The basic steps: locate, remove, insert, and reset

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 behind the front grille. Open your fridge and look for a cylindrical cartridge about the size of a soda can, usually white or blue. If you don't see it inside, you'll find it below. Once you locate it, turn it counterclockwise by hand until it stops, pull it straight out, and slide the new filter in by hand until it clicks or seats fully. Then turn it clockwise until snug—do not over-tighten.

After installation, run water through the dispenser for about 5 to 10 minutes to flush the new filter and remove air from the line. The water may look slightly cloudy at first; this is normal and will clear. Some models have a filter status light on the control panel that you'll need to reset by holding a button for 3 to 5 seconds, or by pressing a dedicated filter reset button. Check your model's manual for the exact reset method, because it varies.

Key Takeaways

  • Samsung filters are located either inside the fridge in the upper right corner or underneath behind the front grille panel.
  • Remove the old filter by turning it counterclockwise by hand, then insert the new one by hand and turn it clockwise until snug.
  • Run water through the dispenser for 5 to 10 minutes after installation to flush air and sediment from the new filter.
  • Reset the filter status light on your control panel after installation; the method depends on your model number.
  • Replacement filters are model-specific, so confirm your refrigerator's model number before ordering.

Finding your refrigerator model number and the correct filter

Your Samsung model number is printed on a sticker inside the fridge, usually on the side wall or the back wall near the top. It starts with "RF" or "RS" and looks like RF28R7201SR or RS25J500DSG. Write this down before you shop, because Samsung makes different filter cartridges for different models, and installing the wrong one will not fit or will not seal properly.

The correct filter part number is also on that same sticker, or you can find it in your owner's manual under "Water Filter" or "Replacement Parts." Common Samsung filter models include the DA29-00003G, DA29-00003B, and DA97-08006A, but yours may be different. You can order the filter from Samsung directly, from appliance parts retailers like Appliances Connection or PartSelect, or from major retailers like Amazon or Best Buy. Genuine Samsung filters typically cost between $30 and $60.

Inside the fridge: upper right corner location

If your filter is mounted inside the refrigerator compartment, it will be in the upper right corner behind a small door or panel. Open that door by pressing or unlatching it—no tools needed. You'll see the cylindrical filter cartridge sticking out. Grip it firmly and turn it counterclockwise about a quarter turn until you feel resistance stop. Pull it straight toward you; it should come out easily without forcing.

Before you insert the new filter, check the rubber seal on the end of the cartridge. It should be clean and flexible. If the old filter left debris or a dried ring, wipe the seal area inside the housing with a clean, damp cloth. Align the new filter with the opening and push it in straight until it seats fully—you'll feel it click or lock into place. Turn it clockwise by hand until snug. Do not use a wrench or pliers; hand-tight is correct.

Under the refrigerator: grille-mounted location

Some Samsung models, especially larger French-door and side-by-side units, mount the filter underneath the fridge behind the front grille. To access it, you'll need to remove the grille panel. Kneel down and look for clips or screws holding the grille in place. Most grilles clip on and can be removed by pressing the clips inward or pulling the grille toward you. If there are screws, use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove them—usually there are two or three.

Once the grille is off, you'll see the filter cartridge mounted horizontally or at an angle. Turn it counterclockwise by hand until it stops, then pull it straight out. The new filter goes in the same way: push it in until it seats, then turn it clockwise until snug. Reattach the grille by pushing it back into the clips or replacing the screws. Make sure the grille is fully seated so it doesn't rattle or come loose during normal use.

Flushing the new filter and clearing air from the line

After you install the new filter, the water line contains air pockets that will make the water cloudy or cause the dispenser to sputter. To clear this, hold a cup under the water dispenser and run water continuously for 5 to 10 minutes. The water will be cloudy, gray, or slightly discolored at first—this is normal and does not mean the filter is defective. Keep running water until it runs clear and cold.

If you have an ice maker, run a full cycle to flush the ice line as well. The first batch of ice may look cloudy or taste slightly off; discard it and run another cycle. After the second cycle, the ice should be clear and taste normal. This flushing step is important because it removes loose carbon particles from the new filter media and ensures the water tastes fresh from the start.

Resetting the filter status light on your control panel

Most Samsung refrigerators have a filter status light or indicator on the control panel that shows when the filter is new or when it needs replacement. After you install a new filter, you must reset this light so it starts counting down the filter's lifespan again. The reset method varies by model, so check your owner's manual for the exact steps.

Common reset methods include: holding down a button labeled "Filter Reset" or "Water Filter" for 3 to 5 seconds until the light turns off or changes color; pressing a dedicated reset button on the ice maker control panel; or using the refrigerator's touch screen menu to navigate to Settings > Water Filter > Reset. If you cannot find the reset button or menu option, call Samsung customer service at 1-800-SAMSUNG and provide your model number. They can walk you through it in a few minutes. If you skip this step, the light will continue to show that the filter needs replacement even though it is new, which is just annoying but not harmful.

When to call a professional instead

If the filter will not turn or comes out with resistance, stop and do not force it. The filter may be cross-threaded or stuck due to mineral buildup. In this case, call a Samsung service technician or a local appliance repair company. Forcing a stuck filter can crack the housing and cause a water leak inside your refrigerator.

If water leaks from the filter area after installation, the seal may not be seated correctly. Turn off the water supply to the refrigerator when ready using the shut-off valve behind or underneath the fridge. Remove the filter, check that the rubber seal is clean and not cracked, and reinstall it. If the leak continues, the housing itself may be cracked, and you'll need a technician to replace it. Do not run the refrigerator with an active leak, as water can damage the compressor and electrical components.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I replace the 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 more often. The filter status light will alert you when replacement is due, or you can track the date on a calendar.

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

Yes, third-party filters made to fit your model number will work, though Samsung does not warrant them. Some third-party filters cost less and perform well; others may not seal properly or filter as effectively. Read reviews from other users with your model before buying a non-Samsung filter.

What if water is still cloudy after flushing for 10 minutes?

Run water for another 5 to 10 minutes. Some new filters take longer to clear. If the water remains cloudy or discolored after 20 minutes, the filter may be defective. Contact the retailer or Samsung for a replacement filter.

Do I need to turn off the water supply before removing the old filter?

No. The filter cartridge has a built-in check valve that stops water flow when you remove it. You do not need to shut off the main water supply. However, a small amount of water may drip out, so have a towel or cup ready.

What happens if I forget to reset the filter light?

Nothing harmful. The light will continue to show that the filter needs replacement, but the refrigerator will still dispense water and make ice normally. It is just a reminder that will not go away until you reset it.