Troubleshooting LG Dryer: Play/Pause Blinking and Won’t Start

If, when you attempt to run your LG dryer, it doesn’t start and the Play/Pause button just flashes, this guide will explain what might be causing the problem and how to resolve it. This is usually a fixable issue, with the most common cause being a missing sensor magnet in the lint filter, which you can repair yourself cheaply.

So, don’t worry too much—this issue only requires professional assistance in rare cases. Keep reading to get your LG dryer up and running again in no time!

Why is the Play/Pause button blinking and my LG dryer not starting?

Below, we’ve listed the potential causes and fixes for an LG dryer that won’t start and has a blinking Start/Pause button.

Missing magnet in the lint filter (common cause)

Many LG dryers are equipped with a magnetic sensor as part of their lint filter design. This sensor detects whether the lint filter is properly in place. The lint filter itself often has a small magnet embedded in it, which interacts with the sensor.

However, when cleaning the lint filter, it’s easy for this magnet to fall out, especially if the filter is knocked or handled roughly. Since the magnet is quite small, it often goes unnoticed when it falls out. As a result, the dryer will no longer start for safety reasons, such as avoiding overheating or airflow issues.

The blinking Play/Pause button alerts you when something is wrong. You may also see a small filter icon flashing on the dryer’s display.

To check whether this is the problem with your LG dryer, follow these steps:

1. Remove the lint filter and check whether the small magnet is missing. Also, inspect whether the filter is dirty or damaged.
2. If the lint filter is damaged, purchase a new replacement lint filter.
3. If the filter is clogged with lint, clean it thoroughly.
4. If only the magnet is missing, you can most likely purchase a replacement magnet online and fit it into your existing filter. Simply search for your dryer’s model number and the keywords “filter magnet” to find places to purchase one.
5. Clean the slot where the filter is housed on the dryer if it is dirty.
6. Insert a functional lint filter with the magnet intact to see if it resolves the problem.

If this resolves the issue, remember to handle the lint filter carefully during future cleanings to prevent this issue from occurring again.

The control panel needs resetting

Sometimes, a temporary glitch in the control board can cause the blinking light and prevent the dryer from starting. In such cases, resetting the dryer may resolve the issue.

To reset your LG dryer:

1. Press the Power button to turn the dryer off.
2. Unplug the dryer from the wall outlet or switch it off at the circuit breaker.
3. Press and hold the Play/Pause button for 5 seconds.
4. Plug the dryer back in or switch the circuit breaker back on.

Check for basic issues

It’s worth double-checking for basic issues preventing an LG dryer from starting, such as whether the Child Lock feature is enabled or the door is not closed properly.

You can disable Child Lock by locating the “Child Lock” icon on the display and pressing and holding the corresponding button for 3 to 5 seconds.

To inspect the door, open it and check if laundry or other items are obstructing it, preventing it from closing properly. Then, close the door firmly, ensuring it clicks shut.

Faulty door switch

If your dryer turns on but won’t start when you press the Play/Pause button, it could be due to a faulty door switch. Essentially, a faulty switch cannot detect that the door is shut, so the dryer doesn’t start for safety reasons. However, this issue doesn’t usually cause the Play/Pause button to flash, though it may in some cases.

Follow these steps to replace a faulty door switch:

1. Unplug your LG dryer for safety and pull it away from the wall.
2. Remove the top panel by unscrewing the screws and securing it at the back.
3. Remove the two screws securing the control panel, then remove the panel and set it aside.
4. Locate the door switch beneath where the control panel was, near the top of the door.
5. Disconnect the door switch and install a new one.
6. Reassemble the dryer and restore power to see if it now functions properly.

Broken dryer belt

Again, this issue doesn’t always result in the Play/Pause button flashing, so it’s not the most likely cause. However, if the dryer drum belt is broken, the dryer will likely turn on but won’t start when you press the Play/Pause button.

You can replace a broken LG dryer belt by following these steps:

1. Unplug your LG dryer.
2. Pull it away from the wall.
3. Remove the top panel, the control panel, the front panel, and the bulkhead in that order.
4. Remove the old, broken belt from inside the dryer.
5. Loop the new replacement belt around the outside of the drum, and then loop it around the tension pulley and motor shaft.
6. Rotate the drum manually to check that the belt is aligned and fitted properly.
7. Reassemble the dryer and restore power to see if it now functions properly.

Still won’t start?

If, after trying these steps to resolve the issue, your LG dryer still won’t start and the Play/Pause button is still flashing, your next best step is to schedule a service with a qualified technician. The next most likely cause of this issue could be a faulty control board, which requires professional assistance to diagnose, repair, or replace.

If the issue is a faulty main control board, replacing it could be costly, so you will need to decide whether to fix it or purchase a new machine.