Where to Find Your Samsung Refrigerator Filter
Most Samsung refrigerators have the water filter in one of two places: inside the refrigerator compartment in the upper right corner, or underneath the fridge near the front grille. Open your refrigerator door and look in the top right area first — you should see a cylindrical cartridge about the size of a soda can, often with a blue or white plastic housing. If you don't see it there, crouch down and look under the front of the refrigerator where the grille is. Some models, particularly French-door and side-by-side models, hide the filter in a compartment you access from below.
Your refrigerator's model number will tell you exactly where yours sits. You can find the model number on a sticker inside the fridge, usually on the back wall or on the side wall near the top. Write it down and search "Samsung [your model number] filter location" if you're unsure — Samsung's website has diagrams for every model.
Key Takeaways
- Samsung refrigerator filters sit either in the upper right corner inside the fridge or underneath near the front grille, depending on your model.
- You need to turn the filter counterclockwise by hand to remove it — no tools required — and push the new one in until it clicks.
- Before you install the new filter, run water through it for 5 to 10 seconds to flush out loose carbon particles and air.
- After installation, hold down the reset button (usually on the filter housing or the control panel) for 3 seconds to clear the filter-change alert.
- Most Samsung filters need changing every 6 months, though this depends on your water quality and how much ice and water you use.
Remove the Old Filter in Three Steps
Start by locating the filter and looking for the release button or tab near the base of the cartridge. On most Samsung models, you'll see a small button labeled "Push" or an arrow pointing the direction to turn. Press this button and turn the filter counterclockwise — it should rotate about a quarter turn before it stops. Don't force it; if it won't budge, you may be turning the wrong direction or the button isn't fully pressed.
Once the filter has rotated, pull it straight out toward you. Some water may drip out, so have a small cup or towel ready. If the filter is stuck, wrap a dry cloth around it for grip and try again — don't use pliers or tools that could crack the plastic housing. After you remove the old filter, look inside the empty compartment. You should see a rubber O-ring seal. If it stayed on the filter you just removed, leave it there. If it's still in the housing, you can leave it or replace it with the new one that comes with your replacement filter — check your filter's instructions.
Prepare and Install the New Filter
Before you push the new filter into the housing, run water through it for 5 to 10 seconds over a sink or cup. This flushes out loose carbon dust and air pockets that can affect water taste and ice quality. You'll see the water run dark at first — that's normal. Keep running water until it runs clear.
Now align the new filter with the opening and push it straight in until you hear or feel a click. The filter should rotate into place on its own as you push — you don't need to turn it. If it doesn't click after a firm push, pull it out and check that the rubber seal is in the right position, then try again. The filter should be snug enough that you can't pull it out by hand without pressing the release button.
Reset the Filter-Change Alert
Your Samsung refrigerator tracks filter use and displays a reminder when it's time to change it. After you install the new filter, you need to clear this alert so it doesn't keep flashing. Look for a small button on the filter housing itself — it's usually labeled "Reset" or has a circular icon. Press and hold this button for 3 seconds until the light changes or you hear a beep.
If there's no button on the filter housing, the reset button is on your refrigerator's control panel or display screen. Check your model's manual for the exact location, but it's often a button labeled "Filter Reset" or "Water Filter Reset." Again, press and hold for 3 seconds. If you skip this step, the alert will continue to remind you even though you've just installed a fresh filter.
What to Do If Water Tastes Off After Changing the Filter
After you install a new filter, the water or ice may taste slightly different for the first few days. This is usually because the new filter is still settling and releasing small amounts of carbon. Run water from the dispenser for 30 seconds every few hours for the first day, and the taste should return to normal. If the water still tastes bad after a week, the filter may not be seated correctly — remove it and reinstall it, making sure you hear the click.
Another common issue is air in the line, which makes the water dispenser sputter or produce no water at all. Run the water dispenser continuously for 20 to 30 seconds to push the air out. If water still won't flow, the filter may be installed backward or the housing may be cracked. Check your manual to confirm the correct orientation, and inspect the plastic housing for cracks or damage.
How Often to Change Your Samsung Filter
Samsung recommends changing the filter every 6 months, but this depends on how much water and ice you use and the quality of your tap water. If you use the water and ice dispensers heavily, you may need to change it every 3 to 4 months. If you rarely use them, you might stretch it to 9 months. Your refrigerator's alert will remind you, but you can also watch for signs: water that tastes stale, ice that smells odd, or water that flows more slowly than usual.
If you live in an area with very hard water or high sediment, you may want to change the filter more often than Samsung suggests. Keep track of when you installed your last filter by writing the date on the new cartridge with a permanent marker — this makes it straightforward to remember at a glance.
Ordering the Right Replacement Filter
Samsung makes several filter models, and using the wrong one can damage your refrigerator or produce poor water quality. Your model number is the key to ordering the right filter. Search "Samsung [model number] filter" on Samsung's official website or on the retailer where you bought your fridge. You'll see the exact part number and a photo that matches your filter housing.
Common Samsung filter models include the DA29-00003G, DA29-00020B, and HAF-CIN, but there are many others. Don't assume all Samsung filters are the same — they're not. You can order filters directly from Samsung, from major appliance retailers, or from online marketplaces. Genuine Samsung filters cost between $30 and $60 depending on the model. Third-party filters that claim to fit Samsung refrigerators are cheaper but may not filter as effectively or fit as securely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my refrigerator without a filter?
No. If you remove the filter without installing a new one, unfiltered water will flow directly into your glass and ice maker. Your refrigerator may also display an error or shut off the water dispenser entirely. Always have a replacement filter on hand before you remove the old one.
What if the filter won't turn or come out?
Make sure you're pressing the release button or tab while turning. If it still won't budge, the filter may be cross-threaded — try turning it clockwise slightly to reseat it, then counterclockwise again. If it's truly stuck, wrap a dry cloth around it for better grip. Never use pliers or force it, as you can crack the housing.
Do I need to turn off the water supply before changing the filter?
No. Samsung filters are designed to be changed without shutting off the water. A small amount of water may drip out, but the system is sealed. Have a towel ready and work over a sink or cup to catch any spills.
Why is my ice maker not working after I changed the filter?
Air in the water line often stops the ice maker temporarily. Run the water dispenser for 30 seconds to push the air out, then wait 4 to 6 hours for the ice maker to produce new ice. If it still doesn't work, make sure the filter is fully seated and you heard the click when you pushed it in.
Can I wash and reuse my old filter?
No. Water filters are designed to be used once and then thrown away. Washing or reusing a filter won't restore its ability to remove contaminants, and it can introduce bacteria into your water system. Always install a new filter.