Replace the filter by turning off the water supply, locating the filter cartridge inside or behind your ice maker, twisting it counterclockwise to remove it, and screwing in a new LG-brand filter until it stops

The water filter in your LG ice maker traps sediment, chlorine, and other particles that would otherwise freeze into your ice and affect its taste. Over time—usually every six months to a year, depending on your water quality—the filter becomes saturated and stops working. Replacing it is a five-minute job that requires no tools and no plumbing knowledge.

Before you start, turn off the water supply to your ice maker. Most LG models have a shutoff valve on the water line behind the unit, or you can shut off the main water supply to your home. This prevents water from spraying out when you remove the old filter.

Key Takeaways

  • Turn off the water supply before removing any filter to prevent water from leaking onto your floor.
  • LG ice maker filters are located either inside the unit near the water inlet or behind the ice maker in the wall cavity, depending on your model.
  • Always use a genuine LG replacement filter—third-party filters may not fit properly or filter water to the same standard.
  • After installing a new filter, run water through the ice maker for 30 seconds to flush out air and set up the filter before making ice.

Locate the filter cartridge in your specific LG model

The filter location varies by ice maker design. Open the ice maker door or access panel and look for a cylindrical cartridge, usually white or blue, about the size of a soda can. Some LG models keep the filter inside the ice maker itself, mounted horizontally or vertically near the water inlet valve. Other models, particularly those built into refrigerators, house the filter behind the ice maker in the wall space between the cabinet and the back panel.

If you cannot find the filter inside the ice maker, check behind it. You may need to slide the ice maker forward slightly or remove a rear access panel. Your LG manual will show you the exact location for your model number—you can find this on a sticker inside the ice maker or on the back of the unit. If you do not have the manual, search "LG [your model number] ice maker filter location" online and you will find diagrams within seconds.

Remove the old filter by twisting counterclockwise

Grip the filter cartridge firmly with one hand. Using your other hand, turn it counterclockwise—the same direction you would unscrew a jar lid. The filter will loosen after a quarter turn and should come free with gentle pulling. Some filters have a release button or tab on the side; if yours does, press it while turning to make removal easier.

Water may drip from the filter or the inlet where it was seated. Have a towel ready to catch it. If water continues to drip from the inlet after you remove the filter, this is normal—the line still holds some pressure. The dripping will stop once you install the new filter and restore water pressure.

Install the new LG filter cartridge

Before opening the new filter, check that it is the correct part number for your ice maker model. LG filters are model-specific, and forcing the wrong filter into the inlet can damage the connection or leave gaps that let unfiltered water through. The part number is printed on the box and on the filter itself.

Remove the new filter from its packaging. Some filters come with a protective cap on the inlet end—remove this before installation. Align the filter with the inlet opening and push it straight in until it seats fully. Then turn it clockwise (the same direction you would tighten a jar lid) until it stops. Do not over-tighten; a firm quarter-turn past snug is enough. Over-tightening can crack the cartridge or strip the threads.

Flush the new filter and restore water pressure

Turn the water supply back on at the shutoff valve or main line. You will hear water flowing into the ice maker. Let it run for 30 seconds before making any ice. This flushes air out of the new filter and activates the filter media inside. During this time, you may see water drip from the ice maker outlet or hear gurgling sounds—this is normal and means the system is purging air.

After 30 seconds, close the water inlet valve if your model has one, or straightforward wait for the ice maker to cycle normally. The first batch of ice may look cloudy or taste slightly off; this is residual air in the lines and will clear after one or two batches. If cloudiness or odd taste persists after three batches, the filter may not be seated correctly—remove it and reinstall it, making sure it clicks or seats fully.

Common mistakes that cause leaks or poor filtering

The most frequent error is installing a filter that is not the correct model for your ice maker. LG makes different filter cartridges for different machines, and a filter that is slightly too large or too small will not seal properly. Always check the part number on the box against your ice maker's model number before installation.

Another common mistake is over-tightening the new filter. Turning it too hard can crack the plastic cartridge or damage the inlet threads, leading to leaks that are much more expensive to repair than the filter itself. Tighten until snug, then stop. If water leaks from the connection after installation, turn it a quarter-turn more—but no further.

Forgetting to flush the new filter is also common. Skipping the 30-second water run will leave air in the lines, which freezes into your ice and makes it cloudy. This does not mean the filter is bad; it just means you need to run a few more batches before the ice clears up.

When to replace your LG ice maker filter

Most LG ice makers have a filter indicator light or display message that tells you when the filter needs replacement. If your model has this feature, follow the light—it is calibrated to your water usage and quality. If your ice maker does not have an indicator, replace the filter every six months as a standard practice, or sooner if you notice cloudiness, off-taste, or slower ice production.

Water quality varies by location. If you live in an area with hard water or high sediment, your filter will clog faster and may need replacement every three to four months. If your water is very clean, you may stretch it to nine or ten months. When in doubt, replace it—a new filter costs far less than repairing water damage or replacing the ice maker.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a third-party or generic filter instead of an LG filter?

You can, but LG filters are designed to fit your specific model and filter to LG's standards. Third-party filters may not seal properly, allowing unfiltered water into your ice, or they may restrict water flow too much and slow ice production. Stick with genuine LG filters to avoid these problems.

What do I do if water leaks from the filter connection after I install it?

First, turn off the water supply. Remove the filter and check that the inlet opening is clean and free of debris. Reinstall the filter, making sure it seats fully, and tighten it a quarter-turn more. If leaking continues, the inlet threads may be damaged—contact LG service for a replacement inlet valve.

Why is my ice cloudy after I replace the filter?

Cloudy ice after a filter replacement usually means air is still in the water lines. Run the ice maker for two or three more cycles without using the ice, and the cloudiness will clear. If it persists after five cycles, remove and reinstall the filter to may support it is seated correctly.

How do I know which filter part number I need?

Find your ice maker's model number on a sticker inside the unit or on the back panel. Search "LG [model number] filter" online, or call LG customer service with the model number and they will tell you the correct filter part number. Do not guess—installing the wrong filter can damage your ice maker.

Can I turn off the water supply permanently if I am not using the ice maker?

Yes. If you do not use your ice maker, turning off the water supply at the shutoff valve prevents leaks from a failed inlet valve or cracked line. This is especially useful if you are away from home for an extended period. Just remember to turn it back on and flush the filter before using the ice maker again.