Samsung Dryer HE Code: What It Means and How to Fix It
Many repair sites describe HE as “not heating,” and Samsung describes it as “too hot.” Both point to the same first check: airflow. A blocked vent makes the dryer overheat, the safety parts cut the heat, and you end up with damp clothes and an hE on the display.
Samsung dryer HE code: match what you see
| What you notice | Most likely cause | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| hE after a long cycle; outside of the dryer feels very hot | Clogged lint screen or vent | Clean the vent |
| Vent Check light on as well | Vent badly clogged | Clean the vent |
| hE and the dryer spins but blows cold (electric) | One side of the 240V breaker tripped, or low voltage | Breaker reset |
| hE within minutes of starting, every time | Failed sensor, thermostat or control part | Request service |
| hE came back right after a heater or fuse was replaced | Airflow problem not fixed, or a wiring fault | Vent test, then service |
⚠️ Stop if you smell burning
If you smell burning or see smoke, stop the dryer, unplug it (or switch off its breaker) and don’t use it until it’s been checked. Overheating codes are a warning, not a nuisance: the U.S. Fire Administration lists failure to clean as the leading factor in home clothes dryer fires. On a gas dryer, if you smell gas, leave the home and call the gas utility from outside.
1. Clean the lint screen
Samsung’s fix for the code starts here: “Clean the lint screen, vent system, or both to correct the error.” Pull the screen, remove the lint and look into the slot with a flashlight. If the screen looks clogged even when empty (dryer sheets leave a film), wash it with warm soapy water, dry it and refit it.
2. Clean and check the vent run
Unplug the dryer (and close the gas valve on a gas model) before pulling it out. Then:
- Disconnect the duct from the back of the dryer and clear lint from both ends.
- Check the duct behind the dryer isn’t crushed. Samsung says the vent should be “free from kinks or flattening.”
- Replace plastic or foil accordion duct with metal. Samsung asks for “the proper material, and not plastic or foil.”
- Check the length: “Every 90 degree turn reduces the maximum length by 6 feet.” Your manual lists your model’s maximum.
- Go outside while the dryer runs and check the hood flap opens and air blows out strongly.
Samsung’s own quick test from its community support: “An easy test is to disconnect the vent from the back to see if the dryer runs normally.” Run it for a few minutes on a timed cycle with the duct off; if it runs normally, the problem is in the vent, not the dryer. Reconnect the duct afterwards; don’t run the dryer indoors without it.
Want to see the whole airflow path? Our dryer not drying clothes guide has a labelled diagram.
3. Reset the breaker
Samsung: “Turn the circuit breaker off, wait 30 seconds, and then turn it back on.” “Electric dryers have two circuits.” If only one side trips, the drum still turns but there’s no heat. A plain reset (power off for 2 to 3 minutes, then on) also clears the code once the cause is fixed.
4. Run Samsung’s vent blockage test
Samsung’s sequence for many models: “When the drum is cool and empty, press Adjust Time Up + Dry Level until ‘Ins’ or ‘In’ appears on the display.” “If that doesn’t work, try Cycle 1 + Wrinkle Prevent or Air Fluff + Wrinkle Prevent.” “Next, hold Start/Pause. Do not open the door during the test.”
| Result | What it means |
|---|---|
| 0 or End | “The duct is not clogged.” |
| CLg, Cg, C80 or C90 | “A clog was detected.” Clean the vent and test again. |
| Ct | The dryer is below 32°F or above 104°F inside; let it reach room temperature. |
| HC | “An abnormal temperature was detected.” Check the power cord, empty the drum and test again. |
| 9C1 | “Abnormal voltage is detected.” See low voltage. |
5. Low voltage (electric dryers)
Samsung: “In some cases, the error can occur when the heater is not hot enough, which can be caused by low voltage (on electric dryers).” “If the dryer is electric, contact an electrician to check the voltage supplied.” Don’t open the outlet or test it live yourself; a 240V dryer circuit can kill.
6. If the vent is clean: the parts behind the code
Samsung’s last step: “If the error still appears even though the vent is clean, visit our Support Center to request service.” The parts a technician usually checks are the thermistor (the temperature sensor), the heating element on electric models, the thermal fuse and high-limit thermostat, and the control board. A blown thermal fuse means the dryer overheated; it must be replaced, never bypassed, and the airflow problem fixed first.
What an HE repair usually costs
| Repair | Typical cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Dryer vent cleaning | $104 to $188 (average $145) | HomeAdvisor (June 2026) |
| Dryer vent repair | $75 to $150 | Angi (Sept 2026) |
| Fixing a dryer that’s not heating | $80 to $420 | Angi (Sept 2026) |
| Dryer repair, most jobs | $100 to $430 (average $180) | Angi (Sept 2026) |
When to call a technician
Call if the vent test passes (0 or End) and hE returns, if hE appears within minutes on every cycle, if the breaker keeps tripping, or if the code came back after a part was replaced. Have the model and serial number (inside the door) and your vent test result. Print the checklist.
Frequently asked questions
What does HE mean on a Samsung dryer?
A heating error. Samsung says the dryer is getting too hot, most often from a clogged lint screen or vent; on electric dryers, low voltage can also cause it.
How do I reset the HE code on my Samsung dryer?
Fix the airflow first, then turn the breaker off for 30 seconds, or power the dryer off for 2 to 3 minutes, and restart the cycle.
Does a Samsung dryer have a reset button for HE?
Samsung’s support pages don’t describe one. The reset is a power cycle. A blown thermal fuse can’t be reset; it has to be replaced.
Why does my Samsung dryer show HE right away?
If it appears within minutes on every cycle with a clean vent, a sensor, thermostat or control part has likely failed. Request service.
Is HE the same as HC?
Yes. Samsung lists HC, hE, HC4 and 1 HC as the same heating error on different models.
Sources: Samsung: dryer error codes · Samsung: clothes not dry (vent test) · Samsung Community: dryer HE code · U.S. Fire Administration: clothes dryer fires · HomeAdvisor: dryer vent cleaning cost · Angi: dryer repair cost.
Updated October 23, 2026. Written and edited by Jordan Hale. Steps checked against Samsung’s support pages and U.S. Fire Administration data; no hands-on test is claimed. Buttons and codes vary by model, so follow your owner’s manual.
