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Samsung fridge freezer error codes

28 codes that Samsung publishes for its fridge freezers, each with what it means, the likely cause, what you can safely check and when to call a service engineer. Tap your code:

Fridge or freezer: do only the checks the maker gives for that code, and unplug it only where the maker says to — Samsung asks owners not to unplug or press buttons to clear a code, so its engineer can still read the fault. Do not take off panels or touch sensors, wiring or the cooling circuit: anything past the maker’s own checks is for the maker’s service engineer. Codes that need one are marked Engineer.

Read this first

Samsung fridge-freezers show a fault as a number and a letter — 21E, 22E, 22C, 85C — on the temperature display or the Family Hub screen. Samsung publishes its fridge code list on its US and Canadian support sites, which cover the American-style, French-door and Family Hub models sold there; Samsung UK publishes no fridge code list of its own, so on a UK or European model check the manual too: models differ. Samsung’s first instruction, before any code: unless the code’s entry tells you to, do not unplug the fridge and do not press buttons to make the code go away, because either makes it harder for the engineer to find the fault. Samsung lists an E code and the C code with the same number together (22E and 22C).

21E Freezer fan error

What it means
The electronics are not sensing the freezer fan turning when it should be.
Likely cause
Usually the fan has frozen up: a door left open, or a gap in the door gasket when the door is shut. It can also be a failed fan motor.
What you can safely check

Fridge or freezer: do only the checks the maker gives for that code, and unplug it only where the maker says to — Samsung asks owners not to unplug or press buttons to clear a code, so its engineer can still read the fault.

  • If you want to, defrost the fridge-freezer — Samsung leaves this to you; the alternative is to request service straight away.
  • Make sure it is not packed so full that the doors cannot close completely.
  • Check that each door gasket touches the cabinet all the way round.
When to call a service engineer
If 21E comes back after defrosting, request service from Samsung.

The symbol for this on the display: Door-open alarm (open door or bell).

Source: Samsung, Samsung US — Samsung refrigerator error codes (support guide TSG10007315; US refrigerators including Family Hub models) Checked 2026-09-29.

22E 22C Fridge fan error

What it means
A problem with the fan in the fridge (fresh-food) compartment.
Likely cause
It can be caused by running the fridge with the door left open too long.
What you can safely check

Fridge or freezer: do only the checks the maker gives for that code, and unplug it only where the maker says to — Samsung asks owners not to unplug or press buttons to clear a code, so its engineer can still read the fault.

  • This is a code where Samsung does tell you to unplug: unplug the fridge, leave the doors open for a few hours, then plug it back in, close the doors and use it as normal.
When to call a service engineer
If 22E or 22C comes back, request service from Samsung.

Source: Samsung, Samsung US — Samsung refrigerator error codes (support guide TSG10007315; US refrigerators including Family Hub models) Checked 2026-09-29.

83E 85E 86E 88 88 Power or voltage error

What it means
83E: abnormal current to the compressor. 85E: compressor under-voltage. 86E: compressor over-voltage. 88 88: a communication fault, which can happen if the power is disrupted while the fridge is starting up.
Likely cause
A power surge (for example in a thunderstorm), a brown-out or another electrical anomaly.
What you can safely check

Fridge or freezer: do only the checks the maker gives for that code, and unplug it only where the maker says to — Samsung asks owners not to unplug or press buttons to clear a code, so its engineer can still read the fault.

  • Unplug the fridge, or switch it off at the circuit breaker, for 60 seconds, then switch it back on.
When to call a service engineer
If the code comes back, request service from Samsung.

Source: Samsung, Samsung US — Samsung refrigerator error codes (support guide TSG10007315; US refrigerators including Family Hub models) Checked 2026-09-29.

PC ER PC CH Communication error

What it means
The parts of the refrigerator are not communicating with each other.
Likely cause
A recent power surge, or doors that are not properly connected (the wire harness above the door).
What you can safely check

Fridge or freezer: do only the checks the maker gives for that code, and unplug it only where the maker says to — Samsung asks owners not to unplug or press buttons to clear a code, so its engineer can still read the fault.

  • Unplug the fridge or switch it off at the circuit breaker, disconnect and reconnect the wire harness above the door, then restore power.
When to call a service engineer
If the code comes back, request service from Samsung.

Source: Samsung, Samsung US — Samsung refrigerator error codes (support guide TSG10007315; US refrigerators including Family Hub models) Checked 2026-09-29.

5E 8E 14E 33E 39E 39C 40E 40C 84C Sensor, ice-maker, fan and compressor faults

What it means
5E: fridge defrost sensor error. 8E: ice maker (freezer) sensor error. 14E: ice maker sensor error. 33E: ice pipe heater error. 39E or 39C: ice maker function error. 40E or 40C: ice room fan error. 84C: compressor lock.
Likely cause
A fault in the part the code names. Samsung lists these as common codes and gives no owner fix for them.
What you can safely check

Nothing for the owner to check: this one is for a service engineer.

When to call a service engineer
Engineer Request service from Samsung. Samsung asks you not to unplug the fridge or press buttons to clear the code first.

Source: Samsung, Samsung US — Samsung refrigerator error codes (support guide TSG10007315; US refrigerators including Family Hub models) Checked 2026-09-29.

85C Low voltage (Family Hub)

What it means
The Family Hub has detected low voltage on the power supply.
Likely cause
Often a brief power cut.
What you can safely check

Fridge or freezer: do only the checks the maker gives for that code, and unplug it only where the maker says to — Samsung asks owners not to unplug or press buttons to clear a code, so its engineer can still read the fault.

  • Press OK for 3 seconds to clear it.
When to call a service engineer
Samsung calls 85C harmless and gives no service step for it.

Source: Samsung, Samsung US — Samsung refrigerator error codes (support guide TSG10007315; US refrigerators including Family Hub models) Checked 2026-09-29.

41 42 Family Hub software problem (with the blue interior lights flashing)

What it means
On a Family Hub fridge, 41 or 42 with the interior blue lights flashing is a software or system problem on the Family Hub.
Likely cause
A software or system error on the Family Hub screen.
What you can safely check

Fridge or freezer: do only the checks the maker gives for that code, and unplug it only where the maker says to — Samsung asks owners not to unplug or press buttons to clear a code, so its engineer can still read the fault.

  • Reboot the Family Hub with the power switch inside, at the top of the right-hand door.
When to call a service engineer
If it continues, request service from Samsung.

Source: Samsung, Samsung US — Samsung refrigerator error codes (support guide TSG10007315; US refrigerators including Family Hub models) Checked 2026-09-29.

41C Family Hub update problem

What it means
A software update problem on 3-door French-door Family Hub models (Samsung says these steps apply only to them).
Likely cause
A glitch with a software update.
What you can safely check

Fridge or freezer: do only the checks the maker gives for that code, and unplug it only where the maker says to — Samsung asks owners not to unplug or press buttons to clear a code, so its engineer can still read the fault.

  • Confirm the latest software update has been downloaded and installed.
  • The first time the code appears after the update, tap OK.
When to call a service engineer
If it appears more than once after the update, request service from Samsung.

Source: Samsung, Samsung US — Samsung refrigerator error codes (support guide TSG10007315; US refrigerators including Family Hub models) Checked 2026-09-29.

76C Water in the Autofill compartment

What it means
Water has been detected in the Autofill compartment; on some models the Autofill indicator blinks instead of showing 76C.
Likely cause
Moisture in the Autofill section.
What you can safely check

Fridge or freezer: do only the checks the maker gives for that code, and unplug it only where the maker says to — Samsung asks owners not to unplug or press buttons to clear a code, so its engineer can still read the fault.

  • Dry the compartment.
When to call a service engineer
Samsung Canada: no service is needed unless it keeps coming back.

Source: Samsung, Samsung Canada — Common Samsung refrigerator error codes and their meaning (updated 7 March 2026) Checked 2026-09-29.

OF OF O FF OFF OFF Cooling Off mode (demo or shop mode)

What it means
Not a fault: the fridge is in Cooling Off mode, also called demo or shop mode. The display and lights work but it does not cool. Scrolling temperature bars can mean the same.
Likely cause
The mode was switched on, usually by accident or in a showroom.
What you can safely check

Fridge or freezer: do only the checks the maker gives for that code, and unplug it only where the maker says to — Samsung asks owners not to unplug or press buttons to clear a code, so its engineer can still read the fault.

  • On most models, touch and hold the top two buttons on the left of the outside control panel together for 5 to 8 seconds, until a chime that sounds different from a single button press. Some newer models also need the top button on the right: Samsung suggests trying two buttons first.
  • Wait a few moments: if the display goes back to OF OF, repeat. The exact steps for your model are in its manual.
When to call a service engineer
No service needed: Samsung says Cooling Off mode does not need a technician.

The symbol for this on the display: Showroom / demo mode (lights on, not cooling).

Source: Samsung, Samsung US — Samsung refrigerator error codes (support guide TSG10007315; US refrigerators including Family Hub models) Checked 2026-09-29.

AP Access point (Wi-Fi setup)

What it means
Not a fault: the fridge is acting as a Wi-Fi access point so it can be set up for SmartThings.
Likely cause
You usually make AP appear by holding the button named in the SmartThings setup.
What you can safely check

Fridge or freezer: do only the checks the maker gives for that code, and unplug it only where the maker says to — Samsung asks owners not to unplug or press buttons to clear a code, so its engineer can still read the fault.

  • Finish the SmartThings setup, or wait: AP goes away when setup completes or, if it does not complete, after a while.
When to call a service engineer
No service needed.

Source: Samsung, Samsung US — Samsung refrigerator error codes (support guide TSG10007315; US refrigerators including Family Hub models) Checked 2026-09-29.

Ice Off (blinking) Ice bucket not in place

What it means
Ice Off blinking means the ice bucket is not inserted correctly, or not inserted at all.
Likely cause
The ice bucket is missing or misaligned.
What you can safely check

Fridge or freezer: do only the checks the maker gives for that code, and unplug it only where the maker says to — Samsung asks owners not to unplug or press buttons to clear a code, so its engineer can still read the fault.

  • Put the ice bucket back in correctly.
When to call a service engineer
Samsung gives no service step for it; if it keeps blinking with the bucket in place, request service.

The symbol for this on the display: Ice maker off (ice cubes, crossed or unlit).

Source: Samsung, Samsung US — Samsung refrigerator error codes (support guide TSG10007315; US refrigerators including Family Hub models) Checked 2026-09-29.

A code that is not listed here

Samsung says its list is not complete. For any other code, visit Samsung’s Support Center to request service — and, unless the code’s own entry says so, do not unplug the fridge or press buttons to clear the code first.

We list only codes the source below states. If your code is not here, it may belong to a model the source does not cover: your model’s manual is the authority.

Related pages

Source

Every code on this page comes from these pages, published by Samsung and read on the date shown. Meanings are written in our own words; nothing is taken from other makes, other models or third-party code sites.