What Does UB Mean On Samsung Washer? (Meaning Explained!)

Every error code on a washing machine means something, sometimes a serious issue. So, what does UB mean on Samsung washer, and how do you fix it?

The error code UB means that your Samsung washer has identified an unbalanced load. In most cases, the laundry load could be bulky (or overly large), overloaded, underloaded, or bundled up.

If the issue has nothing to do with the laundry load directly, it could be due to an unbalanced washer, an electronic glitch, loose packaging materials, or a failed component.

And considering the last reason, the failed washer component could be shock absorbers, dampening straps, suspension springs, bearings, snubber ring, tachometer, or control module.

There are several issues, at least 8, to consider when the UB error code pops up on your Samsung washing machine. But as you’ll learn, all these issues are fixable – which means you don’t need a washer expert to help you clear the UB error code.

Let me explain more about the meaning of the UB code and its causes. After that, we’ll look at how you can fix this error code, among other issues. Let’s jump in!

In a rush? Below are some quick tips for fixing the UB error code, which I’ll discuss later.

Samsung Washer UB Code – Quick Troubleshooting Guide

–	Cause	Troubleshooting
1.	Bulky Or Overly-Large Load	Avoid bulky loads such as blankets, rugs, and larger towels.
2.	Laundry Overload	Reduce the laundry volume to ¾ drum full.
3.	Laundry Underload	Add more items to the load.
4.	Bundled Laundry	Use netted/machine-safe bags to prevent bundling or tangling.
5.	Unbalanced Washer	Adjust and tight the washer’s feet and move the washer to a more even and firm surface.
6.	Electronic Glitch	Reset the washer
7.	Loose Packaging Materials	Remove bolts, spacers, and other shipping materials if present.
8.	Failed Component	If faulty, replace the shock absorbers, dampening straps, suspension springs, bearings, snubber ring, tachometer, or control module.

What Does Code UB Mean On Samsung Washer?

The code UB is an error code that appears on a Samsung washer when the washer detects a load imbalance. In this case, something might be stopping the laundry load from balancing in the washer, or perhaps it’s a malfunction that the washer reads as an unbalanced load.

Note that the code UB may also appear as UE, E4, or UR on a Samsung washer, depending on the model, but they all mean the same thing, so their troubleshooting is similar.

Overall, here are the likely reasons behind the error code UB on a Samsung washing machine:

1. Bulky or Overly Large Load

Bulky or overly oversized items like blankets, towels, and rugs can overwhelm the washer. In most cases, they go out of balance in the tub. If so, the error code UB may pop up to indicate an issue with the load.

2. Laundry Overload

The washer shouldn’t be more than ¾ (75%) full. If it is, not only might the washer fail to spin, but it could also result in the UB error code. In such cases, the washer sees such load as imbalanced and thus the reason for the error code.

Sometimes the washer may make a loud noise while spinning due to a laundry overload.

3. Laundry Underload

It’s not just a laundry overload that could spike the UB error code but an underload too. While you shouldn’t exceed ¾ capacity, you shouldn’t load less than ½ its capacity. If you do, some items will be thrown out of balance, resulting in the UB error code.

4. Bundled Laundry

If some of your clothes have drawstrings, laces, and other ties, they may bundle/tangle up, and when they do, the washer may see that as an unbalanced load. The issue is usually avoidable by using machine-washable bags to keep these clothes from bundling up.

5. Unbalanced Washer

It’s not just the laundry load that could go out of balance but the washer too. In the case of the washer, it could be that its feet are loose or unleveled, and if that’s not it, it could be that the washer rests on a less firm and unleveled surface.

So, you’ve to check all those issues.

6. Electronic Glitch

All appliances can occasionally suffer an electronic hitch, which may trigger an error code. The UB error code or any other may pop up if that’s the case. It’s fixable, fortunately, with a reset.

7. Loose Packaging Materials

If your Samsung washer is pretty new, there is a chance that some shipping or packaging materials, such as bolts and spacers, are loose. If so, these materials could trigger the UB error code.

8. Failed Component

Lastly, your Samsung washer might show the UB error code because one major component is failing. The component in this question could be any of these:

Shock absorbers – If you have a front loader, its shock absorbers might be out of order, failing to absorb vibrations. And if so, the washer might think the load is out of balance and display the UB error code.

Dampening straps – Dampening straps have the same effects as shock absorbers on a top loader.
Suspension springs – The suspension springs will also fail to absorb vibrations around the tub, causing the tub to vibrate, which may result in the UB error code.
Bearings – If the drum bearings are worn out, the drum might not spin firmly, and any vibration source might trigger the UB error code.

Snubber ring – The snubber ring’s job is to cushion the top loader’s tub. Once it fails, the tub becomes vulnerable to shaking, and that can cause the UB code.
Tachometer – If the tachometer fails, it won’t adjust the drum’s rotation speed, which might cause the UB error code.
Control module – Lastly, the control board could fail, resulting in different error codes, one being UB.

How Do I Fix The UB Error On My Samsung Washer?

Now that you know the eight issues to check when the code UB pops up on your Samsung washing machine, here’s how to fix it:

Step 1 – Redistribute and balance the load

Since the issue most likely points to the load distribution and loading, you should ensure the laundry is evenly distributed and balanced. That means doing the following:

Adding more items in case of an underload (up to ¾ full)

Taking out some things in case of an overload (up to ¾ full)
Removing bulky and overly oversized items such as blankets and large towels
Using netted or machine-safe bags to keep clothes with drawstrings and laces to prevent bundling up

Step 2 – Balance the washer

If the issue is not a load imbalance, it could be a washer imbalance. In that case, you should check the washer’s level to ensure it’s not out of balance.

While a lever can be helpful here, you can still use your eyes. Tighten the washer’s feet if they are loose and adjust them if they are out of level.

Moreover, ensure the washer sits on even and firm ground.

Step 3 – Reset the washer

If the UB error code doesn’t go after leveling the washer and balancing the load, consider resetting the washer. Here’s how to go about it:

Disconnect the washer, preferably unplug it, for at least 10 minutes
Restore the washer’s power and restart it

Step 4 – Remove any loose packaging materials

Sometimes a reset won’t work. If so, consider checking if there are loose packaging materials like bolts, spacers, and metal clamps. If that’s the case, remove the loose materials and consider resetting the washer again.

Step 5 – Check for a failed component and replace it

As I shared earlier, your last consideration is a failed component, and there are several to consider. That includes shock absorbers, dampening straps, suspension springs, bearings, snubber ring, tachometer, and control module.

If any of those washer components is faulty, replace them. Overall, it may be hard to diagnose some of these components. So, you may consider calling a washer expert or Samsung customer support.