Samsung Dryer Error Code cL — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Samsung dryer error cL means the Child Lock feature is currently turned on. Child Lock disables all buttons on the control panel so children cannot start or change a cycle. This is not an error — it is a notification. Turning off Child Lock will restore normal control.

Affected Models

Samsung DVE45R6100C
Samsung DVG45R6100C
Samsung DVE50R5400W
Samsung DVE52M7750W
Samsung DVE45T6000W

Common Causes

Child Lock was turned on intentionally and has not been deactivated
A child or pet accidentally activated Child Lock by pressing multiple buttons at once
Child Lock was activated during a previous cycle and forgotten about
The control panel buttons were pressed in a combination that triggers Child Lock accidentally
A previous user of the machine turned on Child Lock and did not inform others

How to Fix It

Look at the control panel. The cL indicator will be lit or showing on the display, confirming Child Lock is active.

While Child Lock is on, pressing any button will not start a cycle and will only show cL on the display.
Find the Child Lock button or button combination for your model. On most Samsung dryers, press and hold the Temp and Dry Level buttons at the same time for 3 seconds.

The exact button combination varies by model. Check the label near the control panel or your dryer's manual if this combination does not work.
Hold the buttons down for 3 seconds. You should hear a beep and the cL indicator should turn off.

If you only hold for 1 or 2 seconds, Child Lock will not deactivate. Keep holding until you hear the beep.
Once cL disappears from the display, press any cycle button. The dryer should respond normally.

If pressing buttons still shows no response, make sure the door is fully closed — the dryer will not start with the door ajar.
If you cannot find the correct button combination, consult your dryer's manual or look up your model number on Samsung's support site for the exact Child Lock sequence.

Samsung's website has digital manuals for all models. Search for your model number and download the PDF.

When to Call a Professional

Error cL is never a hardware problem. It is a software feature that you can turn off yourself in seconds. No professional service is needed for this message.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Child Lock do on a Samsung dryer?

Child Lock disables all control panel buttons on the dryer. This prevents children from starting a cycle, changing settings, or opening functions while a load is running. The dryer will continue its current cycle normally — Child Lock only locks out the buttons.

Can my dryer still finish its current cycle with Child Lock on?

Yes. If Child Lock was activated while a cycle was already running, the cycle will complete normally. Child Lock only prevents new button presses — it does not interrupt a cycle already in progress.

I do not know where the Child Lock button is on my dryer. How do I find it?

On most Samsung dryers, there is a padlock icon or the text 'Child Lock' printed near the relevant button or buttons. If you cannot find it on the panel, check the instruction sticker inside the dryer door frame. Alternatively, look up your dryer's model number on Samsung's support website and download the manual.