Where to find your Samsung refrigerator filter and what type you have
Samsung refrigerators use one of two filter locations: inside the fridge compartment (usually in the upper right corner behind a small door or panel) or underneath the unit in the kick plate area at the bottom front. Open your fridge and look for a cylindrical cartridge behind a plastic cover, or crouch down and look for a horizontal filter housing under the front grille. Your model number, printed on a sticker inside the fridge or on the back wall, tells you which type you have — you can search it on Samsung's website or your owner's manual to confirm before you start.
Samsung uses two main filter sizes: the standard cartridge (about 6 inches tall) and the larger undersink style (about 10 inches). Both screw in and out by hand, though the undersink version sometimes requires a quarter-turn wrench if it is very tight. Write down your exact model number before you shop for a replacement — Samsung filters are model-specific, and buying the wrong one means a wasted trip.
Key Takeaways
- Samsung refrigerator filters sit either inside the fridge compartment (upper right, behind a door) or underneath the unit in the kick plate, depending on your model.
- Turn off the water supply to your fridge before you remove the old filter, or you will have water spray when you unscrew it.
- Screw the new filter in by hand until it is snug — do not overtighten, as that makes the next change harder and can crack the cartridge.
- Run water through the new filter for 2 to 3 minutes before you use it for drinking or ice, to flush out carbon dust from manufacturing.
- Most Samsung filters need changing every 6 months if you use the ice maker, or every 12 months if you only use the water dispenser.
How to turn off the water supply before you start
Locate the water shut-off valve behind your refrigerator. It is usually a small knob or lever on the copper or plastic water line that runs into the back of the fridge. Turn it clockwise (or flip the lever perpendicular to the line) until it stops. You do not need to turn it hard — just until you feel resistance. This stops water from spraying out when you unscrew the old filter.
If you cannot find a valve behind the fridge, the shut-off may be under your kitchen sink or in a basement or crawlspace where the water line originates. If you have no shut-off valve at all, you can still change the filter, but have towels ready and work quickly — water will drip when you unscrew the cartridge.
Removing the old filter step by step
For an inside-the-fridge filter: Open the fridge door and locate the filter cover in the upper right corner (or upper left on some models). Push the cover inward or twist it counterclockwise, depending on your model — your manual will show which. The cartridge will either drop out or remain attached to the cover. If it is attached, unscrew it by turning counterclockwise by hand. Place a towel underneath to catch any drips.
For an undersink or kick-plate filter: Crouch down and look at the front grille or kick plate at the bottom of the fridge. You will see a cylindrical housing. Turn it counterclockwise by hand (or use a quarter-turn wrench if it is tight) until it comes free. Water may drip, so have a towel ready. Some models have a release button on the side — press it while turning if the cartridge does not budge.
Once the old filter is out, do not throw it away when ready. Keep it nearby in case you need to reference the model number or size when you buy the replacement.
Installing the new filter correctly
Before you screw in the new filter, check that the rubber gasket (the ring at the base of the cartridge) is clean and seated properly. If it is cracked or missing, the filter will leak. Align the new cartridge with the housing and screw it in by hand, turning clockwise. Tighten it until you feel resistance — snug, but not forced. Overtightening makes it harder to remove next time and can damage the cartridge threads.
For inside-the-fridge filters, screw the cartridge into the cover first, then push or twist the cover back into place in the fridge. For undersink filters, screw the cartridge directly into the housing under the fridge until it stops. Do not use a wrench to tighten — hand-tight is correct.
Turning the water back on and flushing the new filter
Turn the water shut-off valve counterclockwise (or flip the lever back parallel to the line) to restore water flow. You should hear water running into the fridge. Now go to the water dispenser on the front of the fridge and run water into a cup or sink for 2 to 3 minutes. This flushes out carbon dust and loose particles from the manufacturing process. The water may look slightly gray or cloudy at first — that is normal and will clear.
If you have an ice maker, run a full cycle (usually 8 to 12 hours) before you use the ice. The first batch of ice may taste slightly off or look cloudy — discard it and use the second batch. After flushing, your water and ice should taste clean and fresh.
When to replace your Samsung refrigerator filter
Samsung recommends changing the filter every 6 months if you use the ice maker regularly, or every 12 months if you only use the water dispenser. If you have hard water or notice the water pressure dropping, you may need to change it sooner. Some Samsung models have a filter-status light on the fridge display that turns red or orange when the filter is due — check your manual to see if yours has one.
If you forget when you last changed the filter, write the date on the new cartridge with a permanent marker before you install it. That way you will know at a glance when the next change is due.
Troubleshooting common filter problems
If water leaks from the filter housing after you install a new cartridge, the gasket may not be seated properly. Turn off the water, unscrew the filter, and check that the rubber ring at the base is clean and not cracked. Reseat it and try again. If it still leaks, the housing itself may be cracked — contact Samsung support for a replacement housing.
If water pressure is very low after a filter change, the new cartridge may be installed backward or the old filter left debris in the line. Turn off the water, remove the new filter, and run water directly into a cup for a few seconds to clear any blockage. Reinstall the filter and check pressure again. If pressure remains low, the cartridge itself may be defective — return it and try a replacement.
If the filter-status light does not turn off after you install a new filter, your model may require you to reset it manually. Check your owner's manual for the reset procedure — it usually involves holding a button on the fridge display for a few seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a third-party filter instead of a Samsung brand filter?
Third-party filters made for Samsung models exist and are usually cheaper, but Samsung does not warrant them. They may fit loosely, leak, or filter less effectively than genuine cartridges. If you choose a third-party filter, buy from a reputable seller and test it carefully for leaks before you rely on it for drinking water.
What if I cannot turn the old filter out by hand?
If the cartridge is stuck, turn off the water first, then try wrapping a rubber band or cloth around it for grip and turning again. If it still will not budge, use a filter wrench (a cheap tool sold at hardware stores) or a quarter-turn wrench to explore steady pressure. Do not force it — if it does not move, the housing may be damaged and you should contact Samsung support.
Do I need to replace the filter if I do not use the ice maker or water dispenser?
If your fridge has a water line but you never use the dispenser or ice maker, the filter still sits in the line and collects sediment over time. Change it every 12 months as a precaution, even if you do not use the water features. A clogged filter can damage the water valve inside the fridge.
Why does my water taste bad even after I installed a new filter?
Run the dispenser for 3 to 5 minutes to fully flush the new filter — 2 to 3 minutes may not be enough. If the taste does not improve, your water source may have a problem (high mineral content, chlorine, or sediment) that a standard refrigerator filter cannot fully remove. Consider a whole-house water filter or a pitcher filter as a backup.
How do I know which replacement filter to buy?
Look up your refrigerator model number on Samsung's website or in your manual, and it will list the correct filter part number. You can also bring your old filter to a hardware store and match it by size and shape. Never guess — buying the wrong filter wastes money and may not fit your fridge.