If You Try Using Your Microwave And It Suddenly Stops Working, You May Need A Secret Code To Fix It - Tasting Table

"The term "microwave" is synonymous with convenience, delivering fast results with the touch of a button. But nothing's more frustrating than pressing start only to be greeted by silence. Before you throw in the towel and start looking for a replacement device, keep in mind that a malfunction isn't necessarily a breakdown. The simplest reason for the malfunction is that your microwave has locked itself, which may happen because a child safety lock is triggered."

"While this is an important safety feature that prevents burns, fire risks, or damage to the microwave itself, it can be frustrating if you don't know how to reset and unlock your device. To solve the problem, you'll need to find a code that regains access, since there usually isn't a "lock" or "unlock" button in plain sight. To get your device working again, locate your microwave's manual in the junk drawer or online."

"The exact key combination depends on the type of microwave you have (for example, a countertop model or over-the-range microwave), as well as your machine's specific brand. When in doubt, another option is to unplug the microwave, wait a few seconds, and plug it back in. This feature is not available on all models, and it requires resetting the clock. However, it's a handy way to bypass locating a secret code."

Microwave silence often results from activation of a child safety lock that prevents operation. The safety feature reduces burns, fire risk, and appliance damage but can hinder use when the unlock method is unknown. Unlocking usually requires entering a model- and brand-specific key combination. Owners can locate the correct code in the appliance manual, online, or by contacting the manufacturer. Unplugging the microwave for a few seconds can reset some models and bypass the lock, though it resets the clock and does not work on all units. Common unlock patterns include holding pause/clear/off or pressing 5 and 7 on some GE models and holding clock and more/less on Samsung.

Read at Tasting Table