Where Your Samsung Filter Sits and How to Find It

Most Samsung refrigerators have the water filter in one of two places: inside the fridge compartment in the upper right corner, or underneath the fridge near the front grille. Open your fridge and look in the top right—you'll see a cylindrical cartridge about the size of a soda can, usually white or blue, with a release button or twist collar. If it's not there, crouch down and look under the front of the fridge; you may need to remove a plastic grille panel to access it. The filter sits in a housing that connects to the water line feeding your ice maker and water dispenser.

Your model number (printed on a sticker inside the fridge or on the back wall) tells you exactly which filter you need. Write it down before you shop. Samsung filters are model-specific—a filter for a French-door model won't fit a side-by-side—so matching your model number to the replacement cartridge matters.

Key Takeaways

  • Samsung filters are located either in the upper right corner of the fridge compartment or underneath the unit near the front grille, depending on your model.
  • You need your refrigerator's model number to buy the correct replacement filter, which you can find on a sticker inside the fridge or on the back wall.
  • The entire filter change takes about five minutes and requires only the new filter cartridge—no tools needed.
  • After installing the new filter, run water through the dispenser for 2 to 3 minutes to flush air and carbon dust from the system.

Removing the Old Filter Cartridge

Before you start, turn off the water supply to your refrigerator if you can locate the shutoff valve (usually under the sink or behind the fridge). This step is optional but prevents water from dripping if the line depressurizes. If you can't find it easily, don't worry—the cartridge housing has a valve inside that will stop most flow once you remove the filter.

For a filter in the upper right corner: press the release button on the side of the cartridge and pull it straight out toward you. It should slide out smoothly. If it's stuck, grip it firmly and twist counterclockwise a quarter turn, then pull. For a filter underneath the fridge: locate the twist collar at the base of the cartridge, turn it counterclockwise until it stops, and pull the cartridge down and out.

You may see a small amount of water drip—this is normal. Have a towel ready. Once the old filter is out, look inside the housing. You should see a rubber seal or O-ring. If it's cracked or dried out, note it; you may need to replace it separately, though most new filters come with a fresh seal.

Installing the New Filter Cartridge

Remove the new filter from its packaging and check that the rubber seal at the top or bottom is in place and not damaged. Some filters come with a plastic cap you need to remove first—take it off before installation. Hold the new cartridge so the seal faces the housing opening.

For an upper-corner filter: slide the cartridge straight into the housing until you hear or feel a click. The release button should pop out slightly when it's seated correctly. For an under-fridge filter: insert the cartridge into the housing and turn the twist collar clockwise until it stops—you should feel resistance, but do not force it. A quarter to half turn is usually enough.

Once installed, turn the water supply back on if you shut it off. Check the connection points where the cartridge meets the housing for any drips. A small bead of water at the seal is normal for the first few seconds; if water streams out, the cartridge may not be fully seated. Remove it, check the seal, and reinstall.

Flushing the System After Installation

New filters contain carbon dust and air pockets that need to be cleared before you drink the water. Go to your water or ice dispenser and run water for 2 to 3 minutes straight into a sink or large pitcher. The water may look cloudy or slightly gray at first—this is normal and will clear. If you have an ice maker, it may produce a few batches of cloudy or off-tasting ice; discard the first ice cubes and run the maker again.

After flushing, your water should run clear and taste normal. If the water pressure is noticeably lower than before, the filter may not be fully seated. Remove it, check the seal and housing for debris, and reinstall. If pressure remains low after a second installation, contact Samsung support—a clogged line or faulty housing valve is rare but possible.

When to Replace Your Filter

Samsung filters are rated for 6 months or 300 gallons of water, whichever comes first. Your refrigerator will display a filter status light or message on the control panel—usually a blue light that turns red or amber when replacement is due. Some models show "Replace Filter" on the display screen. Don't ignore this indicator; a clogged filter reduces water pressure and allows contaminants to pass through.

If you don't see a status light, mark your calendar for 6 months after installation. If your household uses a lot of water or has hard water, you may need to replace the filter sooner. Keep a spare cartridge on hand so you're not without filtered water while waiting for a delivery.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Water pressure is weak after changing the filter: The cartridge may not be fully seated. Remove it, inspect the rubber seal for cracks, and reinstall, making sure you hear the click (upper corner) or feel the collar stop turning (underneath). Run water for another minute to flush air from the line.

Water leaks from the connection: Turn off the water supply when ready. Remove the filter and check that the rubber seal is clean and undamaged. If the seal looks fine, the housing itself may have a crack. Contact Samsung for a replacement housing assembly. Do not reinstall the filter until the leak is fixed.

Ice maker stops working after filter change: The new filter may have an air lock in the line to the ice maker. Run the water dispenser for 3 to 5 minutes, then cycle the ice maker off and on using your control panel. If it still doesn't work after 30 minutes, the filter may be blocking the line—remove it and check for debris inside the housing.

Finding the Right Replacement Filter

Samsung makes several filter models: DA29-00003G, DA29-00003B, DA97-08006A, and others. Your model number determines which one you need. You can buy genuine Samsung filters from the manufacturer's website, major appliance retailers like Best Buy or Lowe's, or online marketplaces. Prices range depending on the model and retailer.

Third-party filters that claim to fit Samsung refrigerators are cheaper but vary in quality. If you choose a non-Samsung filter, verify that it matches your exact model number and has a certification (NSF or WQA) showing it removes chlorine and sediment. Genuine Samsung filters are more expensive but are may provide to fit and perform as designed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to turn off the water before changing the filter?

No, but it's a good idea if you can find the shutoff valve easily. If you don't, the internal valve in the filter housing will stop most water flow once you remove the cartridge. Have a towel ready for a small drip.

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

Carbon dust from the new filter is passing through. Run water through the dispenser for 2 to 3 minutes to flush it out. If the taste persists after flushing, the filter may not be seated correctly—remove it and reinstall.

Can I use a filter from a different brand in my Samsung fridge?

Some third-party filters fit Samsung refrigerators, but they must match your exact model number. Stick with genuine Samsung filters to may support proper fit and performance. If you use a third-party filter, check that it has NSF or WQA certification.

What happens if I don't change the filter when the light comes on?

A clogged filter reduces water pressure and stops filtering contaminants effectively. Your water may taste off, and you'll lose the protection the filter provides. Replace it as soon as the indicator appears.

Is there a reset button I need to press after changing the filter?

Some Samsung models have a filter reset button on the control panel or inside the fridge. Check your manual for your specific model. If there is one, press it after installing the new filter so the status light resets. Many newer models reset automatically once the new cartridge is seated.