Samsung Microwave Won’t Turn Off? This Might Be Why

Stuck trying to figure out why your Samsung microwave won’t turn off?

You’re not alone! Not being able to shut off your microwave can be super frustrating, especially when your food is already piping hot.

Luckily, you’ve come to the right place to fix your microwave.

If your Samsung microwave won’t turn off, chances are the control panel needs cleaning, you need to perform a reset, or the control lock is on. A dirty door latch and switches can also explain the problem.

Read on to learn how to fix the issue that keeps your microwave from turning off!

6 Reasons Why Your Samsung Microwave Won’t Turn Off

Different reasons could explain why your Samsung microwave isn’t turning off. In this section, you’ll learn what they are and how to address them.

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#1 The Control Panel Needs Cleaning

When a microwave won’t turn off, I usually advise homeowners to clean the control panel.

You see, the control panel allows you to select any setting on your microwave or turn it off.

Unfortunately, if the control panel is dirty, it can cause issues with touch responsiveness, keeping you from turning off your Samsung microwave.

Please wipe the control panel with a damp cloth and a mild cleaning solution to clean it down. Then, dry it and try turning off your microwave again.

You should clean the control panel periodically to prevent performance issues from happening again.

NOTE: Some of the latest Samsung microwaves have capacitive touch panels that are non-responsive if you are wearing gloves. It will only respond to the touch of a bare finger with sufficient contact area. You’ll need to contact Samsung if you have a problem with your capacitive touch panel.

It’s worth noting that if the control panel is still not working, it will probably need to be replaced. However, I recommend calling a certified electrician to do so.

In such cases, it’s important to compare the repair cost to the price of a new microwave. Sometimes replacing the whole unit is more cost-effective.

#2 Your Microwave Needs Resetting

Does your Samsung microwave keep running non-stop? This can be a sign that the unit needs resetting.

Sometimes, electrical equipment needs resetting to clear any glitches or bugs in the system. In my experience, these often occur when there is a power outage or another electrical fault. 

Here’s how you can reset any Samsung microwave:

1. Unplug the microwave or turn it off at the circuit breaker.
2. Keep the microwave unplugged for 60 seconds.
3. Plug it back in or turn the power back on at the circuit breaker.
4. Test the microwave

#3 Control Lock Is On

My usual advice when a Samsung microwave doesn’t turn off is to check the control lock.

The control lock is a safety feature to prevent children from tampering with the unit. So, while the lock is on, you won’t be able to stop your microwave or use the other buttons.

Do you think that your microwave’s control lock was turned on accidentally? Try these steps to turn it off:

1. Press the “CLOCK” and “MORE/LESS” buttons simultaneously for 3 seconds
2. The control lock should deactivate immediately
3. Test your microwave by pressing other buttons

Keep in mind that some buttons on your microwave will not respond while certain functions are being used. Wait for the function to finish to restore normal use.

#4 The Door Latch Needs Cleaning

Does your Samsung microwave keep running after you close the door? Then the fault likely lies not with the electrics of your microwave but with the door latch. 

The door latch ensures your microwave operates only when the door is closed. When the door latch is damaged, it can prevent your microwave from turning off even when you press the power button.

If you suspect that the door latch is the reason why your Samsung microwave isn’t turning off, please follow these simple steps:

1. Unplug your microwave.
2. Wipe down the door and the microwave with a damp cloth.
3. Wipe down the door’s latch mechanism with a wet cloth.
4. Inspect the latch mechanism. If any part of it is broken, repair it or replace it.
5. Plug your microwave back in to test it.

#5 Faulty Door Switches

When I see a microwave that won’t turn off, I always check the door switches.

You see, most microwaves have three door switches that activate when the door is closed. If one of these switches is faulty, it can cause your microwave to keep running.

In such cases, it’s important to access the door switches by removing the top vent and the user interface.

Keep in mind that the process of accessing the door switches will vary depending on the specific model you own. Please refer to the manufacturer’s manual.

If the door switches are damaged, you’ll need to replace them. You can find the replacement on eBay or Amazon for $4-$12.

If you want to get any replacement part – or see how much one would cost – click to enter your model number in the search bar below. Our partners at AppliancePartsPros stock almost every part with free guides on how to install them.

#6 There Is An Error Code

If your microwave is still not turning off, please check if the control panel displays any error code.

From what I’ve seen, Samsung smart microwaves can self-diagnose their problems in most cases.

If you see an error code, you can check the problem in Samsung’s database. Here you will find a list of the most common Samsung error codes. You’ll also see some handy instructions to help you fix the errors. 

Is Your Samsung Microwave Still Not Turning Off?

If you’ve tried all the fixes above, but your Samsung microwave still won’t turn off, a more complex issue is likely responsible.

In such cases, I highly recommend reaching out to a certified electrician. Complex problems with microwaves should never be tackled through DIY repairs, as this can pose a safety hazard and potentially damage your microwave.

Conclusion

Hopefully, now you’ll be able to fix the issue that was causing your Samsung microwave not to turn off.

Remember, if your Samsung microwave won’t turn off, you need to clean the control panel, inspect the door latch and switches, turn off the child lock, and perform a reset.

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Thanks for reading, and have a great day!

-Craig