Reset the Filter Light in Three Steps
The filter light on your Samsung refrigerator turns on when the water filter has been running for six months or 300 gallons, whichever comes first. To turn it off, you press and hold a button on the control panel for three seconds—the exact button depends on your model, but it is always labeled "Filter" or "Reset Filter." The light will go dark when ready.
Before you reset the light, replace the actual filter cartridge. The light is a reminder that the filter needs changing, not just a counter you can silence. If you reset the light without swapping the filter, your water and ice will pass through a cartridge that no longer removes contaminants effectively.
Key Takeaways
- The filter light reminds you to replace the water filter every six months or 300 gallons, so replace the cartridge before resetting the light.
- Press and hold the "Filter" or "Reset Filter" button on your control panel for three seconds to turn off the light.
- The button location varies by model—check your refrigerator's control panel or your user manual if you cannot find it.
- If the light stays on after you press the button, hold it for a full five seconds, as some models require a longer press.
Locate the Filter Reset Button on Your Control Panel
Samsung refrigerators have the reset button in different places depending on the model year and style. On most French-door and side-by-side models, the button is on the front control panel, usually in the upper right corner or near the water and ice dispenser buttons. It will say "Filter," "Reset Filter," or sometimes just "Reset."
If your refrigerator has a digital display screen on the door, the reset option may be in the on-screen menu instead of a physical button. Press the menu or settings icon on the display, scroll to "Filter" or "Water Filter," and select "Reset." Your user manual will show you the exact path for your model.
If you cannot find the button or menu option, check the inside of your refrigerator—some models have the reset button on the interior wall near the water filter cartridge itself. Open the fridge and look for a small button near where the filter sits.
Replace the Water Filter Before Resetting
Samsung water filters are cylindrical cartridges that screw or slide into a housing, usually located inside the refrigerator or in the base grille underneath. When the filter light comes on, order a replacement filter that matches your model number. You can find the model number on a sticker inside the fridge or on the back of the unit.
To remove the old filter, turn it counterclockwise (if it screws in) or pull it straight out (if it slides). Catch any water that drips. Rinse the new filter under cold running water for five seconds before installing it, then insert it into the housing and turn it clockwise until it stops, or push it in until it clicks. Run water through the dispenser for 30 seconds to flush the new filter.
Using a non-Samsung filter or skipping the replacement altogether will not prevent the light from turning back on at the six-month mark, but it will mean your water is not being filtered properly. The light is tied to time, not to water quality, so it will return whether you replace the filter or not.
Press and Hold the Reset Button for Three Seconds
Once the new filter is installed and flushed, stand in front of your refrigerator and locate the reset button. Press it and hold it down for three full seconds. You should see the light dim and go out. Some models beep or show a confirmation message on the display screen.
If the light does not turn off after three seconds, try holding the button for five seconds instead. A few Samsung models require a longer press. Release the button and wait a moment—the light should disappear within a few seconds.
If the light stays on even after a five-second hold, unplug the refrigerator for 30 seconds and plug it back in. This resets the control board. Then try pressing the filter button again. If the light still will not turn off, the control panel may have a fault and you should contact Samsung support.
What to Do If the Reset Button Does Not Work
If you have pressed the button multiple times and the light remains on, first make sure you are pressing the correct button. Some refrigerators have a "Power Cool" button or "Ice Maker" button nearby that looks similar. Check your user manual to confirm you have the right one.
If you have the right button and it is not working, the control panel may need a full reset. Unplug the refrigerator from the wall outlet for at least 30 seconds, then plug it back in. This clears the memory of the control board and sometimes restores the reset button's function. Try the button again.
If the light still will not turn off after a power reset, the control panel itself may be faulty. Contact Samsung customer service with your model number and describe what you have tried. They can walk you through additional troubleshooting or arrange a repair.
Mark Your Calendar for the Next Filter Change
Once you have reset the light, it will not come back on for another six months—assuming normal use. If your household uses a lot of water or ice, the filter may need changing sooner. Some people set a phone reminder for five and a half months after the reset to order a replacement filter ahead of time.
Keep a spare filter on hand so you are not caught without one when the light comes back on. Samsung filters are inexpensive and widely available online and in stores, so there is no reason to delay the replacement and let the light stay on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I turn off the filter light without replacing the filter?
Yes, you can press the reset button and the light will turn off, but you should not. The light is a reminder that the filter cartridge has reached the end of its useful life. Resetting it without replacing the filter means your water and ice will not be filtered, even though the light is dark.
Why does the filter light come back on after I reset it?
The light is set to turn on every six months or after 300 gallons of water have passed through the filter. If it comes back on within a few weeks of resetting, you may have a control board fault. Try unplugging the refrigerator for 30 seconds and plugging it back in, then reset the light again.
Where do I buy a replacement Samsung water filter?
Samsung filters are sold at most major retailers, including Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, and Lowe's. You can also order directly from Samsung's website. Make sure you order the correct model number for your refrigerator—it is printed on the sticker inside your fridge or on the back of the unit.
What if I have a Samsung refrigerator with no filter button?
Some older Samsung models do not have a water filter or a reset button. If your refrigerator has no water dispenser or ice maker, it does not need a filter. If it does have a dispenser but no reset button, check the on-screen menu on your control panel display, or contact Samsung support with your model number.
Does the filter light mean the water is unsafe to drink?
The light does not mean the water is unsafe right now. It means the filter has been in use for six months and is no longer filtering as effectively as it did when new. You can still drink the water, but it is a good time to replace the filter to keep your water quality high.