Where the water filter sits and how to find yours
Samsung refrigerators hold the water filter in one of three places: inside the fridge compartment (usually upper right corner behind a small panel), in the base grille at the bottom front, or inside the freezer compartment. Open your fridge and look for a cylindrical cartridge about 6 inches long, often white or blue, with a release button or twist collar around it. If you do not see it when ready, check your model number on the sticker inside the fridge door and search the Samsung website for your specific refrigerator's manual — the manual will show you exactly where it is and what part number you need.
Write down your model number before you shop. Samsung filter part numbers differ by refrigerator model, and buying the wrong one means a wasted trip. Common replacements include the DA29-00003G, DA29-00020B, and HAF-CIN, but yours may be different. You can also call Samsung customer service with your model number and they will tell you the exact filter you need.
Key Takeaways
- Samsung water filters sit in three possible locations: behind a panel in the upper fridge, in the base grille, or in the freezer, and your model number tells you which one yours uses.
- You need the correct part number for your specific refrigerator model, which you can find in the manual or by calling Samsung with your model number.
- The replacement takes about five minutes and requires only pushing or twisting the old filter out and the new one in — no tools needed.
- After installation, you must run water through the new filter for several minutes to flush out carbon dust before drinking it.
- Most Samsung filters last six months under normal use, and your refrigerator will alert you when replacement is due.
How to remove the old filter
Turn off the water supply to your refrigerator first. Look under the sink or behind the fridge for the water line shutoff valve and turn it clockwise until it stops. This prevents water from spraying when you remove the old filter. If you cannot find the shutoff, turn off the main water supply to your house instead.
Locate the filter and look for either a release button or a twist collar. If your filter has a button on the side, press it firmly and pull the cartridge straight out toward you. If it has a twist collar (a ring around the base), turn it counterclockwise by hand until it comes free, then pull the filter out. Some water will drip — place a towel or shallow pan underneath to catch it. Do not panic if a small amount of water leaks; this is normal.
Once the old filter is out, look inside the housing where it sat. You may see a rubber O-ring seal or a small cap. If there is a cap, leave it in place. If you see a rubber ring that looks cracked or dry, you can replace it with a new one (some filter kits include a spare), but it is not required for the new filter to work.
Installing the new filter
Remove the new filter from its packaging and look at both ends. One end has a rubber gasket (a soft seal) and the other end is open. The gasket end goes into the housing first. If your old filter had a twist collar, your new one will too — check that the collar turns freely before you install it.
Insert the filter straight into the housing with the gasket end first. Push it in firmly until you hear or feel a click, which means it has seated properly. If your filter has a twist collar, push it in until it stops, then turn the collar clockwise by hand until it is snug — do not over-tighten. If your filter has a release button, push it in until the button clicks into place. The filter should not wiggle or come out when you tug gently on it.
Turn the water supply back on by turning the shutoff valve counterclockwise. Listen for water flowing into the refrigerator. You may hear the ice maker fill or see water in the drip pan under the fridge — this is normal.
Flushing the new filter before you drink the water
Run water through the dispenser on your refrigerator door for at least three to five minutes without stopping. The first water that comes out will be black or gray because of carbon dust from the new filter — this is not harmful, but it tastes bad and you should not drink it. Keep the water running until it runs clear. This usually takes between three and five minutes, though some filters take longer.
If your refrigerator has an ice maker, it will also fill with water during this time. The first batch of ice may taste off or look cloudy. Make a few batches of ice and throw them away before using the ice for drinks. After you have flushed the filter and made fresh ice, the water and ice will taste normal.
What to do if water leaks after installation
A small drip from the connection point is normal for the first few minutes after you turn the water back on. If water continues to drip steadily or spray, turn off the water supply when ready and check that the filter is pushed in all the way. Push it in again firmly — sometimes it needs a second push to seat completely.
If it still leaks after a second push, turn off the water, remove the filter, and look at the rubber gasket on the end. If it looks cracked, torn, or is missing entirely, the gasket is damaged and the filter will not seal. You will need a new filter. If the gasket looks fine, reinstall the filter and try again. If leaking continues, the housing itself may be cracked, and you should contact Samsung for a replacement refrigerator part.
When to replace your filter and what the alerts mean
Samsung refrigerators display a filter status light on the control panel, usually labeled "Filter" or "Water Filter." When the light turns red or orange, the filter has reached the end of its life and needs replacement. Most filters last six months under normal use, though this varies depending on how much water you use and the quality of your tap water. If you use the dispenser and ice maker heavily, you may need to replace the filter every three to four months.
Some models show a percentage on the display instead of a colored light — when it reaches zero, replace the filter. You can reset the filter status light after installation by holding the filter button on the control panel for three seconds, or by pressing and holding it for five to ten seconds depending on your model. Check your manual for the exact reset method for your refrigerator.
Storing extra filters and buying the right one
Keep one spare filter on hand so you are not without filtered water while waiting for a replacement to arrive. Samsung filters are sold at most big-box retailers like Walmart and Target, at appliance stores, and online through Amazon and Samsung's website. Prices range from about $30 to $60 depending on the model and where you buy. Third-party filters that fit Samsung refrigerators are also available and usually cost less, though Samsung recommends using genuine Samsung filters for best performance.
If you buy a third-party filter, make sure the listing says it fits your specific model number. A filter that fits one Samsung model may not fit another, even if they look similar. Read the product description carefully and check the part number against your refrigerator's manual before you buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to turn off the water before changing the filter?
Yes. Turning off the water prevents spraying and makes the job cleaner. The shutoff valve is usually under the sink or behind the refrigerator. If you cannot find it, turn off the main water supply to your house instead. It takes only a minute and is worth doing.
What if I cannot get the old filter out?
If the filter is stuck, make sure you are turning the collar in the right direction — counterclockwise when facing the front of the fridge. If it still will not budge, try wrapping a towel around the collar for better grip and turn slowly with steady pressure. Do not force it or you may crack the housing. If it remains stuck after several attempts, contact Samsung for help.
Can I drink the water right after I install a new filter?
No. Run water through the dispenser for at least three to five minutes first to flush out carbon dust from the new filter. The first water will be black or gray — throw it away. Keep running water until it runs clear, then you can drink it safely.
How do I know which filter to buy for my refrigerator?
Find your model number on the sticker inside the fridge door and search for it on Samsung's website, or call Samsung customer service with the model number and they will tell you the exact part number. Do not guess — buying the wrong filter means a wasted trip and you cannot return it once opened.
What if my refrigerator does not have a water filter?
Not all Samsung refrigerators have water filters — older models and some budget models use a different system or no filtration at all. Check your manual or look inside the fridge for a cylindrical cartridge. If you do not see one, your model does not have a replaceable filter.