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Bettesworth Construction
appliance repair

How to Replace the Water Filter in Your Samsung Fridge

Match the filter to your Samsung fridge model, then replace and lock the cartridge, flush the water line, and reset the indicator using your model’s instructions.

By Bettesworth Construction Team 4 min read
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To replace a Samsung fridge water filter, first match the cartridge to your refrigerator’s model number; Samsung filter families are not interchangeable across every model. For the internal cartridge types covered by Samsung’s US and Canadian instructions, the process is to shut off the water, relieve pressure, remove and replace the cartridge, flush the dispenser, and reset the filter indicator. The exact cartridge, location, locking motion, flush amount, and reset control depend on the model and market.

1. Find the filter that fits your refrigerator

Check the refrigerator’s model number on its product label, then use the manual or Samsung’s filter finder to confirm the replacement. You can also read the identifier printed on the installed cartridge. Samsung’s US and Canadian instructions cover HAF-CIN, HAF-QIN, and HAFCU1 (also printed as HAF-CU1 in some Canadian guidance), but those names are not a universal compatibility list. Filter types can differ by model and country; consult the local Samsung support page if your fridge is outside the US or Canada.

Buy by confirmed model compatibility, not by the Samsung name alone. Samsung recommends genuine filters designed for the refrigerator; its support guidance warns that incompatible filters can cause fit or leak problems. This is Samsung’s recommendation, not a head-to-head performance comparison.

2. Prepare the refrigerator and relieve water pressure

  • Check the manual for the filter’s location. Depending on the model, it may be inside the refrigerator, often in an upper corner, or near the crisper drawers.
  • Turn off the refrigerator’s water supply, then dispense water until the flow stops. Samsung’s US and Canadian instructions use this step to relieve pressure before removing an internal cartridge.
  • Place a towel nearby to catch drips.

3. Remove the old cartridge

Open the filter cover if your model has one. For HAF-CIN and HAF-QIN installations described by Samsung, turn the cartridge counterclockwise to unlock it, then pull it straight out. Depending on the model, the turn may be about a quarter or a half turn. For HAFCU1, turn left to unlock and pull the cartridge downward. A few drops of water may come out.

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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

4. Install and lock the replacement

  1. Remove the protective cap from the new cartridge.
  2. Insert it into the housing. For HAF-CIN and HAF-QIN, turn clockwise to lock. For HAFCU1, push the filter upward and then turn it right.
  3. Check the cartridge’s LOCK mark against the compartment indicator, or align its notch with the arrow, as applicable to your housing. Do not force a cartridge that will not seat or turn; recheck the model match and alignment.

5. Restore water, flush the dispenser, and reset the indicator

Turn the water supply back on and flush the dispenser, discarding the water. Flush directions vary: Samsung Canada says about seven minutes (10–12 large glasses) for the internal cartridges covered by its instructions; Samsung US says several gallons; Samsung UK gives 10 litres or six to seven minutes for procedures on its page. These are regional and model-specific manufacturer instructions, not one universal amount. Follow the manual and local Samsung support directions for your refrigerator.

Reset the filter indicator after installation using the control specified in the manual. Depending on the model, this may be a dedicated button or a menu setting. Samsung Canada lists holding Alarm, Water Filter, or Ice/Water for three seconds as common methods on many models; Samsung UK’s examples include other button or menu procedures. Samsung US describes its indicator as a six-month timer.

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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.

What to do if something goes wrong

The new filter will not lock

Check that you removed the protective cap and aligned the cartridge with the housing. If it still will not seat, verify the cartridge number against the fridge model rather than forcing it.

Water tastes or smells unusual, or flow is slow

Samsung Canada advises dispensing more water—about two to three additional gallons—to clear air and carbon particles. For slow flow, check that the cartridge is fully installed and locked, then dispense more water to clear air. If the issue continues, consult the model-specific manual or Samsung support. Samsung UK also lists unusual taste, smell, or sediment as reasons to check the filter.

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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

The indicator does not reset

Use the reset procedure in the refrigerator’s manual. Button and menu methods vary by model, so a control that works on another Samsung fridge may not apply to yours.

Water leaks around the cartridge

Remove and reinstall the cartridge, confirming it is fully locked. Samsung advises replacing the filter if the leak continues; if the problem persists, seek service.

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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.

A replacement HAFCU1 will not fit

Samsung documents a specific fit issue related to a design change from a two-rib to a three-rib lock. In that situation, its support instructions say to temporarily reinstall the old filter and use it to fully open the housing lock before removing it and installing the new filter. This procedure applies to that HAFCU1 issue only; do not use it to troubleshoot unrelated models or cartridge mismatches.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I replace a Samsung fridge water filter?

Confirm the cartridge fits your refrigerator model, shut off the water and dispense until flow stops, then remove the old cartridge and lock in the new one according to its design. Restore water, flush as directed in the manual, and reset the indicator.

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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.

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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