Where Your Samsung Water Filter Is and How to Remove 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 behind the front grille. Open your fridge and look in the top right—if you see a cylindrical cartridge (usually white or blue) with a knob or button on the end, that is your filter. If not, you will find it below, behind the plastic grille at the bottom front of the refrigerator.

To remove the filter, grip it firmly and turn counterclockwise about a quarter turn. You will feel it loosen. Pull it straight out toward you. Some models have a button you press instead of turning—check your filter's end cap. Water may drip, so have a towel ready. If water pools underneath, place a shallow pan or tray under the filter housing before you remove the old one.

Write down your filter model number before you remove the old one. You will find it printed on the cartridge itself or on a label inside the housing. Common Samsung models are DA29-00003G, DA29-00003B, and DA97-08006A. Knowing the exact number ensures you buy the right replacement.

Key Takeaways

  • Samsung water filters sit either in the top right corner of the fridge or behind the bottom front grille, and you remove them by turning counterclockwise or pressing a release button.
  • Write down your filter model number from the old cartridge before you throw it away, because Samsung makes different filters for different refrigerator models.
  • Flush the new filter by running water through the dispenser for 3 to 5 minutes before you drink from it, to clear out carbon dust and air pockets.
  • Replace your filter every 6 months or when the water flow slows noticeably, whichever comes first.

Buying the Right Replacement Filter

Samsung sells official filters under the Samsung brand, and third-party manufacturers make compatible replacements that cost less. Both work, but official filters carry Samsung's warranty. Check the model number on your old filter and search for it online or at a big-box retailer like Lowe's or Home Depot. You can also call Samsung customer service with your refrigerator's model number, and they will tell you which filter fits.

Prices vary. Official Samsung filters typically run $30 to $50. Third-party filters from brands like Aqua Fresh or EveryDrop run $15 to $30 and often work just as well. Read the product listing carefully—it should say "compatible with" your specific refrigerator model. Do not assume all Samsung filters fit all Samsung fridges; they do not.

Order online or buy in person. Online ordering takes a few days but often costs less. Buying in person means you can install it when ready if your water flow is already slow. Some retailers offer subscription services that send you a new filter automatically every 6 months, which removes the guesswork.

Installing Your New Filter

Before you install the new filter, remove it from its packaging and inspect it for damage. The cartridge should be solid and the end cap should be tight. Do not soak it in water or run water through it before installation—the filter is dry-packed for a reason.

Insert the new filter into the housing by pushing it straight in until it stops. Then turn it clockwise about a quarter turn until you hear or feel a click. If your model has a button release, push the new filter in until the button clicks into place. Do not force it—if it does not turn smoothly, you may have the wrong filter or it may not be seated correctly. Remove it, check the model number again, and try once more.

Once the filter is locked in, run water through the dispenser for 3 to 5 minutes without stopping. This flushes out carbon dust and air that got trapped during manufacturing. The water may look slightly gray or cloudy at first—that is normal. Keep running it until the water runs clear. This step matters: skipping it can leave a slight taste or odor in your first few glasses.

Resetting the Filter Indicator Light

Most Samsung refrigerators have a filter status light on the control panel or inside the fridge. After you install a new filter, this light should reset automatically within a few seconds. If it does not, you can reset it manually. Hold down the filter reset button (usually labeled "Filter" or with a water droplet icon) for 3 seconds until the light changes color or turns off.

The location of the reset button varies by model. Check your refrigerator's manual or look on the front of the fridge near the water and ice dispensers. If you cannot find it, search online for "[your refrigerator model] filter reset button" and you will find a photo. Resetting the light tells the refrigerator that you have installed a new filter and it should start counting down the 6-month replacement cycle again.

If the light does not reset after you hold the button, the filter may not be installed correctly. Remove it, check that it is seated all the way in, and try the reset button again. If the light still will not reset, contact Samsung support—it may indicate a sensor problem.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common mistake is buying the wrong filter model. Samsung makes different filters for different refrigerator lines, and putting the wrong one in will either not fit or will not seal properly. Always check your old filter's model number and match it exactly. If you are not sure, call the retailer or Samsung before you buy.

Another mistake is skipping the 3 to 5 minute flush. People often install the filter, take a drink, and notice a slight taste or cloudiness. That is carbon dust from the manufacturing process. Running water for a few minutes clears it completely. It is not harmful, but it is annoying and straightforward to prevent.

Do not overtighten the filter when you install it. Turn it clockwise until you feel resistance and hear a click—then stop. Forcing it further can crack the cartridge or damage the housing. The filter should be snug but not strained.

Finally, do not wait until your water flow is very slow to replace the filter. A slow-flowing filter is working hard and may not be filtering properly anymore. Replace it every 6 months or sooner if you notice the flow dropping. If you have hard water or use ice frequently, you may need to replace it every 3 to 4 months.

When to Replace Your Filter Sooner Than 6 Months

The 6-month replacement cycle is a guideline, not a rule. If your water tastes off, smells like chlorine, or looks cloudy even after flushing, replace the filter when ready. If the water dispenser slows to a trickle, the filter is clogged and needs to come out. If you have very hard water or a large household that uses a lot of ice, the filter will clog faster and you may need to replace it every 3 to 4 months instead.

Some refrigerators have a filter status indicator that shows how much life is left in the filter. If yours does, pay attention to it. When it turns red or shows low, order a replacement so you have it on hand when you need it. Running out of filters and having to wait for delivery is frustrating when your water flow is already slow.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Third-party filters from brands like Aqua Fresh, EveryDrop, and Waterdrop work in Samsung refrigerators and often cost less than official Samsung filters. Check the product listing to confirm it is compatible with your specific refrigerator model. Both official and third-party filters do the same job of removing chlorine and sediment.

What do I do if water leaks after I install the new filter?

Remove the filter and check that it is seated all the way in and turned clockwise until you hear a click. If it is loose, water will leak around the seal. Reinstall it and make sure it is tight. If water still leaks after reinstalling, the cartridge may be cracked or the housing may be damaged. Contact Samsung support or try a different filter to rule out a defective cartridge.

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

No. You do not need to shut off the water supply. Some water may drip when you remove the old filter, but it is not enough to cause damage. Have a towel ready and place a shallow pan underneath if you are concerned. If water continues to run after you remove the filter, that is normal—it will stop once you install the new one.

How do I know which filter model my Samsung refrigerator uses?

Look at your current filter cartridge—the model number is printed on it. If you do not have the old filter anymore, check your refrigerator's manual or look up your refrigerator's model number online. You can find the refrigerator model number on a sticker inside the fridge, usually on the back wall or on the side of the compartment. Search "[refrigerator model] water filter" and you will find the correct filter to order.

Can I drink the water right after I install a new filter?

You can, but it is better to flush the filter first. Run water through the dispenser for 3 to 5 minutes to clear out carbon dust and air. The water is safe to drink without flushing, but you may notice a slight gray tint or taste. Flushing takes just a few minutes and gives you better-tasting water from the start.