Glass filling with water from the dispenser in the door of a stainless steel refrigerator, dark navy kitchen cabinets behind

Refrigerator water filters

Which water filter fits my fridge?

12 sources

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Quick answer

Two numbers settle it. First look for the filter number printed on the old filter (Whirlpool and Samsung both point there). If you can't read it, find your fridge's model number on the label inside the fresh-food compartment and type the whole number into the maker's filter finder. GE's finder only needs the first eight characters. Buy the filter the finder names for your model, not one that just looks the same.

Filter finders from the fridge makers: enter your model number to get the exact filter.

GE filter finder everydrop (Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid) Samsung filter guide LG filter finder Frigidaire filter finder

Where to find the numbers

Our illustration, based on Whirlpool's model-number and filter-number guides and GE's filter finder. Label and filter locations vary by brand and model; not to scale.

Look here	What you'll find	Who says so
Side of the old filter	The filter's own number (for example a GE XWFE or a Samsung HAF-QIN)	Whirlpool says the number is on the side of the filter once it's out. Samsung says to check the model on the filter you already have.
Label inside the fridge	The fridge's model number	Whirlpool: left inside wall on top-freezer, bottom-freezer, French door and four-door models; right wall on side-by-sides. everydrop lists other spots: the ceiling, behind drawers, the frame behind the door, behind the kickplate, the back, or the door.
Owner's manual	The filter part number	Whirlpool: in the manual's "Accessories" section. Frigidaire also says most manuals list the filter for your model.

Frigidaire's advice is the simplest rule on any of these sites: use the same filter type that is in your fridge now. A filter for a different model can look nearly the same and still not lock in or seal.

Guides

GuideGeneric or genuine filter?What NSF 42, 53 and 401 mean, and how to check a cheap filter yourself.Read guide

GuideHow often to change itEvery 6 months for most fridges, plus how to reset the light.Read guide

Fix guideNo water after a filter changeAir in the line, a filter not seated, a closed valve or a chip error.Read guide

Brand notes worth knowing

GE: GE's filter page lists several current filters, including XWFE, RPWFE, ZWFE, MWF, MSWF and GSWF, so the model number matters. GE says the XWFE replaces the older XWF (it is backward compatible), but an XWF will not work in a fridge built for the XWFE. XWFE fridges read an RFID tag in the filter and show "ERR" and shut off the water if the filter is missing, wrong or not made by GE.
Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana: these use everydrop filters, numbered Filter 1 through Filter 6, Filter A and an ice filter. everydrop says to enter the complete model number in its finder.
Samsung: Samsung's replacement guide names three filters for its US fridges: HAF-CIN, HAF-QIN and HAFCU1. Check which one you have before you order.
LG: many LG fridges also take an air filter. LG's guide treats it as a separate part; its filter finder matches both to your model.
Frigidaire: Frigidaire says "compatible isn't comparable" and points owners to its "Find Your Water Filter" tool or the owner's manual.

Where is the filter itself?

It depends on the model. GE says its RPWFE filter sits in the top left corner of the fresh-food side or inside the left door. everydrop's steps show Whirlpool-family filters either in the base grille at the bottom of the fridge or in the upper right corner of the fresh-food side. The owner's manual or the maker's replacement guide shows the spot for yours. Samsung, for example, gives different steps for each of its three filters, and GE has separate instructions for its top-freezer filters. If you can't get the old one out, see no water after a filter change: GE says a filter that won't come loose may have air trapped inside it.

Cheaper filters: the makers all tell you to buy their own filter, and fakes are a real problem. Before you buy a generic, read generic vs genuine fridge filters for how to check a certification yourself.

How we work: every fit, date and step on these pages comes from the fridge maker's own support pages, NSF, or a government source. Each page lists its sources, and where the makers disagree we say so. We don't test filters or water.

Questions people ask

How do I know which water filter fits my refrigerator?

Read the number printed on the side of your old filter, or find the fridge's model number on the label inside the fresh-food compartment and enter it in the maker's filter finder. Whirlpool says the filter number is also in the owner's manual under Accessories.

Where is the model number on my fridge?

Whirlpool says it's on the left inside wall of top-freezer, bottom-freezer, French door and four-door models, and on the right wall of side-by-sides. everydrop also lists the ceiling, behind drawers, the door frame, behind the kickplate, the back and the door.

Will an XWF filter work in a fridge that takes the XWFE?

No. GE says the XWFE replaces the older XWF, but an XWF won't work in a fridge built for the XWFE, which reads an RFID chip in the filter.

Sources

Last checked Oct 22, 2026. Filter numbers and instructions change; check your fridge maker's filter finder or owner's manual before buying.