The XWFE filter twists out and a new one twists in—no tools needed

The GE XWFE is a side-by-side refrigerator water filter that screws into a housing on the inside of your fridge, usually on the upper right wall. To replace it, you turn the old filter a quarter turn counterclockwise, pull it straight out, and screw a new one in until it stops. The whole job takes about five minutes and requires no tools, wrenches, or special knowledge.

The filter itself is a plastic cartridge about 5 inches tall and 2.5 inches wide. It contains activated carbon that removes chlorine taste, sediment, and some contaminants from your water supply. When the filter gets clogged—usually after six months of normal use—your water pressure drops and the filter light on your fridge's display turns red or shows a "replace filter" message.

Before you start, know that you do not have to turn off the water supply to your refrigerator. The filter housing is designed to let you swap cartridges without shutting anything down. However, you may see a small amount of water drip out when you remove the old filter, so have a towel ready.

Key Takeaways

  • The XWFE filter twists counterclockwise to remove and clockwise to install, with no tools or water shutoff required.
  • You will see a small amount of water when you pull out the old filter, so place a towel underneath the filter housing before you start.
  • The new filter should be turned until it stops—do not force it or over-tighten, as the housing is plastic.
  • After installation, run water through the dispenser for 30 seconds to flush air from the new filter and clear any carbon dust.
  • The filter light on your fridge display will reset automatically on most GE models, though some require a button press to clear the message.

Locate the filter housing inside your refrigerator

Open your fridge and look at the upper right wall, just below the ceiling. You will see a cylindrical plastic housing about the size of a soda can, usually white or black. This is where the XWFE cartridge sits. Some GE models place the filter on the lower right instead, so if you do not see it at the top, check the bottom shelf area.

The housing has a label or small icon printed on it that shows which direction to turn. It typically says "turn left to remove" or has an arrow pointing counterclockwise. If the label has worn off, remember: counterclockwise removes the old filter, clockwise installs the new one.

Remove the old filter by turning counterclockwise

Place a towel or small cup under the filter housing to catch drips. Grip the filter cartridge firmly with your hand and turn it counterclockwise—the same direction you would turn to open a jar lid. You do not need a wrench or pliers; your hand grip is enough. Turn until the filter stops, which usually takes a quarter turn or less.

Once it stops turning, pull the filter straight out toward you. You may feel slight resistance as the rubber seal releases. A small amount of water—usually just a few drops to a tablespoon—will drip out. This is normal and expected. Wipe up the water with your towel and set the old filter aside.

Install the new XWFE filter by turning clockwise

Remove the new filter from its packaging. Do not remove any plastic caps or seals on the filter itself—they are designed to stay on and will not affect performance. Hold the filter so the threaded end points toward the housing opening.

Insert the filter into the housing and turn it clockwise by hand. You will feel it thread into place. Keep turning until it stops—this usually takes a quarter turn. Stop when you feel resistance; do not force it or over-tighten. The housing is plastic and can crack if you explore too much force. The filter should be snug but not strained.

Run water through the dispenser to flush the new filter

After the filter is installed, hold a cup under your fridge's water dispenser and run water for 30 seconds. This flushes air out of the new filter and clears any carbon dust or particles that may have settled during shipping and storage. The water may look slightly gray or cloudy during this flush—that is normal and will clear after a few seconds.

If your water pressure seems low after installation, run the dispenser for another 30 seconds. New filters are tightly packed with carbon and can restrict flow until they are fully saturated with water. Pressure should return to normal within a few minutes of use.

Reset the filter light on your refrigerator display

Most newer GE refrigerators reset the filter light automatically once you install a new cartridge and run water through the dispenser. The red light or "replace filter" message should disappear within a minute or two.

If the light does not clear automatically, you may need to reset it manually. Look for a small button labeled "Filter Reset" or "Water Filter" on your fridge's control panel or inside the fridge near the filter housing. Press and hold it for three to five seconds until you hear a beep or see the light turn off. The exact method varies by model, so check your fridge's manual if you are unsure.

What to do if the filter is stuck or will not turn

If the old filter will not turn counterclockwise, it may be over-tightened from the previous installation. Wrap a dry cloth around the filter cartridge to improve your grip and try again with steady, even pressure. Do not jerk or twist suddenly, as this can crack the plastic housing.

If the filter still will not budge after a minute of gentle effort, stop and let it sit for a few hours. Sometimes mineral deposits or a stuck seal will loosen on their own. If it remains stuck after waiting, you may need to call a GE service technician, as forcing it further risks damaging the housing and causing a water leak inside your refrigerator.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I replace the XWFE filter?

GE recommends replacing the XWFE every six months under normal household use. If you have high sediment in your water or use the dispenser heavily, you may need to replace it more often. Your fridge's filter light will turn red when the cartridge is clogged, which is a reliable signal to replace it.

Can I use a different brand of filter instead of a GE XWFE?

Yes. Many third-party filters are designed to fit the XWFE housing and work the same way. They are often less expensive than genuine GE cartridges. Check the product listing to confirm it says "fits GE XWFE" before you buy, and follow the same installation steps.

What if water leaks from the filter housing after I install the new filter?

A small drip when you first install a new filter is normal. Run water through the dispenser for 30 seconds to settle the filter and seal. If water continues to drip after that, the filter may not be fully seated. Remove it, check that the rubber seal is clean and not damaged, and reinstall it with a firm quarter-turn clockwise.

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

No. The XWFE housing is designed to let you swap filters without shutting off the water. You may see a few drops of water when you remove the old filter, but the system will not flood. Have a towel ready to catch drips.

Why is my water pressure low after installing a new filter?

New filters are tightly packed with activated carbon and restrict water flow until they are fully saturated. Run water through the dispenser for 30 to 60 seconds to flush the filter. Pressure should return to normal within a few minutes of regular use. If pressure remains low after an hour, the filter may be defective and should be replaced.