How to Replace a Samsung Refrigerator Water Filter

Andrew October 21, 2026 #fridgefilter #how-to #refrigeratorwaterfilter #replacementfilters #samsung

A modern kitchen with a Samsung refrigerator answering samsung water filter how to replace question photo by Curtis Adams courtesy Pexels

Key Takeaways

Shut off the water (select models), turn the old filter counterclockwise to unlock it, then insert the new one and turn clockwise until it locks.
Filter location and lock alignment vary by model, so confirm your current filter’s model number before you start.
After installing, reset the indicator, check for leaks, and flush the new filter. Samsung recommends replacing it every six months.

There are numerous videos explaining how to change a Samsung fridge water filter. The best get right to the point, though you may have to suffer through unnecessarily energetic music or requests to annihilate a subscribe button. If you'd rather curl up by a fire with a good blog post, we got you. Not to spoil the ending, but usually a counterclockwise turn releases the old filter, and you're halfway there. Lock in the new one and flush. Location and method vary by model, as do the filter and the price you pay, so identify your current filter first.

Quick Answer: How Do You Replace a Samsung Refrigerator Water Filter?

Shut off the water supply, turn the old filter counterclockwise to unlock it, and pull it out. Insert the new filter and turn it clockwise until it locks, then reset the indicator, turn the water back on, check for leaks, and flush. Exact steps vary by model.

Not sure how to replace your Samsung water filter? A few standard steps apply, though some vary by model, so check your manual if yours looks different. If your filter light has turned red or a similar alert appears, it's time. Samsung recommends replacing the filter every six months.

Turn off the water supply
Locate and remove the old filter
Prepare the new filter
Install and lock the new filter
Reset the filter indicator
Turn the water back on and check for leaks
Flush the new filter

Step 1: Turn Off the Water Supply and Release the Pressure

Samsung's US instructions begin by shutting off the water supply to the refrigerator. The valve is often under the sink, behind the fridge, or under the house, and valve types vary. Dispense water until the flow stops to relieve pressure. A few models' instructions skip this step, so read yours first.

Step 2: Locate and Remove the Old Samsung Water Filter

Location varies by model: the upper right corner inside the fridge, between or near the crisper drawers, or an external filter on the water line behind the unit. Open the cover if there is one, turn the old cartridge counterclockwise (usually a quarter turn), and pull it straight out. The Samsung DA29-00003G is in the upper right corner and requires pulling the filter down out of the socket. Check your box’s instructions if the mechanism looks different.

Step 3: Prepare the New Samsung Refrigerator Water Filter

Confirm the new filter matches the old one's model number or your refrigerator's requirements, since Samsung uses several cartridge types. Remove the protective cap and any packaging. Buying genuine? Check the packaging for Samsung's authenticity check before installing. Some models provide a tag and magnet to do this. Compatible SpiroPure filters are made to OEM specifications, with certification to NSF standards, at a lower price.

Step 4: Install and Lock the New Water Filter

Insert the filter and turn it clockwise until it locks. On HAF-CIN and HAF-QIN filters, the LOCK symbol on the cap should line up with the indicator line on the compartment. HAFCU1 filters twist right until the notch lines up with the arrow on the housing. Don't force or overtighten.

Step 5: Reset the Samsung Water Filter Indicator

Reset the indicator now, while the water is still off. On most models, hold the Filter Reset button for 3 seconds. Some are labeled Alarm, Water Filter, or Ice/Water or there might be a symbol. Others use a button combination or a menu, like the Family Hub Fridge Manager mobile application or “app” so you can check this step off from the comfort of your phone. Our Samsung filter reset guide covers model-specific steps.

Step 6: Turn the Water Back On and Check for Leaks

Turn the water supply back on when applicable and check the housing and surrounding area for drips. If it leaks, confirm the cartridge is fully seated and the lock lines up rather than forcing or overtightening it. Samsung's troubleshooting guides suggest inspecting the filter and housing when leaks occur.

Step 7: Flush the New Samsung Water Filter

Dispense and discard water to clear air and loose material from the system. Use a large container. Samsung's guidance varies, from a noticeably specific 7 minutes of dispensing to 2–3 gallons (as with SpiroPure models), so follow the instructions for the filter in your hand.

Don't choose a filter by appearance alone. Many filters look alike. But slight variations in connections and locking tabs will prevent filters from fitting. Samsung uses several cartridge types, so verify your refrigerator's model number or the part number printed on your current cartridge. Samsung's support pages say the same: check the model number on your old filter to see which type you need. HAF-CIN, HAF-QIN, and HAFCU1 are common examples, though yours may differ. Browse compatible options for your fridge among our Samsung water filters.

All Filters offers both Samsung OEM and compatible SpiroPure options across multiple Samsung filter and refrigerator models, so you can choose the genuine part or a lower-priced alternative made to OEM specifications.

FAQs on How to Replace a Samsung Refrigerator Water Filter

How do I replace a Samsung water filter?

When applicable, shut off the water supply (often a supply off the faucet line with a dedicated valve), turn the old filter counterclockwise to unlock it, and pull it out. Remove the new filter's cap, insert it, and turn clockwise until it locks. Reset the indicator, restore the water, check for leaks, and flush. Steps vary by model, so check your manual.

Can you replace a Samsung water filter without turning off water?

Samsung's US instructions all begin by shutting off the water supply. That's a safe default, but a number of model-specific instructions skip that step by using a quick-release connection that closes upon removal and prevents water from spraying out of the fridge. Check your manual before skipping it, and keep a towel nearby to catch any drips.

How often should I replace my Samsung refrigerator water filter?

Samsung recommends replacing the water filter every six months. Replace the filter sooner if water dispensing slows noticeably compared with the flow without a filter, you detect the off taste or smell of chlorine returning, or when the indicator turns red. Resetting the indicator after each replacement keeps the next reminder on schedule.

Do I need to turn off the water before changing a Samsung refrigerator filter?

Samsung's instructions advise it. Shutting off the water and dispensing until the flow stops relieves pressure, which makes the filter easier to remove. Some models' instructions skip the step, so check the box to see what it recommends. When in doubt, turn it off.

Where is the water filter located in a Samsung refrigerator?

It depends on the model. Common spots are the upper right corner inside the fresh food compartment, between or near the crisper drawers. The Samsung DA29-00003G is in the upper right corner and requires pulling the filter down out of the socket. The old filter's model number identifies the type.

Andrew Gillman

Marketing Director

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Andrew Gillman is the marketing director at All Filters LLC where he champions the company mission and SpiroPure brand with 13+ years of content strategy, public relations, and thoughtful communications leadership experience across government, education, and CPG. When not at work, he uses all remaining waking hours walking dogs, running, cooking dinner, gardening, reading, and spending time with his wife.

How to Replace a Samsung Refrigerator Water Filter

Samsung DA29-00003G / HAFCU1/XAA Refrigerator Water Filter

Samsung DA29-00020B / HAF-CIN/EXP Refrigerator Water Filter

Samsung DA97-17376B / HAF-QIN Ice and Water Refrigerator Filter