010 065 1780Open 24 hours, 7 days a week
Book a repair

Samsung error codes

Samsung Fridge Error Codes

Your Samsung fridge display shows a code such as 22E, 88 88 or OF OF. Some of these are faults, others are just a mode that has been switched on. This page explains each one and what Samsung itself says to do.

By Ndivhuweni NephaleUpdated 13 October 20264 min read

Quick answer

On a Samsung fridge, 21E points to the freezer fan and 22E or 22C to the fridge fan, often because ice has built up around it. 88 88, 83E, 85E and 86E point to a power or communication problem. 85C is a harmless low voltage warning after a power dip. OF OF means the fridge is in display mode and is not cooling, which you can switch off yourself.

In this guide
  1. What the Samsung fridge codes mean
  2. When to stop and call a technician
  3. How a technician deals with the code
  4. Frequently asked questions

What the Samsung fridge codes mean

Samsung says not to unplug the fridge or press buttons to clear a code unless the steps say so. Samsung's list does not cover every code, so call us if yours is not listed.

OF OF, O FF: Display mode (cooling off)

What it means: The fridge is in showroom mode, so the lights work but it does not cool.

What you can check: Hold the top two buttons on the left side for five to eight seconds until you hear a chime. Repeat if it comes back.

22E, 22C: Fridge fan

What it means: The fan in the fridge section is not running properly, often because ice has built up around it.

What you can check: Unplug the fridge for a few hours with the doors open so the ice melts, then switch it on again. If the code returns, the fan or defrost system needs a technician.

Read our guide: Fridge Not Cooling but Freezer Works: Causes and Fixes

21E: Freezer fan

What it means: The fan in the freezer is not running properly.

What you can check: Defrost the freezer and check that the doors close and seal fully. If the code returns, the fan needs testing.

Read our guide: Why Is Ice Building Up in My Freezer?

88 88, 83E, 85E, 86E: Power or communication

What it means: A power, voltage or communication problem.

What you can check: Switch off at the plug or breaker for one minute, then switch on again. After load shedding this often clears on its own. If it returns, call a technician.

85C: Low voltage warning

What it means: The power dipped or was cut for a short time.

What you can check: This is harmless. Hold OK for three seconds to clear it.

PC ER, PC CH: Communication error

What it means: The display and the main board are not communicating.

What you can check: This usually means the wiring above the door needs checking. If restarting does not clear it, call a technician.

Ice Off blinking: Ice bucket

What it means: The ice bucket is not seated properly.

What you can check: Take the ice bucket out and push it back in firmly.

All icons flashing: Start-up self check

What it means: The fridge is running its normal check after being switched on.

What you can check: Wait a moment. This is not a fault.

When to stop and call a technician

Stop and call us if

The same code comes back after these checks, the fridge is getting warm, you hear clicking every few minutes, or there is a burning smell. Unplug the fridge before you defrost it, and do not chip ice off with a sharp tool.

Still having trouble with your samsung error codes?

Our technician comes to your home, usually the same day. The R450 call-out falls away if you go ahead, and you get a fixed price in writing before any work starts.

How a technician deals with the code

  1. Read the codeThe technician confirms the code and checks which faults the appliance has stored.
  2. Test the partThe part behind the code is tested, for example the fans, defrost heater, sensors, wiring or main board.
  3. Fixed priceYou get a fixed price in writing before any part is replaced.

Code meanings on this page come from Samsung support: common refrigerator error codes. See also our Samsung fridge repairs page.

Still having trouble with your samsung error codes?

Our technician comes to your home, usually the same day. The R450 call-out falls away if you go ahead, and you get a fixed price in writing before any work starts.

Questions about samsung error codes faults

What does 22E mean on a Samsung fridge?

22E or 22C means the fridge fan is not running properly, often because ice has built up around it. Unplug the fridge with the doors open for a few hours to melt the ice. If it comes back, the defrost system needs a technician.

Why does my Samsung fridge show OF OF?

OF OF means the fridge is in display mode and is not cooling. Hold the top two buttons on the left for five to eight seconds until it chimes.

What does 88 88 mean on a Samsung fridge?

88 88 points to a power or communication problem. Switch off for one minute and switch on again. If it returns, call a technician.

Ndivhuweni Nephale

Written by Ndivhuweni Nephale

Appliance Repair & Maintenance

Ndivhuweni Nephale has a background in electrical engineering and technical training, with a strong understanding of electrical systems, appliances and troubleshooting. He helps ensure Appliance Repair Expert's guides are practical, technically informed and easy for homeowners to understand.

Call 010 065 1780 WhatsApp