Where to Find Your Samsung Fridge Filters

Samsung refrigerators have two filters that need regular replacement: the water filter and the air filter. The water filter sits inside the fridge, usually in the upper right corner behind the crisper drawers or in the grille at the bottom front. The air filter is typically mounted inside the fridge compartment, often near the top back or on the side wall. Your exact model may differ, so check the manual that came with your fridge or look it up on Samsung's website using your model number (printed on a sticker inside the fridge).

Both filters have a lifespan. The water filter usually lasts six months under normal use; the air filter lasts about three months. Your fridge may have a light or display message telling you when replacement is due. If you see a filter icon light up on the control panel, that is your signal to replace whichever filter it indicates.

Key Takeaways

  • Water filters sit in the upper right corner or bottom grille; air filters mount inside the fridge compartment, usually at the top or side.
  • Water filters last roughly six months; air filters last roughly three months and should be replaced more often.
  • Replacing either filter takes less than five minutes and requires no tools — you twist or pull the old one out and push the new one in.
  • Buy the correct replacement model number for your fridge to avoid leaks or poor filtration.
  • After installing a new water filter, run water through the dispenser for 2 to 3 minutes to flush air from the line.

How to Replace the Water Filter

Locate your water filter first. If it is in the upper right corner, open the crisper drawer below it and look up. You will see a cylindrical cartridge with a release button or tab. If your filter is in the bottom grille, you may need to remove the grille panel by unscrewing one or two fasteners or straightforward pulling it straight out.

Once you can see the filter, press the release button or twist the cartridge counterclockwise (depending on your model). The old filter will slide or pop out. Take note of the orientation — the new filter must go in the same way. Insert the new filter by pushing it straight in until you hear a click, or twist it clockwise until it stops. Do not force it; it should seat smoothly.

After installation, run water through the dispenser for 2 to 3 minutes without collecting it. This flushes air from the water line and prevents sputtering or weak flow. The first water may look slightly cloudy — that is normal and will clear after a minute or two.

How to Replace the Air Filter

The air filter removes odors and keeps the fridge compartment fresh. Find it by checking the top back wall or the side wall inside your fridge. It is usually a flat, rectangular cartridge with a plastic frame. Some models have the filter behind a removable cover; others have it directly accessible.

If there is a cover, slide or unclip it to expose the filter. Grasp the filter by its frame and pull it straight out toward you. Slide the new filter in, making sure the frame sits flush and the filter is fully inserted. If there is a cover, replace it. The whole process takes under a minute.

Unlike the water filter, the air filter does not require flushing or running water. Once it is in place, your fridge is ready to use. Mark the replacement date on your calendar or set a phone reminder for three months out so you do not forget the next change.

Buying the Right Replacement Filters

Using the correct filter model matters. A wrong filter may not fit, may leak, or may not filter properly. Find your fridge's model number on the sticker inside the fridge (usually on the side wall or back), then search Samsung's parts website or a major retailer like Amazon or Best Buy for that model number plus "water filter" or "air filter."

Samsung sells genuine filters under part numbers like DA29-00003G (a common water filter) and DA02-00014B (a common air filter), but your model may use different numbers. Genuine Samsung filters cost between $30 and $50 each. Third-party filters that fit Samsung fridges are also available and often cost less, but check reviews to confirm they work well with your specific model before buying.

Order filters in advance so you have them on hand when the light comes on. Waiting until the filter is overdue can mean reduced water pressure, weak filtration, or odors in the fridge.

What to Do If the Filter Light Won't Turn Off

After you install a new filter, the light should turn off on its own within a few minutes. If it stays on, the filter may not be fully seated. Remove it, check that the frame is clean and undamaged, and reinstall it, pushing firmly until you hear the click or feel it lock.

If the light still does not turn off, you may need to reset it manually. On most Samsung models, hold the filter button on the control panel for three seconds until the light blinks and goes dark. Consult your manual for the exact reset procedure, as it varies by model. If the light comes back on when ready after reset, the sensor may be faulty and you should contact Samsung support.

Maintenance Between Filter Changes

You can extend filter life and improve performance with straightforward habits. Wipe the water filter housing and the area around it with a damp cloth every month to remove dust and debris. Keep the fridge at the recommended temperature (usually 37 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit) so the filter does not work harder than necessary.

For the air filter, make sure nothing is blocking the vents around it. If the fridge smells bad even with a new air filter, the smell may be coming from old food or a dirty shelf, not the filter itself. Clean the interior with a cloth and mild soap, and throw out any expired items.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a third-party filter instead of a Samsung filter?

Yes, many third-party filters work in Samsung fridges and cost less. Check the product listing to confirm it fits your exact model number, and read reviews from other users with the same fridge. Genuine Samsung filters carry a warranty, but good third-party options often perform just as well.

What happens if I do not change the water filter?

An overdue water filter becomes clogged and reduces water pressure at the dispenser. It also stops filtering effectively, so minerals, chlorine, and other contaminants pass through. The water may taste or smell bad, and the filter can eventually fail completely, stopping water flow.

Do I need to turn off the fridge before changing a filter?

No, you do not need to turn off the fridge or shut off the water supply. The filter cartridges are designed to be changed while the fridge is running. Just make sure the water dispenser is not in use when you remove the water filter.

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

Cloudiness after filter replacement is air trapped in the water line. Run water through the dispenser for 2 to 3 minutes without collecting it. The water will clear as the air is pushed out. If it stays cloudy after five minutes, the filter may not be seated correctly — remove and reinstall it.

How do I know which filter to order if I lost the manual?

Find your model number on the sticker inside the fridge, then go to Samsung's official parts website or search the model number on Amazon or Best Buy. Type the model number and "water filter" or "air filter" into the search box, and the correct part will appear. You can also call Samsung customer service with your model number and they will tell you the exact part number.