Samsung Refrigerator Water Filter | Which One You Need and How to Replace It 

Most newer Samsung refrigerators use the HAF-QIN filter (part number DA97-17376B). It has a square shape and fits 2017-onward French door and 4-Door Flex models. Older Samsung fridges use the HAF-CIN (DA29-00020B) round/cylindrical shape. Check the label on your current filter or your fridge model number to confirm. Replace every 6 months or 300 gallons.

 Samsung makes great fridges. But finding the right Samsung refrigerator water filter replacement is genuinely confusing. They use different filter shapes for different model generations, and the part numbers look nothing like each other. DA97-17376B. DA29-00020B. HAF-QIN. HAF-CIN. It is a lot.

This guide cuts through all of it. You will know exactly which filter your Samsung fridge uses, how to replace it in under 3 minutes, and whether the genuine OEM is worth the price.

Samsung Refrigerator Water Filter Types 

Samsung uses five different refrigerator water filter types across their fridge lineup. Which one you need depends entirely on your fridge model and year. Here is the complete breakdown:

To confirm, open your fridge and pull out the current filter. The part number is printed on the label like  DA97-17376B, DA29-00020B, or another. That is your exact replacement.

If the label is unreadable, check your Samsung fridge’s model number.It is on a sticker inside the door frame. Go to samsung.com/us/support and enter the model number to find the compatible filter.

HAF-QIN vs HAF-CIN | The Most Important Samsung Filter Difference

This is where most people get confused. HAF-QIN and HAF-CIN are Samsung’s two most popular filter types and they are not interchangeable. One is square, one is round. If you order the wrong one it simply will not fit.

If your Samsung fridge was made after 2017, especially any French door, 4-Door Flex, or Bespoke model, you almost certainly need the HAF-QIN (DA97-17376B). If it is older. Always check the filter label to confirm HAF-CIN (DA29-00020B).

Which Samsung Refrigerator Model Uses Which Filter?

Use this table to find your Samsung refrigerator water filter by model series. If your exact model is not listed, use the model number prefix, the first characters before the numbers.

Still unsure? No worries you can confirm it by pulling out the existing filter inside your fridge and reading the part number on the label.  

What Does a Samsung Refrigerator Water Filter Actually Remove?

The genuine Samsung HAF-QIN and HAF-CIN filters are NSF 42 and NSF 53 certified. Here is what that means in plain terms:

• NSF 42 removes chlorine taste, odor, and some particles. This is the baseline and every certified filter has this.
• NSF 53 removes lead, cysts (Cryptosporidium and Giardia), mercury, and specific industrial chemicals. This is the certification that matters for health protection.

Samsung’s OEM filters are tested and verified to reduce contaminants including chlorine, lead, mercury, benzene, and carbofuran. The authentication tag on every genuine Samsung filter confirms it passed Samsung’s own quality testing, something no generic filter can replicate.

The EPA recommends replacing refrigerator water filters every 6 months to maintain effective contaminant reduction. An overdue filter does not just stop working, it can release previously trapped contaminants.

How to Replace a Samsung Refrigerator Water Filter | Step by Step

The replacement process takes under 3 minutes and needs no tools. The steps vary slightly depending on which filter type you have.

HAF-QIN (DA97-17376B) | Square filter, interior housing

• Step 1 Open the fridge. The filter is in the top-right or top-center area inside the fresh food compartment.
• Step 2  Push the eject button or pull the tab to release. The filter will slide out slightly.
• Step 3  Pull the old filter straight out. Keep a cloth nearby.
• Step 4 Remove the cap from the new HAF-QIN filter. Align it with the housing slot and push it straight in until it clicks.
• Step 5 Reset the filter indicator, hold the ‘Ice Type’ and ‘Child Lock’ buttons simultaneously for 3 seconds on most models. Or hold the ‘Filter Reset’ button if your model has one.
• Step 6  Flush 2-3 gallons through the dispenser and discard before drinking.

HAF-CIN (DA29-00020B) | Round filter, interior housing

• Step 1 Find the filter in the upper-right interior of the fridge.
• Step 2 Turn the filter counterclockwise about a quarter turn to unlock it.
• Step 3 Pull it straight out. Have a cloth ready.
• Step 4 Remove the cap from the new filter. Insert it and twist clockwise until it locks.
• Step 5 Reset the filter light and flush 2-3 gallons.

DA29-10105J | External inline filter

• Step 1 Pull the fridge away from the wall to access the water line connection.
• Step 2 Turn off the water supply valve behind the fridge.
• Step 3 Disconnect the inline filter from both ends of the water line. Push-fit connectors release with a gentle push of the collar.
• Step 4 Connect the new DA29-10105J inline filter. Match the flow direction arrow on the filter to the water flow.
• Step 5 Turn the water supply back on. Check for leaks. Run 2-3 gallons before drinking.

Samsung Water Filter Reset | How to Turn Off the Filter Light

After replacing your Samsung refrigerator water filter, the indicator light will stay red until you manually reset it. The reset method depends on your fridge model:

• Most French door models (RF series).Hold ‘Ice Type’ and ‘Child Lock’ buttons simultaneously for 3 seconds
• Side-by-side models (RS series). Hold ‘Water Filter’ button for 3 seconds
• 4-Door Flex / Bespoke. Hold ‘Filter Reset’ on the Family Hub display or hold ‘Ice Maker’ + ‘Freezer Temp’ for 3 seconds
• Models with no display. Hold the reset button near the filter housing for 3 seconds

If the light does not reset after 3 seconds, try holding for 5 seconds. Different firmware versions sometimes need a longer hold. If it still fails, check your owner’s manual for the exact button combination for your specific model.

The filter light resets separately from the ice maker reset. Resetting the filter indicator does not affect ice production and resetting the ice maker does not reset the filter light.

OEM Samsung Filter vs Compatible | Which Should You Buy?

Genuine Samsung filters cost $45-$55 each. Plenty of compatible options exist for $15-$30. Here is the honest answer:

If your Samsung fridge is still under warranty, buy the genuine OEM. Samsung has been known to dispute warranty claims on fridges using non-OEM filters. Once out of warranty, a reputable NSF 42 and 53 certified compatible filter is a reasonable choice. Never buy an uncertified generic filter.

Verify any filter’s NSF certification at nsf.org before buying. Samsung’s genuine filters list DA97-17376B and DA29-00020B as certified products.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which water filter does my Samsung refrigerator use?

Most Samsung fridges from 2017 onward use the HAF-QIN (DA97-17376B). Check the label on your current installed filter to confirm.

Is HAF-QIN the same as HAF-CIN?

No, HAF-QIN is square and fits newer models. HAF-CIN is round and fits older models. They are not interchangeable.

How often should I replace my Samsung refrigerator water filter?

Every 6 months or 300 gallons, whichever comes first.

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

Hold ‘Ice Type’ and ‘Child Lock’ simultaneously for 3 seconds on most RF models or ‘Water Filter’ for 3 seconds on RS models.

Will a generic filter void my Samsung refrigerator warranty?

Samsung recommends OEM filters and may dispute warranty claims on fridges using non-genuine filters,use OEM while under warranty.