The UE code on an LG washing machine means an unbalanced load: the laundry has bunched up on one side of the drum and the machine could not spread it out, so it will not spin at full speed. This guide explains what the LG washing machine UE error means, the simple fixes that clear it in most cases, and the signs that point to a fault an engineer should check.
Quick answer: UE means the load is unbalanced. It is safe to pause, spread the laundry evenly, add or remove items so the drum is about two thirds full, check the machine is level and restart. If UE appears with an empty drum, or the machine bangs loudly, call LG or a qualified technician.
What Does the LG UE Error Code Mean?
UE means the washing machine has detected an imbalance in the drum before or during the spin. LG UK explains that the UE error occurs when the laundry is stuck to one side and stays unbalanced even after the machine has tumbled the drum to try to loosen it. The machine then limits or skips the spin rather than spinning an unbalanced drum at full speed.
You may see the code in lower case first. LG’s US support for its top loaders says a lower case uE shows that the machine is still trying to balance the load, while an upper case UE appears after it has tried three times and needs your help. Some LG models show Ub for the same kind of problem. UE is not usually a fault: in most cases it is about what is in the drum or how the machine is standing.
What Causes the LG Washing Machine UE Error?
LG lists these causes for the UE code on front loading machines:
- Laundry bunched on one side. Sheets and duvet covers can wrap other items inside them, creating one heavy lump.
- A load that is too small or too large. LG says its washers perform best when the load is about two thirds of the drum capacity. A single heavy item on its own is hard to balance.
- Unsuitable items. LG names pillows, cushions, bath mats, rugs, rubber mats, electric blankets, curtains, waterproof clothing and soft toys as items that can cause imbalance.
- Laundry nets used wrongly. LG advises filling a net only about two thirds full and never washing one net on its own.
- The machine is not level, or one foot is not firmly on the floor, so it rocks.
- Transit bolts left in a new machine. LG says that if the shipping bolts are not removed, the fixed tub spins and causes excessive vibration and noise.
How Do You Fix the UE Error Yourself?
- Pause the cycle and wait for the door to unlock.
- Untangle and spread the laundry. Pull items out of any sheet or duvet cover they have wrapped into, then spread everything evenly around the drum.
- Adjust the load size. If you are washing one heavy item, such as a bath mat or a pair of jeans, add two or three similar items to balance it. If the drum is packed, take some out so it is about two thirds full.
- Remove unsuitable items. LG suggests washing duvets on the Duvet cycle and padded jackets on the Sportswear cycle with a medium spin speed. LG lists waterproof clothing, rubber mats and bath mats among the items to take out.
- Restart the cycle. Close the door and resume, or run a Rinse and Spin to finish the wash.
- Check the machine is level. Switch off and unplug first. Rock the machine gently from each side: if it rocks, LG says to adjust the foot on that side with a spanner until all legs are firmly on the floor. Put a spirit level on the top; it is level when the bubble sits in the middle.
- New or recently moved machine? Check the transit bolts. With the machine unplugged, open the door and try to move the tub forward and back. LG says that if it does not move, the shipping bolts are still fitted at the back. Remove them as your installation guide shows, and keep them for moving house.
Safety: Always switch off and unplug the washing machine before you tilt it, adjust the feet or touch the transit bolts. Stop and call LG or a qualified appliance technician if UE appears with an empty drum, if the machine bangs or moves across the floor during spin, or if you hear grinding. Do not remove panels to check shock absorbers, springs or sensors yourself.
When Should You Call an Engineer?
LG recommends booking service if the UE error continues after you have tried the steps above. In practice, that means:
- An empty Rinse and Spin still shows UE. LG’s US guide uses this empty drum test to decide whether repair is needed.
- The machine is level, the transit bolts are out and normal mixed loads still will not spin.
- You hear loud banging, grinding or knocking.
- The machine walks across the floor or vibrates heavily even with a small, balanced load.
If the machine is under guarantee, contact LG first and check your guarantee terms before booking anyone else. Have the model number from the rating label ready.
LG Washing Machine Codes Compared
LG’s washer error code list includes these common codes. If you see one of these instead of UE, the cause is different.
| Code | LG meaning | First step |
|---|---|---|
| uE (lower case) | Machine is still trying to balance the load | Wait; no action yet |
| UE | Laundry is unbalanced | You: spread the load, level the machine |
| OE | Water cannot drain | You first: drain filter and hose; engineer if it returns |
| IE | Water supply is inadequate | You first: tap and inlet hose |
| LE | Motor is overloaded and locked | Switch off and restart; contact LG if it returns |
| dE | Door cannot lock | Close the door fully; engineer if it returns |
| PF | Power failure | Check the power supply, then restart the cycle |
| CL | Child lock is on (not a fault) | You: turn off child lock |
For drainage problems, our guide to the LG OE error covers the drain filter and hose checks step by step. Samsung machines use a similar code for the same problem, explained in the Samsung UE error guide.
How Can You Stop the UE Error Coming Back?
- Mix large and small items in each load, and avoid washing one heavy item on its own.
- Fill the drum to about two thirds, which LG says gives the best results.
- Use the right programme for bulky items, such as Duvet for bedding, with a medium spin speed.
- Use laundry nets correctly: fill them about two thirds and wash two or three with other clothes, not one net alone.
- Recheck the level after moving the machine or changing the flooring.
- Keep the transit bolts and refit them before moving house, as LG advises, then remove them again before the first wash.
If you often have to rerun a Rinse and Spin, you can check the cost of an extra cycle with our electricity cost calculator.
LG UE Error FAQs
How do I clear the UE error on an LG washing machine?
Pause the cycle, untangle and spread the laundry evenly, and add or remove items so the drum is about two thirds full. Then resume or run a Rinse and Spin. If the code keeps returning, check the machine is level and rocks on none of its feet.
What is the difference between uE and UE on an LG washer?
LG’s top loader guidance says a lower case uE means the machine is still trying to balance the load by itself. An upper case UE appears after three failed attempts and means you need to rearrange the laundry or check the machine before it will spin properly.
Why does my LG washing machine show UE with a small load?
A very small load, especially one heavy item such as a bath mat, is hard to spread around the drum. LG says loads that are too small can cause imbalance. Add two or three similar items so the weight is shared evenly.
Can an uneven floor cause the LG UE error?
Yes. LG lists a machine that is not level among the causes. Unplug it, rock it gently from each side to find any movement, adjust that foot with a spanner until all four are firm, and check the top with a spirit level.
My new LG washer shows UE and shakes badly. Why?
The transit bolts may still be fitted. LG says that if the tub does not move when you push it with the door open, the shipping bolts are still in. The tub then spins locked, causing heavy vibration. Unplug the machine and remove the bolts.
Is the UE error a fault with my LG washing machine?
Usually not. In most cases UE is caused by the load or by how the machine stands. If it appears with an empty drum, or the machine bangs and grinds, a part such as the suspension may be worn and an engineer should inspect it.
Checked October 2026. Sources: LG UK: UE (imbalance) error is displayed, LG: How to resolve a UE (unbalanced) error on a front load washer, LG US: What is a UE/Ub error code?, LG: Severe vibrations and noise on a new front loader, LG US: Washer error code list.
