Samsung Dryer HE Error Code Fix: A Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

Introduction: Why this guide will fix your Samsung dryer HE error fast

If your dryer suddenly shows HE and stopped drying, you want a fast, reliable fix, not guesswork. The HE error typically signals a heating or humidity sensing problem, often caused by clogged vents, a dirty moisture sensor, or a failed thermal cutoff. In plain English, the dryer thinks it can no longer control heat or detect dryness.

This guide walks you step by step through the exact checks that fix 90 percent of HE errors. You will learn quick wins, for example cleaning the lint trap and outdoor vent, checking the exhaust hose, and testing the thermal fuse. I also show how to read error patterns, use a multimeter for simple diagnostics, and decide when to replace parts or call a pro. By the end you will know the right Samsung dryer HE error code fix for your machine.

What the HE error code means on Samsung dryers

On Samsung dryers the HE code usually means a heating error, in other words the machine is not sensing or producing the expected heat. It can show up as the dryer taking too long to dry, not heating at all, or cycling oddly between heat and cool. Knowing what HE really points to saves time.

Most common causes you should check first:
Blocked vent or lint buildup, including a crushed or kinked exhaust hose.
Faulty moisture or humidity sensor, or dirty sensor bars that give false readings.
Heating element, thermostat, or thermistor failure, plus loose wiring or relay issues.

Diagnosing correctly matters for safety and cost. A blocked vent raises fire risk and raises energy bills, while misidentifying a bad sensor could lead to replacing a perfectly good heating element. For a practical start with your samsung dryer he error code fix, clean the vent and sensor bars before ordering parts.

Safety first, what to do before you start troubleshooting

Before attempting any samsung dryer he error code fix, cut the risk. Unplug the dryer at the wall; if you can, flip the circuit breaker too and verify with a noncontact voltage tester. For gas models, turn the gas valve off by rotating the knob perpendicular to the pipe and double check there is no gas smell before you begin.

Wear sturdy work gloves and safety glasses when removing vents or opening the cabinet. Let the machine cool, remove jewelry, and keep fingers away from wiring and the motor fan. Never use an open flame to inspect vents, and avoid forcing or wedging metal tools into electrical connections.

Tools and parts you may need

Before you start troubleshooting the samsung dryer he error code fix, gather the right tools beginners often need. Essentials include a shop vacuum with a narrow nozzle or a vent brush to clear lint, a multimeter to test the moisture sensor and continuity, a replacement moisture sensor that matches your model, and a set of basic screwdrivers, Phillips and flathead. Extra useful items are needle nose pliers, nut drivers, electrical tape, zip ties, and a replacement vent hose if the duct is damaged.

Quick fixes that solve most HE errors

Before you call a technician try these four fast fixes that solve most HE errors. They take five minutes, and often clear the code.

1. Power cycle the dryer. Unplug it or switch off the circuit breaker for 30 seconds, then restore power. This resets the control board and clears transient faults.

2. Clear the control lock. Many Samsung models lock the panel to prevent accidental changes, which can mimic an error. Hold the Control Lock or Child Lock button for three seconds until the icon disappears.

3. Check the door latch. Open the door, inspect the plastic catch and striker for cracks, dirt, or misalignment. Close the door firmly until you hear a solid click. If the latch feels loose, clean the striker and try again.

4. Run a short test cycle. Start a 15 to 20 minute heat cycle like Quick Dry or Normal, then watch the display. If the HE error returns immediately note when it shows up, that helps diagnostics.

These steps are the fastest samsung dryer he error code fix before moving on to sensor or wiring checks.

Step-by-step vent and lint path cleaning

Clogged lint paths are a common cause of the samsung dryer he error code, so a thorough cleaning is often the quickest fix. Here is a practical, step by step walkthrough you can do in 30 to 60 minutes.

1. Tools and prep: plug in an anemometer if you have one, vacuum with a crevice tool, long dryer vent brush, screwdriver, gloves, face mask. Unplug the dryer, or shut off power at the breaker. Pull the dryer away from the wall so you can access the duct.

2. Lint screen: remove the lint screen, scrape off lint with your fingers, then vacuum the slot. Wash the screen with warm soapy water if it looks oily, let it dry completely before reinstalling.

3. Internal lint trap and blower area: remove the lower access panel or filter housing per your model instructions. Use a vacuum and brush to clear lint from the trap, blower housing, and around the heating element intake. Be gentle around wiring and sensors.

4. Dryer to wall duct: disconnect the duct from the dryer and wall. Insert the vent brush from both ends, push and pull to dislodge compacted lint, then vacuum the loosened debris.

5. Exterior vent: open the vent flap, remove nests or lint, vacuum the vent hood and screen. Make sure the flap moves freely and the damper closes.

Measure airflow improvements: record baseline airflow at the exterior vent with an anemometer, then repeat after cleaning. No anemometer Use the tissue test, hold a tissue at the vent and note how firmly it sticks before and after. Or time how long a damp towel takes to dry; a reduced drying time confirms better airflow and often resolves the HE error code.

Check and clean the moisture sensor, test for faults

The moisture sensor is two metal strips mounted inside the drum near the lint filter. It measures conductivity between the strips as clothes get damp; higher conductivity means wet clothes and shorter drying time. Built up fabric softener and lint block the contact, causing the Samsung dryer HE error code fix to fail.

Cleaning: unplug the dryer, open the door and wipe the metal strips with a soft cloth and isopropyl alcohol or white vinegar on a rag. Scrape gently with a fingernail or nonabrasive pad if residue is stubborn. Reassemble and run a quick damp towel test.

Multimeter test: set the meter to resistance. Unplug the dryer and disconnect the sensor wires. Touch probes to the two sensor terminals. With the sensor dry you should see high resistance or open circuit; when you touch a damp cloth to the strips the resistance should fall significantly. If readings do not change when wet, stay above 1 megaohm, or read near zero ohms constantly, the sensor is faulty and should be replaced. Clean terminals with contact cleaner if corroded before replacing.

How to diagnose heating issues that trigger HE

Always cut power first, then pull the dryer away and remove the back panel. For any samsung dryer he error code fix, start with simple continuity checks using a multimeter. Heater element, thermal fuse, and thermostats should show continuity at room temperature. If any of those reads open, replace it.

Heater element test, practical method: set the meter to ohms, probe the two element terminals, you should see a low resistance reading, typically under 100 ohms. An open circuit means a broken coil. If the coil reads low but looks dark or burnt, replace it.

Thermostat and thermal fuse checks, quick tips: the thermal fuse should show continuity. High limit thermostats are normally closed at room temp, so continuity is expected. If either is open, that explains no heat and triggers HE. Replace single use thermal fuses only, do not bypass them.

Temperature sensor or thermistor test, easy beginner trick: measure resistance, then warm it with a hairdryer. Resistance should change smoothly as temperature rises. Little or no change indicates a failed sensor, causing incorrect temperature readings and HE errors. After replacing parts, run a test cycle and check dryer vent airflow and lint buildup, common root causes.

Resetting the error code and running a diagnostic cycle

Start by clearing stored errors, power cycling the dryer. Unplug or switch the breaker off for 60 seconds, then restore power. Next, run a timed heat cycle empty, set to 30 minutes on Normal or Medium Heat, and watch the display. If no HE appears and the dryer heats and finishes, your samsung dryer he error code fix worked.

If the code returns, run the dryer’s built in diagnostic or use the SmartThings app for a self test. Diagnostics will cycle sensors and report faults. Confirm resolution when the diagnostic returns no HE or related sensor faults, and the timed heat cycle completes normally.

When to call a professional and what to expect

If the samsung dryer he error code fix steps still show HE after you cleared the vent, inspected the moisture sensor, and reset power, it is time to call a professional. Stop DIY if you are uncomfortable working with mains electricity, if your dryer is gas and you smell gas, or if internal parts need replacement.

Expect a service call fee of about $75 to $150, parts and labor raising typical repairs to $150 to $500. Simple parts like a moisture sensor or thermostat are on the lower end, while control board or heating element replacements cost more.

Before you hire, do this: 1. Ask for Samsung certification or appliance repair references, 2. Get a written estimate with parts and labor warranty, 3. Confirm they will inspect the vent system and provide a post repair test.

Prevention tips to avoid future HE errors

Clean the lint screen after every load, and wipe the screen housing with a damp cloth once a month to remove trapped fibers that can trigger the HE error. Every 3 months, remove the vent hose and vacuum out lint from the back of the dryer and the wall duct using a long brush or vacuum attachment. Inspect ductwork quarterly for crushed sections, loose clamps, or gaps, replacing flexible foil ducts with rigid metal where possible for better airflow. Do a full vent clean at least once a year, more often if you do heavy loads. Seasonally check the exterior vent hood, remove obstructions, and confirm the flap opens freely. Finally, wipe the moisture sensor with alcohol monthly to keep the sensor reading accurate and prevent false HE codes.

Conclusion: Quick checklist and final insights

Fast fixes first: unplug the machine, clean the lint filter, inspect and clear the vent, wipe the moisture sensor with rubbing alcohol, then plug back in and run a diagnostic. These steps resolve most samsung dryer he error code fix cases within minutes.

Safety and when to call a pro, call a technician if the HE error persists after cleaning, if you smell burning, if there is visible water, or if the dryer fails to power on. Electrical smells or loud grinding require immediate service.

Printable checklist
Unplug power
Clean lint filter
Clear exhaust vent
Clean moisture sensor
Check vent hose connection
Run diagnostic mode
Contact Samsung service if unresolved