How to Change Whirlpool Water Filter | Reset, Ice Maker & Troubleshooting Guide

To change a Whirlpool water filter locate the filter (upper interior or base grille), press the eject button or twist counterclockwise, pull out the old filter, insert the new one and twist clockwise until it clicks, then hold the reset button for 3 seconds.

Run 2-3 gallons of water and discard before drinking. The whole process takes under 3 minutes with no tools. How to change Whirlpool water filter correctly is simpler than most people think but doing it wrong causes headaches like air lock, a red filter light that won’t reset, and an ice maker that stops working.

This guide covers step-by-step instructions for every fridge type, how to find the reset button, and a full troubleshooting section for the most common problems.

Where Is the Water Filter on a Whirlpool Refrigerator?

The water filter on a Whirlpool refrigerator is either in the upper-right corner inside the fresh food compartment, or in the base grille at the very bottom front of the fridge. Which location depends on your fridge model and filter type.

Here is a quick guide by fridge type

How to Find your Filter in 10 Seconds

• Open the fridge and look at the upper-right corner — if there is a small door or panel, your filter is there
• If nothing is inside, look at the base grille at the bottom front — the filter slot is usually on the left side
• Check your current installed filter label — it will say Filter 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5

Side-by-side Whirlpool fridges: most use Filter 1 (upper interior) or Filter 3 (base grille). If you are not sure which check the label on the filter currently installed.

How to Change Whirlpool Water Filter in a Side-by-Side Refrigerator

If you are thinking how to change water filter in whirlpool side-by-side refrigerator then I want to guide you that the process is straightforward and takes under 3 minutes.

If your filter is inside the fridge (upper-right)

• Step 1 — Open the filter door: Press the release button or open the small panel in the upper-right interior of the fridge.
• Step 2 — Remove the old filter: Pull straight out or twist counterclockwise. Keep a cloth handy for drips.
• Step 3 — Insert the new filter: Remove the cap, align the arrow, push in firmly and twist clockwise until it clicks.
• Step 4 — Reset the indicator: Hold the filter reset button for 3 seconds until the light turns green.
• Step 5 — Flush the line: Run 2-3 gallons through the dispenser and discard before drinking.

If your filter is in the base grille (bottom front)

• Step 1 — Find the grille slot: Look at the bottom front of the fridge. The filter slot is usually on the left side of the grille.
• Step 2 — Eject the filter: Press the eject button or twist a quarter turn counterclockwise to release.
• Step 3 — Pull it out: Pull straight out toward you. Have a cloth ready, base grille filters drip more than interior filters.
• Step 4 — Insert the new filter: Remove the cap, align, push in firmly and twist clockwise until locked.
• Step 5 — Reset and flush: Hold the reset button 3 seconds, then run 2-3 gallons through the dispenser.

Both filter locations use the same twist-in mechanism. The only difference is where you access them.

How to Change the Water Filter in a Whirlpool French Door Refrigerator

French door Whirlpool fridges always have the filter inside the fridge in the upper area. The steps are the same as the interior method above but the reset process can differ by model.

Step 1 — Locate the filter: Open the fridge , filter is in the upper interior, usually behind a push-button panel.

Step 2 — Push to release: Press the eject button , the filter will pop out slightly.

Step 3 — Remove and replace: Pull out the old filter, insert the new one with arrow pointing up, push firmly until it clicks.

Step 4 — Reset the ice maker display: On French door models with an ice maker panel , hold the reset button on the ice maker arm for 3 seconds.

Step 5 — Flush: Run 2-3 gallons through the dispenser and discard.

If your Whirlpool French door fridge has a separate ice maker reset button, you may need to reset both the filter indicator on the main panel AND the ice maker. Check your owner’s manual if the ice maker stops after a filter change.

How to Reset Your Whirlpool Refrigerator Water Filter Light

Hold the filter reset button on your control panel for 3 seconds after installing a new filter. The light will change from red to green or blue. If it does not reset, try holding for 5 seconds or check the table below for your model type.

Reset button location varies by model:

Whirlpool refrigerator reset button — full reset

If you are looking for the Whirlpool refrigerator reset button to do a full system reset not just the filter unplug the fridge for 30 seconds and plug it back in. This resets the control board and clears any error codes. This is different from the filter reset.

Filter light vs system reset: Filter reset = hold filter button 3 seconds. Full system reset = unplug 30 seconds. Never confuse the two, a system reset will not reset the filter light.

How to Reset the Ice Maker on a Whirlpool French Door Refrigerator

Hold the reset button on the ice maker arm for 3 seconds until you hear a chime or the unit starts cycling. Then wait 24 hours for full ice production to resume. This is the most common fix after a filter change causes the ice maker to stop.

If your ice maker stopped working after a filter change, this is the fix. Here is how to reset the ice maker on a Whirlpool French door refrigerator:

Step 1 — Locate the ice maker: Open the freezer door. The ice maker is usually on the left side inside the freezer.

Step 2 — Find the reset button: Look for a small button on the ice maker arm or on the side of the ice maker unit itself.

Step 3 — Hold the reset button: Press and hold for 3 seconds until you hear a chime or the ice maker starts cycling.

Step 4 — Wait 24 hours: Ice production takes 24 hours to resume fully after a reset and this is normal.

Step 5 — Check water supply: If ice still does not produce after 24 hours, check that the water supply valve behind the fridge is fully open.

Ice maker stopping after a filter change is one of the most common issues. It is almost always caused by air in the line. Running 2-3 gallons through the dispenser after filter installation prevents this in most cases.

Whirlpool Fridge Water Dispenser Not Working — Troubleshooting Guide

If your fridge water dispenser is not working after a filter change or for no obvious reason then work through this table before calling a technician:

Most common fix: 90% of post-filter-change issues are solved by removing the filter, reinserting it firmly until it clicks, then flushing 2-3 gallons through the dispenser. Try this first before anything else.

When Should You Call a Technician for Your Whirlpool Filter?

Try all the fixes above first. Call a technician only if:

• Water supply valve is open but still no water after 48 hours
• Filter is properly seated but fridge shows error code
• Dispenser works but water has a persistent bad taste after 3 full flushes
• Filter leaks even after removing and reseating

Important: Never use a filter that is visibly cracked or damaged. A damaged filter can contaminate your water supply. If the filter housing itself is leaking, not the filter then contact Whirlpool support before using the dispenser.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I change the water filter in my Whirlpool fridge?

Locate the filter (upper interior or base grille), twist out the old one, insert the new filter and twist until it clicks, reset the indicator light, then flush 2-3 gallons.

Where is the water filter on a Whirlpool refrigerator?

Either in the upper-right interior of the fresh food compartment or in the base grille at the bottom front, depends on your model.

How do I reset the filter light on my Whirlpool refrigerator?

Hold the filter reset button on the control panel for 3 seconds until the light turns green or blue.

Why is my filter light still red after I replaced the filter?

You need to manually reset it, hold the filter reset button for 3 seconds after installing the new filter.

How do I reset the ice maker on my Whirlpool French door refrigerator?

Hold the reset button on the ice maker arm for 3 seconds, then wait 24 hours for ice production to resume.

Why is my Whirlpool water dispenser not working after a filter change?

The most common cause is air lock, remove the filter, reinsert firmly, and flush 2-3 gallons through the dispenser.

What are the black specks in my water after installing a new filter?

Loose carbon particles from the new filter, completely harmless, flush 3-4 gallons and they will clear.

How do I do a full reset on my Whirlpool refrigerator?

Unplug the fridge for 30 seconds and plug back in. This resets the control board.

Why did my ice maker stop after I changed the water filter?

Air in the line, run 2-3 gallons through the dispenser first, then reset the ice maker and wait 24 hours.

How often should I change my Whirlpool water filter?

Every 6 months or 200 gallons, whichever comes first.

Need a Replacement Filter?

If you are ready to order a genuine EveryDrop replacement, find the right filter for your Whirlpool fridge at UnifiedFilter.com. All five filter types in stock with fast USA shipping.

Not sure which filter your fridge takes? Check the label on your current installed filter or visit our Whirlpool Filter Guide for a full compatibility list.