If your LG Washer is displaying error code UE, the machine has detected an unbalanced load during the spin cycle and has paused to prevent damage to the drum bearings and cabinet. Error UE is one of the most common LG Washer errors and is usually resolved by redistributing the laundry inside the drum. Here is what to do.

⚡ Quick Fix – Top 3 Steps

1. Open the door and redistribute the laundry evenly. Error UE on LG Washers is triggered when the drum is heavier on one side during spin. Rearrange clothing so weight is spread evenly around the drum. Heavy items like towels and jeans often bunch together and cause the imbalance.
2. Reduce the load size if the drum is overfilled. An overloaded drum cannot redistribute itself during the spin cycle. Remove several items, run the remaining load, then wash the removed items separately. LG recommends filling the drum no more than three-quarters full for heavy fabrics.
3. Run the spin cycle again after redistributing. Close the door, select the Spin or Rinse+Spin cycle, and press Start. The washer will attempt to redistribute the load automatically using slow tumbling before ramping up to full spin speed. If UE clears, the cycle will complete normally.

What Does LG Washer Error UE Mean?

Error UE stands for Unbalanced Error. It appears when the LG Washer’s motor control detects that the drum is vibrating excessively or that the load is not rotating evenly during the high-speed spin phase. LG Washers use a balance detection algorithm that monitors motor resistance and drum movement speed. When the imbalance exceeds the safe threshold, the machine stops the spin and displays UE to prevent the drum from damaging the bearings, suspension rods, or outer tub.

Note: On older LG Washer models, the same error may appear as uE (lowercase u) rather than UE. Both codes have the same meaning and the same fixes apply.

Common Causes of LG Washer Error UE

• Uneven load distribution: The most common cause. Heavy items on one side of the drum create an imbalance the machine cannot correct automatically.
• Single heavy item: Washing one large item such as a duvet, bath rug, or thick blanket can cause persistent UE errors because the item absorbs water and becomes extremely heavy on one side.
• Overloaded drum: Too much laundry prevents the drum from tumbling freely, making it impossible to redistribute the load automatically.
• Worn suspension rods or springs: On front-load models, worn suspension springs reduce the drum’s ability to absorb vibration and allow normal spin. This causes UE to trigger even with balanced loads.
• Damaged shock absorbers: Shock absorbers dampen drum movement during spin. If they are leaking or worn, the drum vibrates excessively and triggers UE at lower speeds.
• Washer not level: If the machine is not level on the floor, the drum hangs at an angle and the load cannot distribute evenly. Check all four feet and adjust to level the machine.

Step-by-Step Fix for LG Washer Error UE

Step 1: Open and Redistribute the Load

Press Pause or Power to stop the cycle. Open the door and physically rearrange the items inside the drum. Separate heavy items from lighter ones and spread them around the drum perimeter. If washing a single large item like a blanket, add two or three smaller towels to balance the weight. Close the door and resume the cycle.

Step 2: Reduce the Load

If the drum is packed tightly, remove half of the items and set them aside. Close the door and restart the spin cycle. LG recommends a load size of no more than 80% capacity for heavy fabrics. Overfilling is a frequent cause of UE on top-load LG Washers where items can pile unevenly in the centre of the drum.

Step 3: Check That the Washer Is Level

Place a spirit level on top of the machine. Adjust the levelling feet by hand or with a wrench — turn them clockwise to raise a corner and counter-clockwise to lower. All four feet must sit flat on the floor with no rocking. A machine that is even 1 cm out of level can cause repeated UE errors, especially on hard or uneven floor surfaces.

Step 4: Inspect the Suspension Rods or Springs (Front-Load)

On front-load LG Washers, four suspension springs connect the outer drum to the cabinet frame and absorb drum movement during spin. Worn or broken springs allow the drum to move excessively and trigger UE even with a small balanced load. To check them, remove the top panel (usually two screws at the rear) and visually inspect the springs. Replace any that are stretched, broken, or missing. Replacement spring kits for LG Washers are available for most front-load models.

Step 5: Check the Shock Absorbers

Shock absorbers (also called dampers) sit between the outer tub and the base of the machine and control drum bounce. They wear out after several years of use. Signs of failed shock absorbers include excessive vibration, loud banging during spin, or a drum that drops noticeably when loaded. Access the shock absorbers from the front or rear depending on the model. Two absorbers are standard on most LG front-load washers. If they are leaking oil or compress without resistance, replace them.

How to Reset LG Washer Error UE

After redistributing the load or fixing the mechanical cause, press the Power button to turn the washer off. Wait 30 seconds, then press Power again to restart. Select the appropriate cycle and press Start. If error UE does not return, the problem is resolved. If UE persists on every spin cycle despite a balanced small load, the issue is mechanical — check the suspension rods, shock absorbers, and levelling feet as described above.

Related LG Washer Errors

• LG Washer Error LE — Motor overload, also triggered by heavy or unbalanced loads
• LG Washer Error OE — Drain error, often occurs alongside spin problems
• LG Washer Error Codes – Complete Guide