The HE code on a Samsung washing machine points to a water temperature or heating problem: on UK models it usually means the water coming in is the wrong temperature, while HE1 means the heater itself is not working. This guide explains what the Samsung washing machine HE error means on your model, the one check you can make yourself, and when to book a Samsung engineer.
Quick answer: On UK Samsung washing machines HE means a water temperature issue, often because the inlet hose is on a hot supply instead of cold. It is safe to check the hose, switch off for a few minutes and restart. HE1, HE3 or a repeating HE needs a Samsung engineer, because the heater is inside the machine.
What Does the Samsung HE Error Code Mean?
HE means the machine has detected that the wash water is not at the temperature it expects. Samsung UK lists H1, HC and HE as a “water temperature issue” on its washing machine codes page, and its advice is to check that the water hose is connected to a cold supply, not a hot one. Cold is usually the blue tap.
Samsung also uses numbered versions of the code, and these mean different things:
- HE1: water heater not functioning. Samsung UK says to contact its service centre.
- HE2: dryer heater not functioning, seen on washer dryers. The drying section has shut down for safety because it detected that it was getting too hot.
- HE3: steam function not operating normally. Samsung UK says to contact its service centre.
The meaning of plain HE is not identical in every country. Samsung’s US support groups HC, HE, HE1 and Hr together as a heater error, while Samsung Australia describes HE as water supplied at the wrong temperature. Check the error code table in your own user manual to see which wording applies to your model. You may see claims online that HE1 means water too hot and HE2 means too cold; that does not match Samsung’s own descriptions above.
What Causes the Samsung Washing Machine HE Error?
- Hot water fill. The inlet hose has been connected to the hot tap, or hot and cold have been swapped during installation. Samsung UK’s first advice for HE is to check this.
- A temporary electronic glitch. Samsung’s general advice for sensor and heater codes is to power off and restart, which clears a one off fault.
- A failed heater element (HE1). The water is not warming because the element or its wiring has failed.
- A temperature sensor fault. Samsung lists separate tE codes for temperature sensor errors, but a faulty sensor can also stop the heater working correctly.
- Overheating in the dryer section (HE2) on washer dryers, which triggers a safety shutdown.
How Do You Fix the HE Error Yourself?
The homeowner checks are short, because the heater sits inside the casing. Follow these steps:
- Switch off and unplug the machine at the wall.
- Check the inlet hose. Pull the machine forward gently and follow the inlet hose to the tap. It should go to the cold supply, usually marked blue. If it is on the hot tap, turn both taps off, move the hose to the cold tap and tighten it by hand.
- Leave it off for a few minutes. Samsung’s advice varies between 1 and 5 minutes depending on the country page, so 5 minutes covers all of them.
- Plug back in and restart the programme. Choose a normal cotton wash rather than a quick cycle, so you can see whether the code returns once the machine starts heating.
- Note the exact code. If the display shows HE1, HE2 or HE3, or HE returns after the hose check, write the code and the model number down before you contact Samsung.
Safety: Stop after the hose check and a restart. Do not remove panels to test the heater element, wiring or sensors with a meter. These parts carry mains voltage and sit close to water, so a heater fault must be diagnosed by a Samsung engineer or a qualified appliance technician. If the HE2 code appears with a burning smell or smoke, switch off at the wall and do not use the machine.
When Should You Call an Engineer?
- HE1 or HE3 on the display. Samsung UK’s advice for both is to contact the Samsung service centre.
- HE comes back even though the hose is on the cold supply and you have restarted the machine.
- Washes come out cold on a 40 or 60 degree programme, which suggests the heater is not working even without a code.
- HE2 repeats on a washer dryer, or the machine trips your electrics.
If the machine is still under guarantee, contact Samsung first. Have the model number from the machine’s rating label ready when you call.
Samsung Temperature and Heater Codes Compared
Samsung UK lists several codes linked to water temperature. Use this table to see which one you have and what Samsung suggests.
| Code | Samsung UK meaning | Who fixes it |
|---|---|---|
| H1, HC, HE | Water temperature issue | You: check the hose is on the cold supply |
| 4C2, 4E1, 4E2, 4Ed | Water temperature issue | You: check the hose is on the cold supply |
| tE, tE1, tE2, tE3, tC1, tC2, tC3 | Temperature sensor error | You: switch off for 1 minute and restart; engineer if it returns |
| HE1 | Water heater not functioning | Samsung engineer |
| 6E, E5, E6 | Water heater not functioning | Samsung engineer |
| HE2 | Dryer heater not functioning (safety shutdown) | Samsung engineer if it repeats |
| HE3 | Steam function not operating normally | Samsung engineer |
How Can You Stop the HE Error Coming Back?
- Label the taps. If you move the machine or have work done in the kitchen, make sure the inlet hose goes back onto the cold supply.
- Run the drum clean programme as the machine reminds you. Samsung UK recommends running its cleaning cycle regularly.
- Use the right amount of detergent for your water hardness, as shown on the pack.
- Do not overload washer dryers on drying programmes. Follow the drying load limit in your manual.
The wash temperature you choose affects how long the heater runs, and so what each wash costs. You can compare a 30 degree and a 60 degree wash with our electricity cost calculator, or read how to calculate appliance running costs for the method. If your machine shows a different code, the Samsung 4C error guide covers water supply problems.
Samsung HE Error FAQs
How do I reset the HE error on a Samsung washing machine?
Switch the machine off at the wall, check the inlet hose is on the cold supply, wait about 5 minutes and switch it back on. Restart the programme. If HE appears again, or the display shows HE1, contact Samsung to arrange an engineer.
What is the difference between HE and HE1 on a Samsung washer?
On UK models, Samsung lists HE as a water temperature issue, usually a hot water connection, and HE1 as the water heater not functioning. HE can often be fixed by moving the hose to the cold tap. HE1 needs a Samsung engineer.
Can I still use my Samsung washing machine with an HE error?
Only once the cause is fixed. If HE came from a hot water connection, moving the hose to the cold tap should clear it. If the code continues, or the display shows HE1, stop using the machine and book an engineer, because a heater fault is an electrical fault.
What does HE2 mean on a Samsung washer dryer?
Samsung UK describes HE2 as dryer heater not functioning. The drying section has shut down for safety because the machine detected it was getting too hot. Let it cool, then restart. If HE2 keeps appearing, contact Samsung for service.
Does a Samsung washing machine need a hot water supply?
Not on UK models that show the HE water temperature code. Samsung UK’s advice is that the hose should be connected to a cold supply, usually the blue tap. The machine heats the water itself to the temperature you select.
Can I replace a Samsung washing machine heater myself?
It is not recommended. The heater is inside the casing, connected to mains wiring and sits close to water. Diagnosing whether the element, sensor or control board is at fault needs a Samsung engineer or a qualified appliance technician.
Checked October 2026. Sources: Samsung UK: What do the codes on my washing machine mean?, Samsung US: Samsung washing machine information and error codes, Samsung Australia: Samsung washing machine error codes, Samsung Hong Kong: HE1 or HE2 on the display.
