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If the red light is beside a water-filter symbol or says “Filter Reset,” it usually means the refrigerator’s replacement reminder has reached its threshold—not that the appliance has measured the filter’s remaining capacity. Replace the cartridge if your model uses one, then reset the indicator using that model’s instructions. Other red lights can signal different conditions, so check the display label and your refrigerator’s manual before acting.
What the red filter light means—and what it does not
Samsung describes the water-filter indicator as a timer-based replacement reminder. On most models covered by its Canadian guidance, the reminder comes on after about six months, but that interval is a guideline: water quality and dispenser use affect how long a filter lasts. The indicator does not directly test filter capacity. Samsung Canada’s filter guide explains that “This timer is only a guideline.”
The color sequence is not universal. Samsung UK describes one system that turns blue after reset, purple after six months and red after another six months. Treat that sequence as guidance for the system covered by that regional support page, not a countdown that applies to every Samsung refrigerator. Samsung UK’s instructions describe the sequence and replacement reminder.
A red filter light alone does not prove that water is unsafe or that the filter has failed. However, Samsung advises considering a replacement if water dispenses noticeably more slowly with the filter installed than with it removed, even if the reminder has not appeared. That is troubleshooting guidance, not a guarantee of water quality.
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- 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
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- 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
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How to replace the filter and reset the light
Filter location, cartridge compatibility and reset controls vary by refrigerator. Check the model number and manual before buying a cartridge: HAF-CIN and HAF-QIN are examples in Samsung’s replacement guidance, not universal fits. Choose a cartridge identified as compatible with your exact refrigerator model.
- Shut off the water supply if your model’s instructions call for it. Dispense water to relieve pressure before removing the old cartridge.
- Remove the old filter. Find the filter location for your model, unlock the cartridge and take it out.
- Install a compatible new filter. Prepare it as directed, remove any protective cap and push or turn it fully into the locked position. Restore the water supply if you shut it off.
- Reset the reminder using your model’s control. Many models require holding a Filter Reset control for three seconds; some assign the function to another button, require two buttons, or use touchscreen menus. Examples from Samsung Canada include Filter Reset or a secondary function such as Alarm, Water Filter, or Ice/Water. Use the exact manual procedure rather than trying combinations at random.
- Flush the new filter. Dispense water as directed for your model to clear air and carbon particles. Samsung Canada suggests about seven minutes, or 10–12 large glasses; Samsung UK specifies 10 litres, or 6–7 minutes. These are regional guide instructions, so follow the one for your refrigerator and market. A new installation can briefly cause water to spray as air clears from the line. If taste or smell remains unusual, Samsung Canada suggests dispensing a further 2–3 gallons.
Reset examples for selected US models
These are examples from Samsung US support, not instructions for every refrigerator:
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- Standard models: hold Filter Reset for three seconds.
- Family Hub: Apps → Fridge Manager → Fridge Settings → Water Filter → Reset.
- Models with arrow buttons: More Options → Filter Reset.
- RF4289 and RSG309: use the specific Settings/Water Filter procedure for the model.
If the light will not reset or water flow is poor
The filter reminder stays on
- Confirm that the cartridge is the correct one and is fully seated and locked.
- Check that any protective cap has been removed.
- Look up the reset sequence for the exact refrigerator model; controls differ, and some models use menus or a two-button combination.
If water leaks around the cartridge, reinstall it according to the model instructions and resolve the leak before continuing to use it. Samsung Canada lists incomplete seating and model-specific reset procedures among common replacement or reset issues.
The dispenser is slow after replacement
Check that the cartridge is properly installed and locked, then dispense water to clear air from the line. If flow remains noticeably slower with the filter installed than with it removed, Samsung’s guidance is to consider replacing the filter.
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- 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 refrigerator has no water filter
A narrow exception applies to certain Samsung models that lack a physical filter but show a red “Filter Reset” alert. Samsung Ireland says a software-related alert affects RS70F, RS80F and RS90F models manufactured before July 2025. Its page describes updating through SmartThings or manually disabling the alert. Check Samsung Ireland’s current instructions for those specific models; do not apply this remedy to other refrigerators.
Quick Recap
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- [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.
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- 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.
Before ordering a replacement
- Find the refrigerator’s model number and the cartridge number specified for it.
- Match the replacement to that exact model; a Samsung brand name or a similar-looking cartridge is not enough to establish compatibility.
- Use the model manual or Samsung’s regional support page for cartridge and reset instructions, since procedures and indicator behavior vary.
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.
