It’s a good idea to change the water filter on your GE refrigerator every 6 months, or about twice a year. Here’s how:
- Step 1: Locate and remove the old filter by rotating it counter-clockwise.
- Step 2: Remove the cap on the new filter and install it by rotating clockwise while pressing firmly.
- Step 3: Press and hold the Reset Water Filter button for 3 seconds to reset the icon.
- Step 4: Purge the new filter by running 1 gallon of water (about eight 16-oz. glasses).
You can click on any of the steps above for more details or jump straight to my troubleshooting tips if you’re having problems resetting the filter.
Step 1: Remove the old filter
Open the refrigerator doors and locate the compartment labelled “Water Filter”. You may need to press the tabs to open the cover and reveal the filter.
Carefully swivel the filter out until you feel some resistance and then rotate it counter-clockwise to remove. If the filter won’t budge, you may need to swivel it slightly more before it will release.
Step 2: Install the new filter
Remove the new filter from the packaging and remove the protective plastic cap from the tip. Insert it into the filter receptacle, rotating it clockwise to attach.
Then swivel the new filter back into position and push the cover closed.
Step 3: Reset the filter icon
Press and hold the Reset Water Filter button for 3 seconds or until the indicator turns off.
Step 4: Purge the new filter
It’s important to purge your new filter to remove loose charcoal dust and air that might be trapped in the line.
GE recommends running about eight 16-oz. glasses in order to fully clear the filter so that it’s ready to drink from.
It’s also a good idea to check the filter compartment after you finish this process to make sure that there aren’t any leaks that could indicate an improper connection.
How To Reset GE Side-By-Side Refrigerator Water Filter
The reset process is going to be slightly different if you have a side-by-side refrigerator (with the freezer compartment on the left and the refrigerator compartment on the right).
The main difference is that there is no cover to open and you don’t need to swivel the filter out.
Instead, simply locate the water filter and then turn it counter-clockwise until it releases.
What to do if the filter is stuck
User manuals can be great, but they don’t always tell the whole truth. Some things you just have to learn through experience.
In general, it should require very little effort to pull the filter out from the refrigerator. If you are having to pull on it and it still isn’t coming out, pause for a moment.
You want to avoid trying to force the water filter out before you’ve confirmed that it’s in the correct position to be removed.
To do so, pause for a moment and check two things:
- Make sure that you have pulled the water filter away from the compartment as far as it will go. The filter should pivot away from the side or top of the refrigerator to make it easier to remove.
- Make sure that you have twisted the filter all the way. On most models, you will rotate it counter-clockwise to loosen the filter, then clockwise to tighten the new one.
In my experience, double-checking both of those things helps me to loosen the filter up in every case. Often times the filter will pop right out once in the correct position.
However, it is possible for water filters to seize up, especially if it’s been a long time since it has been replaced. You might notice calcium build-up around the nozzle of the filter if that’s the case.
This is the situation that might call for you to use a little extra force to pull the filter out. Disconnecting the water line from the refrigerator can also help to loosen it by reducing the water pressure on the filter.
What To Do If You Can’t Reset Your GE Water Filter
If you run into an issue with your water filter that you can’t fix yourself, you have two options depending on the problem.
Problem With The Water Filter Cartridge
Each water filter cartridge comes with a 30-day limited warranty.
That means that GE will replace the filter cartridge free-of-charge if it fails within 30 days of purchase due to a defect.
To initiate a warranty claim, go to geapplianceparts.com or call 1-800-GE-CARES.
Problem With The Refrigerator
If the problem seems to be with your refrigerator — such as a leak coming from inside the door — you should get this looked at by a professional.
Most appliance manufacturers like GE maintain a fleet of repair technicians that get dispatched for warranty repair work.
So the first step is to contact GE customer support and explain the problem to them. If you’re lucky, they may have a troubleshooting idea you can try that will fix your issue.
Most likely, though, they will attempt to diagnose your issue over the phone and then put you on the repair schedule. You’ll be given a repair window and then a technician will come to your home with the parts they think they’ll need to repair your refrigerator.
I’ve had to get this done several times with a refrigerator and other appliances, and it’s usually a fairly straightforward and hassle-free process.
The hardest part is making sure someone is around during the repair window, which can sometimes be up to 8 hours long.
However, making sure your GE refrigerator is working properly and won’t flood your house while you’re gone is definitely time well spent.
Where To Find Replacement Filters
While you can always order official GE replacement filters, Amazon has introduced a third-party water filter that tends to work just as well. The filter capabilities are similar and those who have tried both types say that the water tastes the same.
Here’s a quick link to both versions in case you need to stock up, with live pricing information that’s updated daily:
Amazon Basics produces a third-party version of the water filters for GE refrigerators for significantly less. If you live in an area that already has decent water quality, most people agree that they can't tell a difference.
GE's official water filters are more expensive, but they can be ordered from Amazon with fast Prime shipping and are guaranteed to work with your GE refrigerator.
Patrick Ward