Where the filter sits and what you need before you start
Samsung refrigerators store the water filter in one of two places: inside the fridge compartment (usually in the upper right corner behind a small panel or in the base grille), or in the exterior housing on the back or bottom of the unit. The exact location depends on your model. Before you begin, locate your filter by checking the door of your fridge or the back panel—there will be a small release button or twist mechanism next to it.
You will need a replacement filter that matches your model number. Samsung filters are labeled by series: the most common are the DA29-00003G, DA29-00003B, and DA97-08006A, but your specific model may use a different one. Check your owner's manual or the current filter itself—the model number is printed on the side. You do not need any tools; the filter is designed to come out by hand.
Before you change it, turn off the ice maker if your model has one, and have a small bowl or towel ready in case a little water drips when you remove the old filter.
Key Takeaways
- Samsung filters are located either inside the fridge compartment or on the exterior housing, and the location varies by model.
- Write down or photograph your current filter's model number before you remove it, so you order the exact replacement.
- The old filter twists counterclockwise or slides out with a release button—no tools are needed.
- After installing the new filter, run water through the dispenser for 3 to 5 minutes to flush air and set up the carbon.
- Most Samsung filters should be replaced every 6 months, though this depends on your water quality and usage.
Removing the old filter step by step
If your filter is inside the fridge, open the door and locate the filter housing. It will have either a release button on the side or a twist-lock design. For a twist-lock filter, grip it firmly and turn it counterclockwise about a quarter turn until it stops—do not force it. The filter will then slide straight out toward you. For a button-release filter, press the button and pull the filter straight out.
If your filter is on the exterior (back or bottom of the fridge), you may need to access it from behind the unit or from a grille panel at the base. Again, look for either a twist mechanism or a release button. Turn or press as needed, then slide the filter out. Have your towel ready—exterior filters sometimes have a small amount of standing water in the housing.
Once the old filter is out, note the rubber seals or gaskets on the housing. These should stay in place. If one comes out with the filter, set it aside and reinstall it before the new filter goes in.
Installing the new filter correctly
Before you insert the new filter, check that the rubber gasket or O-ring is seated properly in the housing. If the gasket is missing or damaged, the new filter will not seal and water will leak. Samsung sells replacement gaskets separately if needed.
Slide the new filter into the housing straight and firmly until it stops. If it is a twist-lock design, push it in and then turn it clockwise until you hear or feel a click—usually about a quarter turn. Do not over-tighten; the click tells you it is seated. If it is a button-release design, push it in until the button clicks into place on its own.
Close the fridge door or access panel. The filter is now installed, but it is not yet ready to use.
Flushing the new filter before drinking the water
A new filter contains air and loose carbon particles that must be cleared before you use the water or ice. Go to your water dispenser (or ice maker if you have one) and run water for 3 to 5 minutes straight into a sink or large bowl. The water may look cloudy or slightly gray at first—this is normal and will clear as you run more water through.
After 3 to 5 minutes, the water should run clear. If you have an ice maker, run it for a few cycles and discard the first batch of ice. This ensures the filter is fully activated and any residual particles are gone.
Once the water runs clear, your filter is ready to use normally. The whole process takes about 10 minutes from start to finish.
When to replace your filter and what happens if you wait too long
Samsung recommends replacing the filter every 6 months under normal household use. If you have high sediment in your water or a larger household, you may need to replace it more often—every 3 to 4 months. If you have very soft water and light use, it may last closer to 9 months, but 6 months is the standard guideline.
Many Samsung fridges have a filter status light on the control panel that will turn red or orange when the filter is due for replacement. This light is a helpful reminder, though it is based on time elapsed rather than actual water quality. If your water starts to taste off, smell slightly musty, or the dispenser flow slows noticeably, those are signs the filter needs changing even if the light has not turned on yet.
If you wait too long to replace a clogged filter, the dispenser will slow to a trickle, and the filter itself can become a breeding ground for bacteria. Replacing it on schedule keeps your water tasting fresh and your dispenser working at full pressure.
Troubleshooting if water leaks or the filter will not fit
If water leaks from the filter housing after installation, the most common cause is an improperly seated gasket or a filter that was not pushed in far enough. Remove the filter, check that the rubber gasket is in the right position, and reinstall the filter with firm, steady pressure until you hear the click or feel it stop.
If the new filter will not slide in at all, compare the model number on the box to the one printed on your fridge or in your manual. Samsung makes several filter sizes, and an incorrect model will not fit. If the model is correct, the gasket may be swollen or damaged—remove it, inspect it, and replace it if it looks warped or cracked.
If the dispenser still runs slowly after flushing for 5 minutes, the filter may be defective. Contact Samsung support with your model number and purchase receipt; they will send a replacement filter at no cost if it is faulty.
Where to buy replacement filters and what to watch for
Samsung filters are sold at most big-box retailers (Walmart, Target, Best Buy), online through Amazon and Samsung's official site, and through appliance parts suppliers. Prices typically range from $30 to $60 per filter depending on the model and retailer. Buying directly from Samsung or an authorized retailer ensures you receive a genuine filter, not a counterfeit.
Aftermarket filters made by third-party companies are cheaper but vary widely in quality and may not fit as precisely or filter as effectively. If you choose a third-party filter, check the reviews carefully and confirm it is listed as compatible with your exact fridge model.
Some retailers offer subscription services that send a new filter every 6 months automatically. This can be convenient if you tend to forget, though it costs slightly more than buying filters individually.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my fridge without a filter installed?
Yes, but you should not drink the water. Without a filter, unfiltered water from your supply line will flow directly to the dispenser and ice maker. If you need to use the fridge while waiting for a replacement filter, bypass the filter by pressing the bypass plug (a small cap that comes with most Samsung fridges) into the filter housing. This allows water to flow without filtration.
What if I cannot find my exact filter model number?
Check your owner's manual—it lists the correct filter model on the first or last page. If you do not have the manual, visit Samsung's website, enter your fridge's model number (found on a sticker inside the fridge or on the back), and the site will show you the compatible filters. You can also call Samsung support with your model number and they will tell you which filter to order.
Do I need to reset anything after changing the filter?
Some Samsung models have a filter status light that you can reset by holding a button on the control panel for a few seconds after installation. Check your manual for the reset procedure—it is usually labeled "Filter Reset" or "Water Filter Reset." Resetting the light tells the fridge to start counting down the next 6 months. If your model does not have a reset button, the light will turn on automatically after 6 months of use.
Is the filter the same if I have a French door or side-by-side fridge?
Not necessarily. Filter location and model vary by fridge style and year. A French door model from 2020 may use a different filter than a side-by-side from 2018, even if both are Samsung. Always check your manual or the current filter itself to confirm the model number before ordering a replacement.