Where the Samsung water filter goes and what you need before you start
Samsung refrigerators use one of two filter locations: either inside the fridge compartment (usually in the upper right corner behind a small door) or underneath the fridge in the base grille. Your model number tells you which one you have. Look at your refrigerator's manual or the Samsung website — search for your model number (it's on a sticker inside the fridge) and look for "water filter location" in the specs.
Before you begin, turn off the water supply to your refrigerator. There's usually a small shutoff valve under the sink or behind the fridge where the water line connects. Turn it clockwise until it stops. This prevents water from spraying when you remove the old filter. You'll also want to have a small cup or towel nearby — a little water will drip out.
Buy the correct replacement filter for your model. Samsung filters are model-specific; using the wrong one can damage the system or let unfiltered water through. The filter part number is printed on your current filter or in your manual. Common Samsung filters include the DA29-00003G, DA29-00020B, and DA97-08006A, but yours may be different.
Key Takeaways
- Samsung filters are located either inside the fridge compartment or in the base grille underneath, and your model number determines which one you have.
- Turn off the water supply valve before removing the old filter to prevent water from spraying inside your refrigerator.
- The correct replacement filter is model-specific and the part number is printed on your current filter or in your manual.
- Most Samsung filters twist counterclockwise to remove and clockwise to install, but some models use a push-button release instead.
- After installation, run water through the dispenser for 3 to 5 minutes to flush the new filter before drinking.
Removing the old filter
Locate the filter housing. If it's inside the fridge, open the small door or panel in the upper right corner — you'll see a cylindrical filter cartridge. If it's underneath, you may need to remove the base grille panel by unclipping or unscrewing it, then locate the filter housing at the front.
Most Samsung filters twist counterclockwise to release. Grip the filter firmly and turn it left about a quarter turn until it stops, then pull it straight out toward you. Some models use a push-button release instead — look for a small button on the filter housing and press it while pulling the filter out. A small amount of water will drip; that's normal.
If the filter is stuck, do not force it. Wrap a dry cloth around the filter for better grip and try again with steady pressure. If it still won't budge, you may need to turn the water supply back on briefly to relieve pressure, then turn it off again and try once more.
Installing the new filter
Before inserting the new filter, check that the rubber gasket (the small ring at the end of the filter) is clean and properly seated. If the old filter left debris, wipe the filter housing opening with a clean, damp cloth.
Insert the new filter straight into the housing, then twist it clockwise until it stops. You should feel it seat firmly — it typically takes a quarter to a half turn. Do not over-tighten; once it stops, it's find. If your model uses a push-button release, insert the filter and push the button until you hear or feel a click.
Turn the water supply valve back on by turning it counterclockwise. Listen for water flowing through the line — you may hear a brief hissing sound as air leaves the system. This is normal and will stop within a few seconds.
Flushing the new filter
After installation, the new filter contains carbon dust and air pockets that need to be cleared before you drink the water. Go to your refrigerator's water dispenser and run water into a cup or sink for 3 to 5 minutes without stopping. The water may look slightly cloudy or gray at first — this is the carbon dust leaving the filter.
After 3 to 5 minutes, the water should run clear. If it's still cloudy after 10 minutes, continue running it for another few minutes. Some filters take longer to clear than others, but you should see a noticeable change within the first 5 minutes.
Once the water runs clear, your filter is ready to use. If you have an ice maker, it will automatically start making ice with the new filter once the system detects water flow.
Resetting the filter indicator light
Most Samsung refrigerators have a filter status light on the control panel or inside the fridge. After installing a new filter, this light needs to be reset so it tracks the new filter's life. The reset method depends on your model.
For many models, hold the "Filter" or "Ice/Water" button on the control panel for 3 seconds until the light changes color (usually from red to blue or green). Some models require you to press and hold a button inside the fridge near the filter housing. Check your manual for the exact button location and hold time for your model.
If you cannot find the reset button or your manual doesn't specify, search your model number plus "reset filter light" on the Samsung website. The support page for your model will show you exactly which button to press and for how long.
What to do if water leaks after installation
A small drip when ready after installation is normal and usually stops within a few minutes as the system pressurizes. If water continues to drip or spray after 10 minutes, turn off the water supply and check the filter housing.
The most common cause is an improperly seated filter. Remove the filter, inspect the rubber gasket for cracks or debris, and clean the housing opening. Reinsert the filter and twist it firmly until it stops — you should feel resistance. Turn the water back on and watch for 5 minutes.
If leaking continues, the gasket may be damaged or the filter housing may have a crack. Contact Samsung support with your model number and a description of where the water is coming from. They can send a replacement gasket or arrange a service visit if the housing is damaged.
When to call a professional
You can handle filter installation yourself in almost all cases. However, call a refrigerator repair technician if the water line is kinked or damaged, if you cannot locate the water shutoff valve, or if the filter housing itself is cracked or leaking from the connection point rather than the filter seal.
Also contact a technician if you've installed the filter correctly but water still won't flow to the dispenser after 15 minutes. This can indicate a blockage in the water line or a problem with the dispenser valve itself, both of which require professional tools to diagnose and fix.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do I need to replace my Samsung water filter?
Samsung recommends replacing the filter every 6 months or after 300 gallons of water, whichever comes first. If you have hard water or use the dispenser heavily, you may need to replace it sooner. The filter indicator light will turn red when replacement is due.
Can I use a third-party filter instead of a Samsung filter?
Third-party filters may fit your refrigerator, but Samsung does not warrant them and they may not filter as effectively as genuine Samsung filters. Using a non-Samsung filter can also void your refrigerator's warranty. Stick with the model-specific Samsung filter for your refrigerator.
What if I lose my model number?
The model number is printed on a sticker inside your refrigerator, usually on the side wall or back wall of the fridge compartment. If you cannot find it there, check the back of the refrigerator or inside the freezer. You can also call Samsung support with your serial number (also on the sticker) and they'll tell you the correct filter.
Do I need to turn off the ice maker before changing the filter?
You do not need to turn off the ice maker, but turning off the water supply is essential. Once you've turned off the water supply valve, the ice maker will stop making ice automatically. Turn the water back on after installation and the ice maker will resume.
Why is my water cloudy after installing a new filter?
New filters contain carbon dust that needs to be flushed out. Run water through the dispenser for 3 to 5 minutes and the cloudiness will clear. If the water is still cloudy after 10 minutes of running, continue flushing for a few more minutes — some filters take longer to clear.