Reset the filter light by holding the filter button for three seconds

The filter light on a Samsung French door refrigerator turns on when the water filter has been in use for six months or 300 gallons, whichever comes first. To turn it off after you replace the filter, locate the filter button on the control panel inside your refrigerator — usually on the right wall near the top — and press and hold it for three seconds until the light goes dark.

The light does not turn off on its own. If you replace the filter but do not reset the light, it will stay on and you will not know when the next filter actually needs changing. The reset is a manual step every time you swap in a new filter.

Some Samsung models have the filter button on the exterior of the refrigerator instead, typically on the front panel near the water and ice dispenser. Check your model's location before you assume it is inside. If you cannot find the button, your model number will be on a sticker inside the fridge, usually on the back wall or the top shelf, and you can search that number plus "filter reset" to see the exact location for your unit.

Key Takeaways

  • The filter light comes on after six months or 300 gallons of use and must be manually reset after you install a new filter.
  • Press and hold the filter button for three seconds to reset the light; the button is usually inside the fridge on the right wall or on the exterior panel near the dispenser.
  • If the light stays on after you hold the button, make sure you are pressing the correct button and holding it long enough for the system to register the reset.
  • Resetting the light does not change the filter itself — you must physically replace the filter cartridge first, then reset the light so the timer restarts.

Where to find the filter button on your model

Samsung places the filter button in different locations depending on the refrigerator model and year. On most French door models made in the last five years, the button is on the interior right wall, usually at eye level or slightly above, and it is labeled "Filter" or shows a water droplet icon. Press it gently to see if it clicks — some buttons are recessed and require a firm push.

On some newer models, the button moved to the exterior control panel, near the water and ice dispenser buttons on the front of the fridge. If you have a touchscreen display on the front, the filter reset may be a menu option inside that display instead of a physical button. Look for "Water Filter" or "Filter Status" in the settings menu and select the reset option.

If your refrigerator has a built-in ice maker in the door, the filter button is almost always on the interior wall, not the door itself. Check the right side wall first before looking anywhere else.

What happens if you do not reset the light

Leaving the filter light on does not damage the refrigerator or stop it from working. Water will still flow to the dispenser and ice maker normally. The light is purely informational — it tells you when the filter cartridge has reached the end of its useful life and should be replaced.

If you do not reset the light after installing a new filter, you will lose track of when that new filter actually needs changing. Six months later, when the light comes on again, you will not know if it is signaling the end of the new filter's life or if it never reset from the old one. This can lead to using a filter longer than recommended, which reduces water quality and may allow sediment or contaminants to pass through.

The light is a timer, not a sensor. It does not measure the actual condition of the filter — it just counts months and gallons. Resetting it after each replacement keeps the timer accurate.

Replacing the filter before you reset the light

You must replace the actual filter cartridge before you reset the light. The light is a reminder that the filter needs changing; resetting it without installing a new filter defeats the purpose.

Samsung refrigerators typically use one of two filter types: the DA29-00003G or DA29-00003B for most models, or the HAF-CIN for some newer units. Your model number will tell you which one you need. You can find the model number on the sticker inside the fridge or on the back of the unit.

To replace the filter, locate the filter housing — usually a cylindrical cartridge on the interior right wall or inside a compartment on the exterior — and twist it counterclockwise to remove it. Slide the new filter in and twist clockwise until it clicks. Run water through the dispenser for 30 seconds to flush air from the new filter, then reset the light using the button.

Troubleshooting if the light will not reset

If you hold the filter button for three seconds and the light stays on, the button may not be registering your press. Try holding it for five seconds instead, or press it multiple times in quick succession. Some models require a longer hold or a double-press to register.

If the light still does not turn off, make sure you are pressing the correct button. On models with multiple buttons on the control panel, the filter button is usually smaller or marked with a water droplet icon. If you press the wrong button, nothing will happen.

Power cycling the refrigerator can sometimes help. Unplug the unit for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. Once it restarts, try resetting the filter light again. If the light remains on after a power cycle and you have confirmed you are pressing the right button, the control panel may need service from a Samsung technician.

How often the filter light comes on

The filter light is set to come on every six months if you use the water dispenser and ice maker regularly. If you rarely use the dispenser, the light may not come on for longer than six months because the timer is based on both time and water volume — whichever limit you hit first.

If you use the dispenser heavily — filling pitchers daily or using the ice maker frequently — you may see the light come on in four or five months instead of six. This is normal and means the filter has processed close to 300 gallons of water.

Once you reset the light after installing a new filter, the timer starts over. Mark your calendar six months from that date so you remember to check the light and plan to replace the filter again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reset the light without replacing the filter?

Technically yes — the button will reset the light whether or not you have installed a new filter. However, this defeats the purpose of the light, which is to remind you when the filter needs changing. If you reset it without replacing the cartridge, you will lose track of when the filter actually needs service.

Does the filter light reset automatically when I install a new filter?

No. Samsung refrigerators do not sense when you have installed a new filter. You must manually press and hold the filter button for three seconds after you swap in the new cartridge. The light will not turn off on its own.

What if I cannot find the filter button on my refrigerator?

Look for your model number on the sticker inside the fridge, usually on the back wall or top shelf. Search that model number plus "filter reset button" online to see exactly where it is located on your specific unit. If you still cannot find it, contact Samsung support with your model number and they can tell you the location.

Is the filter light the same as the ice maker light?

No. The filter light indicates the water filter needs replacing. The ice maker light, if your model has one, indicates a different issue with ice production. They are separate lights on separate systems. Make sure you are looking at the correct light before trying to reset it.

How long does the filter actually last if I ignore the light?

A Samsung refrigerator filter is rated for six months or 300 gallons. After that point, it may not remove contaminants as effectively, but water will still flow. For best water quality and ice taste, replace the filter when the light comes on rather than waiting until it stops working entirely.