Where to Find Your Samsung Refrigerator Filter

The water filter on most Samsung refrigerators sits inside the fridge itself, usually in the upper right corner of the interior or along the back wall near the top. Some models place it in the lower right corner instead. Open your refrigerator and look for a cylindrical cartridge about the size of a soda can, often white or blue, with a release button or twist collar around it. If you cannot spot it inside, check under the sink — a few Samsung models route the filter to an external location beneath the kitchen counter.

Your model number will tell you exactly where yours lives. Find it on the sticker inside the fridge, usually on the side wall or back. Search your model number plus "water filter location" on Samsung's website or in your user manual. The manual also shows you which filter cartridge your specific model needs, because Samsung makes several types and using the wrong one will not fit or work properly.

Key Takeaways

  • Most Samsung refrigerator filters are located inside the fridge in the upper right corner or along the back wall, held in by a release button or twist collar.
  • The filter cartridge should be replaced every six months or when the water dispenser slows down, whichever comes first.
  • Removing the old filter takes less than a minute — push the release button or turn the collar counterclockwise, then pull straight out.
  • The new filter must be flushed for three to five minutes before drinking the water to clear air and loose carbon particles from the cartridge.
  • Your refrigerator model number determines which replacement cartridge you need, and buying the wrong type will not fit.

How to Remove the Old Filter in Three Steps

Locate the release button or twist collar on your filter cartridge. If your model has a button, press it firmly — you should hear a click. If it has a collar, grip it and turn counterclockwise about a quarter turn until it stops. Do not force it; if it does not turn easily, you may be turning the wrong direction.

Pull the cartridge straight out toward you. It will slide out of its housing. Some water may drip, so have a small cup or towel ready. Do not worry if a little water spills — this is normal and means the filter was doing its job.

Set the old cartridge aside. You can recycle it through Samsung's mail-back program or through some water filter recycling services in your area, though throwing it in the trash is also acceptable. Do not try to refill or clean the old cartridge — replacement cartridges are inexpensive and reusing them does not work.

Installing Your New Filter Cartridge

Before you open the new filter, rinse the filter housing inside the refrigerator with clean water if you see any debris or discoloration. This step is optional but helps may support the new filter works at full strength from day one.

Remove the new cartridge from its packaging and remove any plastic caps or seals on the ends. Some cartridges have a protective cap on the inlet side — take this off. Slide the new cartridge into the housing, pushing it straight in until you hear a click or feel it seat fully. If your model uses a twist collar, turn it clockwise until it stops — do not over-tighten, as this can crack the cartridge.

The filter is now installed. You will not see any change in the refrigerator's display or hear a beep on most models. Some newer Samsung refrigerators have a filter status light that will reset automatically after you install the cartridge and run water through it.

Flushing the New Filter Before Drinking

Run water from the dispenser for three to five minutes straight into a sink or large container. The water will look cloudy or discolored at first — this is normal and is carbon dust and air trapped inside the new cartridge. Keep running water until it runs clear. This step is important because drinking the cloudy water will not hurt you, but it tastes bad and the filter works better once it is flushed.

If your refrigerator has an ice maker, run the dispenser for another minute or two after the water clears. This flushes the line that feeds the ice maker as well. The first batch of ice made after filter installation may also look cloudy — throw it away and make a fresh batch once the dispenser water runs clear.

When to Replace Your Samsung Filter

Samsung recommends replacing the water filter every six months under normal household use. If you have a family of four or more, or if you use the water dispenser and ice maker heavily, you may need to replace it every three to four months. If you live in an area with very hard water or high sediment, the filter will clog faster and need changing sooner.

The first sign that a filter needs replacing is slower water flow from the dispenser. If water trickles instead of flows, the cartridge is clogged. A change in taste or smell is another signal. Some Samsung models have a filter status light on the control panel that turns red or amber when the cartridge is due for replacement — check your manual to see if yours has this feature.

Do not wait until the filter stops working entirely. A clogged filter stops removing contaminants and bacteria, so replacing it on schedule keeps your water safe and your ice maker running smoothly.

Finding the Right Replacement Cartridge for Your Model

Samsung makes several filter types, and using the wrong cartridge will not fit into your refrigerator. The most common models are the DA29-00003G, DA29-00003A, and DA61-00159A, but your specific model may use a different one. Check your user manual or the sticker inside your fridge to confirm which type you need.

You can buy replacement cartridges directly from Samsung's website, from major appliance retailers like Best Buy or Lowe's, or from online sellers like Amazon. Prices range widely depending on where you shop, so comparing a few sources before buying saves money. Genuine Samsung cartridges cost more than third-party filters, but they fit perfectly and are designed specifically for your model. Third-party filters are cheaper but may not fit as snugly or filter as effectively — read reviews carefully if you choose this route.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Third-party filters are cheaper and may work in your refrigerator, but they do not always fit as securely or filter as effectively as genuine Samsung cartridges. If you choose a third-party option, buy from a reputable brand with good reviews and check that it is listed as compatible with your exact model number before ordering.

What if water leaks after I install the new filter?

Turn off the water supply to the refrigerator when ready. Remove the filter and check that the cartridge is the correct type for your model and that you installed it fully — it should click or seat with no gaps. Reinstall it and try again. If water still leaks, the housing may be cracked or the seal may be damaged, and you may need to call a repair technician.

Do I need to turn off the refrigerator to change the filter?

No. You can change the filter while the refrigerator is running. You do not need to shut off the water supply either, though some people prefer to do so to avoid any drips. If you do turn off the water, remember to turn it back on after installing the new cartridge.

Why does my water taste bad even after I installed a new filter?

Make sure you flushed the new filter for at least three to five minutes before drinking. If you did and the water still tastes off, the cartridge may be the wrong type for your model, or your water source may have contaminants the filter is not designed to remove. Run water for another few minutes and taste again — sometimes it takes longer than expected for the filter to fully clear.

How do I know which filter model my refrigerator uses?

Check the sticker on the inside wall of your fridge — it lists your model number. Search that number on Samsung's website or in your user manual, and it will show you the correct filter cartridge. You can also call Samsung customer service with your model number and they will tell you which filter to buy.