Child Lock
A panel-locking feature that prevents accidental cycle changes by curious hands.
Definition
Child Lock (sometimes Control Lock) is a panel-locking feature on most modern washers, dryers, dishwashers, ovens, and microwaves that disables button input until the lock is intentionally cleared. Engagement and clearing typically require holding a specific button for three seconds. Child Lock prevents children from changing cycle settings, starting unintended cycles, or stopping a running cycle. It is also useful for households with cats that walk on touch panels.
Where this term appears
Child Lock comes up in product spec sheets, service reports, and troubleshooting documentation across most major appliance brands. If you encountered it in a manual or a service description and want context for how it fits into the larger picture, the related articles in the sidebar drill into the practical details. The glossary as a whole is intended as a quick lookup reference; for a deep dive on any specific topic, jump to the related buying guide or troubleshooting article.