The XWFE filter screws in from below and takes about five minutes to swap out

The XWFE is GE's standard water filter for side-by-side and French-door refrigerators made from 2015 onward. Replacing it means locating the filter cartridge under the fridge (usually in the kick panel at the bottom front), turning it counterclockwise by hand until it stops, pulling it straight out, and screwing a new one in clockwise until it seats. You do not need tools, and the whole job takes longer to find the filter than to change it.

The filter sits behind a removable plastic panel at the base of the refrigerator. On most GE models, this panel clips or screws into place. Once you remove it, you will see the cylindrical filter housing. The old filter twists out; the new one twists in. After installation, you may need to run water through the dispenser for 30 seconds to clear air from the line, but many newer models do this automatically.

Key Takeaways

  • The XWFE filter is located in the kick panel at the bottom front of your GE refrigerator and requires no tools to replace.
  • Turn the old filter counterclockwise by hand until it stops, then pull it straight out and discard it.
  • Screw the new filter in clockwise until it is snug, then run water through the dispenser for 30 seconds to purge air.
  • A new XWFE filter typically costs between $40 and $60 and lasts six months under normal household use.
  • GE recommends replacing the filter every six months or after 300 gallons of water, whichever comes first.

Finding the filter under your refrigerator

The XWFE filter sits in a housing mounted to the underside of your fridge, accessed through the kick panel—the removable plastic trim that runs along the bottom front. On most GE models, this panel is held in place by two clips on either side or by two screws at the bottom corners. Push inward on the clips or unscrew the fasteners, then pull the panel toward you and set it aside.

Once the panel is off, look directly above where it was. You will see a cylindrical plastic housing about 4 inches tall with a white or gray filter cartridge inside. The housing has a large knob or grip on the bottom. This is what you will turn. If your refrigerator is a bottom-freezer model, the filter may be located inside the fridge itself, usually on the back wall near the top—check your owner's manual if you cannot find it under the fridge.

Removing the old filter

Grip the filter cartridge by the knob at the bottom and turn it counterclockwise. You do not need to turn hard—hand pressure is enough. After a quarter turn or so, you will feel resistance stop and the filter will be free to pull out. Pull it straight down and out of the housing. Water may drip from the cartridge or the housing, so have a towel ready.

Once the old filter is out, look inside the housing. You may see a small rubber seal or O-ring at the top. This seal should stay in place and does not need to be removed. If it comes out with the old filter, wipe it clean and set it back in the housing before you install the new filter. Discard the old cartridge in your regular trash—it is not recyclable in most areas.

Installing the new XWFE filter

Take the new filter out of its packaging and remove any plastic caps or seals from the top and bottom. Hold the filter upright and align it with the opening in the housing. Push it up into the housing until the top of the filter is flush with the rim of the housing. You should feel a slight resistance as the rubber seal compresses.

Once the filter is seated, grip the knob at the bottom and turn it clockwise. Turn until you feel it stop—do not force it. A quarter turn is usually enough. The filter is now locked in place. If the knob spins freely without tightening, the filter may not be seated correctly. Pull it out, check that the rubber seal is in the housing, and try again.

Purging air and testing water flow

After the new filter is installed, run water through the dispenser for 30 seconds. This clears air that may have entered the line during the swap and ensures the filter is working. The water may come out slowly at first or may sputter slightly—this is normal. After 30 seconds, the flow should be steady and clear.

If water does not flow at all, check that the filter is turned all the way in. If it is and water still will not come out, the filter may be installed backward or the seal may not be seated. Remove it, inspect the seal, and reinstall. Some newer GE models have a built-in air-purge cycle that runs automatically after you close the kick panel, so you may not need to run water manually.

When to replace your XWFE filter

GE recommends replacing the XWFE every six months or after 300 gallons of water, whichever comes first. If you have a family of four and use the dispenser regularly, six months is a reasonable timeline. If you live alone or rarely use the dispenser, the filter may last longer, but replacing it on schedule ensures the best water taste and quality.

Some refrigerators have a filter-status light on the control panel that turns red or amber when the filter is due for replacement. Check your owner's manual to see if your model has this feature. If it does, the light is usually a reliable indicator—do not ignore it. If your model does not have a light, mark your calendar or set a phone reminder for six months after installation.

Buying the right replacement filter

The XWFE is a GE-branded filter, but third-party manufacturers make compatible replacements that are often cheaper. Filters labeled as XWFE-compatible or XWFE-equivalent will fit the same housing and work the same way. Prices for genuine GE filters range from $45 to $60, while compatible third-party filters typically cost $25 to $40. Both types are available online and at appliance retailers.

When ordering, confirm that the filter is labeled XWFE or XWFE-compatible and that it is designed for your specific refrigerator model. Some GE models use other filters like the XWFE-G or XWFE-S, which look similar but are not interchangeable. Check your owner's manual or the current filter itself for the exact model number before you buy. Buying in bulk—a pack of two or three filters—can lower the per-filter cost and ensures you always have a replacement on hand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different filter if I cannot find an XWFE?

No. The XWFE is designed specifically for GE refrigerators with this filter housing. Using a different filter may not fit, may not seal properly, or may not filter water effectively. If you cannot find an XWFE, order one online—they are widely available and ship quickly. Do not attempt to use a filter from another brand or model.

Why is water leaking from under my refrigerator after I replaced the filter?

The most common cause is that the filter is not turned in far enough. Remove the kick panel, grip the filter knob, and turn it clockwise another quarter turn. If it still leaks, remove the filter, check that the rubber seal is in place and not damaged, and reinstall. If the seal is cracked or missing, you will need a new filter.

How do I know if my filter is installed backward?

The XWFE filter has an inlet and outlet marked on the top. The inlet (usually marked with an arrow or the word "in") should face the water line coming from the refrigerator. If water does not flow after installation, remove the filter and check the markings. Most filters will not allow water through if installed backward, so no water flow is a sign to check orientation.

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

No. The filter housing has a built-in shutoff valve that closes when you remove the cartridge, so water will not spray out. However, a small amount of water may drip from the cartridge or housing when you pull it out, so have a towel ready. You do not need to shut off the main water supply to your refrigerator.

What should I do with the old filter?

Throw it in your regular trash. XWFE filters are not recyclable in most areas because they contain activated carbon and other materials that cannot be separated. Do not pour the water out of the old filter down the drain—just discard the cartridge as is. Some retailers offer mail-back recycling programs, but these are not common for refrigerator filters.