How Often Should You Change Your Refrigerator Water Filter?
Quick answer
Change your refrigerator water filter about every 6 months, or when it reaches the gallon rating printed on the filter (usually 200 to 300 gallons), whichever comes first. Change it sooner if the water flow slows down or the water or ice starts to taste or smell off.
What manufacturers recommend
- Frigidaire: about every 6 months, and before using a fridge that has been unused, such as after a move.
- Samsung: about every 6 months. The filter light is on a 6-month timer.
- LG: about 6 months or 200 gallons, whichever comes first.
- Whirlpool (everydrop): about every 6 months, with a gallon rating printed on each filter.
Signs your filter needs changing now
- Water comes out of the dispenser noticeably slower.
- Water or ice tastes or smells like chlorine, metal or the fridge.
- The ice maker makes less ice or smaller cubes.
- The filter indicator light is red or shows a replace message.
- You can't remember when you last changed it.
What changes how long a filter lasts
Filter life depends on how much water passes through it and what's in that water. A large family that drinks a lot of fridge water, or a home with hard water or sediment, can wear out a filter before 6 months. A small household may use less than the rated gallons in 6 months, but carbon filters still shouldn't be left in much longer: an old filter stops reducing contaminants and can build up bacteria.
Can you run the fridge without a filter?
Some models work without a filter and some need a bypass plug in the filter's place. Running unfiltered water means none of the chlorine, lead or other contaminant reduction the filter provides. If you remove a filter, check your manual for whether a bypass plug is needed.
Find your exact filter
Frequently asked questions
Is it OK to change a fridge water filter once a year?
It's not recommended. Most filters are rated for about 6 months, after which they reduce contaminants less effectively and can slow water flow.
Does the filter light mean the filter is used up?
Not always. Many lights run on a simple 6-month timer and don't measure the filter, so use flow and taste as a second check.
Do I need to reset the light after changing the filter?
Yes, on almost all models. The light doesn't know you changed the filter until you reset it from the control panel.
Related guides
Sources
Steps can vary by model and production year. When in doubt, follow your owner's manual.