Where the filter is and what it looks like

Samsung refrigerators have the water filter in one of two places: inside the fridge compartment in the upper right corner, or in the base grille at the bottom front of the unit. Open your fridge and look at the top right wall — if you see a cylindrical cartridge about 6 inches tall with a blue or white plastic housing, that's an internal filter. If not, kneel down and look at the grille panel at the bottom front of the fridge. You'll see a round filter head sticking out, usually with a release button or a twist-lock design.

The model number on your refrigerator's nameplate (usually inside the fridge on the side wall or on the back) tells you which type you have. You can also check your owner's manual or search your model number on Samsung's website to see a diagram of your specific filter location.

Key Takeaways

  • Samsung filters sit either in the upper right corner inside the fridge or in the base grille at the bottom front, depending on your model.
  • You need to know your exact model number to order the correct replacement filter, because Samsung makes different cartridges for different machines.
  • Most internal filters twist counterclockwise to remove; most base grille filters have a release button or twist-lock that you operate before pulling straight out.
  • After installing a new filter, run water through the dispenser for 2 to 3 minutes to flush air and set up the carbon, then discard that water.
  • Filters typically need replacement every 6 months, though this depends on your water quality and how much water you dispense.

Finding and ordering the right replacement filter

Samsung does not make a universal filter. The cartridge for a side-by-side model will not fit a French-door model, and filters from different years of the same model line may not be compatible. Before you buy, locate your refrigerator's model number — it's a string of letters and numbers usually printed on a sticker inside the fridge, on the side wall or back wall.

Go to Samsung's official website and enter your model number in the parts search tool. The site will show you the exact filter part number and the current price. You can order directly from Samsung, or you can take that part number to a big-box retailer like Home Depot or Lowe's, or to an online seller like Amazon. Genuine Samsung filters cost between $30 and $60 depending on the model. Third-party filters exist and cost less, but Samsung filters are designed for your machine's water pressure and flow rate, so a genuine cartridge is the safest choice.

Removing the old filter

For filters in the upper right corner of the fridge: Open the refrigerator door and look at the top right wall. You'll see the filter cartridge with a plastic housing. Grip the cartridge firmly and turn it counterclockwise about a quarter turn until it stops. The cartridge will then slide straight out toward you. Some models have a release button on the side of the housing — if you see one, press it while turning. Have a towel ready, because a small amount of water may drip from the connection point.

For filters in the base grille: Unplug the refrigerator or turn off the water supply valve behind the unit (usually a small knob on the wall or under the sink). Kneel down and look at the grille panel at the bottom front. You'll see a round filter head. If it has a release button, press it and pull the filter straight out. If it has a twist-lock design, turn it counterclockwise a quarter turn and pull straight out. Again, have a towel ready for drips.

Installing the new filter

Before you open the new filter package, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes if it was stored in a cold place. This prevents condensation from entering the cartridge. Remove the new filter from its packaging and inspect the rubber seals on both ends — they should be clean and undamaged.

For upper right corner filters: Hold the new cartridge with the inlet (the end that connects to the water line) pointing toward the fridge. Align it with the housing opening and push it in gently until you feel resistance. Turn it clockwise about a quarter turn until it clicks or stops. Do not force it — if it doesn't turn easily, remove it and check that the seals are aligned.

For base grille filters: If you turned off the water supply, turn it back on now. Hold the new filter with the inlet pointing toward the connection point on the grille. Push it in straight until you feel it seat, then turn it clockwise a quarter turn if it's a twist-lock model. If it has a release button, the button should click into place as you push the filter in.

Flushing the new filter and checking for leaks

After installation, run water through the dispenser for 2 to 3 minutes without stopping. This flushes air out of the new filter and activates the carbon inside. The water may look cloudy or taste slightly off during this time — that's normal and will clear after a minute or two. Discard all the water you run during this flushing period; do not drink it.

While the water is running, watch the connection point where the filter meets the housing or grille. If you see water dripping, turn off the dispenser and check that the filter is seated all the way in and turned to the correct position. If it's still dripping after you reseat it, the rubber seals may be damaged — remove the filter and inspect them, or contact Samsung support.

When to replace your filter and how to know it's time

Samsung recommends replacing the water filter every 6 months under normal use. If you have hard water, high sediment, or you use the dispenser frequently, you may need to replace it sooner — every 3 to 4 months. If you rarely use the dispenser, you might stretch it to 9 months, but do not go longer than a year.

Signs that a filter needs replacement include slower water flow from the dispenser, a change in the taste or smell of the water, or ice that tastes off. Some Samsung models have a filter status light on the control panel that turns red or amber when the filter is nearing the end of its life — check your owner's manual to see if yours does. If you're unsure, replacing it early is safer than waiting too long.

Troubleshooting common problems

Water won't dispense after filter replacement: Air is trapped in the line. Run the dispenser for 3 to 5 minutes straight without stopping. If water still won't come out, turn off the refrigerator for 10 minutes, then turn it back on and try again. If the problem persists, the filter may be installed backward or not seated all the way — remove it and reinstall it.

Water leaks from the filter connection: The filter is not turned to the final locked position, or the rubber seals are damaged. Remove the filter, inspect the seals for cracks or debris, clean the connection point with a dry cloth, and reinstall. If seals are visibly damaged, the filter is defective — contact Samsung or the retailer for a replacement.

Water tastes the same as before: If you did not flush the filter for the full 2 to 3 minutes, the carbon is not yet activated. Run the dispenser for another 3 minutes. If the taste does not improve after that, the old filter may have been replaced too late and sediment is in the lines — this will clear over time as you use the dispenser.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to turn off the water supply before replacing the filter?

For upper right corner filters, no — the connection is designed to hold water when you remove the cartridge. For base grille filters, it depends on your model. Check your owner's manual. If you're unsure, turning off the water supply takes 30 seconds and prevents any mess, so it's the safer choice.

Can I use a third-party filter instead of a Samsung filter?

Third-party filters are cheaper and may work, but they are not tested on your specific model. Samsung filters are engineered for your refrigerator's water pressure and flow rate. If a third-party filter fails or damages the water line, you'll pay more in repairs than you saved on the filter. Genuine Samsung filters are the reliable choice.

What do I do with the old filter?

Most water filters can go in the trash or recycling bin, depending on your local rules. Some retailers like Home Depot accept old filters for recycling. Check your city's waste guidelines. Do not pour the old filter down the drain or try to clean and reuse it.

How do I know which filter my model needs?

Look up your model number on Samsung's website using their parts finder tool. Enter your model number and the site will show you the exact filter part number and a photo. You can also call Samsung support with your model number and they will tell you the correct filter.

Why is my new filter leaking?

The filter is not fully seated or not turned to the locked position. Remove it, check that the rubber seals are clean and undamaged, and reinstall it firmly. If it leaks again, the seals may be defective — request a replacement filter from the retailer or Samsung.