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Samsung dryer CL

Child lock is on. Hold Temp and Time for 3 seconds.

Samsung dryer CL indicates Child Lock is enabled — the control panel buttons are disabled. This is a safety setting, not a broken control board. On most Samsung dryers hold two pads (often Temp + Time, or Start + a labeled lock icon) for 3 seconds until CL disappears.

Reviewed August 2025 · sources below

Safe to keep using?

No safety issue

This is a status or lock code, not a hardware fault.

How to fix CL

  1. Confirm CL shows on the display — if yes, the lock is active.
  2. Press and hold the Temp and Time buttons together for 3 seconds (check your manual if your model uses different pads).
  3. Unplug for 5 minutes if the combination does not work, then retry after power returns.
  4. Run a short cycle to confirm buttons respond.
  5. If CL returns only when certain buttons are pressed, a stuck key may mimic lock — wipe the panel dry.

Call a pro when: Call a pro if multiple keys stick or the panel responds randomly after CL is cleared.

Next step

Still having trouble after the code fix?

This code is usually a status or maintenance notice, not proof of a failed part. Try the steps above first; then describe what still isn't working.

Troubleshoot another symptom

Free guided checks · No account required · Don’t open live electrical, gas, or refrigerant equipment

What CL means

Child lock is enabled — the control panel buttons are locked.

DIY Difficulty
1 /10EASY

This is a status or lock code, not a repair.

Time: About 3 seconds
Risk: Low
Skill: Anyone
Tools:

Likely causes

Most likelyChild lock enabled

Someone held Child Lock or the dryer locked the panel after a setting change.

Check: Hold Child Lock for about 3 seconds until CL clears.

Est. cost: $0–$0

PossibleStuck or wet control key

Moisture or a stuck membrane key can mimic a lock even after you clear the display.

Check: Dry the panel, press each key once, then power-cycle the appliance for 5 minutes.

Est. cost: $0–$0

Repair or Replace?

DIY repair

$0–$0

Professional repair

$0–$0

Comparable replacement

$680–$920

Our recommendation

REPAIR LIKELY MAKES SENSE

REPAIR LIKELY MAKES SENSE. Professional repair ($0–$0) is well below replacement cost.

Actual repair and replacement costs vary by model, location, labor rate, and condition.

Guided repair checklist

Complete the safe checks one at a time. Progress is saved for this browser so you can continue later.

0 of 5 checks recorded

Recommended next action

Start with this check before considering replacement parts.

Check 1 of 5

Confirm CL shows on the display — if yes, the lock is active.

Did the repair resolve the issue?

Restoring repair progress…

Questions about CL

What does CL mean on Samsung dryer?

CL is Child Lock — buttons are disabled until you unlock the panel.

How do I turn off child lock on a Samsung dryer?

Hold Temp and Time together for about 3 seconds until CL and the lock icon turn off.

Samsung dryer child lock won't turn off

Hold Temp and Time again for 3 seconds. If CL stays, unplug the dryer for 5 minutes and retry. Wipe the panel if one key feels stuck.

What is the lock symbol on a Samsung dryer?

CL with a lock icon means child lock is on. It is a setting, not a failed control board.

How do I reset Samsung CL?

Hold the lock button combination (often Temp + Time) for 3 seconds.

Is CL a broken board?

No — it is almost always the lock setting.

Do I need a technician for CL?

Not for CL itself — only if keys stay dead after unlocking.

Other Samsung Dryer codes

Prevent this problem next time

  • Use child lock only when you need it

Sources

Manufacturer meaning

Child lock is enabled — the control panel buttons are locked.

FixApplianceCode guidance

Turn child lock off. No replacement part is needed.

Source type: Manufacturer

Source: Samsung dryer Child Lock documentation

Last reviewed: 2026-08-24

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