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Bettesworth Construction
appliance maintenance

How to Replace a Water Filter in a Samsung Refrigerator

Samsung refrigerator filter replacement depends on the exact model and cartridge. Learn how to install, flush, reset, and check an internal filter—or identify an external setup.

By Bettesworth Construction Team 4 min read

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To change a Samsung refrigerator water filter, first match the replacement to your exact refrigerator model or the number on the installed cartridge. Turn off the water, remove and replace the cartridge according to its alignment marks, flush the system, then reset the filter indicator. The cartridge, removal steps, flush amount, and reset controls vary by model, so use your refrigerator’s manual whenever its instructions differ.

Choose a filter that fits your refrigerator

Check the refrigerator’s model number and the number printed on its existing filter before buying a replacement. Samsung’s US support page lists HAF-CIN, HAF-QIN, and HAFCU1 filter families; they are not interchangeable by default. Samsung Canada likewise advises checking the refrigerator model against its compatibility information. Start with the model number rather than assuming a cartridge fits because it is branded Samsung.

Samsung recommends genuine filters and warns that third-party cartridges may leak or damage the refrigerator. That is the manufacturer’s recommendation, not an independent comparison of filter brands. Samsung’s US support page also says its water filters meet NSF/ANSI standards 42, 53, and 401. Check the documentation for the specific cartridge for its certifications and contaminant-reduction claims rather than assuming every claim applies identically to every model.

For the model-specific fit guidance, see Samsung US: How to replace the water filter in a Samsung refrigerator and Samsung Canada: Guide to replacing the water filter.

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#1 Best Overall
Sale
Samsung HAF-QIN-2P/EXP Genuine Refrigerator Water Filter, Reduces 99% of Harmful Contaminants for Clean, Clear Drinking Water, 6-Month Life, Easy Install, Pack of 2
  • FRESH FILTERED WATER: Samsung water filters reduce contaminants, giving your family fresh tasting water; Use with your Samsung French Door or Side by Side Refrigerator
  • REDUCES CONTAMINANTS: Samsung’s ultra-high-grade carbon block reduces 99% of potentially harmful contaminants
  • GENUINE SAMSUNG FILTERS: Samsung filters are designed to work with your refrigerator to avoid the risk of flooding while giving you clean, filtered water; Use our Authentication Tag to make sure your filter is a genuine Samsung filter
  • LONG LASTING USE: Samsung refrigerator water filters offer long-lasting use and easy installation; It is recommended to replace your water filter every 6 months
  • AVOID WATER DAMAGE: Only Samsung filters are guaranteed to perform correctly with your refrigerator, avoiding the risk of water damage to your fridge and your home

Replace an internal twist-in cartridge

1. Shut off the water and relieve pressure

Turn off the refrigerator’s water supply. Samsung Canada recommends dispensing water until the flow stops to relieve pressure and make removal easier. Have a towel ready for drips. The filter location varies by model; consult the manual if you cannot find the cartridge or its cover.

2. Remove the old filter

For HAF-CIN and HAF-QIN cartridges, open the filter cover, turn the cartridge counterclockwise until it unlocks, then pull it straight out. Samsung gives HAFCU1 a separate removal procedure, so follow that cartridge’s instructions and the housing marks rather than assuming the other models’ steps apply.

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Waterspecialist WS645A Refrigerator Water Filter, Replacement for Samsung® DA97-17376B, HAF-QIN/EXP, HAF-QIN, RF28T5001SR, DA97-08006C, RS27T5200SR, RF28R7351SG, RF24R7201SR, RF27T5201SR, 3 Pack
  • Note: This product is square, not round. Replacement for DA97-17376B (HAF-QIN), not compatible with DA29-00020B (HAF-CIN). The Waterspecialist refrigerator water filter features filtration performance is comparable to the original brand. It is also certified by authority NSF 42 and 372. Far different from generic brand, Waterspecialist only adopts superior coconut shell carbon block to improve taste and odor.
  • Great filtration: Waterspecialist refrigerator filters can reduce many harmful substances in water including heavy metals, mercury, chlorine, odor, THM, VOCs (volatile organic compounds), particles, copper, cadmium, chromium, and all other major impurities. This has been tested and proven by an independent third-party laboratory. While the impurities are reduced, every beneficial mineral in your water is kept, ensuring that your body functions properly.
  • Premium filter material: Waterspecialist selected BPA-free and food-grade filter housing that passed NSF 372 certification for lead-free filtration. We also adopt natural coconut shell carbon block that contains larger surface area and more micropores. Thus, the filter cartridge can efficiently reduce chlorine, bad taste and odor.
  • Perfect fit: Waterspecialist combines precision measurement technology to produce refrigerator filters with exquisite engineering designs, unlike inferior replacement filters that can cause water leakage issues. Also, Waterspecialist saves you time and hassle by offering tool-free refrigerator filter replacements.
  • Fresh-tasting water: The natural coconut shell carbon block absorbs more impurities. The Waterspecialist refrigerator filter provides you a unique filtration experience.

3. Install the replacement

Remove the new filter’s protective cap. Insert the cartridge and turn it clockwise until locked, aligning its lock symbol with the housing indicator for HAF-CIN or HAF-QIN. For HAFCU1, use the notch and arrow alignment described in its instructions. Do not force a cartridge that does not seat correctly.

4. Restore water and flush

Turn the water supply back on and dispense water to clear air and particles from the system. Samsung US says to dispense several gallons; Samsung Canada specifies about seven minutes or 10–12 large glasses. These are the respective guides’ instructions, not a single universal amount. Discard the flush water and follow the procedure in your refrigerator manual if it gives a different direction.

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Rank #3
Sale
Samsung HAF-QIN/EXP Genuine Refrigerator Water Filter, Reduces 99% of Harmful Contaminants for Clean, Clear Drinking Water, 6-Month Life, Easy Install, Pack of 1
  • FRESH FILTERED WATER: Samsung water filters reduce contaminants, giving your family fresh tasting water
  • REDUCES CONTAMINANTS: Samsung’s ultra-high-grade carbon block reduces 99% of potentially harmful contaminants
  • GENUINE SAMSUNG FILTERS: Samsung filters are designed to work with your refrigerator to avoid the risk of flooding while giving you clean, filtered water
  • TO AUTHENTICATE: Use Authentication Tag to make sure your filter is a genuine Samsung filter; 1. Detach Authentication Tag from filter; 2. Place Tag over the back of provided magnet; 3) Green stripes will appear if it’s an authentic Samsung water filter
  • LONG LASTING USE: Samsung refrigerator water filters offer long-lasting use and easy installation; It is recommended to replace your water filter every 6 months

Reset the filter replacement indicator

Reset the indicator after installing the cartridge. The control depends on the refrigerator’s display and model:

  • Some standard US models: Press and hold Filter Reset for three seconds.
  • Family Hub: Tap Apps → Fridge Manager → Fridge Settings → Water Filter → Reset.
  • Some arrow-control models: Open More Options → Filter Reset.
  • Older RF4289 and RSG309 models: Samsung lists separate Settings procedures for these models; use the matching instructions rather than applying a newer model’s button sequence.

On other models, the reset may be a secondary function of a control-panel button. Check the manual for the exact control and sequence. Samsung’s replacement guide includes model-dependent reset directions.

Rank #4
Waterspecialist Water Filter Replacement for Samsung® DA29-00020B, 3 Pack
  • Note: This product is round, not square. Replacement for DA29-00020B (HAF-CIN), not compatible with DA97-17376B (HAF-QIN).
  • Replacement for models: Samsung DA29-00020B, DA29-00020A, HAF-CIN, HAF-CIN-EXP, HAF-CINEXP, HAFCIN, 04609101000, 09101, 46-9101, DA-97-08006A, DA97-08006A/B, DA29-00019A, DA2900020A, RF28HMEDBSR, RFG298HDRS, RS25J50, RF263TEAES, RF4287HARS, RS25J500DSR, RS25J500DWW, RF28HFEDTWW, RF26HFENDWW.
  • Compatible with Refrigerator Models: RF265BEAESG, RF265BEAESR, RF26HFENDSR, RF26J7500BC, RF26J7500SR, RF26J7500WW, RF28HDEDBSR, RF28HDEDPWW, RF28HDEDTSR, RF28HFEDBBC, RF28HFEDBSG, RF28HFEDBSR, RF28HFEDBWW, RF28HFEDTBC, RF26HFENDBC, RS265TDRS, RS261MDWP, RS261MDBP, RS263TDBP, RS265TDBP.
  • The Waterspecialist refrigerator water filter features filtration performance. It is also certified by authority NSF 42 and 372. Waterspecialist only adopts coconut shell carbon block to improve taste and odor.
  • Great filtration: Waterspecialist refrigerator filters can reduce many harmful substances in water including chlorine, taste and odor. This has been tested and proven by an independent third-party laboratory.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Check for leaks and normal flow

After flushing and resetting, inspect the filter area and connections for leaks and confirm that water dispenses normally. If the cartridge will not lock, check that its protective cap is removed and that its alignment marks match the housing. If it leaks, reinstall it fully; a persistent leak may indicate a damaged O-ring. If flow is slow, verify that the cartridge is seated correctly and complete the flush before troubleshooting further.

If water still tastes or smells unusual, Samsung Canada advises flushing an additional 2–3 gallons. For persistent fit problems, consult the model-specific directions. Samsung notes that a first-time change from a two-rib genuine filter design to a three-rib type may require fully unlocking the housing; this is a particular fit issue, not a routine step for every replacement. See Samsung’s filter-fit troubleshooting guide.

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Best Value
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Waterdrop WD-F45 Water Filter, Replacement for Samsung® DA97-17376B, 3 Pack
  • [Replacement for models] Samsung DA97-17376B, DA97-08006C, HAF-QIN, HAF-QIN/EXP, GF-841, CF-17, AQF-FF45, WS645A, FL-RF45, MB-F45, RWF4200A, PP-RWF4200A-S. Please note it fits DA97-17376B (HAF-QIN), not DA29-00020B (HAF-CIN).
  • [Replacement for models] RF28R7351SG, RF28R7201SR, RS27T5200SR, RF23M8070SR, RF27T5201SR, RF28T5001SR, RF28R7201SG, RF28R7351SR, RF23R6201SR, RF28R6201SR, RF27T5241SR, RF22R7351SG, RF22R7351SR, RF24R7201SR, RS27T5200SG, RF28R6301SR, RF23M8090SG, RF28R6241SR, RF27T5201SG, RF29A9671SR, RF28R7201SR/AA, RF28R7351SG/AA, RF28R7351SR/AA, RF23M8070SR/AA, RF27T5201SR/AA, RF28R7201SG/AA, RF28R6201SR/AA, RF24R7201SR/AA, RF23R6201SR/AA, RF28R6241SR/AA, RF28R6301SR/AA, RF22R7351SR/AA, RF22R7351SG/AA.
  • NSF/ANSI 42 & 372 Certified: Our fridge filter replacement for the Samsung fridge is NSF/ANSI 42 & 372 certified, ensuring that it is lead-free and safe. Water is purified and that the amount of harmful contaminants while retaining beneficial minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium. Because these naturally occurring minerals contribute to TDS levels, the reading may not decrease significantly. This is normal and helps maintain fresh-tasting water for everyday drinking.
  • Engineered for Reliability: Rigorously tested to withstand high pressure and 100,000 cycles, this leak-free refrigerator water filter guarantees dependable operation and peace of mind against drips or bursts.
  • Superior Filtration: Our refrigerator water filter uses activated carbon from Sri Lankan coconuts to effectively reduce chlorine, sand, sediment, rust, and more, delivering clean, better-tasting water, giving you confidence. *Tested by a third-party laboratory.

Know when your Samsung uses an external filter

Not every Samsung refrigerator uses an internal twist-in cartridge. Samsung UK documents an externally fitted configuration with inlet and outlet connections. For that setup, its guide recommends checking for leaks and flushing around 10 litres or dispensing for 6–7 minutes. Those instructions apply to the external arrangement described there; do not use them in place of the directions for an internal cartridge. Consult Samsung UK’s filter guidance and your refrigerator manual if your filter is installed on the water line.

How often to change the filter

Samsung US recommends replacing the water filter every six months. Treat that as Samsung’s general schedule, not a measurement of your household’s water use or a guarantee that every model or local water condition has the same service life. Check the refrigerator manual and follow any model-specific indicator or instructions.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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