It’s a good idea to change the water filter on your Samsung 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 Filter Reset 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).
Click on any of the steps above for more details or keep reading to follow along with the process step-by-step.
Step 1: Remove The Old Filter
The first thing you need to do is remove the old filter from your fridge by rotating it counter-clockwise.
Certain models of Samsung refrigerators will have a “Lock” and “Unlock” icon beside the filter to help make it easier to remove. If you are sure that the filter is in the correct position and it still won’t come out, you may need to apply a little force.
Sometimes, minerals can build up around the connection point where your water filter meets your refrigerator. This can cause the filter to feel like it’s stuck, but rotating it a few times back and forth and then applying a little pressure is usually enough for it to be removed.
Step 2: Insert The New Water Filter
First things first, take your new water filter and remove it from any packaging. Then follow these steps to install:
- If your new water filter has one, twist the cap off and remove it before proceeding.
- Get a rag or paper towel and set it nearby, as some water might come out during this process.
- Insert the new filter so that the Samsung logo is facing up.
- Push it in until you feel resistance, then twist it clockwise until the filter is secure.
A little bit of water can leak out when you insert a new filter, as the water line inside your refrigerator gets pushed open again. There is no need to be concerned unless there is a large volume of water coming out.
If you are having trouble getting the filter to lock into place, it may help to disconnect the water line behind your refrigerator. This will reduce the pressure and make it easier for the filter to be installed.
Keep in mind that Samsung only warranties their brand of Genuine Filters against leaks during operation. However, there are also a few third-party Samsung water filters that can be found on Amazon.
Step 3: Reset The Filter Light
The next step is to reset the light so that your refrigerator is aware that you’ve changed the water filter.
To reset the filter light, follow these steps:
- Locate the button that has text below it that says “Filter Reset (3 Sec)”. This is usually the Ice Maker or the Alarm buttons.
- Press and hold it down for three seconds, then release.
Some models of Samsung refrigerators will actually lock the panel after a certain amount of time passes by. So if you replaced your water filter and now the reset button isn’t working, it may be because the panel has locked you out.
If the Filter Reset light isn’t working, follow these steps instead:
- Press and hold the Door Alarm button for about 3 seconds. This will unlock the panel.
- Press and hold the Ice Maker button for about 3 seconds.
The red “Filter” light should turn off and you’re almost done. There’s just one more step to go.
Step 4: Purge The New Filter
It’s very important that you purge a new water filter after you’ve installed it.
Although the filters arrive clean, you need to move about 1 gallon of water through the new filter in order to wash out any small carbon particles that might be left. This will also help remove any air that has gotten into the line when you reset the water filter.
The easiest way to do this is to grab a pitcher or a typical 8-oz glass of water. Fill your container and then dump it out until the water is running clear and there is no air left in the line.
After you’ve finished running about a gallon of water through the system, it’s a great idea to open your fridge and check for any water that could indicate a leak.
If you don’t see anything, it means that your filter has a good seal and should be good to go for another 6 months.
Where Is The Filter Reset Button On A Samsung Refrigerator?
On Samsung refrigerators, the filter reset button is usually located on the left side of the panel, typically under the Alarm button. Look for the words “Hold 3 sec for Filter Reset” to locate it on your model.
When you find that phrase, press and hold the button directly above for 3 seconds to reset the filter indicator.
The filter reset button could also be under the button labelled Vacation or Ice Maker, depending on your model.
How Often To Change Water Filter On Samsung Refrigerator
There are two ways to know when it’s time to change your filter.
The first is by the quality of the water coming out of the dispenser. If it starts to taste stale, is warmer than usual, the pressure seems low, or your ice maker isn’t working properly, it may be time to replace your filter.
The second way is to wait until the red “Filter” light appears on your fridge. Samsung recommends changing your filter every 6 months, so this light will turn on roughly twice per year.
Keep in mind that if you live in an area with a lot of minerals in your water or you are using well water, you may want to replace your filter more frequently. In these cases, every 3-4 months should keep your water tasting fresh and minimize wear-and-tear on the dispenser.
Where To Get Replacement Filters
You can find a whole array of replacement filters on Amazon with fast Prime delivery. In fact, I recently published a guide to the 5 best replacement filters for Samsung.
So if you’re curious, I recommend checking that article out for a quick overview of the most reliable and effective filters you can get for your Samsung fridge.
That said, if you’re ready to stock up on a new filter now and just want my top recommendation, I suggest going with the official Samsung filter from Amazon for the best deal.
You can get an additional 5% off by subscribing to regular deliveries and it provides peace of mind knowing that it will filter out most contaminants and is guaranteed not to leak.
Although more expensive than other options, genuine Samsung filter replacements are guaranteed to fit and are the only filters on this list that reduce harmful contaminants. Certified against NSF 42, NSF 53, and NSF 401 standards.
Patrick Ward