- Appliances
- Dryers
IF
LG IF on a tumble dryer: the lint filter is not being detected
Risk level
Low
Usually safe to check without specialist tools.
Urgency
Low
Quick answer
On LG dryers, IF means the machine does not recognise the lint filter. Assemble the inner and outer filters correctly, check that the magnet in the inner filter is in place, and replace the filter if the magnet is lost or its holder is broken.
Safety first
Stop and check this first
- Always refit both parts of the lint filter before a cycle; LG treats a missing or incomplete filter as the first cause of IF.
Safe checks you can perform
- Fit both filter parts and seat the filter fully
- Check the magnet in the interior filter
- Inspect the magnet holder and replace the filter if needed
Leave these tasks to a qualified professional
- Do not attempt this professional task: Filter detection inspection
- Do not attempt this professional task: Full drying cycle as a final check
What a technician must be able to justify
Technician visit
These are the steps they must carry out and show you. Tick them as they work: if steps are skipped, do not accept a part swap.
These are not instructions for opening or handling the equipment yourself. They are the checks that should support a technical conclusion.
Filter detection inspection
What they doIf IF continues with a complete filter, the magnet in place and an intact holder, the technician investigates why the dryer does not recognise the fitted filter.
They must show youthe dryer recognising the fitted filter and starting without the IF code.
In writingthe IF code read, what was checked in the filter detection, any part replaced and the result.
Full drying cycle as a final check
What they doAfter the repair, the technician runs a programme with the filter fitted and confirms it finishes without the filter warning returning.
They must show youa cycle completed normally with no IF on the display.
In writingthe programme used for the test, its result and the date.
Before accepting a part or repair
Nothing has been shown yet. Do not accept a part swap based on the code alone.
Follow these steps
Note: Follow the documented order. An error code identifies the affected system, but it does not prove by itself which part has failed.
Fit both filter parts and seat the filter fully
- Who:
- you, with the dryer stopped.
- How:
- take the lint filter out and make sure you have both the interior and the exterior filter. Fit them together the way they came and slide the assembly back into its housing until it sits properly.
- Result that matters:
- the complete filter assembled and in position.
- If a part was missing or badly fitted:
- put it right and run the programme once more.
- If it was correctly assembled and IF remains:
- check the magnet in the interior filter.
- Evidence to keep:
- photo of the two filter parts before assembling them.
Evidence: LG Dryer - Error Code List(New)
Check the magnet in the interior filter
- Who:
- you, no tools needed.
- How:
- look at the interior filter and find the built in magnet. If it came out while you were cleaning, look for it in the sink or wherever you washed the filter, and put it back in its correct place before refitting the filter.
- Result that matters:
- the magnet present and secure in its holder.
- If the magnet had fallen out:
- once it is back, the dryer should recognise the filter.
- If the magnet is in place:
- inspect its holder for damage.
- Evidence to keep:
- photo of the interior filter with the magnet visible.
Evidence: LG Dryer - Error Code List(New)
Inspect the magnet holder and replace the filter if needed
- Who:
- you.
- How:
- see whether the magnet holder is cracked or broken so it no longer grips the magnet. LG says that if the magnet is lost, or the holder is damaged, you should purchase and fit a new lint filter for your model.
- Result that matters:
- knowing whether the current filter is usable or must be replaced.
- If the holder is broken or the magnet is missing:
- order the replacement filter for your model through LG.
- If the filter is intact and fitted and IF persists:
- request a repair.
- Evidence to keep:
- photo of the damaged magnet holder, if it is damaged.
Evidence: LG Dryer - Error Code List(New)
Still not solved
If the error persists, stop here. See what the technician must do and show you.
Where this code applies
A code is meaningful only inside the right product and version context.
Primary scope
- System
- Appliances
- Brand
- LG
- Product type
- Dryers
Known code variants
- Error IF secadora
- error IF secadora LG
- I F
- IF error dryer
- LG dryer filter icon flashing
- LG dryer filter not detected
- LG dryer IF
- LG dryer IF error
- LG dryer lint filter IF
- LG heat pump dryer IF
- LG secadora icono filtro parpadea
- LG secadora IF
- LG secadora no detecta filtro
- secadora LG bomba de calor IF
- secadora LG filtro IF
What it means
LG's dryer error code list (Levant support site, August 2025) groups IF under the lint filter: the filter is made of an exterior and an interior part that must both be assembled and in place, and the dryer detects it through a magnet in the interior filter. If the magnet falls out during cleaning, the filter cannot be detected. These steps come from that LG page and may differ on your model. An IF reading by itself does not show that any sensor is faulty.
Warnings and stop conditions
- Lowsource verified
Always refit both parts of the lint filter before a cycle; LG treats a missing or incomplete filter as the first cause of IF.
Evidence: LG Dryer - Error Code List(New)
Symptoms and causes
Probable causes · in order
- Filter missing or wrongly assembledCommon
The lint filter has an exterior and an interior part; if either is missing or they are not fitted together correctly, the dryer flags IF.
Evidence: LG Dryer - Error Code List(New)
- Inner filter magnet dislodgedPossible
The magnet in the interior filter can drop out while the filter is being cleaned, and without it the dryer cannot detect the filter.
Evidence: LG Dryer - Error Code List(New)
- Magnet lost or holder damagedLess common
If the magnet is gone or the holder that keeps it in place is broken, LG says a new lint filter has to be bought.
Evidence: LG Dryer - Error Code List(New)
- Detection fault with a good filterLess common
When the filter is complete and correctly fitted and IF still shows, LG says the dryer needs an inspection.
Evidence: LG Dryer - Error Code List(New)
Virtual technician
Does IF still appear after these checks?
Answer a few questions to narrow down the likely cause and the safest next action. Guidance only - it never replaces a professional.
Sources and technical references
- 1
LG Dryer - Lista de códigos de error (Nuevo)
LG Electronics · 2025 · official_doc
- 2
[Secadora LG] [Bomba de calor eléctrica] Se muestra un error en la lámpara de filtro.
LG Electronics · 2025 · official_doc
- 3
LG Dryer - Error Code List(New)
LG Electronics · 2025 · official_doc
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