Loc — Control Lock Enabled
Not a fault — the control panel is locked. Buttons will not respond until Control Lock is turned off. Easy to trigger accidentally with a long button press during cleaning.
- Keep using it?
- Yes — fix when convenient
- DIY difficulty
- Easy
- Verified against
- producthelp.whirlpool.com ↗
How to fix it
- Locate the Control Lock button on the console (sometimes labeled with a padlock icon and shared with another function like 'End Beep').
- Press and hold Control Lock for about 3 seconds until 'Loc' clears from the display.
- If no button is labeled Control Lock, check the owner's manual — on some models it's a hidden function on the Drum Light or Cycle Signal button.
Why it happens
Typical signs: 'Loc' or 'L' shown on display · All buttons non-responsive · Padlock icon lit · Beeping when any button is pressed
- Control Lock turned on Someone (or a cleaning rag) held the Control Lock button for 3+ seconds.
More Whirlpool dryer codes
Frequently asked questions
What does the Loc code mean on a Whirlpool dryer?
Not a fault — the control panel is locked. Buttons will not respond until Control Lock is turned off. Easy to trigger accidentally with a long button press during cleaning.
What causes the Loc code on a Whirlpool dryer?
Control Lock turned on: Someone (or a cleaning rag) held the Control Lock button for 3+ seconds.
Is it safe to keep using a Whirlpool dryer with a Loc error?
Yes — fix when convenient. This is rated a minor-severity fault.
How do I fix Loc on a Whirlpool dryer?
Locate the Control Lock button on the console (sometimes labeled with a padlock icon and shared with another function like 'End Beep'). Press and hold Control Lock for about 3 seconds until 'Loc' clears from the display. If no button is labeled Control Lock, check the owner's manual — on some models it's a hidden function on the Drum Light or Cycle Signal button.
Always unplug an appliance before servicing it. This guide is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for a qualified technician. Verified against manufacturer documentation: producthelp.whirlpool.com.