my bespoke washer is stuck on the 'add detergent' screen and won't start the cycle, what's the deal?

Diagnosis

The "Add Detergent" screen on the Samsung Bespoke WF53BB8700AT is not necessarily an error code, but a "soft lock" state triggered by the machine's internal sensors. This typically occurs when the auto-dispenser system detects that the detergent or softener reservoirs are below the minimum threshold, or when the machine believes the drawer was opened and not fully reseated during the pre-wash sequence. Because this model utilizes a sophisticated auto-dose system, the control board will pause the cycle to prevent a "dry wash," which can lead to poor cleaning performance or residue on clothes. If you are manually adding detergent instead of using the auto-dispenser, the machine may still be stuck in this state because the sensor is waiting for a signal that the dispenser drawer is locked and the detergent level is sufficient for the detected load size. You can confirm this by checking if the "Auto Dispense" indicator is flashing on the digital display.

How to Fix It

To clear this state and force the cycle to begin, follow these precise steps:

1. Press and hold the Start/Pause button for exactly 3 to 5 seconds. Do not just tap it; a sustained press is required to override the prompt and signal to the board that you have acknowledged the detergent status.
2. If the screen does not advance, open the detergent dispenser drawer completely. Reach inside and ensure there are no clumps of dried detergent blocking the sensors at the bottom of the reservoirs.
3. Firmly slam the drawer shut. The Bespoke series uses a magnetic reed switch to detect closure; if the drawer is slightly ajar (even by a few millimeters), the "Add Detergent" prompt will persist.
4. On the digital panel, navigate to the Settings menu and temporarily toggle the "Auto Dispense" feature to OFF. This bypasses the sensor check and allows the machine to start using manual detergent.
5. Press Start/Pause again to initiate the wash cycle.

If That Didn't Work

• Perform a Hard Power Reset. Unplug the unit from the 120V outlet or flip the dedicated circuit breaker for 60 seconds. This clears the volatile memory (RAM) of the control board and resets the sensor polling sequence. Plug it back in and attempt to start the cycle immediately without selecting a preset.
• Clean the Auto-Dispense Sensors. Use a warm, damp microfiber cloth to wipe the interior walls of the detergent and softener compartments. If high-efficiency (HE) detergent has thickened or "gelled" at the bottom, the optical sensors will report an empty tank even if it is full.
• Calibrate the Load Weight. If the machine is stuck, it may be struggling to sense the load weight. Remove all laundry, run a "Rinse + Spin" cycle empty, and then reload the clothes. This resets the weight sensor and often clears the detergent prompt.
• Check for "Child Lock" interference. If the Child Lock icon (usually a lock or smiley face) is illuminated, the Start/Pause button will be unresponsive. Hold the Temp. and Delay End buttons simultaneously for 3 seconds to disable the lock.

Heads Up

• Avoid using "Ultra" or "Concentrated" detergents in the auto-dispense reservoirs unless you have adjusted the dosage settings to "Low" in the menu; otherwise, the sensors may misread the viscosity as a clog.
• Every 30 wash cycles, remove the detergent drawer entirely and rinse it under hot water to prevent biofilm buildup which triggers false "Add Detergent" warnings.
• Ensure the washer is perfectly level using a bubble level on the top chassis. An uneven tilt can cause the detergent to pool on one side of the reservoir, tricking the sensor into thinking the tank is empty.
• Always use genuine HE detergent; non-HE soaps create excessive suds that can leak into the sensor housing, causing permanent "Add Detergent" or "Sud" errors.