Samsung Dryer HE Error Code: What It Means and How to Fix It
Updated · from manufacturer service documentation
The HE (or hE) code on a Samsung dryer means Heater Error — an invalid heating temperature was detected while the dryer was running. Per Samsung's service documentation, this traces back to two main suspects: a restricted vent system or an out-of-range thermistor reading. Samsung dryers also include a built-in self-test (Smart Install mode) that can directly confirm whether the fault is in the motor or the heater.
What Causes the HE Code
| Cause | Likelihood | DIY difficulty | Related part |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restricted or clogged vent system | Most common | Easy — clean lint screen and vent | Vent duct |
| Thermistor resistance out of range | Common | Moderate — multimeter | Thermistor |
| Heater doesn't work (confirmed via self-test) | Less common | Moderate/pro | Heating element |
How to Fix the HE Error, Step by Step
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Clean the lint screen and check the full vent run
A restricted vent is the documented leading cause behind HE — clear any clogs or crushed sections in the duct before checking anything electrical.
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Check the thermistor resistance
Per the service documentation, HE triggers on "invalid heating Temp" — a thermistor reading far outside its normal range points to the sensor itself rather than the heating element.
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Run the Smart Install self-test to isolate motor vs. heater
With the dryer on, press and hold Adjust Time Up + Temp for 7 seconds until "SC" appears. Open the door to check the touch sensor (0 = open, 1 = short — a wet cloth on the sensor should show "1"). Once that check is done, press Start to test the motor and heater together: the display shows OK if both work normally, or HE if the motor or heater isn't working normally. Exit the mode by turning the dryer off.
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Check the Error Recall mode if the fault isn't currently showing
Press and hold Wrinkle Prevent + Dry Level for more than 7 seconds to see the most recent error that occurred — useful if HE appeared once and then cleared.
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If the self-test confirms a heater fault, the heating element or its circuit needs service
This is a job for a technician.
Which Models This Applies To
Documented for the Samsung DV5451/DV5471 dryer series (Heater Error cause list) and cross-referenced against the DV455x series (Smart Install self-test and Error Recall mode procedures, same troubleshooting section family). The code displays as either HE or hE depending on the model's display style.
See also: Samsung dryer not heating.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between "HE" and "hE" on a Samsung dryer?
Nothing functionally — Samsung's own documentation lists them together ("hE or HE") as the same Heater Error code, just a display-style difference.
Can I test whether it's the motor or the heater myself?
Yes — Samsung dryers include a Smart Install self-test mode that runs both the motor and heater and reports OK or HE directly on the display, without needing to open the cabinet first.
Is a clogged vent really enough to trigger a heater error?
Yes — a restricted vent system is the most commonly documented cause of HE, checked before the thermistor or the heating element itself.
How do I see what error my dryer had earlier if the display is clear now?
Use Error Recall mode (hold Wrinkle Prevent + Dry Level for 7+ seconds) to see the most recent error the dryer recorded.
Based on the Samsung service documentation for the DV5451/DV5471 and DV455x dryer series. Last updated: .