How To Replace & Reset Whirlpool Refrigerator Water Filters

Want to know how to replace a water filter in your Whirlpool refrigerator, and how to reset the water filter light?

We’ve shared quick guides on how to do both of these things, with instructions to suit your refrigerator model and the type of filter you’re replacing.

1️⃣ How To Replace Whirpool Refrigerator Water Filter 1

If your refrigerator requires the Refrigerator Water Filter 1 (which replaces the W10295370A) OR the everydrop Water Filter 1 (also sold by Whirlpool), follow these steps to replace the water filter:

1. Find the water filter housing. In some refrigerator models, this should be in the base grille at the bottom of the fridge or in the upper right-hand corner inside the fridge.
2. Lift up the filter door and pull out the old filter.
3. Remove the new filter from the packaging and take off the protective seals (but don’t remove the O-rings).
4. Insert the new filter into the housing, checking that the arrow is pointing upward and the notches are aligned properly with the grooves.
5. Shut the filter door.
6. Dispense 4 gallons of water through the new filter to flush out any dislodged debris.

2️⃣ How To Replace Whirpool Refrigerator Water Filter 2

For Whirlpool refrigerators that take the Whirlpool Water Filter 2 (previously called the P9WB2L filter) OR the everydrop Filter 2, follow these steps to replace the water filter:

1. Find the water filter housing. This should be in the upper right-hand corner of the fridge.
2. Lift up the filter door and pull out the old filter so it’s angled down, then rotate it counterclockwise and pull.
3. Remove the new filter from the packaging and take off the protective seals (but don’t remove the O-rings).
4. Insert the new filter into the housing, checking that the arrow is pointing upward. The filter will rotate as you push it into the slot.
5. Turn the filter clockwise until it clicks in place.
6. Shut the filter door.
7. Dispense 4 gallons of water through the new filter to flush out any dislodged debris.

3️⃣ How To Replace Whirpool Refrigerator Water Filter 3

If your Whirpool refrigerator is compatible with the Whirpool Water Filter 3 (which replaces the W11256135 & W11311161 filters) OR the everydrop Filter 3, follow these instructions to replace the filter:

1. Find the water filter housing. This should be on the left side of the refrigerator’s base grille.
2. Press the eject button to eject the filter from the slot, then pull it out.
3. Remove the new filter from the packaging and take off the protective seals (but don’t remove the O-rings).
4. Attach the filter cap to the new filter cartridge, making sure that the ridges are aligned. Lock the cap into place by turning it clockwise.
5. Insert the new filter into the housing, checking that the arrow is pointing left.
6. Push the filter all the way into the slot until the eject button pops out.
7. Dispense 4 gallons of water through the new filter to flush out any dislodged debris.

4️⃣ How To Replace Whirpool Refrigerator Water Filter 4

For Whirlpool refrigerators that are compatible with the Whirpool Water Filter 4 (which replaces the P1WB2 & P1WB2L filters) OR the everydrop Filter 4, follow these instructions to replace the filter:

1. Find the water filter housing. This should be in the upper-right-hand corner of the fridge.
2. If your refrigerator’s water filter housing has a tab on the bottom of the cover, pull the small lever forward and down to open it. If the tab faces outward, push on it to pull the cover down.
3. Remove the old filter by turning it counterclockwise and pulling it out.
4. If you’re installing a water filter for the first time, locate the cap inside the filter slot, turn it counterclockwise, and pull it out of the housing.
5. Remove the new filter from the packaging and insert it into the housing, making sure that the grooves are aligned.
6. Push the filter and turn it to the right, then push up to lock it in place.
7. Shut the filter door.
8. Dispense 4 gallons of water through the new filter to flush out any dislodged debris.

🔂 How To Reset Whirlpool Filter Indicator Light On A French Door Refrigerator

Some French door Whirlpool fridge models will automatically switch off their water filter light once you replace the filter.

However, if you have a fridge with a water filter light that needs manually resetting, here’s what you should do.

1. Find the filter reset button. This is typically found on a control panel attached to the fridge’s interior ceiling.
2. Check the color of the light. If it’s orange, you’ll need to reset it manually. If it’s blue, you don’t need to do anything.
3. Find the reset button (typically on the control panel beneath the status light).
4. Press and hold the reset button for 3 seconds to reset the water filter light. You may hear a beep to confirm the reset, and the light should change color.
5. Release the button and close the fridge door.

🔀 How To Reset Whirlpool Filter Indicator Light On A Side-By-Side Refrigerator

Here’s how to reset the Whirlpool water filter light on a side-by-side fridge.

1. Find the filter reset button. This is typically found on a control panel on the exterior of the freezer door.
2. Check the color of the light. If it’s orange, you’ll need to reset it manually. If it’s blue, you don’t need to do anything.
3. Find the reset button (on the control panel beneath the status light).
4. Press and hold the reset button for 3 seconds to reset the water filter light. You should hear a beep, and the light should change color.
5. Release the button and close the fridge door.

Note: Some Whirlpool refrigerator models don’t have a water filter indicator light. Don’t waste your time looking for something that your fridge doesn’t have! In this case, you’ll need to keep track of your water filter usage and make a note in your diary to replace filter cartridges every 6 months.

📖 Our Top Tips For Replacing Whirlpool Refrigerator Water Filters

Follow these tips to quickly and successfully reset and replace your Whirlpool fridge water filter:

Don’t Force The Filter

If you’ve purchased the right filter for your refrigerator model, you shouldn’t have to force it into the housing. If you feel like you do, you’re probably installing it incorrectly.

Check that the filter’s notches are properly aligned with the groves and that the arrow is pointing in the right direction (depending on the location of the filter).

If something doesn’t seem right, stop and reassess the situation. You don’t want to damage the filter housing or break the filter.

Check Your Filter Compatibility

If you’ve never changed the water filter in your Whirlpool refrigerator before, or you can’t remember what filter your Whirlpool model needs, check for compatibility before you spend your money.

You can’t mix and match filters in your fridge. Check your user manual to see which refrigerator filter is compatible with your Whirlpool fridge model. You can also check the current filter in the fridge, which should display important details, like the filter name.

Keep in mind that Whirlpool refrigerator filters have recently undergone a name change:

• The W10295370A is now Water Filter 1
• The P9WB2L is now Water Filter 2
• The P1WB2 & P1WB2L are now Water Filter 3
• The W11256135 & W11311161 are now Water Filter 4

Another way to determine filter compatibility is to access the filter product page on the Whirlpool website and scroll down to the Compatibility Check section. Enter your refrigerator model number, then press “Find My Filter”. This will tell you which filter you need to buy for your refrigerator model.

Change The Filter On Time

If you don’t replace the water filter cartridge in your Whirpool fridge on time, you’ll end up with reduced water flow to the water dispenser and ice maker, which could result in longer dispensing times and low ice cube production.

Plus, there’s an increased risk of bacteria buildup in old filters that are clogged with contaminants.

Make sure to replace water filter cartridges every 6 months in your Whirlpool refrigerator, or more frequently if the flow from your water dispenser decreases significantly.

By the way – it’s better to use no filter than a clogged filter in your fridge. Whirlpool refrigerators still operate without the water filter, so if you haven’t got round to buying a new water filter yet, remove the old one so you can continue to dispense unfiltered water and ice until the replacement filter arrives.

Avoid Buying Counterfeit Filters

As with all the popular refrigerator water filter cartridges, Whirlpool’s water filters are often copied by knockoff brands that either sell you a no-brand filter that fits select Whirlpool models, or falsely sell their filters under the Whirpool name.

You can often get a better deal from buying a no-brand filter, but keep in mind that it might not fit properly in your fridge, and it’s unlikely to offer the same performance as a legit Whirlpool refrigerator water filter.

Be wary of buying “Whirpool” refrigerator filters from some third-party selling sites, like eBay and Facebook marketplace. It’s best to buy from an official retailer, like Lowe’s, Home Depot, and the official Whirpool store on Amazon.

If you’re looking for more information, Whirlpool has produced a handy guide to recognizing and avoiding counterfeit Whirlpool refrigerator filters.

📑 Final Word

Hopefully, you’re now equipped with the knowledge to replace the water filter and reset the water filter indicator light in your Whirlpool fridge.

If you’re still struggling to replace your filter or can’t fathom the reset process, we recommend checking your owner’s manual for more specific instructions or contacting the manufacturer for support.