Published 18 Jun 2026

How to Replace a Refrigerator Water Filter — Step-by-Step by Brand

Guides

Replacing a refrigerator water filter is a quick, tool-free job – but the location, removal method and reset steps differ by brand. This guide gives a brand-by-brand walkthrough for Samsung, LG, Whirlpool, Frigidaire and GE, a quick-reference table, and pro tips that work on any refrigerator. Safe Appliances supplies genuine OEM refrigerator water filters wholesale at dealer pricing.

Find the right filter first

Before you start, match the correct cartridge to your refrigerator’s model number (or read the part number off the old filter). Using the wrong filter is the most common and avoidable mistake – send us your model and we will cross-reference the correct genuine OEM filter.

Replacement by brand – quick reference

Brand Typical location Removal Reset the filter light
Samsung Bottom-right interior, between crisper drawers, or center (Bespoke) Twist counter-clockwise Hold Alarm/Filter Reset ~3s (some models: unlock panel, then Ice Maker or Filter Reset)
LG Upper-left interior ceiling, behind a panel, or inside the left door Twist or push (snap-in) Hold Water Filter or Light/Filter ~3s
Whirlpool Upper-right interior, inside the freezer, or base grille Twist counter-clockwise or push to release Hold Filter Reset ~3s, or press the door switch 5x in 10s
Frigidaire Upper-right interior or inside the door Push straight in firmly to release Options > Water Filter > hold Set until it turns green
GE Upper-left/right interior or inside the left door Twist a quarter-turn or pull out (RPWFE) Hold Water Filter or Reset Filter ~3s

Samsung

Locate the cartridge (bottom-right interior, between the crisper drawers, or center on Bespoke models), twist it counter-clockwise and pull it out. Insert the new filter and twist until it locks. Reset by holding the Alarm / Filter Reset button for about 3 seconds – on some models you unlock the panel first, then hold Ice Maker or Filter Reset.

LG

The filter is usually in the upper-left interior ceiling, behind a panel, or inside the left door. Depending on the model you either swing it down and rotate it left, or push to release the snap-in teeth. Fit the new cartridge, then hold the Water Filter (or Light/Filter) button for about 3 seconds to reset.

Whirlpool

Whirlpool (and Maytag / KitchenAid) filters sit in the upper-right interior, inside the freezer, or in the bottom base grille. Twist counter-clockwise, or press the release button/door to eject a push-type filter. Reset by holding Filter Reset for about 3 seconds, or by pressing the door switch 5 times within 10 seconds.

Frigidaire

Frigidaire filters are in the upper-right interior or inside the door and use a push-to-release fit – push the old cartridge straight in firmly to pop it out, then push the new one in until it clicks. Reset through the panel: Options > Water Filter > hold Set until the indicator turns green.

GE

GE filters are in an upper interior corner or inside the left door. Twist a quarter-turn to the left to remove, or – on swinging RPWFE / XWFE models – simply pull the cartridge out without twisting. Reset by holding Water Filter or Reset Filter on the dispenser for about 3 seconds. Some newer GE filters (XWFE) use an RFID chip that resets the tracker automatically on installation.

Pro tips for any refrigerator

  • Relieve pressure if stuck: turn off the water supply line and hold the dispenser down for 15-30 seconds to release internal pressure, which makes a stuck filter come out easily.
  • Always flush: run 2-4 gallons through the dispenser after installing to clear trapped air and loose carbon fines.
  • Replace on schedule: about every 6 months or 200-300 gallons, sooner with hard water.
  • Use genuine OEM: match the exact cartridge so it seals correctly and carries the NSF certification.

Buy genuine refrigerator filters wholesale

Whatever the brand, every refrigerator filter is on a 6-month replacement clock – a reliable repeat-order category. Safe Appliances supplies genuine OEM refrigerator water filters for Samsung, LG, Whirlpool, Frigidaire, GE and more in bulk at dealer pricing. Send us your models and we will cross-reference the correct cartridges.

Refrigerator filter replacement FAQ

How do I remove a stuck water filter?
Turn off the water supply and hold the dispenser down for 15-30 seconds to relieve pressure, then twist or push to release.

Do I flush the filter after replacing it?
Yes – run 2-4 gallons through the dispenser to clear air and carbon fines.

How do I reset the filter light?
It varies by brand – usually hold the Water Filter / Filter Reset button for about 3 seconds (see the table above for your brand).

Is my filter twist-out or push-out?
Samsung, LG and GE are usually twist (LG/GE have push variants); Frigidaire is push-to-release; Whirlpool can be either.

How often should I replace it?
About every 6 months or 200-300 gallons, whichever comes first.

Do you supply genuine filters wholesale?
Yes – genuine OEM filters across all major brands in bulk at dealer pricing.

Become a wholesale partner

Safe Appliances supplies OEM and compatible parts and water filters wholesale to stores, repair shops, property managers, and online sellers across North America, LATAM, and Europe. Tell us about your business and we’ll respond with dealer pricing and next steps.

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    Safe Appliances Team
    Safe Appliances Team