Samsung CL
Child Lock Active
Low severityExpert Guide
SeverityLow
What Your Machine Is Actually Telling You
CL is NOT an error code — it's a status indicator. Child Lock is a safety feature that disables all buttons on the control panel except Power. This prevents children from accidentally changing or starting cycles.
How Child Lock works: When activated, the board ignores all button presses except the designated unlock combination. The CL indicator stays on permanently until unlocked.
Why it might appear unexpectedly:
- You (or your child) accidentally pressed the lock combo.
- Previous user locked it.
- Power outage can sometimes retain the lock state.
Samsung lock/unlock methods (varies by model):
- Method 1: Hold Temp + Rinse for 3 seconds.
- Method 2: Hold Delay End + Soil Level for 3 seconds.
- Method 3: Press and hold the Child Lock icon button for 3 seconds.
- Check your specific model's user manual for the exact combination.
How Child Lock works: When activated, the board ignores all button presses except the designated unlock combination. The CL indicator stays on permanently until unlocked.
Why it might appear unexpectedly:
- You (or your child) accidentally pressed the lock combo.
- Previous user locked it.
- Power outage can sometimes retain the lock state.
Samsung lock/unlock methods (varies by model):
- Method 1: Hold Temp + Rinse for 3 seconds.
- Method 2: Hold Delay End + Soil Level for 3 seconds.
- Method 3: Press and hold the Child Lock icon button for 3 seconds.
- Check your specific model's user manual for the exact combination.
What You're Probably Seeing Right Now
- "CL" is displayed — no buttons work.
- Power button works but no other buttons respond.
- A lock icon is shown on the display.
- You turned the machine on and it immediately shows CL.
- This started happening after a child used the machine.
DIY Fix — From Easiest to Hardest
1
Standard Unlock (10 seconds — Fixes 99%)
1. On the Samsung control panel, find the two buttons with a small **lock icon** between them (often Temp + Rinse).
2. **Press and hold both simultaneously for 3 seconds.**
3. You'll hear a beep and CL will disappear.
4. All buttons are now active.
2. **Press and hold both simultaneously for 3 seconds.**
3. You'll hear a beep and CL will disappear.
4. All buttons are now active.
2
Try Alternative Button Combos
If Temp + Rinse doesn't work:
1. **Delay End + Soil Level** (hold 3 seconds).
2. **Option buttons** (hold 3 seconds).
3. Look at the panel for a key/padlock symbol — the unlock buttons are usually adjacent to it.
4. Check your user manual for the specific model.
1. **Delay End + Soil Level** (hold 3 seconds).
2. **Option buttons** (hold 3 seconds).
3. Look at the panel for a key/padlock symbol — the unlock buttons are usually adjacent to it.
4. Check your user manual for the specific model.
3
Power Cycle (If Standard Unlock Fails)
1. Turn off with Power button.
2. Unplug for 2 minutes.
3. Plug back in.
4. Turn on — try the unlock combo immediately.
**Note:** Some Samsung models retain Child Lock even through power cycling.
2. Unplug for 2 minutes.
3. Plug back in.
4. Turn on — try the unlock combo immediately.
**Note:** Some Samsung models retain Child Lock even through power cycling.
4
Check User Manual
If none of the above work:
1. Find your model number (sticker on door frame or back panel).
2. Google: "Samsung [model number] child lock"
3. Or visit Samsung's support site.
4. The manual will show the exact button combination for your model.
1. Find your model number (sticker on door frame or back panel).
2. Google: "Samsung [model number] child lock"
3. Or visit Samsung's support site.
4. The manual will show the exact button combination for your model.
When to Call a Pro
- •UI board fault — if CL won't unlock and you've tried everything: $100-$250.
- •Button stuck — if a button is physically stuck, it might re-engage CL: $80-$200.
What It'll Cost You
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