Error code · Washer

Samsung Auto-Dispense Washer Message “Refill Detergent”: Dispenser Compartment Empty

Low risk · DIY check OK

Code: Refill detergent / Refill softener / Refill detergent and softener
Appliance: Washer
Brand: Samsung
Warranty: 30-day workmanship

What Refill detergent / Refill softener / Refill detergent and softener means

Samsung washers with an auto-dispense drawer show Refill detergent, Refill softener, or Refill detergent and softener when the dispenser compartment is empty. This is a display message, not a code. The detergent message appears during the wash, and the softener message appears during the last rinse. It clears on the next cycle once the compartment is filled, and the washer itself is working normally.

Common causes of Refill detergent / Refill softener / Refill detergent and softener

Auto dispenser compartment empty
Air pocket after refilling
Drawer not fully closed after refilling

✓ One safe check you can try

1. Refill the empty compartment. 2. Close the drawer and wait 30 seconds so the air pocket clears. 3. Start a cycle; the message clears on the next cycle. 4. To clear the softener message faster, run Rinse+Spin. 5. Do not put detergent in the softener compartment or the other way around.

! Why to stop there

If the message stays after refilling and a cycle, we check the dispenser level reading.
We check the drawer seating and the dispensing path.
We do not replace parts until the reading is tested.

Opening a panel yourself does not automatically cancel a manufacturer warranty, but it can cause accidental damage, and some manufacturers set their own service conditions. Check your warranty terms, or ask us, before deciding.

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Other Washer codes

Hot & Small / Hot & LowSamsung Washer Hot and Small, or Hot and Low Lights Blinking: Hoses Swapped Hot & Tap Cold / Hot & CoolSamsung Washer Hot and Tap Cold, or Hot and Cool Lights Blinking: MEMS Sensor Error Hot & WarmSamsung Washer Hot and Warm Lights Blinking: Unbalanced Load Self Clean LED blinkingSamsung Washer Self Clean Light Lights Blinking: Cleaning Reminder Small / LowSamsung Washer Small or Low Lights Blinking: No Drain Tap Cold / Cool / Medium / MidSamsung Washer Tap Cold, Cool, Medium, or Mid Lights Blinking: Overflow WarmSamsung Washer Warm Lights Blinking: Communication Error Cold / Eco WarmSamsung Washer Cold or Eco Warm Lights Blinking: Stuck Button

Refill detergent / Refill softener / Refill detergent and softenerRefill detergent / Refill softener / Refill detergent and softener questions

Is this an error?

No. It is a reminder that the compartment is empty, and the washer is working normally. The dispenser only needs filling, and the message clears on the next cycle after you do.

Why is the message still there after I refilled?

Wait 30 seconds with the drawer closed so the air pocket clears, then start a cycle. The message clears on the next cycle. Fill the right compartment, since detergent and softener each have their own.

How do I clear the softener message faster?

Run Rinse+Spin after refilling. It clears the softener message sooner than waiting for a full cycle. The detergent message appears during the wash, and the softener message appears during the last rinse, so the two clear at different points.

Book a visit

Still unsure about Refill detergent / Refill softener / Refill detergent and softener?

A technician diagnoses it on site and gives you the price in writing before any work starts.

(713) 561-5298