Samsung Washer UR (UB) Error
What it means
The Ur error means the washer detected an unbalanced load during the spin cycle and is retrying: it slows down, adds water, and tries to redistribute the laundry so it can spin safely (Ur is sometimes described as 'Unbalanced Load Retry'). It belongs to the same unbalanced-load family as the related Ub and UE codes. There is a subtle difference — Ur points to the clothes not being evenly distributed inside the tub, while Ub more often means the washer itself is not sitting level. Either way it is usually an easy fix you can do in a couple of minutes.
The bottom line on the UR (UB) error
Ur means the washer found the spin load unbalanced and is retrying, and the real culprit is almost always tangled laundry or a single heavy item like a comforter thrown to one side — not a broken machine. It is an easy fix you can do in minutes, and it is not the same as Ub, which usually means the washer is not level.
Start free: open the door, spread the laundry evenly, remove items if overloaded, and check the machine is level. Only if Ur keeps returning on a balanced, level load are worn shock absorbers or springs ($20–$70) likely.
UR (UB) snapshot
Our own at-a-glance triage of the UR (UB) error, from the verified data on this page. See error-code rankings → · How we score →
Common causes of the UR (UB) error
- Laundry tangled or bunched on one side of the drum
- Washing a single heavy item (rug, comforter, towels) alone
- Overloading the washer beyond its capacity
- Washer not sitting level on the floor
- Worn shock absorbers or suspension springs (less common)
Which Samsung washers get the UR (UB) error
Ur (and the related Ub / UE unbalanced-load codes) appears on Samsung front-load (WF-series) and top-load (WA-series) washers across roughly the last decade of models. It is more common on high-spin-speed and larger-capacity machines and when bulky single items like comforters, rugs, or bath mats are washed alone.
How to fix the Samsung Washer UR (UB) error
- 1Pause and redistribute the loadOpen the door, untangle the laundry, and spread items evenly around the drum. Add a few similar-weight items when spinning one bulky piece like a comforter so it balances.
- 2Don't overload (or underload)Reduce oversized loads to leave room for clothes to move, and avoid spinning a single heavy item alone. Both extremes cause the drum to wobble and trigger UR.
- 3Level the washerUse a bubble level on top of the machine. Adjust the leveling feet by turning them clockwise or counter-clockwise until the washer is flat and doesn't rock, then tighten the lock nuts.
- 4Reset the cycleUnplug the washer for a few minutes (a safe way to clear the code), plug it back in, and restart the cycle. Note: if the door is locked with water inside, let the cycle drain first before opening.
🧰 When to call a professional
If the load is balanced and evenly sized, the machine is level, and UR still appears on most cycles, the suspension components (shock absorbers, dampers, or springs) may be worn. Replacing those is best left to an appliance technician.
Samsung UR (UB) vs Samsung dC vs Samsung SC (5C): how they compare
How this code stacks up against related error codes for difficulty, urgency, and cost.
| Samsung UR (UB) | Samsung dC | Samsung SC (5C) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIY difficulty (1–5) | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Urgency (1–5) | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Typical cost | $ | $ | $$ |
How much does it cost to fix the UR (UB) error?
| DIY (rebalance load, level the machine) | $0 |
| DIY parts (shock absorbers / suspension springs, if worn) | $20–$70 |
| Professional repair (suspension or control fault) | $130–$300 |
Repair or replace?
Ur is almost always a free fix — redistributing the laundry, avoiding a single heavy item, not overloading, and leveling the machine clears it in the vast majority of cases, so do not buy any parts first. Only if the code keeps returning with a balanced, level load do you have a real hardware issue: worn shock absorbers or suspension springs are a relatively cheap DIY part ($20–$70), while a professional suspension or control-board repair ($130–$300) on an older washer starts to approach the cost of a new mid-range unit. Prices vary by model and region.
Common replacement parts for the UR (UB) error
| Shock absorbers / dampers | $20–$60 | Replace as a set if the tub bangs and rocks during spin. | |
| Suspension springs | $15–$50 | Support the tub; worn or stretched springs let the drum wobble. | |
| Leveling feet / lock nuts | $10–$30 | Only if a foot is damaged or will not hold its adjustment. |
Prices are typical retail ranges and vary by model and supplier — always confirm the exact part number for your appliance before buying.
Samsung UR (UB) error — FAQ
＋ − What does UR mean on a Samsung washer?
It signals an unbalanced load during the spin cycle, and the washer is retrying — it adds water and tries to redistribute the laundry before spinning. It is part of the same family as the Ub and UE unbalanced-load codes; Ur leans toward the clothes not being evenly spread, while Ub often means the washer itself is not level.
＋ − How do I fix the UR error quickly?
Open the door, spread the laundry evenly, remove a few items if it's overloaded, and make sure the washer is level. Then restart the spin.
＋ − Why does UR happen with bulky items?
A single heavy item like a comforter or bath mat shifts to one side and throws off the drum's balance. Washing it with a few similar-weight items helps the washer balance and spin.
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 — when in doubt, consult a qualified technician.