washing machine UB UR error Code?
When your Samsung washer flashes UB (Unbalanced) or UR (Unbalanced Retry), it is actively protecting itself. If it spins a heavy, lopsided load at high speeds, the machine could violently shake and damage its internal components. The most common causes include:
- Tangled or heavy items: A single heavy blanket, a large towel, or jeans that have clumped together on one side of the drum create a massive weight imbalance.
- Underloading the washer: Washing just one heavy item (like a single bath mat or one pair of shoes) makes it impossible for the machine to distribute the weight evenly during the spin cycle.
- Overloading the washer: Stuffing the drum to the top leaves no room for the clothes to tumble and redistribute themselves properly.
- Unlevel washing machine: If all four feet of the washer are not resting firmly on the floor, the machine will rock back and forth, tricking the sensors into thinking the load is unbalanced.
- Worn suspension rods or shock absorbers: Over time, the suspension springs (in top loaders) or shock absorbers (in front loaders) lose their tension, allowing the tub to bounce wildly even with a normal load.
Tools You Will Need for Troubleshooting
For most UB / UR errors, your hands are the only tools you need. However, if the machine is rocking, gather:
- A standard bubble level.
- An adjustable wrench or pliers (to adjust the leveling legs).
How to Fix Samsung Washing Machine UB UR Error Step-by-Step
You can usually resolve this frustrating error in just a few minutes without spending a dime. Follow these steps:
- Pause and Redistribute the Load: If the washer stops and chimes the error, hit the Pause button. Open the door and manually untangle the clothes. If you have a heavy blanket clumped on one side, spread its weight evenly around the drum. Close the door and resume the cycle.
- Add or Remove Items: If you are washing a single heavy towel, add a couple of other towels to balance the weight. If the drum is packed tight, remove half of the wet clothes and spin them in two separate batches.
- Check the Washing Machine’s Level: Place a bubble level on top of the washing machine (test both front-to-back and side-to-side). If the bubble is not perfectly centered, the machine is unlevel.
- Adjust the Leveling Legs: Have a helper tilt the machine slightly. Use an adjustable wrench to loosen the locking nut on the bottom feet. Turn the feet clockwise to lower them or counterclockwise to raise them until they sit perfectly flat on the floor. Tighten the locking nuts back up against the machine’s base to secure them.
- Test the Suspension (Top Loaders Only): Open the lid and push down firmly on the center of the agitator or the plastic rim of the tub, then let go quickly. The tub should smoothly bounce back to its original position and stop. If it bounces up and down like a basketball multiple times, the suspension rods have completely failed.
How to Prevent the Samsung washing machine UB UR error in the Future
To stop this code from coming back, always wash heavy items like bedding and rugs on the specific “Bedding” or “Heavy Duty” cycle. These cycles use lower spin speeds designed specifically for bulky, water-retaining items. Also, try to mix heavy and light items evenly when loading the drum.
How to Reset the Samsung Washing Machine (Soft Reset)
Once you have balanced the load or leveled the legs, clear the error code from the display. Unplug the washing machine from the wall outlet for 3 minutes. Plug it back in, select a “Rinse & Spin” or “Spin Only” cycle, and press Start to verify that the drum can reach its top speed without shaking.
When to call a professional?
If your washing machine is perfectly level, the load is balanced, but the drum still bangs violently against the cabinet and throws the UB / UR code, you have a mechanical hardware failure. The most likely culprits are worn-out suspension rods, dead shock absorbers, or a failing motor stator. Because replacing these parts requires dismantling the entire cabinet and lifting the heavy tub assembly, it is strongly recommended to contact a certified local appliance technician to perform the repair safely.