CL
LG Washing Machine
Severity: MinorWhat Does This Error Mean?
CL on your LG washer is not an error code — it means Child Lock is turned on. Child Lock disables all buttons on the control panel so children cannot change settings. Your washer is working perfectly fine. You just need to unlock it to use it normally again.
Affected Models
- WM3900HWA
- WM4000HWA
- WT7300CW
- WM3700HWA
- Most LG front-load and top-load washers
Common Causes
- Child Lock feature was accidentally activated by pressing and holding certain buttons
- A child or pet pressed buttons on the control panel and triggered the lock
- The feature was intentionally set but the user forgot how to turn it off
- A cycle in progress triggered an automatic lock to prevent mid-cycle changes
- Power fluctuation caused the machine to resume with Child Lock enabled from a prior session
How to Fix It
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Find the Child Lock button on your LG washer's control panel.
On most models it is labeled 'Child Lock' or shows a lock icon. Some models use 'CL' printed under a button.
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Press and hold the Child Lock button for 3–5 seconds.
You should hear a beep and the CL indicator on the display will disappear. The buttons are now active again.
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If there is no dedicated Child Lock button, try pressing and holding 'Temp' and 'Option' simultaneously.
The exact button combination varies by model. Check the label printed under or near the buttons on your machine.
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If still locked, unplug the washer for 1 minute and plug it back in.
A power reset will often clear Child Lock on models where the button combination is unclear.
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To find the exact unlock method for your model, search your model number on lg.com/us/support.
Enter your model number and download the owner's manual. The Child Lock section will show the exact steps.
When to Call a Professional
CL is not a mechanical fault — you should never need a technician for this. If pressing the correct button combination does not disable Child Lock, try a full power reset first. If the control panel itself is unresponsive after unlocking, then a control board issue may be present. In that case, contact LG support at 1-800-243-0000.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CL a sign that something is broken on my LG washer?
No — CL simply means Child Lock is active. Nothing is broken and no repair is needed. It is a safety feature designed to prevent accidental button presses. Once you deactivate it, the washer works completely normally.
My LG washer shows CL and no buttons work — what do I do?
That is exactly what Child Lock is supposed to do — it disables all buttons. Press and hold the Child Lock button (or the correct button combination) for 3–5 seconds. The CL display will disappear and all buttons will respond again. If this does not work, try unplugging the washer for 1 minute.
How do I stop Child Lock from turning on by accident?
The Child Lock is designed to require a deliberate long press to activate. It should not turn on by itself under normal circumstances. If it keeps appearing, check if someone in the household is accidentally holding a button too long. You can also consult your manual to see if there is a way to disable the feature entirely.