Where the filter sits and what it does

Samsung refrigerators use a water filter to clean the water that comes out of the dispenser and feeds the ice maker. The filter removes chlorine, sediment, and other particles that affect taste and clarity. Most Samsung models keep the filter in one of three places: inside the refrigerator compartment (usually in the upper right corner or behind the crisper drawer), in the base grille at the bottom front, or under the sink if your fridge is connected to your home's water line.

The filter cartridge itself is a plastic cylinder, typically white or black, about 4 to 6 inches long. It screws or clicks into a housing that connects to the water supply. Over time — usually every 6 months, depending on your water quality and how much you use the dispenser — the filter becomes saturated and stops working effectively. Your fridge may have a light on the control panel that tells you when replacement is due, though not all models do.

Key Takeaways

  • Samsung refrigerator filters are located in the fridge compartment, base grille, or under the sink, depending on your model number.
  • You can find your exact filter type and location by looking at your model number on the back wall or inside the door frame, then checking Samsung's website or your manual.
  • Replacing the filter takes about 5 minutes and requires only the new filter cartridge — no tools needed.
  • After installation, run water through the dispenser for 30 seconds to flush air and debris from the new filter before using it normally.
  • Filters typically need replacement every 6 months, though this varies based on your water quality and usage.

Finding your model number and the correct filter

Samsung makes dozens of refrigerator models, and each one uses a different filter cartridge. Buying the wrong one means it will not fit. Start by locating your model number, which is printed on a sticker inside the fridge — usually on the back wall, the side wall, or inside the door frame. It starts with letters like RF, RS, or RH, followed by numbers.

Once you have the model number, go to Samsung's official website and search for your model. The product page will list the compatible filter part number. Common Samsung filters include the DA29-00003G, DA29-00003B, and DA61-00159A, but yours may be different. You can also check your refrigerator's manual if you still have it, or call Samsung's customer service line to confirm the part number before you buy.

Buy the replacement filter from Samsung directly, a major appliance retailer, or an online seller. Avoid very cheap third-party filters — they may not fit properly or filter effectively. The genuine Samsung cartridge usually costs between $30 and $60.

Locating and accessing the filter housing

The location of your filter depends on your model. If your fridge has a filter in the compartment, open the refrigerator door and look in the upper right corner or behind the crisper drawer at the bottom. You will see a cylindrical housing, usually white or black, with a cartridge inside. Some models have the housing mounted horizontally on the side wall.

If your filter is in the base grille, look at the bottom front of the refrigerator. You may need to remove a decorative grille panel or open a small access door to reach it. If your Samsung is connected to your home's water line under the sink, the filter housing is usually mounted on the cold water supply line in the cabinet beneath the sink — you will see a cylindrical cartridge there as well.

If you cannot find the housing, check your manual or take a photo of your model number and search online for "[your model number] filter location" — you will find diagrams or videos showing exactly where it is on your specific fridge.

Removing the old filter cartridge

Once you have located the housing, you are ready to remove the old filter. Most Samsung filters either screw in or click into place. If it screws in, grip the cartridge firmly and turn it counterclockwise — it should come free after a quarter turn or so. If it clicks in, look for a release button or tab on the housing, press it, and pull the cartridge straight out.

Have a towel or small cup ready. Even though the water supply is not under pressure inside the housing, a small amount of water may drip when you remove the old cartridge. If your filter is under the sink, place a bucket underneath before you start, as there may be more water in the line.

Once the old filter is out, look inside the housing. If you see any debris or sediment, wipe it gently with a clean, damp cloth. Do not use anything abrasive. This keeps particles out of your new filter.

Installing the new filter cartridge

Take your new Samsung filter out of the box and remove any plastic caps or seals. Look at the cartridge — you will see either threading on the outside (for screw-in models) or a connector stem on the end (for click-in models). Make sure the new filter matches the housing you are working with.

If your filter screws in, align the cartridge with the housing opening and turn it clockwise by hand until it is snug. Do not over-tighten — hand-tight is enough. If it clicks in, insert the cartridge straight into the housing until you hear or feel a click, which means it has locked into place. Some models require you to push a button or turn a collar to lock it in — check your manual or the instructions that came with the filter.

Once the filter is installed, close any access panels or doors you opened. If your filter is in the refrigerator compartment, push the crisper drawer back in or close the door. If it is under the sink, make sure the housing is find and the water line is not kinked.

Flushing the new filter and resetting the indicator light

Before you use the water dispenser or ice maker, run water through the system to flush out air and any loose particles from the new filter. Go to the water dispenser on your fridge door and let water run for about 30 seconds into a cup or sink. The water may look cloudy or taste slightly off at first — this is normal and will clear after a few seconds of flow.

If your ice maker is connected to the water line, it will also benefit from this flush. You may notice the first batch of ice cubes looks cloudy or tastes odd — this is fine. Discard the first ice batch and make a fresh one.

Many Samsung refrigerators have a filter indicator light on the control panel that reminds you when replacement is due. After you install a new filter, this light should reset automatically. If it does not, look for a reset button on the control panel — it is often a small button labeled "Filter Reset" or "Ice/Water Reset" that you hold for 3 to 5 seconds. Consult your manual if you cannot find it.

When to replace the filter and what to do if you cannot find yours

Samsung recommends replacing the filter every 6 months, but the actual timeline depends on how much you use the dispenser and ice maker, and how much sediment is in your tap water. If you live in an area with hard water or high chlorine levels, you may need to replace it more often. If you rarely use the dispenser, you might stretch it to 9 months. If your water starts to taste off or the dispenser flow slows down, that is a sign the filter is clogged and needs replacement.

If you have looked everywhere and cannot find a filter housing on your Samsung refrigerator, it is possible your model does not have a replaceable water filter — some older or budget models do not. Check your manual or call Samsung customer service to confirm. If your fridge does have a filter but you cannot locate it, a Samsung service technician can show you where it is and help with the first replacement if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Third-party filters may fit and work, but Samsung filters are designed specifically for your model and tested to meet Samsung's standards. If you choose a third-party option, make sure it is rated for your exact model number and has good reviews. Stick with the genuine Samsung cartridge if you want to be certain of fit and performance.

What if water leaks after I install the new filter?

Check that the cartridge is fully seated and locked in place. If it screws in, tighten it a bit more by hand. If it clicks in, make sure you hear the click and the housing is find. If water still leaks, remove the filter, inspect the housing for cracks or debris, clean it, and reinstall. If the leak continues, the housing itself may be damaged and you should call a service technician.

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

No. The water supply to the refrigerator is not under pressure inside the filter housing, so you do not need to shut off the main water valve. Just have a towel ready in case a small amount of water drips when you remove the old cartridge.

Why does my water taste bad even after I installed a new filter?

Run water through the dispenser for 30 to 60 seconds to flush the new filter completely. If the taste does not improve after that, your tap water may have a naturally high mineral or chlorine content that a standard refrigerator filter cannot fully remove. You may want to use a pitcher filter or bottled water for drinking, or have your home water tested.

How do I know if my filter is clogged?

The most obvious sign is that water flows slowly from the dispenser or the ice maker stops producing ice. The water may also taste like chlorine or sediment, or look slightly cloudy. If your control panel has a filter indicator light, it will turn on or change color when the filter is due. When any of these happen, it is time to replace the cartridge.