Samsung dryer codes fall into families, and the two most common come down to airflow: HC / hE mean the dryer is overheating, and tC / tS / tE mean a temperature or sensor issue — both usually from a clogged lint screen or vent. dC, dE and do point to the door or latch, bE to a stuck button, and codes like Clg or C9 are the vent blockage test results.
The code families
| Codes | What Samsung says they mean |
|---|---|
| HC, hE, HC4, 1 HC | Dryer is overheating |
| tS, t5, tC, tO, t0, tE, tE3, tC5, tCS, 1 tC | Issues with temperature or its sensors |
| dC, dE, dF, do, d0, 1 DC, 1 dF | Issues with the door, latch or sensors |
| bE, bE2, bC2, 6E, 6E2, 6C2 | A button is stuck or continuously pressed |
| 9C1, 9E, 2E, 9E1 | Abnormal voltage supply to the dryer |
| FC, FE, 1 FC | Invalid power source frequency |
| AC, Et, AE, EEE, AE3, AE4, AE5, E3, 1 AC | Failure in communication between internal components |
| Clg, Cl9, Cg, C9, C80, C8o, C8, C90, C9o, Ct | Vent blockage test results (partial to over 90%) |
| dn | Firmware download in progress |
HC / hE and tC / tE: Heat and temperature
- Clean the lint screen thoroughly
Samsung’s fix for both families starts here — a film of lint restricts airflow enough to trigger overheat or temperature codes.
- Clean the vent system
Check the whole duct run and the outside vent hood — see our vent cleaning guide.
- Consider the power supply on electric models
For overheating codes, Samsung suggests consulting an electrician if low voltage is suspected.
See our dryer overheating guide and the dedicated Samsung HE error guide for more detail.
dC / dE / do: Door codes
These point to the door, latch or sensors that detect its state. Confirm the latch is secure, nothing is caught in the door, and it closes fully. A latch that looks fine but still triggers the code may have a failed door sensor.
Clg, C9 and similar: Vent blockage test
Codes like Clg, Cl9, C9, C80 and C90 report how blocked the vent is during Samsung’s vent test — partial to over 90% clogging, or laundry in the drum or a temperature issue. They are a prompt to clean the vent, not a sign the dryer has failed. If drying times are also long, see our dryer takes too long to dry guide.
Voltage and frequency codes
9C1/9E/2E/9E1 mean an abnormal supply voltage, and FC/FE an invalid power frequency. Check the circuit, the power cord installation and the voltage supply; restart the cycle, and contact service if the code persists. Samsung treats a frequency error as something to restart before escalating.
Buttons, communication and downloads
For stuck-button codes (bE and similar), power off and press each button to free it, and seek service if the panel is damaged. For communication codes (AC, Et, AE and so on), restart the dryer; if it persists, it needs professional service. dn means a firmware download is underway — avoid unplugging it, and contact service if it lasts more than 24 hours.
When to call for service
Sensor, communication and voltage codes that return after a restart and a clean vent need a technician. See our dryer repair cost guide before deciding between repair and replacement.
