How to Replace the Water Filter in a Bosch Refrigerator

Which filter does your Bosch use?

• Current Bosch French door and 3-door models, such as the B36CT80SNS, B36CD50SNS and B36FD52SNS, use the UltraClarity Pro (BORPLFTR55, now sold as part 11032531). Older models such as the B21CT80SNS and B26FT80SNS use the UltraClarity (BORPLFTR10, now 11034152).
• The two cartridges are not interchangeable. Read the part number on the filter you're taking out, or look up your model number.
• Bosch's manuals say the filter reduces particles, chlorine taste, chloramines and lead, but does not remove bacteria or microbes.

3-door models (B36CT.. and B36CD..)

Bosch's Use and Care manuals for these models describe a filter cover in the fresh-food compartment. Reach into the recess below the cover, pull it forward slightly, then down to the left. Pull the filter down to the left, turn it 90° counterclockwise and remove it carefully: the water system is under pressure, and a little water may drip out.

Push the new filter all the way into the opening, turn it 90° clockwise as far as it goes and fold it up to the right. Move the cover up to the right and slide it back. Bosch then says to throw away the ice made in the first 24 hours and run water for 5 minutes.

French door models with a door dispenser (B26FT..)

Pull the filter cover out and lower it. Turn the cartridge 90° counterclockwise and pull it out. Take the new cartridge out of its packaging, remove the safety cap, insert it and turn it 90° clockwise as far as it will go. Bosch's manual mentions using a spoon to help turn it, and says to tighten it by hand so it seals without leaking.

Raise the cover and lock it, turn the water supply back on, dispense water for 5 minutes and pour it away. Then reset the filter symbol.

Counter-depth models (B21CT80SNS, B21CT80SNB)

On these models the filter sits in a housing inside the fresh-food compartment, and the cap moves from the old filter to the new one. Turn the old filter's knob counterclockwise until it is loose and pull it straight out, with a towel ready for drips. Take the cap off the old filter and fit it on the new one.

With the cap facing you, insert the new filter into the housing and turn it clockwise about three-quarters of a turn until it locks. Don't over-rotate it. Bosch suggests writing the change date on the new filter with a permanent marker.

How to reset the Bosch water filter light

• B36CT.. and B36CD.. models: when "change filter" lights up, replace the filter, then press and hold "change filter" for 3 seconds until it goes out.
• Changed the filter before the reminder came on? Press menu, press change filter, press the submenu setting arrow to change the display from 1 to 0, then press menu again.
• On B36CT.. models, holding the ice maker button for 3 seconds also resets the filter status, so don't hold it by accident before the filter is changed.
• B26FT.. models: the water filter symbol fills up over 2, 4 and 6 months and flashes when the cartridge is due. After fitting the new one, hold "light/filter" for 3 seconds until the symbol stops flashing. Bosch notes the symbol also resets if the refrigerator is turned off.
• Other models: the reset is in the filter or control panel section of your Use and Care manual.

Using a Bosch refrigerator without a filter

Bosch says the water dispenser and ice maker also work with a bypass cap in place of the filter, for example if you already have a whole-house or under-sink filter. The bypass cap only stops large particles, can be cleaned as needed and doesn't need replacing every 6 months like a filter. Bosch sells it through customer service and its website.

Step-by-step instructions

1. Find the filter. In the Bosch models covered here, the water filter is inside the fresh-food compartment, behind a cover. The appliance diagram in your Use and Care manual marks the exact spot for your model.
2. Open the filter cover. On B36CT and B36CD 3-door models, pull the cover forward slightly and then down to the left. On B26FT French door models, pull the cover out and lower it.
3. Remove the old filter. Turn the cartridge counterclockwise (90° on most models) and pull it out. It is under pressure, so go carefully and keep a dry cloth ready for drips.
4. Install the new filter. Take off the new cartridge's protective cap (on B21CT models, move the cap from the old filter to the new one instead). Push it all the way in and turn it clockwise until it stops: 90° on most models, about three-quarters of a turn on B21CT models. Tighten it by hand only, then close the cover.
5. Flush the new filter. Dispense water for 5 minutes and pour it away, as Bosch recommends, to clear air from the water system. On B36CT models Bosch also says to throw away the ice made in the first 24 hours.
6. Reset the filter reminder. Hold the "change filter" or "light/filter" button for 3 seconds until the light or symbol stops showing. If you changed the filter early on a B36CT or B36CD model, set the change filter menu from 1 to 0 instead.

After you change the filter

• Check the cover and the dispenser for drips after a few minutes. A leak usually means the cartridge isn't turned all the way.
• If the water output or ice production is still low, check the water supply valve is fully open. Bosch lists a blocked filter and low water pressure as the usual causes.
• The old cartridge can go in your household garbage, according to Bosch.

The right filter for your Bosch fridge

Don't see your model? Search by model number or browse all Bosch models.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I change my Bosch refrigerator water filter?

Every 6 months, Bosch says, or sooner if the filter light comes on or the water output or ice production drops noticeably. Heavy water use makes the reminder come on sooner.

How do I reset the water filter light on my Bosch refrigerator?

On most models, press and hold the filter button ("change filter" or "light/filter") for 3 seconds after changing the filter. On B36CT and B36CD models you can also set the change filter menu from 1 to 0, which is how you reset it if you changed the filter early.

How long should I run water after changing a Bosch filter?

For 5 minutes, then pour it away. Bosch's 3-door manuals also say to throw away the ice made in the first 24 hours.

Does the Bosch refrigerator filter remove bacteria?

No. Bosch's manuals say the filter reduces particles, chlorine taste and other contaminants, but does not filter out bacteria or microbes.

Related guides

• How Often Should You Change Your Refrigerator Water Filter?
• Refrigerator Water Filter Bypass Plugs: Do You Need One?
• Genuine vs Compatible Refrigerator Water Filters: Which Should You Buy?