How to Replace a Samsung Refrigerator Water Filter (Step-by-Step)

Replacing the water filter in a Samsung refrigerator takes about five minutes and needs no tools. This guide walks through every filter type Samsung uses, plus how to reset the filter indicator on each panel style.

How often should you replace it?

Samsung recommends replacing the filter every 6 months or 300–500 gallons, whichever comes first. The built-in indicator turns orange at roughly 5 months / 450 gallons and red at 6 months / 500 gallons — change the filter as soon as it turns red for the best taste and flow.

Step 1 — Identify your filter

Check the model printed on the old cartridge. Samsung uses three common filters:

• HAF-QIN (DA97-17376B) and the older HAF-CIN — internal twist-in cartridges
• HAF-CU1 / HAF-CU1S — a twist-lock cartridge used on some older models

The filter usually sits inside the fresh-food compartment (upper-right or upper-rear) or, on some models, in the base grille.

Step 2 — Replace a twist-in filter (HAF-QIN / HAF-CIN)

1. Turn off the water supply or dispenser lock to avoid drips.
2. Open the filter cover and rotate the old cartridge counter-clockwise about a quarter turn to unlock it, then pull it straight out — keep it horizontal so water doesn’t spill.
3. Remove the protective cap from the new filter and push it straight into the housing.
4. Turn it clockwise until it locks and the lock symbol lines up with the indicator line.
5. Turn the water back on and dispense 2–4 gallons to flush out carbon fines and air (the water may sputter at first).

Step 3 — Replace an HAF-CU1 filter

1. Turn off the water supply.
2. Twist the old filter left to unlock and remove it.
3. Insert the new filter and twist right to secure it, aligning the notch with the arrow.
4. Flush several gallons through the dispenser, then reset the indicator (below).

Step 4 — Reset the filter indicator

Resetting tells the fridge a fresh filter is installed. The method depends on your control panel:

• Standard dispenser panels: press and hold the Filter / Alarm Reset button for about 3 seconds until the light turns green or the “Replace Filter” text clears. Some models require holding two buttons at once.
• Family Hub models: Apps → Fridge Manager → Fridge Settings → Water Filter → Reset → Proceed.
• Arrow / menu-button models: open More Options or Settings → Water Filter → hold Reset until the status changes.

Need the right cartridge? See our Samsung HAF-QIN / DA97-17376B filter guide for specs and compatibility.

VELMARK Team

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