Where Your Samsung Water Filter Is Located
Most Samsung refrigerators have the water filter in one of two places: inside the fridge compartment in the upper right corner, or underneath the fridge behind the front grille. Open your fridge door and look in the top right — if you see a cylindrical cartridge about the size of a soda can with a blue or white plastic cap, that is your filter. If the top right is empty, the filter is underneath.
To access an under-fridge filter, you will need to remove the front grille. Squeeze or unclip the grille panel at the bottom of your fridge (the exact method depends on your model — some have clips on the sides, others have a center release button). Once the grille is off, you will see the filter cartridge mounted horizontally in a housing. Write down your current filter model number before you remove anything — it is printed on the cartridge itself and you will need it to order the correct replacement.
Key Takeaways
- Samsung water filters are located either in the upper right corner inside the fridge or underneath behind the front grille, depending on your model.
- The entire replacement process takes about five minutes and requires no tools — just hand pressure to twist and pull the cartridge out.
- You must flush the new filter by running water through it for three to five minutes before drinking from it, or the water will taste like plastic.
- Most Samsung filters need replacement every six months if you use the ice maker and water dispenser regularly, or every twelve months with light use.
- Ordering the wrong filter model is the most common mistake — check the number on your old cartridge before you buy a replacement.
Removing the Old Filter Cartridge
For a filter in the upper right corner of the fridge: grip the cartridge firmly with one hand and twist it counterclockwise (to the left) about a quarter turn. You will feel it loosen. Once it is loose, pull it straight out toward you. Water may drip, so have a small cup or towel ready underneath.
For a filter underneath the fridge: locate the filter housing (a white or gray plastic unit behind the grille). The cartridge will have a cap or handle on one end. Twist that cap counterclockwise until it stops, then pull the cartridge straight out. Again, water may drip — place a towel on the floor first.
Do not force the cartridge. If it will not twist after a quarter turn, you may be turning it the wrong direction, or the filter may be stuck due to mineral buildup. Try the opposite direction, or run warm water over the housing for a minute to soften any deposits.
Installing the New Filter
Before you open the new cartridge, check that the model number matches the one on your old filter. The number is usually printed on a label on the side of the box. If the numbers do not match, stop and order the correct one — installing the wrong filter can damage your fridge's water system or produce poor-tasting water.
Remove the new cartridge from its packaging. Look for a rubber seal or gasket around the top or bottom of the cartridge — this is what keeps water from leaking. Make sure the seal is in place and not cracked or dried out. If it looks damaged, contact the seller for a replacement cartridge.
Insert the new cartridge into the housing and twist it clockwise (to the right) until it stops. You will feel resistance — that is normal. Do not over-tighten; stop as soon as you feel it catch. For under-fridge filters, screw the cap back on until snug. For in-fridge filters, push the cartridge in until you hear or feel a click.
Flushing the New Filter Before Use
This step is essential and often skipped. A new filter contains loose carbon particles and plastic residue from manufacturing. If you drink water or make ice without flushing first, your water will taste like plastic for several days.
Turn on your water dispenser (or ice maker if that is your only water source) and let water run into a sink or large bowl for three to five minutes without stopping. The water will look cloudy at first — that is normal. Keep running it until the water runs clear. This usually takes three to five minutes, but can take up to ten minutes on the first use.
After flushing, discard the first batch of ice cubes your ice maker produces. They will taste off because they froze before the filter was fully flushed. Make a second batch and those should taste normal.
Checking for Leaks
After you have installed the new filter and flushed it, watch the connection point where the cartridge meets the housing for the next hour. A small amount of moisture is normal, but a steady drip means the seal did not seat properly.
If you see a leak, turn off the water supply to your fridge (usually a valve behind or underneath the unit). Remove the filter, check that the rubber gasket is clean and not twisted, and reinstall it. Make sure you twist it all the way until it stops — under-tightening is the most common cause of leaks. If the leak continues after reinstalling, the gasket may be damaged and you may need to order a replacement cartridge.
When to Replace Your Filter
Samsung recommends replacing the water filter every six months if you use the ice maker and water dispenser regularly. If you use them lightly (a few glasses of water per week, no ice maker), you can go twelve months between replacements. Some filters have a reset button or indicator light on the fridge that will remind you when replacement is due — check your manual to see if yours does.
Do not wait for the water to taste bad or the flow to slow down before replacing the filter. By that point, the filter is no longer removing contaminants effectively. Replacing on schedule is cheaper than dealing with a clogged filter or damaged water line later.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I install the filter backwards?
Most Samsung filters are designed so they will not fit backwards — the cartridge shape or threading will not align if you try. If the filter will not go in smoothly, you are likely inserting it at the wrong angle or in the wrong direction. Remove it and try rotating it 180 degrees.
Can I use a third-party filter instead of a Samsung brand filter?
Yes, many third-party filters work in Samsung fridges and are cheaper than Samsung brand cartridges. The key is matching the model number to your fridge model, not the brand name. Check your fridge's manual or the housing itself to find the correct filter part number, then search for that number from any manufacturer. Read reviews to confirm the third-party filter fits properly.
Why does my water taste like plastic after I replaced the filter?
You did not flush the filter long enough. Run water through the dispenser for another five to ten minutes without stopping. If the taste persists after a full ten-minute flush, the filter may be defective — contact the seller for a replacement.
Is there a reset button I need to press after installing a new filter?
Some Samsung models have a filter reset button on the control panel or inside the fridge. Check your manual to see if yours does. If your fridge has one, press it after installing the new filter so the fridge knows to start counting the six-month replacement cycle again. If you do not reset it, the indicator light may not remind you when the next replacement is due.
What do I do with the old filter?
Most water filters can be recycled through your local recycling program or through a mail-back program offered by the filter manufacturer. Check the packaging of your new filter to see if the seller offers a return program. If not, contact your city or county recycling center to ask if they accept water filter cartridges.