Samsung Washer Error Code U6 (Ub, UE): Unbalanced Load (Meaning, Causes, Fixes)
What the code means
Samsung's US error code list puts dc (on some models), Ub, U6, Ur, UE, 1 Ub and 1U6 under one 'Unbalanced Load Error': the load inside the tub is unbalanced. U6 is how a 'b' can look on some displays, so U6 and Ub are the same code. Unlike Ur (Unbalanced Load Retry), which only means the washer is adding water and trying to rebalance by itself, U6 means the washer gave up and won't finish the cycle until you rearrange the laundry. Samsung's fix is to untangle and spread the laundry evenly, close the door and restart. If it keeps happening, Samsung points to the washer's level and footing, load size, the cycle chosen, leftover shipping bolts on front loaders, and (on models that support it) a weight-sensor calibration. If none of that helps, Samsung recommends requesting service.
Likely causes
- Laundry tangled or bunched on one side of the drum, common with sheets, blankets and other large absorbent items
- A single heavy item washed alone, such as a bath mat or large towel (Samsung UK says these are unlikely to spin on their own)
- A load that's too small and collects on one side, or one that's too big for the cycle's weight limit
- Washer not level, or not all four feet firmly on the floor
- A soft, carpeted or slippery floor that lets the washer slide or rock (Samsung says this causes unbalanced load errors)
- Shipping bolts still in a new front loader (the drum feels rigid instead of springy)
- The wrong cycle for the type of laundry
- Weight sensors needing recalibration, on models with a calibration mode
- Worn suspension or shock absorbers, once everything above is ruled out (a service issue)
Safe DIY checks
Unplug the appliance (or switch off its breaker) and shut off the water supply valves before removing panels or disconnecting hoses. Keep towels handy for residual water.
- Open the door, untangle the laundry and spread it evenly around the drum. Close the door and press Start, as Samsung instructs.
- If it's one heavy item on its own, add two or three towels to balance it. If it's a small load, add a few items or lower the spin speed.
- For sheets and blankets, spread them out by hand and consider a lower spin speed. Don't wash floor mats or pillows, which Samsung lists as items to avoid.
- Check load size against Samsung's guide: a small load is 3 to 5 pounds (about one-third full) and a large load is 6 to 16 pounds (about three-quarters full). Check your manual for each cycle's weight limit.
- Make sure the washer is level, all four feet touch the floor, and the leg lock nuts are tight. Samsung says it needs a firm, level surface without carpet or a slippery floor.
- New front loader? Open the door and push on the drum. It should feel springy. If it feels solid, the shipping bolts are still in: remove them from the back with the supplied wrench and fit the plastic hole covers.
- If the door stays locked with water inside, run a drain program: select Spin and set the spin speed to No Spin, then start it. Front loaders can also be drained through the emergency drain hose behind the bottom-front panel.
- If your model has a calibration mode, run it with the drum empty. On the Samsung UK models described, you power the washer off and on, hold Temp and Delay End for 3 seconds until CB appears, then press Start; the drum turns for about 3 minutes and shows 0 when done. Button combinations vary, so check your manual first.
- If U6 keeps returning with balanced, correctly sized loads on a level washer, stop and arrange service.
🛠 When to call a pro
- U6 keeps coming back with normal, balanced loads after the washer has been leveled and (for front loaders) the shipping bolts confirmed removed. Samsung recommends requesting service.
- The washer bangs, walks or shakes hard even with a balanced load, which can point to worn suspension rods or shock absorbers.
- The drum won't spin at all, even on a drain/spin-only cycle with a small balanced load.
- The washer is under warranty. Request service from Samsung instead of opening it yourself.
Parts that commonly fix it
Always match the part number to your exact model.
Shock absorbers / dampers (front loaders)
Only if a technician or clear wear points to them. Usually replaced as a set; match your model number before ordering.
[affiliate link slot: AFFILIATE_SLOT_SHOCKS]Suspension rods (top loaders)
Usually replaced all four at once if any are worn or broken.
[affiliate link slot: AFFILIATE_SLOT_SUSPENSION]Anti-skid / anti-vibration washer pads
Can help on slippery floors, which Samsung says can cause unbalanced load errors.
[affiliate link slot: AFFILIATE_SLOT_PADS]Sources
- Samsung US: Washing machine information and error codes (dc, Ub, U6, Ur, UE, 1 Ub, 1U6: Unbalanced Load Error)
- Samsung US: Washing machine spins poorly (load sizes, distributing loads, large items, matching the cycle)
- Samsung US: Washing machine is shaking too much (shipping bolts check, legs, bulky items)
- Samsung US: Install a Samsung washing machine (firm, level floor; slippery floors cause unbalanced load errors; shipping bolts)
- Samsung UK: UE code during a spin cycle (calibration, add towels to single heavy items, drain program)
- Samsung India: How to fix UE / UB error (level placement, overloading, cycle selection)
Last reviewed 2026-10-22. Always confirm against the manual for your exact model number.