Where to Find Your LG Refrigerator Air Filter
The air filter on most LG refrigerators sits inside the fridge compartment, usually in the upper corner near the back wall or along the side wall. Some models place it in the lower section instead. Open your refrigerator door and look for a small cylindrical cartridge, often white or black, that may have a release button or twist mechanism next to it. If you cannot spot it when ready, check your model number on the back wall of the fridge — it will be a series of letters and numbers — and search for your specific model's manual online to see a photo of the exact location.
The air filter removes odors and ethylene gas that cause food to spoil faster. Most LG models require a replacement every six months, though this depends on how much you open the door and how full the fridge stays. If your fridge has a water dispenser or ice maker, that uses a separate water filter, not the air filter.
Key Takeaways
- LG air filters are usually located in the upper corner or side wall of the fridge compartment and take less than two minutes to replace.
- You will need only the replacement filter cartridge — no tools are required for most models.
- The old filter twists out or slides out depending on your model; check your manual to know which motion to use.
- After inserting the new filter, some models require you to reset a filter indicator light by holding a button for three seconds.
What You Need Before You Start
Purchase a replacement air filter made for your exact LG model number. LG sells official filters under the part number ADQ73214402 (the most common size) or ADQ75974201, but your model may use a different part number. Search your model number plus "air filter" on the LG website or call LG customer service at 1-800-243-0000 to confirm the correct part before you buy.
You do not need any tools — no screwdriver, wrench, or pliers. The filter cartridge is designed to be removed by hand. Have a small trash bag or container ready to catch any dust or debris that falls when you remove the old filter. If your fridge has been running for six months or longer since the last filter change, expect some dust buildup inside the filter housing.
How to Remove the Old Air Filter
Unplug your refrigerator or turn off power at the circuit breaker. This is not strictly necessary for safety — the air filter compartment is not electrical — but it prevents the compressor from running while you work and gives you peace of mind. Wait 30 seconds after powering off before opening the fridge door.
Locate the filter cartridge and look for either a twist-lock mechanism or a slide-release button. If your model has a twist-lock (most common), grip the filter firmly with one hand and turn it counterclockwise about a quarter turn until it stops. Do not force it — if it does not turn easily, you may be turning the wrong direction. Once it stops, pull the filter straight out toward you. If your model has a slide-release button instead, press the button and slide the filter out horizontally.
Set the old filter aside and inspect the empty housing for dust or debris. Use a dry cloth or paper towel to wipe the inside of the compartment, but do not use water or cleaning spray — the housing is not sealed against moisture.
How to Install the New Air Filter
Remove the new filter from its packaging and check that the rubber gasket (the soft seal around the edge) is clean and not cracked. If it is damaged, the filter will not seal properly and odors will bypass it. Slide the new filter into the housing, making sure it sits flush against the back wall or side wall, depending on your model's orientation.
If your model uses a twist-lock, turn the filter clockwise until it clicks or stops — you will feel resistance when it is fully seated. Do not over-tighten; one quarter turn past the click is enough. If your model uses a slide-release, push the filter all the way in until you hear or feel a click, then press the release button to lock it in place. The filter should not wiggle or move when you tug on it gently.
Turn the refrigerator back on or flip the circuit breaker switch. Most LG models will display a filter indicator light on the control panel. If the light remains on after 30 seconds, you may need to reset it by holding the filter reset button (usually labeled "Filter" or "Reset") for three seconds until the light goes off. Check your manual for the exact location of this button — it varies by model.
Common Mistakes That Prevent the Filter From Sealing
The most frequent error is installing the filter backward or upside down. The filter cartridge has a specific orientation — the intake side (where air enters) faces the fridge compartment, and the output side (where filtered air exits) faces the back wall. If your filter has an arrow printed on it, that arrow should point toward the back of the fridge. Installing it backward means unfiltered air bypasses the cartridge entirely.
Another common mistake is not pushing the filter all the way in before twisting. If the filter is not fully seated, the twist-lock will not engage properly, and the filter will fall out or allow air to leak around the edges. Push firmly until you feel resistance, then twist. If you twist and the filter does not turn, pull it out slightly and push it in again — it is not seated yet.
Do not reuse the old filter or try to clean it. Air filters are designed for one-time use. Washing or vacuuming the old filter damages the media inside and reduces its ability to trap odors. Replacing it every six months is the only way to keep your fridge running at full effectiveness.
How Often to Replace the Air Filter
LG recommends replacing the air filter every six months for typical household use. If you have a large family, open the fridge frequently, or store a lot of pungent foods like fish or onions, you may need to replace it every three to four months. If you live alone and rarely open the fridge, you might stretch it to nine months, but do not go longer than one year.
Signs that your filter needs replacement include persistent odors in the fridge even after cleaning, or a visible layer of dust or discoloration on the filter cartridge itself. If you open the fridge and smell something off, check the filter first — a clogged filter is often the culprit. Some newer LG models have a filter indicator light that turns on automatically when the filter life expires, which takes the guesswork out of scheduling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the air filter and the water filter?
The air filter removes odors and ethylene gas from the fridge compartment. The water filter cleans water for the ice maker and water dispenser. They are separate parts in different locations. If your ice tastes bad or the water dispenser is slow, the water filter needs replacement, not the air filter.
Can I run my LG refrigerator without the air filter?
Yes, the fridge will operate normally without the air filter. However, odors will spread throughout the compartment much faster, and food will spoil sooner. The air filter is designed to extend the freshness of your food, so removing it defeats that purpose. Always keep a filter installed.
Where can I buy a replacement LG air filter?
LG air filters are sold at major appliance retailers like Best Buy and Home Depot, online at Amazon and the LG website, and through local appliance parts suppliers. Prices typically range from $25 to $50 depending on the model. Always verify your model number before purchasing to may support you get the correct part.
Do I need to reset anything after installing a new filter?
Most LG models have a filter indicator light that you should reset after installation. Look for a button labeled "Filter" or "Reset" on the control panel inside the fridge or on the exterior. Hold it for three seconds until the light goes off. Some older models do not have this light and do not require a reset. Check your manual to be sure.
What happens if I install the filter backward?
If the filter is installed backward, air will bypass the filter media entirely, and you will get no odor reduction. You may not notice when ready, but within a few weeks odors will build up faster than normal. If you suspect this happened, remove the filter and check the arrow or orientation markings, then reinstall it correctly.