Samsung microwave codes fall into a few families: C- and E- codes point to specific sensors, the door, heating or communication faults; SE means a key is stuck or shorted; and E-01 to E-05 are open-door or cooking-time-setting errors. Samsung’s first step for almost every code is to unplug the microwave or switch off its breaker for 60 seconds. Only a handful of codes can be cleared by a reset; the rest need a service visit.
Start with a 60-second power reset
Unplug the microwave, or switch off the circuit breaker, for 60 seconds, then restore power. If the code does not return, it was a one-off. If it comes back, note the exact code and use the table below. If the unit has a plug you cannot reach, use the breaker rather than pulling the unit out.
The code families
| Code | What Samsung lists it as |
|---|---|
| SE | Key short error — a touch key is stuck or shorted (reset or service) |
| E-01 | Open error (reset or service) |
| E-02, E-03, E-04, E-05 | Cooking time setting over error — microwave, grill, convection and combination modes (reset or service) |
| E-06 | Swing heater error |
| E-11 to E-14, E-31, E-32 | Gas sensor errors (open, short, max time, dry-up) |
| E-21 to E-26 | Temperature sensor and over-temperature errors |
| E-33 to E-35 | Weight errors (under, over, invalid) |
| E-36, E-47 | Door open error |
| E-41 to E-44 | Easy/PH sensor errors |
| E-45 | Cooling error |
| E-46 | Primary open error |
| E-51 to E-54 | Sense, EEPROM, read/write and zero errors |
| E-61 to E-63 | Humidity sensor errors |
| E-71, E-72 | Steam sensor open and short errors |
| E-81 to E-83 | Communication errors |
| E-X1, E-X2 | Additional open and short errors |
| C-10, C-11, C-12 | Gas / Easy / PH sensor error |
| C-20, C-21, C-22 | Temperature sensor error |
| C-70, C-71, C-72 | Steam sensor error |
| C-A0, C-A1, C-A2 | Functional error |
| C-d0, C-d1, C-d2 | Door or key error |
| C-F0, C-F1, C-F2 | Communication error |
| TE | Touch communication error |
Which codes your model shows depends on the series — a basic countertop model will never display the steam or weight codes.
Codes you can try to clear yourself
- SE: free the keys
SE is a key short error. Unplug the microwave, wipe the keypad with a barely damp cloth to remove grease, dust or moisture, and make sure nothing is resting on the panel. Samsung’s UK page describes SE as a touch key held down for more than 10 seconds. If it persists, the control panel needs service. For an unresponsive panel in general, see our microwave buttons not working guide.
- E-01 to E-05: reset and re-enter
Power-reset the unit, close the door firmly, and set a cooking time within the range allowed for the mode. If the code returns straight away, service is needed.
- Do not keep retrying a heating fault
If the microwave runs but does not heat, that is a different problem — see microwave not heating.
Sensor codes
Gas, temperature, steam, humidity and Easy/PH sensor codes (the C-10 to C-72 and E-11 to E-72 groups) all share one recommendation from Samsung: contact the service centre. A sensor reads a value outside its range, either because it has failed open or short, or because its wiring is damaged. You cannot test these safely at home, because they sit inside the cabinet next to the high-voltage components.
Door, key and communication codes
Door codes (C-d0 to C-d2, E-36, E-47) mean the control is not getting a clean closed-door signal. Check that nothing is trapped in the door and that the latch is not cracked, and see our microwave sparking guide if you also see arcing. Communication codes (C-F, E-81 to E-83, TE) mean the display and main board cannot talk to each other, which is a service-level repair.
A microwave’s high-voltage capacitor can hold a dangerous charge even when unplugged. The advice in this guide stops at the power reset and the keypad. Do not remove the outer cover to chase a code.
When to call for service
Any code that returns after a 60-second reset, and any sensor, heater or communication code, needs a technician. Compare the quote to a new unit using our microwave repair cost guide; for built-in or over-the-range models, repair is more often worthwhile than for a cheap countertop unit.
