How to Replace Your Whirlpool Refrigerator Water Filter

Before replacing the filter, you need to know which one your refrigerator uses. It would be nice if refrigerators used a universal filter but, alas. Still, Whirlpool uses a numbered filter system that's one of the easiest to remember: Filter 1 through Filter 5. The number is printed on the filter itself or listed in your owner's manual. You can also find it on the Whirlpool refrigerator water filter page at All Filters by entering your refrigerator's model number.

Interior filters (Filters 1, 2, 4, and most Filter 3 models)
Most Whirlpool refrigerators house the filter inside the fresh food compartment, typically in the upper right corner behind a hinged plastic cover. To replace it, pop open that aesthetic filter cover then twist the old filter counterclockwise until it releases. Remove the protective cap from the new filter's O-rings, align the filter with the housing, push it in, and rotate clockwise until it locks. Close the cover and consider order and sanity restored.

Base grille filters (Filter 5 and some Filter 3 models)
Side-by-side Whirlpool models often place the filter behind the base grille at the bottom front of the refrigerator. Press the ejection button if available and the filter will release part way. Pull it straight out. Transfer the nice decorative cap from the old filter to the new one if your model uses one. Push the new filter firmly into the housing until you hear a click. No twisting (nor shouting) required.

French door models (Filter 4)
A Filter 4 variation sits in a flip-down compartment in the upper right section of the refrigerator interior. Unlatch the cover and let it swing down to reveal the filter. Twist the old filter counterclockwise while pressing in slightly until it releases and pull it out. Push the new filter in and rotate clockwise until it locks. Snap the cover closed. Life is good.

Flush before drinking
Whichever filter type you have, run two to four gallons of water through the dispenser after installing a new filter. This clears harmless carbon fines and air from the water lines. Hold the dispenser for five seconds, release for five seconds, and repeat until water flows steadily, then continue dispensing water until you've cleared the recommended volume. Discard this water or use to water plants around the house. On occasion, pre-soaking a filter in water can saturate and "prime" the carbon media to dislodge air bubbles for a smooth flow.

After replacing the filter, the indicator light won't reset itself. You'll need to tell the refrigerator you've made the change so it won't bother you again for a few months. The reset method varies slightly by control panel type.

Models with a dedicated "Filter Reset" button: Press and hold the Filter Reset button for three seconds. The indicator light will change from red or orange back to blue or green to confirm the reset.

Models with a display menu (Options or Settings): Press the Options or Settings button, navigate to "Water Filter," and select Reset or confirm the replacement. Consult your owner's manual or search your model number online for the exact button sequence on your specific model.

Models without a dedicated reset button: Some older Whirlpool models reset the indicator by pressing the same button used to cycle through display options — typically five presses in succession. If the light changes color, the reset was successful.

If the light doesn't reset after following these steps, confirm the filter is fully seated and locked in place. An improperly installed filter is the most common reason reset attempts fail, and sometimes it just takes a quick re-seating to get the refrigerator to recognize the filter and carry on. In rare instances, a manufacturer may have changed the design of the locking mechanism or component in a way that requires a simple troubleshooting step. Reach out to the customer service team at All Filters if you should have any trouble to verify you received the correct filter and figure out if anything changed.

All Filters stocks OEM EveryDrop-branded filters and SpiroPure compatible replacements for the full range of Whirlpool filter types (Filter 1 through Filter 5) at competitive prices with fast shipping. SpiroPure compatible filters are built to the same fit and filtration specifications as OEM options and are available in multi-packs that reduce the per-filter cost and ensure you always have a replacement on hand when the six-month mark arrives.

Finding your filter is straightforward: browse the Whirlpool refrigerator water filter collection by filter number, or enter your refrigerator's model number to confirm compatibility before ordering. Orders over $99 as well as Super Value packs of three SpiroPure brand replacement filters for Whirlpool refrigerators ship free.

All Filters stocks OEM EveryDrop-branded filters and SpiroPure compatible replacements for the full range of Whirlpool filter types (Filter 1 through Filter 5) at competitive prices with fast shipping. SpiroPure compatible filters are built to the same fit and filtration specifications as OEM options and are available in multi-packs that reduce the per-filter cost and ensure you always have a replacement on hand when the six-month mark arrives.

AllFilters also carries additional EveryDrop filter models for older and specialty Whirlpool family refrigerators. Filter 6, Filter 7, and Filter 8 are NSF-certified ice and water filters designed for older Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, and Amana models that predate the current Filter 1 through 5 lineup — each replacing a specific legacy part number. If your refrigerator takes the Whirlpool ICE2 F2WC9I1 Ice Maker Water Filter, that's stocked here as well. And while you're changing the water filter, it's worth noting that Whirlpool recommends replacing the W10311524 FreshFlow Refrigerator Air Filter on the same six-month schedule — it handles odor control inside the fresh food compartment and is easy to overlook until it isn't.

Finding your filter is straightforward: browse the Whirlpool refrigerator water filter collection by filter number, or enter your refrigerator's model number to confirm compatibility before ordering. Orders over $99 as well as Super Value packs of three SpiroPure brand replacement filters for Whirlpool refrigerators ship free.