How to Replace Samsung Refrigerator Water Filter

Why and how often#

A clogged filter drops water pressure, gives you small or hollow ice cubes, and lights the filter indicator. Samsung's interval is six months or about 300 gallons, whichever comes first — sooner if you go through a lot of water and ice. The filter uses a quarter-turn twist-lock, so no tools are needed.

Before you start#

• Tools: none; keep a towel handy for a small drip
• Part: DA97-17376B (also sold as HAF-CIN/EXP or DA29-00020B — the same cartridge)
• Safety: no need to unplug the fridge; a tablespoon or two of water may drip when the old filter comes out.

Step-by-step#

1. Find the filter#

On Samsung RF-series French-door models it is inside the fresh-food compartment, usually a cylindrical housing recessed into the ceiling at the upper right. Some older models put it in the lower-left base grille — check there if you do not see it inside.

2. Remove the old cartridge#

Grasp the exposed end and twist it about a quarter turn counterclockwise to release the bayonet lock, then pull it straight down and out. A little water will drip — have the towel ready.

3. Prep the new filter#

Unwrap the DA97-17376B and pull the protective cap off the O-ring end (the end that goes into the housing), plus any pull-tab seal on the inlet. Leave the rest of the caps alone.

4. Install it#

Line up the filter's alignment tab or flat edge with the slot in the housing, push it up, and twist a quarter turn clockwise until it stops with a positive lock. It should not wobble.

5. Flush it#

Run about 2-3 gallons through the dispenser to clear carbon fines — the water may look cloudy at first, which is harmless. Keep going until it runs clear, and toss the first couple of batches of ice.

6. Reset the indicator#

Press and hold the Ice Type/Water button (or a dedicated Filter Reset button on newer models) for about 3 seconds until the indicator changes from red back to blue or green. Skip this and it will keep nagging you even with a fresh filter.

Troubleshooting#

• Weak flow after the swap: trapped air — dispense continuously for a couple of minutes; if it stays weak, the filter may be a counterfeit with a flow-restrictor defect.
• Indicator will not reset: hold the button a full five seconds; on Family Hub models the reset lives in the SmartThings app.
• Ice still small or hollow: low household water pressure (below Samsung's 20 PSI minimum) does this regardless of the filter — check the pressure at the inlet valve.
• Housing leaks: the new O-ring may be dry or misaligned — pull the filter, wet the O-ring, and reseat with a firm quarter turn.

When to call a professional#

Call a tech if the housing leaks even with a properly seated filter (a cracked housing or O-ring seat), if there is no water at all (a failed inlet valve, not the filter), or if you see water-system codes like 5E, 8E, or 14E on the display.

After the change#

Give the dispenser a moment to settle: the first pour or two can sputter as trapped air works out of the new cartridge, and that is normal. Mark the install date somewhere — a note on the inside wall or a phone reminder — so the six-month interval does not sneak up on you even after you reset the indicator. And keep the old cartridge's box until the new one is flushed and pouring clear, in case you need to match the exact part number for the next order.