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Samsung Microwave Error Code SE

Reviewed by the ApplianceErrors Editorial Team · Verified against manufacturer service documentation · Last verified: June 10, 2026
⚠ Medium Severity 🔧🔧 Moderate DIY Also shown as: 5E

Touchpad keypad error — button stuck or panel failure

The most common cause of the SE error on a Samsung microwave is touchpad membrane failure (~60% of cases); start with: clean the touchpad.

💰 DIY cost: $40–$90 👨‍🔧 Pro cost: $150–$280 Save $110+ by doing it yourself
Samsung Microwave error code SE on the display panel
How the SE code appears on a Samsung microwave display

What Does Error Code SE Mean on a Samsung Microwave?

Touchpad keypad error — button stuck or panel failure.

The SE (sometimes shown as 5E) code fires when the control board detects a keypad input held continuously beyond a normal press, reading it as a stuck button. This can stem from a physically stuck key, a shorted or degraded membrane trace, or moisture and food residue bridging contacts. Unlike a control-board reset fault, SE points specifically at the touch-input layer, which is why the panel stops responding to any further commands until the stuck signal clears.

Models affected: Samsung countertop and over-the-range microwaves with membrane touch controls, including the ME19R7041FS
What owners report: Owners commonly report SE showing up after cooking greasy or steamy foods, or during humid conditions, and a careful cleaning plus a two-minute unplug often clears it. If it returns quickly after cleaning, the membrane itself has usually failed and needs replacing.

What Causes Error Code SE?

Here are the most common causes in order of frequency. Start with the most likely cause before moving to the next:

  1. 1
    Touchpad membrane failure 60% of cases
  2. 2
    Food splatter causing false key press 30% of cases
  3. 3
    Control board touch input failure 10% of cases

How to Fix Samsung Microwave Error Code SE

🔧🔧 Moderate DIY Est. time: 30–60 min
⚡ Safety first: Unplug the appliance before opening any panels or touching internal components.
  1. 1

    Clean the touchpad

    Wipe the keypad with a barely-damp cloth. Dry completely before powering on.

  2. 2

    Power cycle

    Unplug 2 minutes.

  3. 3

    Replace touchpad membrane

    If SE returns after cleaning.

    🔩 Samsung microwave touchpad ($40–$90)

How to Reset Error Code SE

Unplug 2 minutes. If SE returns after cleaning, replace touchpad.

Note: If the error returns after resetting, the underlying issue has not been resolved. Work through the fix steps above.

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When to Call a Professional

If new touchpad and SE persists, control board failed.

Average professional repair cost for this issue: $150–$280

Same Code on Other Brands

Error code SE appears on these other brands too. See every brand that shows SE →

LG logo
LG Washing Machine SE
Hall sensor error — motor speed sensor fault

Find Replacement Parts

Use these links to find the exact replacement parts for your Samsung Microwave:

🔩
Search PartSelect
Samsung Microwave repair parts
🔧
Search RepairClinic
Step-by-step video guides

External links — ApplianceErrors.com is not affiliated with these retailers.

More Samsung Microwave Error Codes

F-3 Touchpad/membrane failure F-10 Thermistor shorted — over-temperature protection F-1 Keypad membrane failure — dead or stuck key

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep using my Samsung Microwave when error SE appears? +
You often can for a cycle or two, but the control-panel issue behind SE will keep interrupting normal operation until it is fixed. Plan the repair rather than ignoring the code.
What most commonly causes SE on a Samsung Microwave? +
Across reported Samsung microwave repairs, the most frequent is touchpad membrane failure (60% of cases), food splatter causing false key press (30%), then control board touch input failure (10%). Check them in that order before replacing any parts.
SE keeps coming back after a reset — what should I check next? +
A reset only clears the stored SE fault; if it returns, the control-panel problem is still present. Move on to the physical checks — clean the touchpad, then power cycle — since the code will reappear until the root cause is resolved. This is a moderate job — a multimeter and some disassembly are usually involved.
How much does it cost to fix Samsung Microwave error SE? +
A DIY repair typically runs $40–$90 in parts, versus $150–$280 for a professional service call, so handling it yourself saves around $110. Expect the work to take roughly 30–60 minutes.
Which Samsung Microwave models show error SE? +
SE is documented on Samsung countertop and over-the-range microwaves with membrane touch controls, including the ME19R7041FS. Other units sharing the same control platform can display it too, so the fixes here generally transfer across the series.

Sources & References

Content verified against manufacturer service documentation. Last verified: June 10, 2026.

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