Samsung refrigerator codes group into a few families: 21E and 22E are freezer and fridge fan errors, 5E is the defrost sensor, 83E/85E/86E and 88 88 are voltage or power errors, and OF OF is Cooling Off mode (a demo setting, not a fault). Several codes need nothing more than a power reset, and a few — like 85C and “all icons flashing” — are harmless.
The full code list
| Code | What Samsung says it means |
|---|---|
| 21E | Freezer fan error — the electronics are not sensing fan rotation (ice on the fan, a failed motor or an open door) |
| 22E / 22C | Fridge fan error — often from a door left open too long |
| 5E | Fridge defrost sensor error |
| 8E | Ice maker sensor error |
| 83E, 85E, 86E, 88 88 | Voltage or power error — power surge, brownout or electrical anomaly |
| 85C | Low-voltage warning from a brief outage or voltage drop |
| PC ER / PC CH | Communication error between components |
| OF OF / O FF / OFF OFF | Cooling Off mode (demo / showroom mode) |
| 76C / Autofill blinking | Water detected in the Autofill compartment |
| Ice Off blinking | Ice bucket missing or not inserted correctly |
| All icons flashing | Normal self-diagnostic after a power event |
| AP | Access Point mode for Wi-Fi setup |
| 41, 42 (blue lights) / 41C | Family Hub software or update issue |
21E and 22E: Fan errors
- Check that the doors close and seal
A door left open too long can trigger 22E; see our door seal guide.
- Unplug and let it defrost
For 22E/22C, Samsung’s steps are to unplug the refrigerator and leave the doors open for a few hours, then plug it in and close the doors. For 21E, defrost the unit and make sure the doors seal.
- Contact service if it returns
A returning fan error points to a failed fan motor or a recurring ice problem. Our 22E and 5E guide goes deeper.
Power and voltage codes
For 83E, 85E, 86E and 88 88, Samsung’s fix is to unplug the refrigerator or switch off its breaker for about a minute, then restore power; if the code returns, request service. 85C is only a low-voltage warning — Samsung says pressing OK for 3 seconds clears it and it is considered harmless. PC ER / PC CH means components lost contact; unplug, reseat the wire harness above the door, and restore power.
5E and 8E: Sensor errors
5E (defrost sensor) and 8E (ice maker sensor) are not user-serviceable — Samsung’s guidance is to contact the Support Center. If the freezer is frosting up meanwhile, see our freezer frost buildup guide.
Codes that are not faults
OF OF, O FF and OFF OFF mean Cooling Off mode, which stops cooling; hold the top two buttons on the left control panel for 5 to 8 seconds until it chimes to exit. All icons flashing is a normal startup self-check after a power event, and AP is just Wi-Fi setup mode. Ice Off blinking means the ice bucket is out of place — reinsert it. If the fridge is merely warm after a long outage, see our refrigerator troubleshooting guide.
Family Hub models
Blue interior lights flashing with 41 or 42 point to a Family Hub software issue; Samsung says to reboot it with the power switch inside the right door. 41C is a software or update issue — confirm updates are installed and request service if it repeats.
When to call for service
Fan, sensor and repeated power codes that return after a reset need service. See our refrigerator repair cost guide before deciding between repair and replacement.
