Whirlpool Dryer LOC Error: How to Fix It

If your Whirlpool dryer is displaying LOC or LC with a small key symbol, don’t worry – your dryer is probably not broken. This just means that the Control Lock feature is activated.

This means that the control panel is locked to prevent accidental changes. It’s pretty helpful, in fact, especially if you have wandering children or pets around that house that like to press buttons.

The LOC or LC symbol isn’t technically an error, but it’s easy to see it as one, especially when your dryer won’t start and settings can’t be adjusted as usual. 

In this guide, we’ll cover what Control Lock does, how to turn it off, and how to troubleshoot the issue if it persists.

Why the Control Lock Feature Exists

The Control Lock system is essentially designed to act as a safety mechanism.

When your Whirlpool dryer is showing the LOC “error”, the dryer’s control panel becomes unresponsive to all inputs except for the unlock sequence.

This exists to prevent:

• Children from starting or stopping cycles
• Pets or cleaning activities from changing settings accidentally
• Mid-cycle interruptions that could affect safety or dryer performance

LOC is particularly useful in busy households where kids or curious hands may wander into the laundry area.

Why Your Dryer Shows “LOC”

That LOC message usually appears for three simple reasons:

1. You hit buttons by accident

Accidental button presses or bumping the panel while loading clothes can trigger the lock sequence without you realizing it.

2. Kids pressed buttons

The kids’ hands love control panels, and the child lock is doing exactly what it’s supposed to do – keeping them from changing your settings.

3. You were cleaning

Wiping the panel with a damp cloth can register as button presses and activate the lock feature.

While it’s a bit annoying, the good news is that it’s not an error – it means your dryer is working correctly and the lock kicked in to protect your settings.

How to Deactivate Control Lock

On most Whirlpool dryers, disabling the lock is simple enough:

1. Locate the Control Lock button (sometimes labeled with a key icon or sharing space with another button like “End of Cycle Signal”).
2. Press and hold the button for 3 to 5 seconds.
3. Watch the display, as many models show a quick countdown before the LOC code and key icon disappear.

Once the code is cleared, the panel buttons should function normally again.

Model-Specific Differences

Not every Whirlpool dryer uses the exact same unlock method.

On some dryers, the Start/Pause button also functions as the lock control. Others may require holding two buttons simultaneously.

Newer models with touch screens or digital displays often provide feedback while unlocking, while older dryers may simply clear the LOC code without any visual countdown.

The best way to confirm your dryer’s specific method is to check the owner’s manual. If you no longer have it, you can find the model number on your dryer and locate the manual online.

What If Unlocking Doesn’t Work?

If you’ve followed the steps and the control panel still shows LOC, try a power reset:

• Unplug the dryer for about five minutes to clear residual charge.
• For hardwired units, flip the circuit breaker off for the same time.

This reset should generally resolve any temporary electronic glitches. If the error persists after that, the issue might be caused by stuck buttons or potentially moisture inside the control panel.

What to Do If LOC Persists?

When the LOC message won’t clear or keeps coming back, you should inspect the control panel more carefully:

• Check for stuck buttons that don’t pop back normally.
• Wipe the surface clean with a damp cloth, then dry thoroughly (make sure it’s just slightly damp).
• Inspect the button area for any visible damage, like cracks.

If the control panel still doesn’t work at this stage, there is likely an issue with the control board or keypad that requires professional inspection and replacement. 

When Should You Call a Professional?

The LOC issue tends to be pretty easy to resolve, so if you’re still having trouble, professional help might be needed if: 

• The LOC error persists despite resets and cleaning
• Multiple buttons appear unresponsive
• The lock reactivates on its own continuously

The keypads and control boards on Whirlpool dryers can also develop shorts over time. Unless you’re a very experienced DIYer, a professional with the right tools and electrical knowledge can safely test the board and confirm what requires replacement.

How to Prevent Accidental LOC Errors

While the Control Lock is something you want to work for safety, to prevent accidental activation, aim to: 

• Press buttons deliberately rather than rapidly tapping
• Clean gently with a barely damp cloth and avoid excess water
• Educate family members about the lock function so they understand why it appears and how to clear it

Child Safety

It’s worth remembering that the LOC “error” is actually a benefit in many homes. If young children are nearby, enabling the Control Lock intentionally can prevent them from starting the dryer unsupervised.

If you have a lot of kids running around, and no washing to dry, it can be worth activating LOC and then disabling it when starting a cycle. This should help avoid repeated accidental activations if it’s becoming a habit for children and/or pets. 

The Bottom Line

That Whirlpool LOC message isn’t an error – it’s your dryer’s safety feature working as intended. While annoying, it’s usually cleared by holding the right button for a few seconds.

If it continues to happen, only disable the lock when you’re actually using the dryer. Kids or pets might be triggering it when you’re not around.

Still stuck? Check if your control buttons are malfunctioning, or call a repair pro. They can quickly diagnose the issue and stop it from recurring, saving you the headache of troubleshooting it alone.