Reset your Samsung water filter by holding the reset button for three seconds, or by using the control panel menu
Most Samsung refrigerators have a water filter reset button on the front of the fridge, usually located near the water dispenser or inside the fridge compartment. Press and hold this button for three seconds until you see a light flash or hear a beep. The filter counter will reset to zero, and the red light (if present) will turn off. If your model does not have a physical button, you can reset through the digital display panel by navigating to Settings, then Filter Reset, and confirming the action.
The reset tells your fridge that you have installed a new filter and clears the usage counter. It does not clean the filter or perform any maintenance — it only resets the timer that tracks how long the filter has been in use. You must physically replace the filter cartridge before resetting, or the reset will not improve water quality.
Key Takeaways
- The reset button is usually a small circle on the front of the fridge near the water dispenser, and you hold it for three seconds until the light flashes.
- If your Samsung has a digital control panel instead of a physical button, use the menu to find Filter Reset and confirm it.
- Resetting the counter does nothing unless you have already replaced the filter cartridge with a new one.
- After reset, the filter counter returns to zero and any red warning light turns off.
Locate the reset button on your specific Samsung model
The location of the reset button varies by refrigerator model. On most Samsung French-door and side-by-side models, the button is a small circular indent on the front of the fridge, either to the right of the water dispenser or on the interior wall just inside the fridge door. Some models place it on the back wall inside the fridge, near the top. Check your owner's manual for the exact location — the manual will have a diagram showing where the button sits on your model.
If you cannot find a physical button, your fridge likely has a digital display panel on the front or inside the door. In that case, the reset function is in the menu system, not a physical button. Look for a small screen or touch panel with icons or text options.
Reset using the physical button
Once you have located the button, press and hold it firmly for three seconds. You should see one of these signs that the reset worked: a light on the button itself flashes, the water filter icon on the display changes, or you hear a short beep. Release the button after three seconds. Do not hold it longer — three seconds is the standard time across Samsung models.
If nothing happens after three seconds, the button may be stuck or the fridge may not have power to that circuit. Try pressing it again, or check that the refrigerator is plugged in and the display is lit. If the button still does not respond, move to the menu reset method instead.
Reset using the digital menu
On models with a digital control panel, press the menu or settings button on the display. Use the arrow buttons to scroll through the options until you see "Filter," "Water Filter," or "Filter Reset." Press enter or select. The display will ask you to confirm the reset — press yes or confirm. The screen will show a message like "Filter Reset Complete" or the filter icon will change from red to blue.
The exact menu path depends on your model, so if you do not see these options, check your owner's manual for the menu structure. Some Samsung models use a smartphone app to control the fridge, and the reset option may be in the app instead of on the fridge itself. If your fridge has a SmartThings app, open it, find your refrigerator, and look for a filter or maintenance section.
What to do if the reset does not work
If the button does not respond or the menu reset does not clear the warning light, the most common cause is that the filter cartridge has not been physically replaced yet. The reset only works after you have removed the old filter and installed a new one. If you have already replaced the filter and the reset still does not work, try the other method — if you used the button, try the menu, or vice versa.
If neither method works, the display or button circuit may have a fault. Unplug the refrigerator for five minutes, then plug it back in. This power cycle sometimes resets the electronics. If the problem persists after that, contact Samsung support or a repair technician, as the control board may need service.
When to reset the filter
Reset the filter counter when ready after you install a new filter cartridge. Do this before you use the water dispenser or ice maker, so the counter starts from zero with the new filter in place. If you reset the counter before replacing the filter, the fridge will not warn you when the old filter is due for replacement, and your water quality may suffer.
Most Samsung filters are designed to last six months or 300 gallons of water, whichever comes first. After you reset, the fridge will count down from six months. When the counter reaches zero or the light turns red again, that is your signal to buy and install a new filter cartridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I don't reset the filter after replacing it?
The fridge will continue to show the old filter's usage time, and the warning light will stay on or turn red. You will not know when the new filter actually needs replacement. The counter will not advance, so it will not track the new filter's age. Reset it right after installation to keep the timer accurate.
Can I reset the filter without replacing it?
You can press the button or use the menu to reset it, but doing so without replacing the filter is not useful. The old filter will continue to degrade, and you will lose track of when it needs replacement. Reset only after you have installed a new cartridge.
Where do I buy a replacement Samsung water filter?
Samsung filters are sold at most appliance retailers, big-box stores like Home Depot and Lowe's, and online through Amazon and Samsung's website. The filter model number is printed on your current filter or in your owner's manual. Buy the exact model for your refrigerator — filters are not universal across all Samsung models.
Does resetting the filter clean it?
No. Resetting only clears the usage counter and turns off the warning light. It does not clean, flush, or maintain the filter in any way. You must physically remove the old filter and install a new one to improve water quality. If your water tastes or smells bad, the filter needs replacement, not just a reset.
How do I know which reset method my Samsung uses?
Check your owner's manual — it will show a diagram of your model with the button location or menu path. If you do not have the manual, search online for your model number (printed on the back of the fridge) plus "water filter reset." Samsung's support website has manuals and videos for most models.