How To Reset An LG Washing Machine (Five Quick Steps)

Nothing kills the vibe of a laundry day faster than a washing machine that refuses to wash. LG washing machines are generally reliable, but like any tech, they can glitch.

If you are staring at a flashing error code or a washer that won’t start, don’t panic. You usually do not need a technician for this.

One of the easiest fixes is a simple hard reset. We will walk you through the exact steps to reset your LG washing machine, clear those codes, and get your laundry moving again.

Key Takeaways

• No Magic Button: LG washers do not have a dedicated “reset” button; you must perform a power cycle sequence.
• The Method: Unplug the machine, then hold the Power and Start/Pause buttons to drain residual electricity.
• Check Child Lock: If your machine is on but won’t start, check for the “CL” code before attempting a reset.
• Hardware Issues: A reset fixes software glitches, but persistent codes like LE (Motor) or OE (Drain) often require repairs.

In This Article

• LG Washing Machine: Is There a Reset Button?
• How to Reset Your LG Washer
• Wi-Fi (ThinQ) Reset
• LG Washer: Common Error Codes
• LG Washer Troubleshooting
• FAQs
• Get Your Laundry Moving Again

Is There a Reset Button on an LG Washing Machine?

Let’s rip the band-aid off quickly: no, there is not a dedicated reset button on your LG washer. You cannot just press a switch to wipe the memory.

Instead, you have to perform what is known as a “hard reset” or a “master reset.”

This process involves a specific combination of disconnecting power and holding buttons to drain electricity from the main control board. It works for almost all models, including LG front load washers, top loaders, and Turbo Drum machines.

How to Reset Your LG Washing Machine

Resetting the appliance is the digital equivalent of “turning it off and on again,” but with a few extra steps to ensure the capacitors fully discharge.

While this works for 90% of machines, always double-check your user manual if you have a specialized model. Here is the standard reset procedure:

1. Unplug the machine: Safety first. Disconnect the washer from the wall outlet. This cuts the main power source.
2. Press and hold Power: With the machine unplugged, press and hold the POWER button for at least five seconds.
3. Press and hold Start/Pause: Next, hold down the PLAY/PAUSE button for five seconds. This helps dissipate any residual static electricity stored in the control board.
4. Plug it back in: Connect the machine back to the power outlet and turn it on.
5. Test run: Run a short “Rinse & Spin” cycle without clothes to see if the error code has cleared.

Don't Forget

Performing a hard reset returns the machine to factory defaults. If you had custom “My Cycle” settings or Wi-Fi configurations programmed, you might need to set those up again.

Resetting the Wi-Fi (ThinQ)

If your issue isn’t mechanical but related to the LG ThinQ app connectivity, a master reset might not help. You likely need to reset the network settings.

• Enable Wi-Fi mode: Turn the machine on.
• The button combo: Look for a button labeled Wi-Fi. On many models, this is a secondary function of the “Delay End” button.
• Hold to reset: Press and hold that button for 3 seconds until the Wi-Fi symbol blinks or the machine beeps. This puts it back into pairing mode.

Common LG Washing Machine Error Codes

Sometimes a reset works, and sometimes the machine is trying to tell you a part is broken. If the error code returns immediately after a reset, check this table.

Error Code	What It Means
IE	Water Inlet Error: The machine isn’t getting water. Check for kinked hoses, closed supply taps, or frozen pipes.
OE / DE	Drain Error: The water can’t leave the drum. The drain hose is likely kinked, or the drain pump filter is clogged with lint/coins.
UE	Unbalanced Error: The load is too heavy or lopsided. Redistribute the wet clothes and run a Spin cycle.
dE / dE1 / dE2	Door Error: The door isn’t latching properly. Check for obstructions or a faulty door lock assembly.
tE	Heating Error: The thermistor (temperature sensor) is reading incorrectly. This usually requires a service call.
FE	Overflow Error: The water valve may be stuck open. Turn off the water supply tap immediately and unplug the unit.
PE	Pressure Sensor Error: The sensor that weighs the clothes and checks water level is malfunctioning.
LE	Locked Motor Error: The motor is stressed. This happens with heavy loads. Let the machine cool down for 30 minutes and try again.
CL	Child Lock: Not an error! This is a safety feature. Press and hold the “Child Lock” button combo (usually marked with a lock icon) for 3 seconds to disable it.
PF	Power Failure: The power supply was interrupted during a cycle. A simple restart usually fixes this.
AE	Leak Detected: The internal flood protection sensor is wet. Check the bottom of the machine for leaks.

LG Washing Machine Troubleshooting Guide

If the reset didn’t work and you aren’t seeing a clear error code, you might be dealing with a hardware issue. Here are common scenarios and how to handle them.

Why Won’t My LG Washer Start?

You push the power button, and… nothing happens. Here is what to check:

• Check the breaker: Washing machines draw a lot of power. Check your home’s circuit breaker box to ensure the switch hasn’t tripped.
• Inspect the power cord: Ensure the plug is firmly in the wall. Avoid using extension cords, as they often can’t handle the amperage required by a washer.
• Child Lock is On: This is the most common “fake” problem. If the lights are on but buttons won’t respond, look for a “CL” code or a lock icon on the display. Disable it by holding the designated button for 3 seconds.

Why Won’t the Cycle Finish?

The machine starts fine but stops halfway through, leaving you with soaking wet clothes.

• Drain Pump Blockage: If the washer can’t drain, it will pause the cycle. Open the small trap door at the bottom front of the machine, unscrew the filter, and clean out any debris.
• Uneven Load: LG washers are sensitive to balance. If you are washing a single heavy blanket, the machine may spin indefinitely trying to balance itself. Add a few towels to even out the weight.
• Heater Failure: If you selected a “Sanitize” or “Hot” cycle and the heater fails, the machine might stall waiting for the water to reach temperature. Try running a “Tap Cold” cycle to see if it finishes.

FAQs

Does unplugging a washer reset it?

Yes, unplugging the washer is the first step of a reset. However, you must also press and hold the Power and Start/Pause buttons while it is unplugged to fully discharge the electrical components and clear the memory.

How do I get my LG washer out of error mode?

First, try to resolve the physical issue indicated by the code (e.g., straighten a kinked hose for an IE code). If the code persists after fixing the issue, perform the hard reset by unplugging the unit and holding the start button for 5 seconds.

Is there a reset button on the LG washer motor?

No, there is no physical reset button on the motor or the inverter. All resets are handled through the main control panel using the power cycle method described in this guide.

Get Your Laundry Moving Again

We use our washing machines so much that we take them for granted, until they stop working. The good news is that a simple hard reset clears up the majority of random software glitches.

Now that you know how to reset your LG washing machine, you can likely skip the expensive service call and get back to your day.

However, remember that reset codes cannot fix broken parts. If you hear grinding noises, see water leaking, or the error codes keep coming back, it is time to contact LG support or a local repair pro.

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