The water filter location depends on your Samsung model, but most are behind the crisper drawer or in the upper right corner

Samsung refrigerators store the water filter in one of three places: inside the fridge compartment behind the crisper drawer (most common), in the upper right corner of the fridge interior, or at the base of the unit behind a panel. The exact location varies by model year and door style. Check your refrigerator's manual or look for a small cylindrical cartridge about the size of a soda can — that is your filter. If you cannot find it by looking, your model number will tell you where it is.

Finding your model number takes 30 seconds. Open the fridge door and look at the wall just inside the frame on the right side, or check the back wall of the fridge compartment. The model number is a string of letters and numbers like RF28R7201SR. Write it down and search "[your model number] water filter location" — Samsung's parts website will show you a diagram with an arrow pointing to the exact spot.

Key Takeaways

  • Most Samsung refrigerators have the water filter behind the crisper drawer on the lower left side of the fridge compartment.
  • Some models keep the filter in the upper right corner of the fridge interior or at the base behind a removable panel.
  • Your model number, found inside the fridge door frame, will show you the exact location if you cannot spot it by looking.
  • Filters are cylindrical cartridges about 4 to 5 inches long and twist out by hand — no tools needed.
  • Samsung recommends replacing the filter every six months or when water flow slows, whichever comes first.

Behind the crisper drawer (the most common location)

If your Samsung is a French door or side-by-side model made in the last ten years, the filter is almost certainly behind the crisper drawer. Pull out the drawer on the lower left side of the fridge compartment — it slides out completely. Look at the back wall where the drawer was sitting. You will see a cylindrical cartridge, usually white or black, with a twist cap on the bottom or top.

To remove it, grip the cartridge and turn it counterclockwise about a quarter turn. It will pop out. Some models have a small handle or tab you pull instead of twisting. The old filter will drip a little water, so have a towel ready. Do not worry about the water — it is just what was in the filter housing. Slide the crisper drawer back in once you have removed the filter.

Upper right corner of the fridge interior

Older Samsung models and some compact refrigerators keep the filter in the upper right corner of the fridge compartment, near the top shelf. Look for a small cylindrical cartridge or a plastic housing with a blue or white cap. This location is less common but appears in models from the early 2010s and some bottom-freezer units.

The removal process is the same: twist counterclockwise or pull the tab, and the cartridge comes out. These filters are smaller than the crisper-drawer type, so they may need replacement more often. Check your manual for the recommended interval — it is usually three to six months depending on water hardness in your area.

At the base behind a removable panel

A smaller number of Samsung models, particularly older or commercial-style units, have the filter at the bottom of the refrigerator behind a front panel. Look at the very bottom of the fridge exterior, below the doors. You may see a small rectangular panel or a grille. This panel either slides out or unscrews with a Phillips head screwdriver.

Once the panel is off, you will see the filter cartridge inside. It twists out the same way as the other types. This location is less convenient because you have to bend down and may need a screwdriver, but the filter itself works the same way. After you remove the old filter, wipe the inside of the housing with a clean cloth before inserting the new one.

How to know when your filter needs replacing

Samsung recommends replacing the water filter every six months, but the actual timing depends on how much water you use and how hard your water is. If you use the ice maker and water dispenser daily, you may need a new filter every four months. If you use them rarely, it may last eight months or longer.

The first sign is slower water flow from the dispenser or smaller ice cubes. If you notice either, the filter is clogged and needs replacement. Some Samsung models have a filter indicator light on the control panel that turns red or blue when replacement is due — check your manual to see if yours has one. Do not ignore the light; a clogged filter reduces water pressure and can strain the pump.

What filter to buy and how to install it

Samsung sells official replacement filters under the part number DA29-00003G (the most common type) or DA29-00003B, depending on your model. These cost between $30 and $50. You can also buy third-party filters that fit Samsung refrigerators for $15 to $25, though Samsung does not warranty them. Both types work the same way.

Installation takes one minute. Remove the old filter, note which way it came out, and insert the new one in the same direction. Push or twist clockwise until it stops — you will feel a slight resistance when it seats. Do not force it. Run water through the dispenser for 30 seconds to flush air from the new filter; the water may look cloudy at first, but that clears in a few seconds. If water still flows slowly after flushing, the new filter may be defective — contact the seller for a replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Samsung refrigerator without a water filter?

Yes, but you should not. Without a filter, tap water minerals and sediment go directly into your ice maker and water dispenser. This will clog the dispenser nozzle and damage the ice maker within weeks. If your filter is missing or broken, order a replacement before using the water or ice functions again.

What happens if I install the filter backwards?

The filter will not seat properly and water will leak around the cartridge into the fridge. You will notice water pooling under the crisper drawer or dripping from the filter housing. Remove it, flip it around, and reinstall it. There is no damage from trying — just twist it out and try again.

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

No. The filter housing has a valve that stops water flow when you remove the cartridge. You may see a small amount of water drip out, but the supply will not run. Have a towel ready, but you do not need to shut off the main water valve.

How do I know which replacement filter to order?

Look up your model number on Samsung's parts website or search "[your model number] water filter" on Amazon or the manufacturer's site. The most common type is DA29-00003G. If you are unsure, call Samsung customer service with your model number and they will tell you the correct part number in under a minute.

Can I clean and reuse my old filter instead of replacing it?

No. Water filters cannot be cleaned effectively — the media inside is designed to trap particles and minerals, and rinsing does not remove them. A clogged filter that looks clean on the outside is still clogged inside. Replace it with a new cartridge every six months or when water flow slows.