Where the filter sits and what type yours uses

Samsung refrigerators hold their water filter in one of two places: inside the fridge compartment (usually in the upper right corner behind a panel) or underneath the unit in the kick plate at the bottom front. The location depends on your model year and style. Open your fridge door and look for a cylindrical cartridge behind a plastic cover, or crouch down and look for a similar cartridge in the base panel.

The filter type matters because you need the exact replacement. Samsung uses two main cartridge designs: the DA29-00003G (and its newer versions like DA29-00003F) and the DA97-08006A. Your model number is printed on a sticker inside the fridge, usually on the side wall or back. Write it down and search it on Samsung's website or your refrigerator's manual to confirm which filter your unit takes. Buying the wrong cartridge wastes money and won't fit.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Samsung filter is either behind a panel inside the fridge or in the kick plate at the bottom front, and you need to know your model number to buy the right replacement.
  • The cartridge twists out counterclockwise by hand in most models; some require a quarter-turn push-and-release motion instead.
  • Before installing the new filter, run water through it for 5 to 10 seconds to flush out carbon dust and air from the cartridge.
  • After installation, hold the reset button (usually on the filter housing or control panel) for 3 seconds until a light stops blinking, or the fridge will keep reminding you to change it.

Removing the old filter step by step

Turn off the water supply to your refrigerator first. Look under the sink or behind the fridge for the shut-off valve on the line that feeds the ice maker and water dispenser. Turn it clockwise until it stops. This prevents water from spraying when you remove the cartridge.

Locate the filter housing. If it is inside the fridge, open the door and look for a cylindrical cover in the upper right area or wherever your manual shows. If it is in the kick plate, get down low and look for a similar cover at the bottom front. Press or twist the cover counterclockwise (or follow the arrow marked on the housing) until it comes free. Some models require you to push inward and turn a quarter turn instead — your manual will show which.

Once the cover is off, the cartridge itself will be visible. Grip it firmly and twist counterclockwise by hand. It should come out smoothly. If it is stuck, do not force it; instead, gently rock it side to side while turning. Dispose of the old cartridge in the trash — do not try to refill or clean it.

Installing the new filter and flushing the line

Before you insert the new cartridge, run water through it over a sink for 5 to 10 seconds. This removes carbon dust and air pockets that can affect water taste or flow. Hold the cartridge upright under the tap and let water flow through the inlet side (the end that faces into the fridge).

Insert the new cartridge into the housing with the inlet end pointing inward. Push it in straight and twist clockwise until you feel resistance and hear a click. Do not over-tighten; a firm quarter-turn past snug is enough. Screw the cover back on by twisting clockwise until it seats flush.

Turn the water supply back on at the shut-off valve under the sink or behind the fridge. Turn the valve counterclockwise slowly until it stops. Run water from the dispenser for 30 seconds to clear any air from the line. The water may look cloudy or taste slightly off for the first few minutes — this is normal and will clear within a few minutes of running water.

Resetting the filter indicator light

Most Samsung refrigerators have a filter status light on the control panel or on the filter housing itself. After you install the new cartridge, this light will still show "replace filter" until you reset it. Hold down the reset button (often labeled "Filter" or marked with a water droplet icon) for 3 seconds. The light should stop blinking and turn off or change color.

If you cannot find a physical reset button, check your refrigerator's control panel touchscreen. Some newer models have a menu option under Settings or Water Filter that lets you reset the indicator digitally. Consult your manual for the exact path, as it varies by model. If the light does not reset after 3 seconds, hold the button for another 3 seconds — some units require a longer press.

Troubleshooting if water flow is weak or stops

If water barely comes out of the dispenser after you change the filter, the cartridge may not be seated correctly. Turn off the water supply, remove the cartridge, and check that the rubber seals on both ends are clean and not cracked. Reinstall it and make sure you hear the click. Turn the water back on and run the dispenser for a full minute to push out any remaining air.

If water still does not flow, the inlet tube inside the fridge may be kinked or disconnected. Look behind the filter housing for a small plastic tube running from the cartridge to the back of the unit. Make sure it is not bent sharply or pulled loose. If it is disconnected, push it back onto the cartridge inlet firmly until it seats. If the tube is cracked, you may need to call Samsung service to replace it.

How often to change the filter and what affects timing

Samsung recommends changing the filter every 6 months or after 300 gallons of water, whichever comes first. If you use the ice maker and water dispenser heavily, you may need to change it sooner — every 3 to 4 months. If you use it rarely, it may last closer to 9 months. Your water quality also matters: if your tap water is very hard or has sediment, the filter will clog faster.

The filter indicator light is your best guide. When it turns red or begins blinking, change the cartridge within a week or two. Do not ignore it for months; a clogged filter reduces water flow and can allow bacteria to grow. If you travel for long periods or shut off the water supply, the filter still degrades over time, so reset the timer when you return and resume normal use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a third-party filter instead of a Samsung cartridge?

Yes, many third-party filters fit Samsung refrigerators and cost less than genuine cartridges. Look for filters certified to NSF/ANSI 42 or 53 standards and confirm they match your model number. Third-party filters work just as well if they meet those standards, but some may reduce water flow slightly or have a different reset procedure. Always check the packaging to confirm it fits your specific model before buying.

What if I cannot turn off the water supply?

If the shut-off valve under the sink is stuck or missing, you can still change the filter — just expect a small amount of water to drip out. Have towels ready and work quickly. Alternatively, locate the main water shut-off for your house (usually in the basement or outside) and turn that off instead. If you are renting, contact your landlord or maintenance to help locate or repair the shut-off valve.

Do I need to reset the filter light if I use a third-party cartridge?

Yes, reset the light the same way you would for a Samsung cartridge. The light tracks time and water volume, not the brand of filter inside. After installation, hold the reset button for 3 seconds until the light stops blinking. If the light does not reset, try holding it for 5 seconds or check your manual for the model-specific procedure.

Why does my water taste bad even after changing the filter?

New filters release carbon dust into the water for the first few minutes. Run the dispenser for 30 seconds to a minute after installation to flush this out. If the taste persists after that, the cartridge may be defective or installed incorrectly. Remove it, check that the rubber seals are seated properly, and reinstall. If the problem continues, contact Samsung support — your water supply itself may have a quality issue unrelated to the filter.

Can I change the filter without turning off the water?

You can, but water will drip or spray when you remove the old cartridge. Have towels and a small bucket ready. Work quickly and keep a hand ready to catch drips. Turning off the water first is easier and prevents mess, but it is not strictly necessary if the shut-off valve is difficult to reach. Just be prepared for water to come out.