Refrigerator Water Filter Replacement Guide: When to Change It and How to Find the Right Filter

Your refrigerator water filter helps improve the taste, smell, and quality of the water coming from your refrigerator dispenser and ice maker. Over time, the filter can become clogged or less effective, which may lead to slower water flow, smaller ice cubes, poor-tasting water, or a filter reminder light on your refrigerator.

Replacing a refrigerator water filter is one of the easiest DIY appliance maintenance tasks for homeowners. The most important step is making sure you buy the correct replacement filter for your exact refrigerator model. Many refrigerator filters look similar, but that does not mean they fit or seal correctly.

How Often Should You Replace a Refrigerator Water Filter?

Most refrigerator water filters should be replaced about every 6 months, but the exact timing depends on your refrigerator model, filter type, household water usage, and water quality. A large household that uses the water dispenser and ice maker every day may need to replace the filter sooner.

You may also need to replace the filter sooner if your water has a noticeable taste or odor, if water flow slows down, or if the refrigerator filter light turns on.

Signs You May Need a New Refrigerator Water Filter

If your refrigerator water filter is old, clogged, or not seated correctly, you may notice one or more of these symptoms:

• Water from the dispenser tastes bad or smells unusual
• Water flow from the dispenser is slower than normal
• The ice maker is making smaller ice cubes
• The refrigerator filter light says replace filter
• The water dispenser sputters after a filter change
• The filter is difficult to install or does not lock into place
• Water leaks near the filter housing after replacement

Some of these issues can happen when the filter is expired, clogged, installed incorrectly, or not the correct filter for your refrigerator.

How to Find the Correct Refrigerator Water Filter

The best way to find the correct refrigerator water filter is to use your refrigerator model number or the original filter part number. This helps make sure the filter fits properly, locks into place, and is designed for your refrigerator.

Where to Find Your Refrigerator Model Number

Your refrigerator model number is usually printed on a tag or sticker inside the refrigerator. Common locations include:

• Inside the fresh food section on the left or right wall
• Near the top inside wall of the refrigerator compartment
• Behind the lower crisper drawers
• On the ceiling area inside the refrigerator
• Along the door frame or cabinet frame

Once you find the model number, write it down exactly as shown. Letters, numbers, dashes, and extra characters can matter when matching replacement parts.

Where to Find the Water Filter Part Number

If you still have the old filter, check the label printed on the filter body. Many filters list the original part number, replacement numbers, or compatible refrigerator brands. You can use that number to search for the correct replacement.

Shop refrigerator water filters

Why the Right Refrigerator Water Filter Fit Matters

Refrigerator water filters are not universal. A filter that looks almost identical may have a different locking tab, seal, flow design, length, head style, or connection point. If the filter does not fit correctly, it may not seal properly or may not allow water to flow as expected.

Using the wrong filter can cause problems such as:

• Leaks around the filter area
• No water from the dispenser
• Weak water flow
• Filter not locking into place
• Filter getting stuck in the housing
• Ice maker not filling properly

Before ordering, compare the part number and model compatibility instead of guessing by shape.

Common Refrigerator Water Filter Locations

Depending on your refrigerator brand and model, the water filter may be located in one of several places.

• Upper right corner inside the refrigerator: Common on many French door and side-by-side refrigerators.
• Lower grille at the bottom front: Common on some older side-by-side refrigerator models.
• Inside the refrigerator ceiling area: Some filters twist into a housing near the top interior.
• Behind a small filter door: Many modern refrigerators hide the filter behind a push-open cover.

If you are not sure where your filter is located, check your refrigerator owner’s manual or search using your model number.

How to Replace a Refrigerator Water Filter

The exact replacement steps depend on your refrigerator model and filter style, but most refrigerator water filters are replaced using one of these methods.

Twist-In Refrigerator Water Filters

1. Locate the filter inside the refrigerator or near the bottom grille.
2. Turn the old filter counterclockwise until it releases.
3. Pull the old filter straight out.
4. Remove protective caps from the new filter.
5. Insert the new filter into the housing.
6. Turn the filter clockwise until it locks into place.
7. Run water through the dispenser to flush the new filter.
8. Reset the refrigerator filter indicator light if your model has one.

Push-In Refrigerator Water Filters

1. Open the filter cover or access door.
2. Press the release button or push the old filter inward to unlock it.
3. Pull the old filter out carefully.
4. Slide the new filter into the housing.
5. Push until the filter clicks or locks into place.
6. Close the filter door.
7. Flush water through the dispenser before drinking.
8. Reset the filter light if needed.

Why Is My Water Slow After Replacing the Filter?

If your refrigerator water dispenser is slow after replacing the filter, the problem may be air in the water line, a filter that is not fully seated, low household water pressure, or the wrong replacement filter.

Try removing and reinstalling the filter to make sure it is locked in place. Then run water through the dispenser for several minutes to purge air from the system. If the water flow is still weak, double-check that the filter part number matches your refrigerator model.

OEM vs. Compatible Refrigerator Water Filters

Many refrigerator water filters are available as original manufacturer filters or compatible replacement filters. The right choice depends on your refrigerator model, budget, and filter requirements.

OEM filters are made by or for the original appliance brand. Compatible filters are made to replace specific original part numbers. Either way, the most important detail is fitment. The filter must be listed as a replacement for your exact filter number or refrigerator model.

If you are comparing filters, check:

• The refrigerator model number
• The original filter part number
• Approved replacement numbers
• Filter shape and locking style
• Certifications listed on the filter packaging

Refrigerator Water Filter Troubleshooting Chart

Can You Run a Refrigerator Without a Water Filter?

Some refrigerators can operate without a water filter if a bypass plug is installed. Other refrigerators require a filter or bypass device for the water dispenser and ice maker to work. This depends on the refrigerator model.

If your refrigerator requires a bypass plug and one is not installed, you may have little or no water flow. Check your owner’s manual or search by model number to see whether your refrigerator needs a filter bypass.

Do Refrigerator Water Filters Expire?

Refrigerator water filters can become less effective over time, especially after they have been installed and used. Even if the water still tastes normal, the filter may no longer be performing as intended after months of use.

If you cannot remember the last time the filter was changed, it is usually a good idea to replace it and reset the filter reminder.

How to Reset the Refrigerator Water Filter Light

Many refrigerators have a filter indicator light that reminds you when it is time to replace the water filter. After installing a new filter, the light usually needs to be reset manually.

Common reset methods include:

• Pressing and holding the filter reset button for 3 to 5 seconds
• Holding the water filter or ice type button on the control panel
• Using the settings menu on refrigerators with digital controls

The exact reset process depends on your refrigerator model. If the filter light does not reset, check your owner’s manual or look up reset instructions by model number.

Find the Right Refrigerator Water Filter

Homeowners Appliance Parts helps homeowners find replacement refrigerator water filters by part number and model number. Before ordering, confirm your refrigerator model number or the part number printed on your current filter.

Whether you are replacing a filter because of bad-tasting water, slow dispenser flow, a filter reminder light, or routine maintenance, choosing the correct filter is the best way to avoid leaks, poor fit, and water flow problems.

Frequently Asked Questions About Refrigerator Water Filters

How often should I replace my refrigerator water filter?

Most refrigerator water filters should be replaced about every 6 months, but heavy usage or poor water quality may require more frequent replacement.

How do I know which refrigerator water filter I need?

Use your refrigerator model number or the part number printed on your current filter. Refrigerator filters are not universal, so matching the correct part number is important.

Why is my refrigerator water slow after changing the filter?

Slow water flow after a filter change may be caused by air in the water line, a filter that is not fully seated, low water pressure, or the wrong replacement filter.

Do I need to flush a new refrigerator water filter?

Yes. After installing a new refrigerator water filter, run water through the dispenser before drinking to help clear air and loose carbon particles.

Can the wrong refrigerator water filter cause a leak?

Yes. If the filter does not fit or seal correctly, it may leak near the filter housing or prevent proper water flow.

Can I use my refrigerator without a water filter?

Some refrigerators can be used without a water filter if a bypass plug is installed. Other models require either a filter or bypass plug for the dispenser and ice maker to work.