Samsung Microwave SE Error
What it means
On a Samsung microwave, SE means a Key Short Error. The control board detects that a touch-pad button is shorted or being held down (often for more than ~60 seconds), so it stops and shows the fault. SE and 5E are the same code - the 'S' is sometimes misread as a '5'.
The bottom line on the SE error
SE โ the same fault as 5E โ is a key short error: the board reads a button as stuck or shorted, usually from moisture or grease under the touch pad. A reset clears a transient short, but if the pad has failed it returns.
The safe first move is free: unplug for 60 seconds, then clean and fully dry the external keypad. Since a shorted key can occasionally make the unit start on its own, do not ignore SE โ but never open the cabinet, where a high-voltage capacitor holds a lethal charge even unplugged.
SE snapshot
A microwave's high-voltage capacitor holds a potentially lethal charge even when unplugged โ clean only the external keypad and never open the cabinet; leave internal repairs to a qualified technician.
Our own at-a-glance triage of the SE error, from the verified data on this page. See error-code rankings โ ยท How we score โ
Common causes of the SE error
- A stuck or shorted key on the touch pad
- Moisture, steam, or grease on or under the control panel
- A dirty or damaged ribbon cable between the control panel and the main board
- A failed touch pad/membrane that needs replacement
- A faulty main control board (less common)
Which Samsung microwaves get the SE error
SE (5E) is one of the most-reported Samsung microwave faults and shows up most on over-the-range (OTR) models, including the SMH-series (for example SMH9187, SMH9151, SMH9207) and newer ME-series units (for example ME21R7051). It is a keypad/control-panel fault rather than a defect tied to one model year, so it can appear on both older and current OTR microwaves.
How to fix the Samsung Microwave SE error
- 1Reset the microwaveSamsung recommends unplugging the microwave or switching off its circuit breaker for 60 seconds, then restoring power. This clears a transient short caused by moisture or a momentary glitch.
- 2Clean and dry the touch padWipe the keypad with a cloth dampened with a little dish soap or glass cleaner, then dry it fully. Let any trapped moisture evaporate before powering back on. Avoid soaking the panel.
- 3Free any stuck buttonsWith the unit unplugged, press each key once to release a mechanically stuck button, then restore power and test.
- 4Have the ribbon cable / touch pad servicedIf SE persists, the ribbon connector usually needs cleaning or reseating, or the touch pad needs replacement. This is internal work - see the safety note below.
๐งฐ When to call a professional
If a reset and cleaning do not clear SE, contact Samsung support or a qualified technician. Because a shorted key can in rare cases make a microwave start on its own, do not ignore the code. A microwave's high-voltage capacitor holds a potentially lethal charge even when unplugged - never open the cabinet or attempt internal repairs yourself.
Samsung SE vs Whirlpool F2 vs GE F3: how they compare
How this code stacks up against related error codes for difficulty, urgency, and cost.
| Samsung SE | Whirlpool F2 | GE F3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIY difficulty (1โ5) | 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Urgency (1โ5) | 4 | 3 | 2 |
| Typical cost | $$ | $$ | $$ |
How much does it cost to fix the SE error?
| DIY (reset + clean keypad) | Free |
| Touch panel / keypad part (pro install) | $35-$120 |
| Professional repair (parts + labor) | $100-$250 |
| New over-the-range microwave | $250-$600 |
Repair or replace?
If a reset and a thorough keypad cleaning clear SE, the fix is free and the microwave is fine to keep. When the touch panel or control board has genuinely failed, weigh the roughly $100-$250 professional repair against the appliance: on a countertop microwave (often $80-$200 new) replacement usually wins, while a built-in over-the-range unit ($250-$600+) is generally worth repairing if it is only a few years old. Prices vary by model and region, so treat these as rough guides.
Common replacement parts for the SE error
| Touch panel / keypad membrane | $35-$120 | Common fix for a shorted key; install requires opening the cabinet - pro job | |
| Main control (PCB) board | $80-$200 | If the board itself is faulty; high-voltage internal repair - leave to a technician |
Prices are typical retail ranges and vary by model and supplier โ always confirm the exact part number for your appliance before buying. We are not linking parts for this code on purpose: it is a job for a qualified technician, and the right fix here starts with a diagnosis, not a purchase.
Samsung SE error โ FAQ
๏ผ โ Is SE the same as the 5E error code?
Yes. SE (Key Short Error) and 5E are the identical fault - the stylized 'S' on the display is often mistaken for the number '5'. Both mean a shorted or stuck key.
๏ผ โ Why does my microwave show SE even when I am not touching it?
The control board thinks a key is being pressed because it is electrically shorted - usually from moisture, grease, or a stuck button - not because someone is touching it. Cleaning and a reset often resolve it.
๏ผ โ Can I repair the touch pad myself?
You can safely clean the external keypad with the unit unplugged, but replacing the touch pad means opening the cabinet, which exposes a high-voltage capacitor that can shock you even after unplugging. Leave that to a professional.
๏ผ โ Is there a Samsung recall or free repair for the SE error?
The SE/5E error was common enough on certain over-the-range models that Samsung offered free out-of-warranty control-panel repairs on some of them for a period (sometimes called an epidemic or goodwill warranty). It was never a formal safety recall, and coverage has narrowed over time. Contact Samsung Support with your exact model number to check whether any goodwill coverage still applies before paying for a repair.
Sources & manufacturer references
This guide is independently written and not affiliated with Samsung. Always unplug appliances before servicing and follow your model's manual. Error codes and steps can vary by model โ when in doubt, consult a qualified technician.