The water filter on most Samsung fridges is located inside the refrigerator compartment, in the upper right corner behind the kick plate, or in the base grille at the front bottom — the exact spot depends on your model year and door configuration.
Samsung uses three main filter locations across their refrigerator line. The most common placement is inside the fridge compartment in the upper right corner, where you'll see a cylindrical cartridge sitting horizontally in a plastic housing. The second location is behind the lower kick plate at the front of the fridge, which you access by removing a panel at ground level. The third is in the base grille at the very bottom front, visible when you look under the unit. Your model may also have a filter in the freezer compartment, though this is less common.
The easiest way to find yours is to check your model number — it's on a sticker inside the fridge, usually on the side wall or back — and search "Samsung [model number] water filter location" on Samsung's support site. You can also look at the water and ice dispenser on your door: if it's there, the filter is almost always in the upper right corner of the fridge box itself.
Key Takeaways
- Most Samsung fridges have the filter in the upper right corner inside the refrigerator compartment, accessed by twisting out a cylindrical cartridge.
- Some models keep the filter behind the front kick plate at ground level, which requires removing a plastic panel to reach.
- A few models place the filter in the base grille at the bottom front of the unit, visible without removing anything.
- Your model number, found on a sticker inside the fridge, tells you exactly where your filter sits and which replacement part you need.
- Filters typically need replacement every six months, though this depends on your water quality and how often you use the dispenser.
Upper Right Corner Installation (Most Common)
If your Samsung has a water or ice dispenser on the door, the filter is almost certainly in the upper right corner of the refrigerator compartment. Open the fridge door and look at the top right area — you'll see a white or gray cylindrical cartridge sitting horizontally in a plastic housing, usually with a blue or red cap on one end.
To access it, you may need to remove a small shelf or bin that sits in front of the housing. Once you can see the cartridge clearly, grip the cap and twist it counterclockwise about a quarter turn until it stops. The cartridge will slide out toward you. Note the direction the old filter was pointing — the arrow on the new one should face the same way — and slide the replacement in, then twist the cap clockwise until it clicks.
After installation, run water through the dispenser for about five minutes to flush air from the line and remove any carbon dust from the new filter. The water may look slightly gray or black at first; this is normal and will clear.
Behind the Front Kick Plate (Lower Models)
Some Samsung models, particularly French-door and bottom-freezer units, hide the filter behind a removable panel at the very bottom front of the fridge. This panel, called the kick plate or toe kick, sits at ground level and covers the space under the door handles.
To remove it, grip the bottom edge and pull straight toward you — it usually clips on and releases without tools. Once the panel is off, you'll see the filter cartridge mounted horizontally in a housing. Twist the cap counterclockwise to release it, slide the old filter out, and insert the new one in the same direction. Twist the cap clockwise until snug, then push the kick plate back into place until it clicks.
This location is less convenient for regular maintenance, so mark your calendar when you install a new filter. The filter is harder to see and reach, which means people sometimes forget to replace it on schedule.
Base Grille Location (Compact and Specialty Models)
A smaller number of Samsung models, including some compact and specialty units, mount the filter in the base grille at the bottom front of the refrigerator. You don't need to remove anything to see it — just look under the fridge at the front, and you'll spot a cylindrical cartridge sitting in a horizontal housing.
Reach under and grip the cap, then twist counterclockwise to release it. Slide the old filter straight out and insert the new one, making sure the arrow on the cartridge points in the same direction as the old one did. Twist the cap clockwise until it stops, then run water for five minutes to flush the line.
This location is actually the easiest to access for regular replacement, since you don't have to open the fridge or remove any panels. However, it can collect dust and debris under the unit, so wipe the area clean before you work on it.
How to Identify Your Filter Type and Replacement Part
Samsung uses several filter cartridge models, and buying the wrong one means wasted money and a fridge that won't dispense water. The safest approach is to find your model number and cross-reference it on Samsung's parts site.
Your model number is printed on a white sticker inside the refrigerator, usually on the side wall or the back wall near the top. It starts with "RF" or "RS" and looks like "RF28R7201SR" — write it down or take a photo. Go to samsung.com/us/support, enter your model number, and navigate to Parts. The site will show you the correct filter cartridge for your unit.
Common Samsung filter models include the DA29-00003G, DA29-00003B, and DA97-08006A, but your fridge may use a different one. Do not assume all Samsung filters are the same — they are not. Buying by model number takes two minutes and prevents installing an incompatible filter.
When to Replace Your Filter and Warning Signs
Samsung recommends replacing the water filter every six months, though the actual interval depends on your water quality and how much you use the dispenser. If you have hard water or use ice and water frequently, you may need to replace it every three to four months. If you rarely use the dispenser, you might stretch it to nine months.
Signs that your filter needs replacement include slower water flow from the dispenser, ice cubes that taste off or smell stale, or visible cloudiness in the water. 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. If the light is on, the filter is due regardless of how long it's been installed.
Never ignore a clogged or overdue filter. A saturated filter stops removing contaminants and can harbor bacteria, which then flows into your water and ice. Replacing it on schedule is cheaper than dealing with water quality problems or a service call.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to turn off the water supply before replacing the filter?
No. Samsung filters are designed to be swapped while the water line is pressurized. You may see a small amount of water drip when you remove the old cartridge — this is normal. Have a towel ready and work over the sink or a shallow pan to catch any spillage.
What should I do if the new filter won't twist in or feels stuck?
Make sure you're twisting in the correct direction — clockwise to tighten. If it still won't budge, the cartridge may be slightly misaligned. Remove it completely, check that the housing is clean and free of debris, and reinsert the filter straight in before twisting. If the cap still won't turn, the filter may be the wrong model for your fridge.
Can I use a third-party or generic filter instead of a Samsung part?
You can, but Samsung filters are designed to fit your specific model and pressure system. Third-party filters may not seal properly, leading to leaks or water bypassing the filter entirely. If you want to save money, compare prices on genuine Samsung filters across retailers — prices vary, and you may find a better deal without sacrificing quality.
Why is my water still cloudy after I installed a new filter?
Run water through the dispenser for at least five minutes after installation. New filters contain carbon dust and air pockets that need to be flushed out. If the water is still cloudy after ten minutes of running, the filter may be installed backward — check that the arrow on the cartridge points toward the dispenser, not away from it.
Where can I buy a replacement 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 own site. Prices typically range from $30 to $60 depending on the model. Buy by your exact model number to avoid compatibility problems, and keep your receipt in case you need to return it.