Usually, most appliances blink lights, display a code, or show an icon to indicate what is going on in the appliance. And, Samsung washing machines are not left behind. If you are wondering what that Samsung washing machine key lock symbol means, then you are in luck.
In this article, I will tell you what the key lock symbol means, why it flashes or lights up, and what you can do about it.
Something else: Some Samsung washers might display two different locks (each with its own meaning) and this tends to confuse some homeowners.
Fortunately, if you are one of them, worry not as I will also demystify what each of these padlocks means.
Samsung washing machine key lock symbol meaning
When your Samsung washing machine key lock symbol is flashing (or lights up), it means that the door has locked.
Usually, the door locks itself during cycles or when it is not safe to open the washer.
During a cycle, the washer’s door automatically locks itself and won’t open until it has drained.
In front load washing machines, this prevents flooding of the room (if you were to open the washer midcycle).
Something else: If your front-load washer is experiencing a drainage problem, the door will lock itself till you drain all the water…
Here’s a guide to help you drain your unit: How to drain a Samsung washing machine.
As for the safety feature, if the control board detects that the temperature inside the drum is above 140⁰ F, it will automatically lock the door.
This prevents injury that might arise (possible burns) when one opens such a door – the hot air might burn you as it escapes from the drum.
In such a scenario, the door will only unlock once the drum temperature comes below 140⁰ F.
Now that you have a clear understanding of what the key lock symbol indicates, below are the different variations of this symbol:
How to get rid of key symbol on Samsung washing machine
Unfortunately, since the key symbol indicates if the door is locked or not, you cannot permanently deactivate it.
However, if your washer is not unlocking, there are some steps you can take to get rid of the lock symbol and unlock your appliance… They are:
- Turn off the washer and let it sit for around 30 minutes – this helps to cool the temperature inside the drum.
- Reset the unit – unplug it from the power outlet for five minutes.
- The laundry might be pushing outwards making it hard for the hook to disengage. So, also try to slightly push the door inwards before trying to unlock it.
- If the washer is not draining, manually drain it to get rid of the water, and then try to unlock the door.
- Child lock might be active – I will show you how to deactivate it in a few.
- Finally, it could be a sign of a Samsung washing machine door lock fault hence additional testing might be necessary.
For a comprehensive guide on how to test the door lock switch, read our other article: Samsung washing machine door not unlocking [Fixed].
From my experience, I have found that it is not uncommon for folks to confuse the door lock symbol with the child/control lock symbol.
After all, in some Samsung washer machines, a padlock icon with a smiley face represents the control lock. And, this padlock icon is somehow similar to the padlock icon we have seen above hence the confusion.
Having that in mind, below are the two icons that indicate child lock has been activated in a Samsung washer:
When your Samsung washing machine displays any of these icons, the door won’t open unless you deactivate child lock.
So…
How to remove/unlock child (control) lock in Samsung washing machines
To deactivate child lock in Samsung washing machines, press the Spin and Temperature buttons together for three seconds.
Pro tip: This might not always work – the button combination might vary depending on the model of your washer.
So, if your Samsung washer child lock won’t turn off using the above combinations, try the other button combinations below:
- Press the Rinse and Temperature buttons together for three seconds.
- Press the + and – buttons for three seconds and then press the Start/Pause button for three seconds.
- Tap the Additional Functions option and turn the navigation dial to Child Lock. Press the select button (O) to choose child lock and then choose
For the most part, deactivating/activating child lock will result in a chime indicating the process was successful… And, the control lock icon will stop illuminating/blinking.
Something else: The above steps will work on both top load and front load Samsung washers.
Samsung washing machine key lock symbol – recap
A key lock icon means that your washer’s door is locked. So, if the washer is running a wash cycle, there is no need for you to worry.
But, if the door won’t unlock after a cycle, follow the steps we have seen above to get rid of the key lock symbol (and unlock your door).