A washing machine that will not start can bring laundry day to a halt. LG washers are generally reliable, but like any appliance with a control board, they can lock up on a software glitch.
If you are staring at a flashing error code or a washer that ignores the start button, you usually do not need a technician. The most common fix is a hard reset that clears the memory and lets the machine boot clean.
Below are the exact steps to reset your LG washing machine, clear those codes, and get your laundry moving again.
Key Takeaways
- No Reset Button: LG washers have no dedicated reset button, so you clear a glitch with a power-cycle sequence, not a single switch.
- The Sequence: Unplug the washer, hold Power and then Play/Pause for about five seconds each, wait a minute, then plug it back in.
- Check Child Lock First: If the washer is on but ignores the buttons, look for a “CL” code and hold the lock-icon button before you try a reset.
- Reset Won’t Fix Hardware: A reset clears software faults, but codes like LE (motor) or OE (drain) usually point to a part that needs cleaning or repair.
Is There a Reset Button on an LG Washing Machine?
No, LG washers do not have a dedicated reset button. There is no single switch that wipes the control board’s memory.
Instead, you perform what LG calls a hard reset, also known as a master reset. It pairs cutting the power with a button hold that drains the leftover charge from the main control board, forcing the machine to restart from a clean state. The same sequence works on almost every model, including LG front load washers, top loaders, and TurboDrum machines.
How to Reset Your LG Washing Machine
Resetting the washer is a longer version of turning it off and on again, with a short pause so the control board’s capacitors fully discharge.
This works for most machines, though it is worth checking your user manual for a specialized model. According to LG’s official support guide (1), the standard reset holds the Power button for about 5 seconds, then Play/Pause for another 5 seconds, and waits roughly 60 seconds before power is restored. Here are the full steps:
- Unplug the machine: Disconnect the washer from the wall outlet, or switch off its circuit breaker. This cuts the main power source.
- Press and hold Power: With the machine unplugged, press and hold the POWER button for at least five seconds.
- Press and hold Start/Pause: Next, hold down the PLAY/PAUSE button for five seconds. This helps drain any residual charge stored in the control board.
- Wait about a minute: Leave the washer unplugged for roughly 60 seconds so the electronics reset fully before power returns.
- Plug it back in: Reconnect the machine to the outlet and turn it on.
- Test run: Run a short “Rinse & Spin” cycle without clothes to confirm the error code has cleared.
Don't Forget
Resetting the Wi-Fi (ThinQ)
If the problem is app connectivity rather than a mechanical fault, a full hard reset may not help. What you usually need is a network reset.
- Turn the machine on: The washer has to be powered up to enter Wi-Fi mode.
- Find the Wi-Fi button: Look for a button labeled Wi-Fi. On many models it is the secondary function of the “Delay End” button.
- Hold to reset: Press and hold that button for about 3 seconds until the Wi-Fi symbol blinks or the machine beeps. That puts it back into pairing mode so you can reconnect it in the LG ThinQ app (see LG’s washer Wi-Fi troubleshooting guide if pairing still fails).
Common LG Washing Machine Error Codes
Sometimes a reset works, and sometimes the machine is telling you a part has failed. If the error code returns right after a reset, check it against this table.
| Error Code | What It Means |
| IE | Water Inlet Error: The machine isn’t getting water. Check for kinked hoses, closed supply taps, low water pressure, 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 or coins. |
| UE / uE | Unbalanced Error: The load is lopsided or too small. A lowercase uE means the washer is still trying to rebalance on its own; an uppercase UE means it gave up. Redistribute the wet clothes or add a couple of towels, then restart the spin. |
| 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: Water rose too high, often from an inlet valve stuck open. Turn off the water supply tap and unplug the unit. |
| PE | Pressure Sensor Error: The sensor that gauges the load and water level is malfunctioning. |
| LE | Locked Motor Error: The motor is stressed, often by a heavy load. Let the machine cool for about 30 minutes and try again. |
| CL | Child Lock: Not an error. This is a safety feature. Hold the “Child Lock” button (usually marked with a lock icon) for about 3 to 5 seconds to disable it. |
| PF | Power Failure: The power was interrupted mid-cycle. A simple restart usually clears it. |
| AE | Leak Detected: The internal flood sensor is wet. Check the bottom of the machine for leaks. |
LG Washing Machine Troubleshooting Guide
If the reset didn’t work and there is no clear error code, you may be dealing with a hardware issue. Here are the 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: Washers draw a lot of power. Open your home’s breaker box and make sure the switch for the laundry circuit hasn’t tripped.
- Inspect the power cord: Make sure the plug is firmly in the wall. Avoid extension cords, which often can’t handle the amperage a washer needs.
- Child Lock is On: This is the most common false alarm. If the lights are on but the buttons do nothing, look for a “CL” code or a lock icon. According to LG’s child lock support guide, hold the dedicated Child Lock button for about 3 to 5 seconds to clear it; on models without one, hold the two buttons marked with a lock icon (often Rinse and Spin) together for about 3 seconds.
Why Won’t the Cycle Finish?
The machine starts fine but stops partway through, leaving you with soaking clothes.
- Drain Pump Blockage: If the washer can’t drain, it pauses the cycle. Open the small access panel at the lower front, turn the filter counter-clockwise to remove it, and clear out any lint, coins, or debris. According to LG’s official filter care guide (2), you should clean this filter about once a month to head off OE drain errors.
- Uneven Load: LG washers are sensitive to balance. Washing a single heavy blanket can leave the machine spinning up and down trying to steady itself. Add a few towels to even out the weight.
- Heater Failure: If you chose a “Sanitize” or “Hot” cycle and the heater fails, the machine may stall waiting for the water to reach temperature. Run a “Tap Cold” cycle to see if it finishes.
FAQs
Get Your Laundry Moving Again
We lean on our washers daily and only notice them when they stop. The good news is that a hard reset clears most of the random software glitches that freeze an LG washer mid-load.
Now that you know how to reset your LG washing machine, you can often skip the service call and get back to your day. Just remember that a reset cannot fix a broken part. If you hear grinding, see water leaking, or the same error code keeps returning, it is time to contact LG support or a local repair pro.
