How to Deactivate Child Lock on Washing Machine (Bosch, Samsung, LG & More)
Yes, you can switch child lock off yourself, and it usually takes only a few seconds. Learning how to deactivate child lock on washing machine controls comes down to pressing and holding the button, or pair of buttons, marked with a padlock or key icon for 3 to 5 seconds until you hear a beep and the lock symbol disappears.
Which buttons you need depends on your brand and model, so this guide goes through each one.
Quick Key Takeaways
- Try this first: Look for a padlock, key, or child lock symbol on your washing machine’s control panel.
- Hold the correct button: Press and hold the marked button or button combination for approximately 3 seconds. Some models require up to 5 seconds.
- Check the display: Wait for a beep or confirm that the lock symbol disappears.
- Know your brand: Samsung, LG, Whirlpool, Bosch, and other manufacturers may use different unlocking methods.
- Still locked? Check your exact model’s manual before attempting a power reset or contacting a technician.
Table of Contents
What Is Child Lock on a Washing Machine?
Child lock is a safety feature that locks the control panel so nobody can change the settings or interrupt a cycle by pressing buttons. When your washer suddenly stops responding, it is often not a fault. The lock has simply been switched on, usually by accident.
Why Washing Machines Have a Child Lock Feature
Small hands love buttons. Child lock keeps a toddler from changing the program or stopping a cycle halfway through. On Samsung machines, every button except power is locked while it is active. LG machines work the same way.
How to Know If Child Lock Is Activated
Look for these signs:
- A padlock or key symbol is lit on the display
- The display shows “CL”
- Pressing buttons does nothing, or the cycle won’t change
The lock does not clear itself. On LG machines it stays on after a cycle ends. Samsung and Siemens both say it stays active even after the washer is switched off. Before you follow any steps for how to deactivate child lock on washing machine panels, make sure the symbol really is child lock and not a door lock indicator (more on that below).
How to Deactivate Child Lock on Washing Machine
Every brand is a little different, but the basic process is the same. Try this general method first.
Step 1: Check the Control Panel for the Child Lock Symbol
Look for a padlock, a key, or the words “Child Lock” printed on the panel. Many machines print the lock symbol beneath one button, or on a line joining two buttons.
Step 2: Find the Child Lock Button or Button Combination
If the symbol sits under a single button, that is your button. If a line connects the symbol to two buttons, you need to press both at once.
Step 3: Press and Hold the Correct Button for 3 to 5 Seconds
This is the heart of how to deactivate child lock on washing machine models of almost any brand. Hold the button or buttons for about 3 seconds. Some models need up to 5. Press two buttons together, not one after the other, because a quick tap won’t work on most models.
Step 4: Check Whether the Lock Symbol Disappears
Wait for a beep and for the lock symbol or “CL” to go out. Then press a button to confirm the controls respond.
Step 5: Reset the Washing Machine if Child Lock Will Not Turn Off
If the lock stays on, don’t keep pressing random buttons. Check the brand steps below first, then see the reset section later in this article.
Quick Troubleshooting Guide
Use this guide to identify the next step when your washing machine’s child lock will not turn off.
| What You Notice | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Lock symbol remains on | Check the correct button or button combination for your model. |
| Buttons do not respond | Confirm the child lock is active, then try the manufacturer’s unlocking procedure. |
| Child lock is off, but the door remains locked | Allow the cycle to finish and the door lock to release safely. Check for remaining water if it stays locked. |
| Display shows CL or a key symbol | Check your model’s manual to confirm what the indicator means. |
| Controls remain frozen after unlocking | Try the manufacturer’s recommended reset procedure. Contact a technician if the fault continues. |
Helpful tip: Button combinations vary by model, even within the same brand. Always verify the instructions for your specific washer.
How to Turn Off Child Lock on Different Washing Machine Brands
Here is how to deactivate child lock on washing machine models brand by brand. If your washer doesn’t match the description, check the user manual for your exact model.
How to Deactivate Child Lock on a Samsung Washing Machine
On a Samsung with no navigation dial, press and hold the two buttons connected by the lock icon for 3 seconds. These are usually Spin and Temperature, or the two leftmost buttons.
If your Samsung has a navigation dial, tap Additional Functions, select Child Lock, and turn it off.
Samsung says the method varies by model. Ranges such as the WW5000B, WW5700B and WW9000B have their own instructions, so check your manual if the steps above don’t work.
For model-specific instructions, visit the official Samsung Support website and search for your washing machine model number.
How to Deactivate Child Lock on an LG Washing Machine
LG front-load washers show “CL” when child lock is on. Press and hold the button that carries the lock symbol or “Child Lock” label for at least 3 seconds. The common versions are:
- Models with a lock symbol: Hold Temp and Rinse together for 3 seconds. The lock icon is joined by a line to those two buttons.
- Models with a “Child Lock” label: Hold the Spin button for 3 seconds.
- Models with a Steam function: Hold the Steam button for 3 seconds.
- WashTower: Hold Spin on the washer panel for 3 seconds. On the dryer panel, hold Timed Dry for 3 seconds.
LG says you can turn the lock off the same way it was turned on. If the child lock buttons don’t respond at all, that could point to a fault, and LG recommends contacting customer support.
How to Deactivate Child Lock on a Whirlpool Washing Machine
Whirlpool often calls this feature Control Lock. The steps for how to deactivate child lock on washing machine models from Whirlpool are simple: press and hold the button labeled Control Lock or Lock for 3 seconds. On some models the lock is tied to the Steam button instead, so look for the small lock symbol printed under it.
How to Deactivate Child Lock on a Bosch Washing Machine
Bosch and Siemens use nearly identical methods, and the display shows either a key symbol or “CL.” This is how to deactivate child lock on washing machine models from both brands:
- Start button: Press and hold Start for 3 to 5 seconds until you hear a beep and the key symbol goes out.
- rpm + finished in: On some models, press and hold the “rpm” and “finished in” buttons together for about 3 seconds. A beep confirms it.
- Touch screen models: Look for an illuminated square button with a key symbol and “3 sec” underneath. Hold it for 3 seconds. The button darkens and you hear a beep.
On Bosch machines, the door can’t be opened while child lock is active, even after the cycle ends. Always turn the lock off first.
How to Deactivate Child Lock on a GE Washing Machine
Some GE models have a Control Lock function. Look for a button labeled Control Lock or Lock, or a lock indicator on the display. Since layouts vary between GE models, follow your manual’s instructions for the exact button and hold time. The same advice applies if you are unsure how to deactivate child lock on washing machine panels with unfamiliar labels.
How to Deactivate Child Lock on a Maytag Washing Machine
Maytag uses the same approach as Whirlpool. Press and hold the button labeled Control Lock or Lock for 3 seconds, or the Steam button if your model ties the lock to it. Check for the small lock symbol under the button.
AEG and Beko Machines
On AEG machines, press the two buttons linked by the padlock icon on the display at the same time. If it stays stuck, AEG suggests unplugging the machine for 5 to 10 minutes before plugging it back in.
On Beko machines, look for the lock symbol and the line linking it to one or two buttons. Press and hold them for 3 seconds until the symbol disappears. Beko uses the same action to turn the lock on and off.
How to Deactivate Child Lock on Washing Machine Without a Dedicated Button
Plenty of washers have no button labeled “Child Lock.” Here is how to deactivate child lock on washing machine panels like that.
Look for Two Buttons Marked With a Lock Symbol
A padlock or key icon on a line between two buttons means those two buttons work together. Press both at once for about 3 seconds.
Check the Control Panel Labels
Some machines print a small lock symbol under a single button, such as Spin or Steam. Hold that one button for 3 seconds.
Consult Your Washing Machine’s User Manual
If nothing on the panel makes sense, find the model number on the label near the door opening or on the back, then search for the manual online. A PDF on your phone is enough.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Pressing the button too briefly: Most child lock controls require a sustained press rather than a quick tap.
- Using the wrong combination: Do not assume every washing machine from the same brand uses identical buttons.
- Confusing child lock with door lock: The door may remain locked even after the control panel is unlocked.
- Repeatedly pressing random buttons: Follow the correct instructions for your model instead of experimenting with the controls.
- Resetting the washer too early: Try the manufacturer’s recommended unlocking method before disconnecting the power.
- Assuming every CL display means the same thing: Check your model’s manual if the meaning of an indicator is unclear.
Why Will My Washing Machine Child Lock Not Turn Off?
Even when you know how to deactivate child lock on washing machine buttons, a few things can get in the way.
The Wrong Button Combination Is Being Used
Different models from the same brand use different combinations. A method that works on one washer may do nothing on another.
The Washing Machine Is Still Running a Cycle
If nothing happens mid-cycle, pause the machine with Start/Pause if it is safe to do so, then try the unlock buttons again. Don’t interrupt a hot-water cycle carelessly.
The Control Panel Is Frozen or Wet
Moisture or detergent residue on a touch panel can interfere with presses. Wipe it with a clean, dry cloth and try again.
The Door Lock Is Still Engaged
Child lock stops the buttons from working. The door lock is a separate safety mechanism that keeps the door shut while a cycle runs or while there is water in the drum. You can successfully switch child lock off and still find the door locked. It typically releases once the cycle finishes and the machine has had a moment to unlock safely. Don’t force it, because that can damage the latch and cause a flood on a front loader.
A Control Board or Button Problem Is Preventing Unlocking
If you have used the correct method and the buttons still don’t respond, a faulty button or control board may be the cause. At that point, see the technician section below.
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If your washing machine child lock will not turn off, these related troubleshooting guides may help you identify the problem and find the right solution:
How to Reset a Washing Machine When Child Lock Is Stuck
A reset is not the standard method for how to deactivate child lock on washing machine models. Try it only after the correct button method has failed. It may not work at all, because some machines remember the lock setting even after power is cut.
- Pause or cancel the current cycle if you can do so safely.
- Turn off the washing machine using the power button.
- Unplug it and wait 5 to 10 minutes. AEG recommends this window.
- Plug it back in and turn it on, then try the unlock steps for your model again.
Never handle the plug with wet hands, and never open the control panel while the machine is plugged in.
Important Safety Note
- Never force the washer door open while it is locked.
- Do not interrupt a hot-water cycle without following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Keep your hands dry when operating electrical controls or handling the plug.
- Never remove control panel covers or work on internal electrical components while the washer is connected to power.
- If you notice a burning smell, smoke, or signs of electrical damage, stop using the machine and seek professional assistance.
How to Prevent Child Lock Problems in the Future
Once you know how to deactivate child lock on washing machine controls, a few habits keep it from catching you out again:
- Learn your combination. Knowing which buttons control the lock turns an accidental activation into a five-second fix.
- Avoid leaning on the panel. Resting your hands or body on the controls while loading laundry can press buttons by accident.
- Keep the panel clean and dry. Moisture can interfere with touch controls.
- Keep the manual handy. Take a photo of your control panel and note the model number on your phone.
If small children can reach the panel, you can turn child lock back on using the same buttons and the same press-and-hold action.
When Should You Call a Washing Machine Technician?
Most lockouts take seconds to fix. Call a repair professional if
- The lock symbol stays on after you have tried every method for how to deactivate child lock on washing machine models like yours
- The control panel buttons don’t respond, even when child lock is off
- Error codes appear, or the display freezes or restarts
- You notice a burning smell, signs of electrical damage, or unusual heating
Before calling, note down the brand, model number and anything shown on the display. Don’t replace the control board just because child lock won’t turn off. Get the cause confirmed first.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I hold the buttons?
Usually 3 seconds. The Bosch and Siemens Start button method uses 3 to 5 seconds. Your manual has the final word for your exact model.
How to deactivate child lock on washing machine models without the manual?
Look for a lock symbol beneath one button or on a line joining two buttons, then hold that button or pair for about 3 seconds. To find the manual later, use the model number on the label near the door opening or on the back.
How to deactivate child lock on washing machine buttons that won’t respond?
First confirm you are pressing the right buttons together and holding them long enough. Wipe the panel dry, then try a power reset as a last resort. If the buttons still don’t respond, LG advises that unresponsive child lock buttons could signal a malfunction, so contact the manufacturer or a technician.
Does unplugging the washer remove child lock?
Not reliably. Samsung and Siemens both say the lock stays active after the machine is switched off. A 5 to 10 minute unplug is a fallback suggested by AEG, but try the correct button method first.
Final Thoughts
In almost every case, how to deactivate child lock on washing machine controls is a quick job: hold the lock-marked button or button pair for a few seconds and wait for the beep. Button combinations differ by brand and model, so check the symbol on your panel and use the matching method above.
If nothing works, check the manufacturer’s instructions before trying anything more advanced, and call a technician if the lock symbol or the buttons still won’t clear. Now that you know how to deactivate child lock on washing machine buttons, you can get back to your laundry without a service call
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[…] on the display. While it’s on, the controls ignore touch. On many washers you press and hold the Control Lock button for about three seconds to turn it off. Other models use a different button or combination, so […]