How to Turn On Child Lock on a Samsung Washing Machine: 3 Easy Steps

Here is how to turn on child lock on a Samsung washing machine: switch the washer on, then press and hold the two buttons marked with the lock icon for about 3 seconds. A lock symbol will appear on the display. On newer dial models, tap Additional Functions, turn the dial to Child Lock, and select On.

The right buttons depend on your model, so the sections below show you how to identify yours.

How to Turn On Child Lock on a Samsung Washing Machine: Quick Answer

Button panels:

1. Press Power to turn the washer on.
2. Find the two buttons linked to the lock icon.
3. Hold both together for about 3 seconds.
4. Check that the lock icon appears on the display.

Navigation dial panels:

1. Turn the washer on.
2. Tap Additional Functions (the hand icon).
3. Turn the dial to Child Lock.
4. Tap the circle (Select) button and set it to On.

What Child Lock Does on a Samsung Washer

Before you learn how to turn on child lock on a Samsung washing machine, it helps to know what it actually changes. According to Samsung’s support guidance, child lock locks the control panel so your selected cycle can’t be changed by accident. Every button is disabled except the power button, and a lock icon shows on the display.

A few details catch people out:

• It stays on after the washer powers down. The lock remains active until you turn it off yourself.
• It can lock the door on some models. Samsung says child lock also locks the door on certain washers, such as front loaders. This is not true of every model.
• It does not replace supervision. Never let a child climb into or play around the machine.

Step 1: Find Out Which Control Panel You Have

Samsung uses different methods across its range, so look at your panel before pressing anything.

• Standard button panel: Two buttons share a small lock or smiley-face symbol printed below or between them.
• Navigation dial panel: A central dial, a hand icon for Additional Functions, and a circle or Select button.

If yours matches neither description, check your user manual. The model number is on a label, usually around the door opening or on the back of the washer.

How to Turn On Child Lock on a Samsung Washing Machine With Buttons

This method is for washers without a navigation dial

1. Press the Power button to turn the washer on.
2. Find the lock icon printed under or between two buttons.
3. Press and hold both buttons at the same time for about 3 seconds.
4. Release them when the child lock icon appears on the display.

Samsung’s guidance for these models says to hold the two buttons above the symbol for 3 seconds. Some models also beep to confirm.

For model-specific instructions, consult the official Samsung Support website. Your washer’s exact model number can help you find the correct operating manual.

Which Two Buttons Do You Press?

Don’t guess. The lock icon marks the correct pair on your panel. Pairs described in Samsung and retailer guides include:

• Temp + Rinse
• Temp + Spin
• Rinse + Spin
• Plus (+) and minus (−), which on some models are the Delay End buttons

Some older top-load models use Water Level together with Wash or Function. If a list online disagrees with the symbol printed on your panel or with your manual, trust the panel and the manual.

Top-Load Models

The steps for how to turn on child lock on a Samsung washing machine that loads from the top are similar, but the button pair is often different, commonly Rinse and Spin. Samsung’s New Zealand guidance adds that the function can’t be activated while the washer is off, so power it on first. On that guide’s model, the child lock icon blinks once the feature is active.

How to Turn On Child Lock on a Samsung Washing Machine With a Navigation Dial

Newer Samsung washers, including many AI and Bespoke models, use a menu instead of a button pair.

1. Turn the washer on.
2. Tap the Additional Functions button, often shown as a hand icon.
3. Turn the Navigation Dial until Child Lock is highlighted.
4. Tap the Select (circle) button to confirm.
5. Set it to On. The child lock icon will light up on the display.

Samsung’s Australian guidance describes the same sequence for its simple-design panels: tap the hand icon, turn the dial to Child Lock, then tap the circle icon to switch it on or off.

The WW5000B, WW5700B, and WW9000B ranges have their own listed steps in Samsung’s guidance. If you own one of them, look up how to turn on child lock on a Samsung washing machine of your exact model in the manual or on Samsung’s support page.

How to Tell Child Lock Is Active

• A padlock or child lock icon is visible on the display.
• Buttons stop responding, apart from the power button.
• A “CL” message may appear on some models. It is a status code showing child lock is on, not a fault.
• Some models beep when you press a locked button.

How to Turn Child Lock Off

The reverse of how to turn on child lock on a Samsung washing machine is almost identical. On most button models:

1. Turn the washer on.
2. Press and hold the same two buttons for about 3 seconds.
3. Check that the lock icon disappears.

On dial models, tap Additional Functions, turn the dial to Child Lock, select it, and switch it Off.

You will need to do this to add laundry, change a program, or start a new cycle. Switching the washer off and on again won’t clear the lock.

If You Still Can’t Figure Out How to Turn On Child Lock on a Samsung Washing Machine

Most problems come down to a handful of causes. Check these in order.

You are pressing the wrong buttons

This is the most common reason attempts at how to turn on child lock on a Samsung washing machine fail. A pair that works on one model won’t necessarily work on another. Look for the lock symbol on your panel and confirm it against the manual.

You are releasing too soon

Most models need the buttons held for around 3 seconds. Press both together and wait for the icon to change before letting go.

The washer is switched off

Power it on first. The lock can’t be set while the machine is off.

The panel is damp or dirty

Moisture or detergent residue can make buttons respond poorly. Switch the washer off and wipe the panel with a soft, dry cloth. Don’t spray liquids onto the buttons.

Child lock is already active

If the washer seems dead after a power cut or a long break, look for the lock icon before assuming a fault. Because the lock survives power loss, it can look like the controls have failed. Turn it off using your model’s method.

The control panel may be faulty

If the correct buttons and a clean, dry panel still do nothing, the panel or control board may be at fault. Contact Samsung support or a qualified technician, and don’t open the panel while the machine is plugged in.

Door Still Locked After Turning Child Lock Off?

Once you know how to turn on child lock on a Samsung washing machine, it also helps to understand the door. A front loader keeps its door locked for ordinary safety reasons too, not only because of child lock. Check these in order:

1. Confirm child lock is off.
2. Confirm the cycle has finished and the water has drained. The door lock light should be off.
3. Give the lock a few moments to release. If the washer was paused after water filled the drum, the door can’t open until a minute has passed.
4. If water is still inside, drain it through the emergency drain hose near the pump filter, then switch the washer off and on again. Some older front loaders don’t have this hose.

Never force the door open. If it still won’t release, contact Samsung support.

Opening the Door With Child Lock On

Samsung’s New Zealand guidance describes older models that react when the door is opened while child lock is active. They sound an alarm and show an error such as “CL” or “dE”. The washer then drains after about 30 seconds unless you close the door again. Samsung says this exists to protect children from standing water. Behavior varies by model, so turn child lock off before adding laundry.

A Safety Reminder

Knowing how to turn on child lock on a Samsung washing machine is only one layer of protection. It stops little hands from changing a cycle, but it is not a guarantee against climbing into the drum or opening the lid. Keep detergent and laundry pods out of reach, and keep children away from the machine while it runs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the steps for how to turn on child lock on a Samsung washing machine the same on every model?
No. Button-panel models use a pair of buttons, dial models use the Additional Functions menu, and some ranges have their own steps. Follow the symbol on your panel or your manual.

Does child lock turn off by itself when the cycle ends?
No. It stays on, even after the washer powers down, until you switch it off.

Does child lock lock the door?
On some models, such as front loaders, yes. It is not universal, so check your manual.

Can I use the power button with child lock on?
Yes. Samsung says the power button stays active.

What does “CL” mean on a Samsung washer?
On many models it shows that child lock is active. Switch child lock off using your model’s method to clear it.

Can I turn child lock on during a cycle?
Many button-panel models allow it, and the steps for how to turn on child lock on a Samsung washing machine mid-cycle are the same as before a cycle starts. Behavior varies by model, so confirm in your manual.

Final Thoughts on How to Turn On Child Lock on a Samsung Washing Machine

Learning how to turn on child lock on a Samsung washing machine takes only a few seconds once you know your panel type. Hold the two buttons marked with the lock icon for about 3 seconds, or use Additional Functions and the dial on newer models. Then confirm the lock icon appears.

If it doesn’t work, check the buttons against the printed symbol, make sure the washer is on, and keep the panel clean and dry. When in doubt, use your model’s manual rather than trying random combinations. If the controls still don’t respond, contact Samsung support.