How to Change a Refrigerator Water Filter (Step-by-Step)

If your fridge has a water and ice dispenser, there’s a good chance that it contains a water filter.

We’ve been testing, reviewing, and recommending the best fridge water filters for over a decade. We’ve used our own personal experience and industry knowledge to produce this guide on how to change a refrigerator water filter.

🔀 How to Change a Push-In Refrigerator Water Filter

It’s easy to remove and replace a push-in refrigerator filter. There’s no need for any advance setup, and you can leave your water supply on – the fridge will automatically shut off its water system while you replace the filter.

1. Locate the filter. You should find it between your refrigerator’s crisper drawers, on the top-left or right-hand side of the fridge, or in the fridge door.
2. Lift and remove the filter door or push the filter housing to cause it to swing open. The correct method depends on the type of filter door.
3. Put a dish towel or clean cloth into the fridge beneath the housing to catch any drips from the housing.
4. Press a button to release the existing filter or pull it straight out and put it to one side. Remove the old o-rings.
5. Open the new refrigerator water filter and attach the new o-rings.
6. Slide the new filter into the housing push or click it in place. If you’ve inserted the filter properly, the release button will pop out.
7. Push the filter door closed.
8. Press the button to reset the filter countdown timer (if your fridge has one).
9. Run water out of the dispenser for a few minutes to properly flush the filter and remove trapped air or loose carbon debris.

🔀 How to Change a Twist-On Refrigerator Water Filter

Changing a twist-on fridge water filter is also easy and can be done with no tools or prep work in advance. Again, the fridge will shut off the water supply while you install the replacement filter, so you won’t need to turn off your home’s water.

1. Find the filter location. The filter will be concealed by a plastic cover, which might be white, blue, or transparent. Check in and between your crisper drawers, in the upper-right corner, and on the back wall.
2. Press or pull open the locking tab to open the filter cover.
3. Put a dish towel or clean cloth into the fridge beneath the housing to catch any drips from the housing.
4. To remove the filter, hand-twist it counterclockwise. Keep twisting until it stops.
5. Pull the filter cartridge straight back to remove it.
6. Unpackage the new filter and insert it into the filter compartment.
7. Firmly push the filter in, then hand-twist in a clockwise direction until it’s properly aligned with the grooves.
8. Replace or close the filter door, making sure it locks shut.
9. Press the button to reset the filter countdown timer (if your fridge has one).
10. Run water out of the dispenser for a few minutes to prime the filter and remove trapped air or loose carbon debris. Let the water dispenser run for up to five minutes to remove air and flush the system.  

➡️ How to Change an In-Line Refrigerator Water Filter

An in-line refrigerator filter is connected to the water line behind your fridge. You might find it anywhere along the flexible tubing that connects the fridge to your cold water pipe.

1. Turn off your under-sink water supply and open the faucet to relieve pressure.
2. If your fridge is blocking access to the filter, unplug it from the power outlet and carefully shuffle it away from the wall.
3. Disconnect the old filter from your water line, removing the tubing from each end.
4. Unpackage the new filter and install it at the water line by pushing the tubes into each end. Check that the inlet and outlet ends are facing the right way.
5. Make sure the filter is securely attached.
6. Turn on your water supply and check for leaks around the filter.
7. Plug the fridge back in, then dispense water from the water dispenser for 5 minutes (or according to the instructions in the user manual) to flush the filter.
8. Push the fridge back against the wall.

Related: Learn how to clean a refrigerator water line while you’re at it

⏏️ How to Change a Filter In A Refrigerator’s Base Grille

In some refrigerator models, the water filter is located in the back-bottom or front-bottom grill. Here are the steps to follow to replace this kind of filter.

1. Locate the water filter cover. It should be beneath your fridge’s door, at the base of the unit.
2. Put a dish towel or clean cloth into the fridge beneath the housing to catch any drips from the housing.
3. If the filter is protected by a filter cap, turn the cap counterclockwise to remove it first.
4. There are two methods for removing a fridge filter from the base grille:a. Push the eject button and pull the filter outb. Twist the filter counterclockwise and pull it out.
5. Push the new filter into the filter slot. Depending on how you removed the old filter, you may need to twist it clockwise as you push.
6. Turn the cap clockwise to re-attach it in front of the filter.
7. Press the button to reset the filter countdown timer (if your fridge has one).
8. Run water out of the dispenser for a few minutes to prime the filter and remove trapped air or loose carbon debris.

🤔 Why Should You Replace A Fridge Water Filter?

The main reason why you should change your refrigerator water filter is because an old filter can no longer effectively serve its purpose.

Over time, a refrigerator filter accumulates contaminants and impurities from the water. As the filter becomes saturated, it loses its effectiveness in trapping these contaminants, allowing them to pass through, meaning that it isn’t filtering your water as it should.

A clogged or overused filter can also cause decreased water flow from the dispenser, and you may notice that filling a glass from your fridge becomes an unnecessarily slow process.

Regularly replacing your fridge water filter helps maintain the purity and enjoyable taste of your water, and ensures your fridge’s water dispenser operates efficiently, providing a continuous supply of clean, refreshing drinking water.

📆 When Should You Replace a Refrigerator Water Filter?

You should buy a new filter for your refrigerator at least twice a year.

Most fridge filters last about 6 months, although smaller filters may only last 2-4 months. The exact lifespan of a fridge water filter depends on your water quality and daily water usage.

Signs that you need a refrigerator water filter replacement are:

• Your filter’s water flow rate has slowed significantly
• Your water quality has worsened, or your water smells odd or looks dirty
• The filter change indicator light is flashing (if there is one)

Check your user manual if you’re unsure how often your filter needs to be replaced.