Samsung fridge filters screw or slide into place depending on your model, and most take under five minutes to swap out

Your Samsung refrigerator's water filter sits in one of three locations: inside the fridge compartment (usually upper right), in the base grille at the bottom front, or behind the kick plate below the door. The filter itself is a plastic cartridge about the size of a soda can. Replacing it means turning off the water supply, unscrewing or sliding out the old filter, and installing the new one in the same spot. You do not need tools or a technician—just the correct replacement filter for your model number.

Samsung filters typically need replacement every six months if you use the ice maker and water dispenser regularly, or every twelve months if you use them sparingly. Your fridge will display a filter status light when it is time; some models show a blinking light, others show a percentage that counts down. Ignoring the light does not stop the water flow, but it means the filter is no longer removing contaminants effectively.

Key Takeaways

  • Find your model number on the sticker inside the fridge or on the back wall, then search Samsung's website or your manual to locate where your filter sits.
  • Turn off the water supply at the valve behind or under the fridge before removing the old filter to prevent water from spraying out.
  • Most Samsung filters either screw counterclockwise to remove or slide straight out; check your manual for the exact motion for your model.
  • After installing the new filter, run water through the dispenser for 2 to 3 minutes to flush air from the line and clear any carbon dust from the new cartridge.
  • Reset the filter light by holding the reset button (usually on the filter itself or on the control panel) for 3 to 5 seconds until the light turns off.

Locate your filter and find the correct replacement part

Open your refrigerator and look in the upper right corner of the fridge compartment, or check the base grille at the bottom front of the unit. Some Samsung models hide the filter behind the kick plate—the plastic panel that runs along the bottom of the fridge doors. If you cannot see it in either of those spots, check your owner's manual or look up your model number on Samsung's website.

Your model number appears on a sticker inside the fridge, usually on the upper left wall or on the back wall near the top. It looks like "RF28R7201SR" or similar. Write it down. Then go to Samsung's parts website, enter your model number, and search for "water filter" or "refrigerator filter." The site will show you the exact filter part number and confirm the location. Order the correct filter—using the wrong one will not fit or will not seal properly.

Samsung's most common replacement filters are the DA29-00003G, DA29-00003B, and DA97-08006A, but your model may use a different one. Do not guess. A filter that does not match your model number will either not fit the housing or will leave gaps that let unfiltered water through.

Turn off the water supply before you start

Locate the water valve behind your refrigerator. It is usually a small knob or lever on the wall or on the copper or plastic water line that runs into the back of the fridge. Turn it clockwise (or flip the lever to the off position) until it stops. This prevents water from spraying out when you remove the old filter.

If you cannot find a valve behind the fridge, check under the sink in the kitchen—some models have the shut-off valve there instead. If there is no valve at all, you will need to shut off the main water supply to your house or call a plumber to install one. Do not skip this step; the pressure inside the line is enough to spray water across your kitchen.

Remove the old filter

If your filter is in the fridge compartment, reach to the upper right corner and locate the filter cartridge. Most models require you to turn the filter counterclockwise about a quarter turn until it stops, then pull it straight out toward you. Some models instead have a release button or lever on the side of the filter housing—press or flip it and the filter slides out. Check your manual for the exact motion.

If your filter is in the base grille, you may need to remove the kick plate first by pulling it toward you or unscrewing a few clips. Once the filter is exposed, the removal motion is the same: turn counterclockwise or press a release button, then pull straight out.

Have a towel ready. Even though you shut off the water, a small amount of water may drip from the line or the old filter. Place the towel under the filter housing before you remove the cartridge.

Install the new filter and flush the line

Remove the new filter from its packaging. Some filters come with a plastic cap or protective sleeve on the inlet end—remove this before installation. Align the filter with the housing and push it in straight, then turn it clockwise until it stops. Do not force it; it should turn smoothly and stop on its own when it is seated. If it does not turn easily, you may have the wrong filter or it may be misaligned—pull it out and try again.

Once the filter is installed, turn the water valve back on by turning the knob counterclockwise or flipping the lever to the on position. Then go to your water dispenser and run water for 2 to 3 minutes straight into a sink or bucket. This flushes air from the line and clears carbon dust from the new filter cartridge. The water may look slightly gray or cloudy at first—this is normal and will clear after a minute or two.

Reset the filter light on your control panel

Once the water runs clear, reset the filter status light so it stops reminding you that a replacement is due. On most Samsung models, the reset button is located on the filter housing itself—look for a small button labeled "Reset" or with a circular icon. Press and hold it for 3 to 5 seconds until the light on your fridge's control panel turns off or changes from red to green.

If there is no button on the filter housing, the reset button is on your fridge's control panel or display. Check your manual for its location—it may be labeled "Filter Reset" or "Ice/Water." Press and hold it for 3 to 5 seconds. Some newer Samsung models reset automatically once you install the new filter, so the light may turn off on its own within a few minutes.

If the light does not turn off after you reset it, the filter may not be fully seated. Remove it, check that the housing is clean and free of debris, and reinstall the filter, making sure it clicks or locks into place. Then try the reset button again.

Troubleshooting common problems

If water leaks from the filter housing after installation, the filter is not seated properly. Turn off the water valve, remove the filter, and look inside the housing for cracks, debris, or a rubber gasket that may have shifted. Clean the housing with a damp cloth, reinstall the filter, and turn the water back on. If the leak continues, the housing itself may be cracked and you will need to call Samsung support or a technician.

If the water pressure from your dispenser is very low after replacing the filter, air may still be trapped in the line. Run water for another 2 to 3 minutes. If pressure remains low, the new filter may be installed backward or the old filter may have left debris in the line. Turn off the water, remove the filter, and check that the inlet and outlet ends are correct—they are usually labeled on the filter or housing. Reinstall and run water again.

If the filter light stays on even after you reset it, try holding the reset button for a full 10 seconds instead of 5. If it still does not turn off, your control panel may need a factory reset—consult your manual for the procedure, or contact Samsung support.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know which Samsung filter I need?

Find your model number on the sticker inside your fridge, then search it on Samsung's website or in your owner's manual. The manual will list the correct filter part number and show you where it is located. Do not rely on the filter you see in a store—many models look similar but use different filters.

Can I use a third-party or generic filter instead of Samsung's?

You can, but Samsung filters are designed specifically for your model's housing and water pressure. Third-party filters may not seal properly, may reduce water pressure, or may not filter as effectively. If you choose a third-party filter, make sure it is certified for your exact model number and comes with clear installation instructions.

What happens if I do not reset the filter light?

The light will stay on or continue to blink, but your water dispenser and ice maker will still work. The light is just a reminder that the filter has reached its recommended replacement age. Ignoring it does not damage the fridge, but the filter will no longer remove contaminants effectively.

Why is my water cloudy or gray after I install a new filter?

New filters release carbon dust during the first use. Run water for 2 to 3 minutes and the cloudiness will clear. If the water stays cloudy or gray after 5 minutes, turn off the water, remove the filter, and check that it is installed correctly and fully seated in the housing.

Do I need to turn off the ice maker before replacing the filter?

No, but turning off the water supply is essential. You do not need to turn off the ice maker itself, though some people do to avoid the fridge trying to make ice while the water is off. If you leave the ice maker on, it may display an error code while the water is shut off—this will clear once you turn the water back on.