An ice tray filled with ice cubes inside a refrigerator.

Replace your water filter in under five minutes

You’ve probably never given much thought to changing your refrigerator water filter, especially since it’s small and tucked in an out-of-the-way spot. But the family certainly takes advantage of it: filling up reusable water bottles, cooking favourite meals or making tea and coffee.

 

But in order to keep your water and ice fresh tasting and free of contaminants, it needs to be routinely changed — we recommend once about every six months. A good way to remember? Your fridge has a light indicator that goes off when it is time to replace the filter. Also, consider signing up for a subscription and you’ll never have to think about ordering a new filter again. With the Everydrop Subscribe & Save program, you’ll automatically receive a new filter every six months, delivered right to your home. 

 

Changing your Whirlpool® refrigerator water filter is so simple, it can be done in under five minutes. Here’s how.

 

Light bulb icon.

First, find your filter

Before you can replace your refrigerator water filter, you need to know what you have. Look for the number printed on it or find the everydrop® water filter recommended for your Whirlpool® refrigerator.

Replace Whirlpool® refrigerator water filter 1

How to replace refrigerator water filter 1

This model is located in the upper right-hand corner inside the refrigerator or the base grille.

Replace Whirlpool® refrigerator water filter 2

Refrigerator water filter 2

This model is located in the upper right-hand corner inside the refrigerator.

Replace Whirlpool® refrigerator water filter 3

Refrigerator water filter 3

This model is located on the left side of the base grille.

Replace Whirlpool® refrigerator water filter 4

Refrigerator water filter 4

This model is located in the upper right-hand corner inside the refrigerator.

Replace Whirlpool® refrigerator water filter 5

Refrigerator water filter 5

This turn cap model is located in the lower left corner of the base grille.

How to replace refrigerator water filter 1

Filter 1: Step-by-step instructions

  1. Locate your water filter cover in the upper right-hand corner inside your refrigerator or in the base grille.

  2. Lift the filter door up.

  3. Pull the filter out and discard it.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. Push the filter door closed so it snaps into place.

  7. Once your filter is replaced, run four gallons of water through the line to properly flush the new filter.

How to replace refrigerator water filter 2

Filter 2: Step-by-step instructions

  1. Locate your water filter cover in the upper right-hand corner inside the refrigerator.  

  2. Pull open the filter door. 

  3. Pull the filter so it’s angled down, turn it to the left and pull. Discard the old filter.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. Turn the filter clockwise until it locks.

  7. Push the filter door closed so it snaps into place.

  8. Once your filter is replaced, run four gallons of water through the line to properly flush the new filter.

How to replace refrigerator water filter 3

Filter 3: Step-by-step instructions

  1. Locate your water filter cover on the left side of the refrigerator’s base grille.

  2. Push the eject button to release the filter.

  3. Pull the filter out and discard it.

  4. 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.

  5. Place the filter cap on the new cartridge so the ridges align. Turn the cap clockwise to lock into place. 

  6. When inserting the new filter into the slot, make sure the arrow is pointing to the left.

  7. Push the filter in until the eject button pops back out.

  8. Once your filter is replaced, run four gallons of water through the line to properly flush the new filter.

How to replace refrigerator water filter 4

Filter 4: Step-by-step instructions

  1. Locate your water filter cover in the upper right-hand corner of your refrigerator interior.

  2. 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.  

  3. Turn the filter to the left and pull. Discard the old filter.

  4. If this is a first-time installation, you’ll find a cap inside the filter slot. Turn it counterclockwise and pull it out. 

  5. To insert the new filter in the slot, line it up with the grooves, push in and turn it to the right.

  6. Push up on the filter to lock in place.

  7. Push the filter door up so that it snaps closed.

  8. Once your filter is replaced, run four gallons of water through the line to properly flush the new filter.

How to replace refrigerator water filter 5

Filter 5: Step-by-step instructions

  1. Locate your water filter cartridge cap on the left side of the refrigerator’s base grille.

  2. Rotate the cap counterclockwise until the handle is vertical, then pull straight out.

  3. Remove the filter cap by sliding it off the end of the filter. Keep the cap, but discard the old filter.

  4. Open your new filter and remove the protective coverings from the O-rings.

  5. Slide the cartridge cap onto the end of the new filter.

  6. When inserting the new filter into the filter slot, make sure the cap handle is vertical. Push all the way in.

  7. Rotate the filter cap clockwise until it’s horizontal.

  8. Once your filter is replaced, run four gallons of water through the line to properly flush the new filter.

Keep it cool and fresh

If your refrigerator needs replacing in addition to your water filter, check out Whirlpool brand’s innovations and purposeful organization to help you care better.

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