How to Reset the Water Filter Light on a Whirlpool Refrigerator
Quick answer
On most Whirlpool refrigerators the filter light doesn't reset by itself. Depending on your dispenser panel, hold FILTER RESET until the light goes off, hold WATER FILTER for 3 seconds, hold LIGHT and ICE TYPE together for 3 seconds, touch MAX COOL and MAX ICE together for 3 seconds, or press OPTIONS, then FILTER RESET, then MEASURED FILL.
Why you have to reset it
The filter status light is a reminder, not a sensor. On most Whirlpool models it stays on after you install a new filter until you reset it by hand. A few models reset automatically once a new filter is installed.
Reset by control panel type
- FILTER RESET button: press and hold it until the filter status light turns off.
- WATER FILTER button: press and hold it for 3 seconds. The filter icon turns blue again and the Replace Filter text disappears.
- LIGHT and ICE TYPE buttons (common on side-by-sides): press and hold both together for 3 seconds until the status light turns off.
- MAX COOL and MAX ICE buttons: touch both together for 3 seconds. The display counts down, the icon flashes and a tone sounds.
- OPTIONS menu: press OPTIONS, then FILTER RESET, then MEASURED FILL to confirm.
Not sure which panel you have? Look for the matching button names on your dispenser or on the control panel inside the fresh-food compartment. Maytag, Amana and JennAir refrigerators use the same methods.
If the light won't reset
- Hold the buttons for a full 3 seconds. A quick press usually only shows the filter status.
- Try the other methods above. The right combination depends on your model, and your owner's manual lists it.
- Check the filter is fully turned to its locked position. A clogged or badly installed filter can also cause slow dispensing or small ice cubes.
- If your fridge has no filter light at all, Whirlpool suggests changing the filter every 6 to 9 months, or sooner if water flow drops.
The right filter for your Whirlpool fridge
EveryDrop Filter 4 (EDR4RXD1)
Fits WRF555SDFZ, WRX735SDHZ, WRX735SDBM00, WRF535SWHZ.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We verify the genuine filter only. Non-genuine results aren't checked by us: confirm the listing names your model and an NSF/ANSI certification.
EveryDrop Filter 1 (EDR1RXD1)
Fits WRS325FDAM04, WRS321SDHZ08, WRS325SDHZ08, WRS571CIHZ04, WRS315SDHZ08, WRS315SDHM08, WRS588FIHZ, WRS555SIHZ06, WRS322FDAM.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We verify the genuine filter only. Non-genuine results aren't checked by us: confirm the listing names your model and an NSF/ANSI certification.
EveryDrop Filter 3 (EDR3RXD1)
Fits ED5FVGXWS00.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We verify the genuine filter only. Non-genuine results aren't checked by us: confirm the listing names your model and an NSF/ANSI certification.
Don't see your model? Search by model number or browse all Whirlpool models.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to reset the light every time I change the filter?
Yes, on most Whirlpool models. The light doesn't know you changed the filter, so it keeps counting until you reset it.
Can I reset the light without changing the filter?
Yes, the reset works either way. But the light is a 6-month reminder, so if it's been 6 months or the water flow has slowed, replace the filter first.
My filter is clogged and I don't have a new one. What do I do?
Whirlpool says you can remove the clogged filter. The fridge then runs in bypass mode, so ice and water keep working, but the water isn't filtered until you install a new filter.
Related guides
Sources
Steps can vary by model and production year. When in doubt, follow your owner's manual.