Turn off the water supply, locate the filter housing, and twist out the old cartridge before installing the new one
Most Frigidaire refrigerators with ice makers or water dispensers have a filter that needs changing every six months to a year, depending on your water quality and use. The actual replacement takes about five minutes and requires no tools. You'll turn off the water supply (or use the bypass valve if your model has one), locate the filter housing — usually inside the fridge or underneath it — unscrew the old filter, and screw in the new one hand-tight.
The hardest part is usually finding where your specific model keeps the filter. Frigidaire puts them in different places: some are in the grille at the bottom front, some are inside the refrigerator compartment in the upper corner, and some are mounted on the back wall. Once you know where yours lives, the job is straightforward.
Key Takeaways
- Frigidaire filters screw in by hand with no tools needed, and you should replace them every six months to one year depending on water quality.
- Before you start, locate your filter by checking your model number in the owner's manual or looking in the grille, upper corner, or back wall of the fridge.
- Turn off the water supply at the shut-off valve behind the refrigerator, or use the bypass valve on the filter housing itself if your model has one.
- Screw the new filter in by hand until it stops, then run water through the dispenser for two to three minutes to flush air from the line.
Find your filter location before you start
Frigidaire uses three main filter locations depending on the model year and type. The easiest way to find yours is to look at the model number on the back of the fridge or inside the door frame, then search that number plus "water filter" in the Frigidaire website or your owner's manual. The manual will show you exactly where to look.
If you don't have the manual, check these three places in order: the grille at the bottom front of the refrigerator (you may need to remove a plastic cover), the upper corner inside the fridge compartment (usually behind a small panel), or the back wall of the fridge near the water line connection. Once you spot it, you'll see either a cylindrical cartridge or a round filter head with a center knob or button.
Turn off the water before opening the filter housing
Look behind your refrigerator for the water shut-off valve — it's usually a small knob or lever on the copper or plastic line running to the fridge. Turn it clockwise (or flip the lever to the off position) until it stops. This prevents water from spraying out when you open the filter housing.
Some Frigidaire models have a bypass valve built into the filter housing itself, which looks like a small button or lever on the filter head. If yours has one, you can skip the shut-off valve and just press or flip the bypass instead. Either way works; the bypass is faster if you're changing the filter often, but the main shut-off valve is more reliable if you're leaving the fridge for a while.
Remove the old filter by turning it counterclockwise
Grip the filter cartridge or the filter head (whichever your model has) and turn it counterclockwise by hand. It will loosen after a quarter turn or so, then spin freely. Keep turning until it comes out completely. You may see a small amount of water drip out — this is normal and expected.
If the filter is stuck, wrap a dry cloth around it for better grip and try again. Do not use pliers or a wrench; hand pressure is enough, and tools can crack the plastic housing. If it still won't budge, let the water pressure equalize for a few minutes with the bypass valve open, then try again.
Install the new filter and flush the line
Before you screw in the new filter, check that the rubber seal or O-ring on the old filter came out with it. If it's still stuck in the housing, remove it by hand — leaving it behind will cause leaks. Then take the new filter, align it with the housing threads, and turn it clockwise by hand until it stops. It should be snug but not forced; hand-tight is the right amount of pressure.
Turn the water supply back on at the shut-off valve (or flip the bypass valve back to the on position). Then go to the water dispenser or ice maker and run water for two to three minutes. This flushes air out of the line and removes any carbon dust from the new filter. The water may look slightly gray or cloudy at first — this is normal and will clear after a minute or two.
Know when to replace your filter
Most Frigidaire filters are rated for six months of normal use or about 200 gallons of water. If you use the dispenser heavily or have hard water, you may need to change it sooner. Some models have a filter status light on the control panel that turns red or orange when replacement is due; others require you to track the date yourself.
A filter that's past its life will reduce water pressure at the dispenser, make ice cubes taste off, or cause the fridge to stop making ice altogether. If any of these happen before six months, your water may be harder than average and you should plan on shorter replacement intervals. Keep a spare filter on hand so you're never without one when you need it.
Troubleshooting common problems
If water leaks from the filter housing after you install the new one, the most common cause is a missing or misaligned O-ring. Turn off the water, unscrew the filter, and check that the rubber seal is seated properly in the groove. Screw the filter back in and test again.
If the water pressure is low after changing the filter, run water through the dispenser for another minute or two to make sure all the air is out of the line. If pressure stays low, the new filter may be defective or installed incorrectly. Unscrew it, check that the threads are clean and aligned, and reinstall it. If the problem persists, contact Frigidaire support with your model number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to turn off the ice maker before changing the filter?
No, but it's a good idea to turn it off for a few hours after you change the filter. This gives the line time to pressurize and the filter time to settle. If you make ice right away, the first batch may taste like carbon or look cloudy.
Can I use a third-party filter instead of a Frigidaire filter?
Yes, many aftermarket filters fit Frigidaire housings and cost less. Check the part number on your current filter and search for compatible replacements. Make sure the new filter is rated for your fridge's water pressure and flow rate, which are listed in your manual.
What do I do with the old filter?
Most water filters can go in the trash or recycling bin, depending on your local rules. Some retailers that sell replacement filters will take old ones back for recycling. Check with your local waste management or a nearby appliance store to see if they have a take-back program.
How do I know if my fridge has a water filter?
If your Frigidaire has an ice maker or a water dispenser on the door, it has a filter. Look for a cylindrical cartridge or a round filter head inside the fridge, in the grille at the bottom, or on the back wall. If you can't find one, check your owner's manual or call Frigidaire with your model number.
Can I change the filter without turning off the water?
You can use the bypass valve if your model has one, which lets you change the filter without shutting off the main water supply. If there's no bypass valve, turning off the water prevents spraying and makes the job cleaner, but it's not strictly necessary — just be ready for some water to come out.