How to Replace a Refrigerator Water Filter, Step by Step Instructions
You can replace a refrigerator water filter yourself in 5 to 10 minutes. Difficulty is easy.
- 5 steps, 5 to 10 minutes, easy difficulty.
- Tools you need are none (a towel for drips).
- Parts to buy are filter matching your model’s filter number (printed on the old filter).
- Unplug the machine before you start.
None, this is the easiest job in the kitchen. Counterfeit filters are the only hazard. Buy OEM or NSF certified compatibles.
Tools
- None (a towel for drips)
Parts
- Filter matching your model’s filter number (printed on the old filter)
Step by step
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1 Find the filter
Inside the fridge ceiling or between the crispers on french doors, in the base grille on older models, or in the upper right corner. The old filter’s label shows the replacement number.
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2 Release the old filter
Quarter twist counterclockwise and pull, or push button release depending on style. A tablespoon of water escaping is normal.
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3 Seat the new one
Remove the caps, push in, and quarter twist until it locks/clicks. No tools, no force, if it fights, it’s misaligned.
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4 Flush and reset
Run 2 to 4 gallons through the dispenser to purge air and carbon fines (sputtering is normal at first), then hold the filter reset button until the indicator changes.
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5 Repeat every 6 months
An overdue filter chokes flow and shrinks ice cubes, it’s the cheapest fix on the whole water system.
If flow is still weak with a brand new filter, the inlet valve or a frozen door line is the real cause, see those guides, or have a pro test the water path end to end. If you'd rather skip it entirely, find a refrigerator repair pro near you
Step by step instructions for your exact model
The same repair, tailored with your machine's error codes, known quirks, and typical costs.
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