The basic steps to swap out a Brita filter

Replacing a Brita filter takes about five minutes and requires no tools. You turn off the water supply to the pitcher or dispenser, remove the old filter cartridge by twisting or unclipping it (depending on your model), rinse the new filter under cold water for about 15 seconds, insert it into the housing, and turn the water back on. The whole job is something you can do standing at your sink.

The exact motion—twist, pull, or clip—depends on whether you own a Brita pitcher, an under-sink system, or a refrigerator dispenser model. We'll walk through each one below. The important thing to know upfront is that Brita filters are not universal; you need to match the cartridge to your specific model number, which is printed on the pitcher or dispenser itself.

Key Takeaways

  • Brita filters come in different types for pitchers, under-sink systems, and refrigerator dispensers, and you must buy the correct cartridge for your model.
  • Before you install a new filter, rinse it under cold water for 15 seconds to remove carbon dust from manufacturing.
  • Most Brita pitchers use a twist-lock or clip-lock design that requires no tools and takes less than a minute to change.
  • Under-sink and refrigerator models may require you to turn off the water supply before removal, but the cartridge swap itself is still straightforward.
  • A clogged or slow filter usually means it is time to replace it, not repair it—Brita filters are not cleanable or reusable.

Finding your Brita model number and the right replacement filter

Your model number is printed on the pitcher body, the dispenser housing, or the underside of the faucet mount. Write it down or take a photo before you shop. Common pitcher models include the Standard, Everyday, and Slim, each with its own cartridge type. Under-sink systems use larger cartridges labeled for that purpose. Refrigerator dispensers use compact filters that fit inside the dispenser door or the main housing.

Once you have the model number, you can search for the correct filter on the Brita website, at major retailers like Amazon or Target, or at your local grocery store. Brita cartridges are widely stocked. The packaging will clearly state which models it fits. Buying the wrong type will not harm your pitcher, but it will not fit, and you will have to exchange it.

How to replace a Brita pitcher filter

Most Brita pitchers use one of two designs. The first has a filter cartridge that twists into the top of the pitcher. To remove it, hold the pitcher steady with one hand and grip the filter head with the other, then turn counterclockwise until it comes free. Lift it straight up and out. The second design uses a clip-lock mechanism: press the release button or lever on the side of the filter head, and the cartridge will pop out or slide down.

Once the old filter is out, take the new one and rinse it under cold running water for about 15 seconds. This removes carbon dust left over from manufacturing and prevents black specks in your first few glasses. Insert the new filter into the housing, making sure it sits fully in place. If your model twists, turn it clockwise until snug—do not force it. If it clips, push or slide it until you hear or feel a click. Fill the pitcher with water and run the first pitcher through the sink or into a plant; do not drink it. Your filter is now ready to use.

How to replace an under-sink Brita filter

Under-sink systems have a larger cartridge that sits in a housing mounted beneath your cabinet. Before you start, turn off the water supply to that line using the shut-off valve under the sink. If you do not have one, you may need to turn off the main water supply to the house. Open the faucet to release any pressure in the line, then close it again.

The filter cartridge usually twists out of the housing or is held in place by a large wrench-style cap. If it twists, grip the cartridge body and turn counterclockwise. If it has a cap, use an adjustable wrench or the wrench that came with your system to loosen the cap by turning it counterclockwise, then unscrew it by hand. Remove the old cartridge and set it aside. Rinse the new cartridge under cold water for 15 seconds, then insert it into the housing and twist clockwise (or screw the cap back on and tighten with the wrench). Turn the water supply back on and run water through the faucet for 30 seconds before using it.

How to replace a Brita refrigerator dispenser filter

Refrigerator filters sit inside the dispenser door or in a housing on the back wall of the fridge. Check your refrigerator manual to find the exact location. Most models do not require you to turn off the water supply, but some do—check your manual first. If your model does, locate the shut-off valve on the water line running to the fridge and turn it clockwise.

Open the dispenser door or access panel and locate the filter cartridge. It will be held in place by a twist-lock or a clip. If it twists, turn it counterclockwise and pull it straight out. If it clips, press the release button and slide the cartridge out. Rinse the new filter under cold water for 15 seconds, insert it into the housing, and twist clockwise or clip it in place. If you turned off the water supply, turn it back on. Run water through the dispenser for 30 seconds to flush the line before drinking.

When to replace your Brita filter

Brita recommends replacing pitcher filters every two to three months, depending on how much water you filter and how hard your tap water is. Under-sink filters last longer—usually six months to a year. Refrigerator filters vary by model but typically last four to six months. These are guidelines, not hard rules; if your water tastes off or flows very slowly before the recommended time, replace the filter sooner.

A clogged filter cannot be cleaned or revived. Do not try to rinse it out and reuse it. Brita filters are designed to be replaced, not maintained. If water is flowing slowly, the cartridge is full of trapped sediment and minerals and needs to come out. If water tastes like plastic or chlorine, the activated carbon is exhausted and no longer filtering effectively.

Troubleshooting a filter that will not come out or fit

If a filter is stuck, do not force it. For a twist-lock filter, try wrapping a rubber band or cloth around the cartridge head for better grip, then turn gently. If it still will not budge, the cartridge may be cross-threaded; stop and check that you are turning the right direction. For clip-lock filters, make sure you have pressed the release button fully before pulling. If the button is stuck, a small amount of warm water on the clip mechanism can help loosen it.

If a new filter will not fit into the housing, double-check that you bought the correct model for your pitcher or dispenser. The packaging should match your model number exactly. If you bought the right filter and it still does not fit, the housing itself may be damaged. Contact Brita customer service with your model number and a photo of the housing; they can advise whether the pitcher needs to be replaced.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to rinse a new Brita filter before using it?

Yes. Rinse it under cold water for about 15 seconds before inserting it. This removes carbon dust from manufacturing. If you skip this step, your first few glasses of water may have black specks or taste like charcoal. You do not need to soak it or run water through the pitcher first—just a quick rinse under the tap is enough.

Can I clean and reuse an old Brita filter?

No. Brita filters are single-use cartridges. Once the activated carbon is saturated with contaminants and minerals, it cannot be restored by rinsing or soaking. Reusing a spent filter will not improve your water quality and may allow bacteria to grow inside the cartridge. Replace it with a new one.

What if water is still coming out slowly after I replace the filter?

Make sure the new filter is fully seated in the housing and twisted or clipped all the way in. If it is, run water through the pitcher or dispenser for a full minute to flush out any air pockets. If the flow is still slow, the problem may be with your tap water itself—very hard water or high sediment can slow any filter. If you have an under-sink system, check that the shut-off valve is fully open.

How do I know which Brita filter I need if I lost the model number?

Look at the pitcher or dispenser itself. The model number is usually printed on the bottom, the back, or inside the lid. Take a photo and search for it on the Brita website, or bring the photo to a retailer and ask which filter fits that model. You can also call Brita customer service with a description of your pitcher and they can tell you which cartridge to buy.

Can I use a generic or off-brand filter in my Brita pitcher?

Some third-party filters are designed to fit Brita pitchers, but they may not filter as effectively or last as long as genuine Brita cartridges. If you use a non-Brita filter, check the packaging to confirm it is compatible with your model. Brita pitchers are not damaged by using a different brand, but you are responsible for verifying that it fits and works as intended.