How to replace your refrigerator water filter

Your refrigerator water filter works hard to keep your drinking water clean and tasting fresh. In order to keep it that way, it needs to be routinely changed—about every six months.

Use this guide to learn about replacing any Whirlpool^® Refrigerator water filter type, whether yours sits inside the fridge or in the base grille, plus troubleshooting tips if a filter doesn't lock in or release. Keep reading to learn how to easily find and replace your Whirlpool^® Refrigerator water filter.

Finding and replacing your fridge filter

Before you can replace your refrigerator water filter, you need to know what type you have. Look for the number printed on it or find the approved water filter for your Whirlpool^® Refrigerator. Not sure which model you own? Whirlpool^® Refrigerators display their model number information in different locations. Consult this guide for help finding yours.

Find My Filter

Care Tip:

Once you know your filter type, consider purchasing a subscription to automatically ship a replacement filter every three or six months.

Select your water filter

Find your filter from the products listed below to follow simple replacement steps or watch the video on how to change your Whirlpool^® Refrigerator water filter.

How To Change Order Filter 1

How To Change Order Filter 2

How To Change Order Filter 3

How To Change Order Filter 4

How to replace refrigerator water filter 1

Depending on your model, you'll find filter 1 either in the upper right-hand corner inside the refrigerator or in the base grille. It installs with a simple push-and-twist motion—no tools required. Watch the video below, then follow the steps to replace yours.

Filter 1: Step-by-step instructions

Locate your water filter cover in the upper right-hand corner inside your refrigerator or in the base grille.
Lift the filter door up.
Pull the filter out and discard it.
Open your new filter and remove the protective coverings from the O-rings. Make sure the O-rings are still in place after the cover has been removed. A worn or missing O-ring is one of the most frequent causes of leaks.
When inserting the new filter into the slot, make sure the arrow is pointing upward. Do not force the water filter. If it does not slide in easily, rotate it until the notches are properly aligned with the grooves.
Push the filter door closed so it snaps into place. If the door won't close all the way, check that the filter is locked fully into the housing.
Once your filter is replaced, run four gallons of water through the line to properly flush the new filter, then reset the filter light.

Whirlpool^® Refrigerator Water Filter 1 reduces 70 potentially harmful contaminants, like 99% of lead and 97% of chlorine, from your water. The filter is designed for an exact fit with your refrigerator, and is simple to install and replace, giving you simple, easy access to fresh water.

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How to replace refrigerator water filter 2

Filter 2 is another interior Whirlpool^® filter, usually found in the same upper right-hand spot inside the fridge, though it uses a slightly different twist-and-pull motion than Filter 1. Watch the video below, then follow the steps to replace it.

Filter 2: Step-by-step instructions

Locate your water filter cover in the upper right-hand corner inside the refrigerator.
Pull open the filter door.
Pull the filter so it's angled down, turn it to the left and pull. Discard the old filter.
Open your new filter and remove the protective coverings from the O-rings. Make sure the O-rings are still in place after the cover has been removed. A worn or missing O-ring can lead to leaking.
When inserting the new filter into the filter slot, make sure the arrow is pointing upward. As you push in, the filter will begin to rotate.
Turn the filter clockwise until it locks. If it won't turn or lock into place, pull it back out, confirm the arrow lines up with the slot and try again—forcing a misaligned filter or over-tightening it can distort the seal and cause a leak.
Push the filter door closed so it snaps into place.
Once your filter is replaced, run four gallons of water through the line to properly flush the new filter.

The Whirlpool^® Refrigerator Water Filter 2 reduces 70 potentially harmful contaminants, like 99% of lead and 97% of chlorine, from your water. The filter is designed for an exact fit with your refrigerator, and is simple to install and replace, giving you easy access to fresh water.

Shop Whirlpool^® Refrigerator Water Filter 2

How to replace refrigerator water filter 3

Filter 3 is typically found on the left side of the refrigerator’s base grille and releases with the push of a button rather than a twist. Watch the video below, then follow the steps to replace it.

Filter 3: Step-by-step instructions

Locate your water filter cover on the left side of the refrigerator's base grille.
Push the eject button to release the filter. If the filter doesn’t release, push the filter and then press and hold the button firmly. If it’s still stuck, unplug the refrigerator and remove the bottom grille for better access, then press the button again to help release it. Check to see if it has moved. If it has, firmly press it back in and then firmly press the button again to release it.
Pull the filter out and discard it.
Open your new filter and remove the protective coverings from the O-rings. Be sure the O-rings are still in place after the cover has been removed.
Place the filter cap on the new cartridge so the ridges align. Turn the cap clockwise to lock into place.
When inserting the new filter into the slot, make sure the arrow is pointing to the left.
Push the filter in until the eject button pops back out.
Once your filter is replaced, run four gallons of water through the line to properly flush the new filter.

Whirlpool^® Refrigerator Water Filter 3 reduces 74 potentially harmful contaminants, like 99% of lead and 97% of chlorine, from your water. The filter is designed for an exact fit with your refrigerator, and is simple to install and replace, giving you simple, easy access to fresh water.

Shop Whirlpool^® Refrigerator Water Filter 3

How to replace refrigerator water filter 4

Filter 4 sits inside the refrigerator's interior, in the upper right-hand corner, and uses a push-and-turn motion to lock into place. Watch the video below, then follow the steps to replace yours.

Filter 4: Step-by-step instructions

Locate your water filter cover in the upper right-hand corner of your refrigerator interior.
If the filter tab in your refrigerator is facing outward, push on it and pull the cover down. If the tab is on the bottom of the cover, pull forward and down on the small lever to open the cover.
Turn the filter to the left and pull. Discard the old filter.
If this is a first-time installation, you'll find a cap inside the filter slot. Turn it counterclockwise and pull it out.
To insert the new filter in the slot, line it up with the grooves, push in and turn it to the right. If it doesn't fit into the slot, remove it and reinsert it straight, lining up the grooves or tabs exactly as your model specifies.
Push up on the filter to lock in place.
Push the filter door up so that it snaps closed.
Once your filter is replaced, run four gallons of water through the line to properly flush the new filter.

Whirlpool^® Refrigerator Water Filter 4 reduces 32 potentially harmful contaminants, like 99% of lead and 97% of chlorine, from your water. The filter is designed for an exact fit with your refrigerator, and is simple to install and replace, giving you simple, easy access to fresh water.

Shop Whirlpool^® Refrigerator Water Filter 4

What to do after replacing your refrigerator water filter

Once your new filter is in, a few quick checks can help make sure everything is working the way it should.

Flush the new filter with water to clear out trapped air and carbon dust left over from the manufacturing process.
Check the filter housing and dispenser area for drips or leaks. A filter that isn't fully locked in or a worn O-ring are common causes of leaks right after a filter change.
Reset the filter indicator light, if your model has one. Many refrigerators keep the light on until it's manually reset after a filter change.

Refrigerator water filter replacement FAQs

If you still have questions, keep reading for answers to some common questions about replacing, maintaining and troubleshooting your refrigerator's water filter.

Refrigerator water filter types vary because filter placement and design differ by refrigerator model and brand, as some sit inside the fridge while others fit into the base grille. Whirlpool^® Refrigerators use several filter types that release in different ways—some twist or pull free inside the fridge, while others eject with a push button at the base grille.

Many refrigerators track the filter’s lifespan and flag a change with a red light or another indicator when it’s time for a replacement. Cloudiness, water that tastes off, or slower water flow from the dispenser are also possible signs it may be time for a fresh filter, even without a warning light.

An overdue filter can become saturated with the contaminants it's designed to trap and start collecting dirt and debris so more of those contaminants may pass through even though the water still looks and tastes clean. A clogged filter can also slow water flow.

Typically, you don’t need to shut off the water supply to replace a Whirlpool^® Refrigerator water filter. However, always reference your owner’s manual before replacing the refrigerator’s water filter for specific details.

The process for resetting a water filter indicator light on a Whirlpool^® Refrigerator can vary by model. For instance, on Whirlpool^® French Door Refrigerators, the reset button is typically on a control panel attached to the interior ceiling; on side-by-side models, it's often on the water dispenser control panel. Press and hold it for a few seconds until you hear a beep or chirp. Instructions can vary by make and model, so check your refrigerator's manual for the exact steps.

Shop Whirlpool^® Refrigerators

No matter the installation process or filter, Whirlpool^® Refrigerators help keep your family’s day-to-day routines running smoothly. Select Whirlpool^® models offer maximum organization and minimum clutter with smart storage and a large capacity. Or, on other models, take advantage of Dual Ice Makers that make up to 7 lbs of ice.