When the Samsung WF50BG8300 will not lock its door, it will not start: Samsung's manual says the washer will not tumble or spin unless the door is closed, and it checks the door lock with a series of clicks before it fills. The two codes to know are DC, which means the door is open, and DC1, which means check the door switch. Most cases are a piece of laundry trapped in the door seal, a door that did not click shut, or a Child Lock left on.
Differential
Likely causes of “Samsung front-load or top-load washer will not start because the door or lid will not lock”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
Laundry, a sock or a strap trapped in the door seal
What separates it DC shows or the door bounces back when you push it shut
How to confirm Open the door, look around the rubber diaphragm and free anything caught; Samsung suggests fine laundry nets for socks and small items
- 2
A door that was not pushed fully shut
What separates it The washer clicks but the lock light never comes on and the cycle will not begin
How to confirm Close the door firmly and press and hold Start/Pause (Hold to Start) as the manual describes
- 3
A door switch that does not register
What separates it DC1 shows with the door closed and no obstruction in the seal
How to confirm Power off, wait 2 to 3 minutes, power on and start again; Samsung says to call service if DC1 returns
- 4
Child Lock or a remote start that is holding the washer
What separates it The key icon is lit or the Smart Control indicator is blinking and the door is locked
How to confirm Deactivate Child Lock and check the SmartThings app for a waiting remote command
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Whether the display shows DC or DC1 and what the door lock icon is doing
- Whether anything is caught in the door seal and whether the door glass or hinge looks damaged
- Whether Child Lock or Smart Control is on
Try in this order
0 of 5 completedOpen the door and clear the seal
ReversibleLook around the whole diaphragm for a sock, a strap or a coin. Samsung's laundry guidelines say small light items like socks and gloves can get caught around the door and belong in a fine laundry net.
Close the door until it clicks
ReversiblePush it shut with a flat hand at the latch side, then press and hold Start/Pause (Hold to Start). The manual says the WF50BG8300 does a series of clicking noises to check the door lock before it fills.
Read the information code
ReversibleDC means the door is open: close it and press Start/Pause (Hold to Start) to resume. DC1 means check the door switch: power the washer off, wait 2 to 3 minutes, power on and try again.
Turn off Child Lock and check Smart Control
ReversibleDeactivate Child Lock, and check that the washer is not waiting on a remote start; when it is, the Smart Control indicator blinks and the door locks by design.
Try a short cycle
ReversibleRun Rinse+Spin with an empty drum. If DC or DC1 comes back on a clear door, call Samsung service.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Door behavior (from the manual)
- The washer will not tumble or spin unless the door is closed. The door locks automatically during a cycle and the Door Lock icon comes on; you can open the door when the icon disappears.
- Codes
- DC = door open; DC1 = check the door switch, power off for 2 to 3 minutes and try again.
- Tools and supplies
- A flashlight to see into the door seal, a soft cloth and, for a snagged item, your fingers or a blunt plastic tool; do not use a knife on the diaphragm.
- Parts for this problem on the WF50A8600 (RepairClinic, 2026-09-20)
- switch door lock, part number DC34-00028A, at $173.20; wire retaining clamp for boot seal, part number DC97-04973B, at $17.81.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit models WF53BB8700, WF50A8600, WF42H5000, WV60M9900, WV55M9600, WA55A7300, WA54R7200, WA52A5500, WA50R5200, WA50T5300, WA45T3200, WA40A3005, WF45B6300, WF45T6000, WF45R6100.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If DC1 returns after a 2 to 3 minute power-off, the door switch or its wiring needs a technician and the washer should not be used with a forced door
- !If the door glass is cracked, the hinge is loose or the seal is torn, stop using the washer until it is repaired
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Exact questions
Common questions
What does DC mean on a Samsung WF50BG8300?+
The door is open. Close the door and press Start/Pause (Hold to Start) to resume the cycle.
Why does the washer click before it fills?+
Samsung says the washer makes a series of clicking noises to check the door lock and does a quick drain before it fills. It is normal.
Can I add a forgotten sock mid-cycle?+
If the Garment+ icon is showing, yes: press Start/Pause to pause, open the door, add the item, then close the door and press and hold Start/Pause.
What if the door will not open instead?+
That is the opposite problem: the door lock is engaged. Use the door-will-not-open steps for this model.
Is a door switch covered by the warranty?+
Samsung's U.S. warranty covers parts and labor for 1 year against manufacturing defects; check your purchase date before booking a paid repair.
Should I use the washer if the door shuts but does not lock?+
No. The lock is what holds the door against the spin, so call service.
What is the Garment+ icon?+
It shows you can add or take out items after a cycle has started: press Start/Pause to pause, open the door, then close it and press and hold Start/Pause to resume.
Why does laundry get caught around the door?+
Small, light clothing such as socks, gloves, stockings and handkerchiefs can slip out and catch around the door; Samsung suggests a fine laundry net.
Can the door open during a cycle?+
Not while it is locked. The door locks automatically and the Door Lock icon lights; you can open the door when the icon disappears.
What if the door closes but the washer still shows DC?+
Power the washer off for 2 to 3 minutes and try again. If DC1 (the door switch code) appears, Samsung says to contact service if it returns.
Should I clean the door seal?+
Yes, as part of odor prevention: clean the diaphragm with 3/4 cup of liquid chlorine bleach in 1 gallon of warm tap water, wearing rubber gloves, and dry it well.
door lid not locking: model differences
Also covered: Samsung WF45K6500 AddWash washer.
WF45K6500 AddWash
Check the small Add Door as well as the main door. A trapped item or an unsecured Add Door latch can prevent operation; do not force or bypass either lock. Order a latch only against the full model and suffix on the rating plate.
Samsung washer door and error-code checks