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To change a Samsung refrigerator water filter, first identify the exact cartridge your fridge uses, then follow the removal and installation directions for that cartridge. Filter type, location, turn direction, indicator reset, and flushing amount vary by model and region, so do not assume one filter or procedure fits every Samsung refrigerator.
Identify the correct replacement filter
Check the refrigerator’s model code on its label and the part number printed on the existing cartridge. Use Samsung’s filter guidance and compatibility finder and your refrigerator’s user manual to confirm the replacement before buying. Samsung’s North American guidance names HAF-CIN, HAF-QIN, and HAFCU1 for some models; those codes are examples, not universal fits. UK models may use other types, including external HAFEX/EXP and internal HAFIN cartridges, as shown in Samsung’s UK replacement instructions.
The cartridge may be inside the refrigerator, often near the upper-right interior or lower drawers. Some models instead use an externally mounted inline filter. If you cannot find the cartridge or its code, consult the manual for the model rather than guessing.
Prepare the fridge and remove the old cartridge
For an internal cartridge, shut off the refrigerator’s water supply and dispense water until the flow stops. This relieves pressure and can make a stuck filter easier to remove. Keep a towel nearby; a few drops may escape when the cartridge comes out.
#1 Best Overall
- 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
HAF-CIN or HAF-QIN
- Open the filter compartment.
- Turn the old cartridge counterclockwise until it unlocks. Depending on the housing, the turn may be about 90 or 180 degrees.
- Pull the cartridge straight out.
HAFCU1
- Locate the internal filter; on models covered by Samsung’s North American instructions, it is usually near the upper-right area.
- Twist the old cartridge counterclockwise to unlock it, then pull it down from the housing.
Other cartridge types can have different locations or removal directions. Follow the manual if the cartridge does not match these descriptions; do not force it.
Install the new filter
Remove the protective cap from the replacement cartridge before inserting it. For HAF-CIN and HAF-QIN filters, push the cartridge into the housing and rotate it clockwise until it locks; align the lock symbol with the compartment’s indicator line. For HAFCU1, push the cartridge up into the housing, turn it clockwise until secure, and align its notch with the arrow on the housing. Check the markings on the filter and housing rather than relying only on how far the cartridge turns.
Rank #2
- 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.
Samsung recommends genuine filters and warns that filters from other manufacturers may cause fit or housing problems. That warning is Samsung’s guidance; it does not establish that every non-Samsung filter is unsafe. Whatever replacement you choose, verify compatibility with the exact refrigerator model.
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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteRestore water, flush the system, and reset the reminder
- Turn the water supply back on and check around the filter for leaks.
- Dispense and discard water to flush the new cartridge. Samsung’s North American guidance calls for about seven minutes or 10–12 large glasses; its UK instructions specify 10 litres, or about six to seven minutes, for the procedure described there. Follow your model’s manual if it specifies a different amount.
- Reset the filter reminder using the control specified in the manual. Samsung says many US models reset by holding Alarm, Water Filter, or Ice/Water for three seconds, but the button and sequence vary by model.
Samsung bases the replacement reminder on a six-month interval and recommends changing the filter every six months. Treat that as Samsung’s general recommendation; your model’s manual gives the relevant instructions for its filter and controls.
Rank #3
- 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.
If the filter will not come out or fit
The old filter is difficult to remove
Shut off the water and dispense until flow stops to relieve pressure before trying again. A small amount of water dripping during removal can be normal. Samsung UK also advises keeping the cartridge horizontal during removal for the models shown in its instructions to minimize leakage.
The new cartridge will not lock into place
Samsung US describes a possible housing-lock issue: the old filter may not have fully opened the housing. Its troubleshooting guidance is to temporarily reinstall the old cartridge, press it into the housing, and turn it farther left until it cannot turn any further. Remove it, then try installing the replacement. Do not force the new cartridge; if it still will not fit, contact Samsung support.
Rank #4
- [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.
The indicator does not reset or water flow is poor
Check the model manual for the correct reset control and confirm that the cartridge is fully seated and locked. If flow remains poor after the required flush, or there is a leak, stop using the dispenser and consult the refrigerator manual or Samsung support for model-specific troubleshooting.
Quick Recap
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