Refrigerator water filter changes are one of those tasks that seem complicated until you’ve done it once. After that, it takes about 30 seconds. The hard part is finding your filter model the first time.
Find Your Filter Model First
Your filter model number is almost always printed directly on the old filter. Pull it out and look. Common GE models include MWF, RPWF, and RPWFE. Common Samsung models include DA29-00020B and HAF-CIN. Whirlpool models include EveryDrop filters (EDR1RXD1, EDR2RXD1, EDR3RXD1, etc.).
If you can’t read it off the filter, check the sticker inside the filter housing door or compartment. Or look up your refrigerator’s model number (inside the fresh food section, usually on a sticker) and search it on the manufacturer’s website.
Write the filter model on a sticky note and tape it inside the cabinet where you store spare filters. Most people spend 15 minutes searching for this every 6 months. One note solves that permanently.
GE and Profile Refrigerators
GE uses two main filter locations depending on the model.
In-door filters (GE RPWFE, RPWF): Open the filter door on the fresh food section door, usually near the top. Turn the filter about 1/4 turn counterclockwise. It should loosen and slide out. Insert the new filter, push it in, and turn 1/4 clockwise until it clicks into position. The RPWFE model has a chip that communicates with the refrigerator, so the indicator resets automatically. The RPWF does not, and needs a manual reset.
Interior cartridge filters (GE MWF): These are in the upper-right area of the fresh food section. Push the button to release, then pull the filter straight out. Insert the new filter and push until it clicks.
After either type: press and hold the WATER FILTER button on the control panel for 3 seconds to reset the indicator light.
LG Refrigerators
LG puts filters in two locations.
Interior filters: Open the filter cover, usually in the upper-right area of the fresh food section. Push the button and the filter pops out slightly. Pull straight out. Insert the new filter, push until it clicks, close the cover.
Grille filters (bottom-mounted): Some LG models put the filter behind the bottom front grille. Remove the grille panel first (it clips on and off). The filter is horizontal. Turn it 1/4 counterclockwise and pull out. Insert the new filter, push and turn 1/4 clockwise until it locks. Reinstall the grille.
Reset the filter indicator: press and hold the FILTER button for 3 seconds, or on some models press and hold the LT ICE and CUBED buttons simultaneously.
Samsung French Door Refrigerators
Samsung filters are usually in the upper-left interior corner of the fresh food section.
Press the filter button or the small release tab. The filter drops down slightly from its locked position. Pull the filter straight out. Have a small towel ready, there will be a few drops of water.
Insert the new filter: push it straight up into the housing and push firmly until it clicks into the locked position. It should sit flush and not move.
Reset: press and hold the ICE MAKER or WATER button on the dispenser panel for 3 seconds. On some models it’s the CHILD LOCK button. Check your panel labels, the reset button varies by model.
Whirlpool and Maytag
Whirlpool uses two common configurations.
Base grille filters: The filter is in the bottom grille at the front of the refrigerator. Turn the filter cap 1/4 counterclockwise, then pull the cap and filter straight out. Remove the old filter from the cap. Insert the new filter into the cap, reinsert the assembly into the housing, and turn 1/4 clockwise to lock.
Interior filters: Some Whirlpool models put the filter in the upper-right of the fresh food section. Push in slightly to release, pull out. Insert the new filter and push until it clicks.
Reset the filter indicator: press and hold the WATER FILTER button for 3 seconds.
Frigidaire
Frigidaire filters are typically push-in cartridges in the upper area of the fresh food section.
Push the filter in slightly to release the lock mechanism (it will move about a quarter inch inward, then pop back). Pull straight out. Insert the new filter and push firmly until it clicks into the locked position. It should sit flush.
Reset the filter light: press and hold the WATER FILTER button for 3 seconds. On older models, look for a RESET FILTER button.
After Every Filter Change
Run 2-3 gallons of water through the dispenser before drinking. This flushes air out of the lines and flushes carbon fines from the new filter. The first glass or two may look slightly cloudy or gray, especially if there’s air in the line. That’s normal and clears quickly.
If your ice maker was off during a filter change, give the system 24 hours before expecting ice, and discard the first batch. Ice made during the transition period may contain residual carbon fines.
OEM vs. Aftermarket
OEM filters from your refrigerator’s manufacturer are independently certified to NSF standards and tested against your specific refrigerator model. They’re the conservative choice.
Aftermarket filters that carry independent NSF 42 and NSF 53 certification are a legitimate alternative. The risk is in filters that claim to be “tested to NSF standards” without independent certification, that phrasing doesn’t mean the same thing. If you’re specifically concerned about lead reduction (NSF 53), verify the aftermarket filter’s certification number through the NSF product database at info.nsf.org.
For most people, the right filter is the one you’ll actually change on schedule. A properly maintained OEM or certified aftermarket filter beats a neglected premium filter every time. For filter comparisons, see what water filter do I need and when to replace your water filter.