7 Common Samsung Refrigerator Problems and How to Fix Them

Samsung is one of the leading manufacturers of smart home appliances, including refrigerators. Although they are reliable and long-lasting, they can give you a few headaches.

Not to worry, most of these issues are easy to fix. With a flathead and a Phillips screwdriver, you can troubleshoot these problems in a few minutes. 

However, others may require professional services.

In this guide, we delve into the most common Samsung refrigerator problems and why they happen. We’ll also give you step-by-step instructions to fix each one.

Let’s get right into it.

What are the most common problems of Samsung refrigerators?

The most common problems you’ll encounter with Samsung refrigerators include temperature issues, malfunctioning ice makers, defrost system failure, water leakages, and loud knocking noises.

You can troubleshoot these problems yourself, or you can contact a qualified professional for assistance.

Problems	Causes	Solutions
Making Knocking or Vibrating Sounds	Frost Buildup	Manually defrost the fridge. Start by unplugging the unit and unloading its contents.  Then, leave the doors open overnight. To defrost your fridge faster, activate Force Defrost mode. Click on the Power Freeze and Fridge buttons until “FD” appears on the display.
Not Cooling	Overpacked Fridge	Rearrange the fridge’s contents. Store food and beverages in their designated shelves and compartments to optimize airflow.  Make sure to keep the vents unobstructed to promote good airflow.
	Poor Location	Move the refrigerator to a better spot.  Keep it away from direct sunlight and other heat sources. Then, ensure your fridge has adequate ventilation. All Samsung refrigerators must have at least two inches of space on all sides and four inches on top to ventilate properly.
	Wrong Temperature Settings	Press the Fridge button on the control panel to change the temperature of the fridge compartment.  Its temperature must be between 1°C(33.8°F) and 7°C(44.6°F). Then, press the Freezer button on the control panel to adjust the temperature of your freezer. It must be between -15°C(5°F) and -23°C(9.4°F).
Fluctuating Temperatures	Dirty Compressor Coils	Unplug the fridge, and move it to access the back panel. Remove the screws securing the back panel. Use a vacuum and a dry-bristle brush to remove the dust from the coils. Reattach the screws and secure the back panel. Plug the fridge back in.
Not Making Ice	Ice Maker Deactivated	Press the Ice Maker button on the control panel for three seconds to turn on the feature.
	Child Lock Activated	Press and hold the Lighting button for three seconds to disable the Child Lock mode.
	Weak Water Pressure	Perform a pressure test by dispensing water into a measuring cup. Your water line should fill up 6 ounces in 10 minutes or less. If it can’t, remove the water filter and try the test again. If it passed the test without a filter, replace the filter with a new one. After replacing the filter, try the test again. If it fails, your water pressure is too low. Straighten any kinks in the water hose, and make sure your home’s water valve is fully open.  If none of these steps make any difference, get in touch with a plumber for assistance.
Not Defrosting	Malfunctioning Defrost Thermostat	Unplug the fridge, and disconnect the wires of the thermostat. Use a multimeter to run a continuity test. This is to verify if your thermostat is defective. If the result shows no continuity, replace the damaged thermostat with a new one.
	Malfunctioning Defrost Heater	Unplug the fridge and transfer its contents. Take out the shelves and drawers before removing the evaporator cover.  On each electrical plug, pry out the retaining clip. Press the locking tab, pull out the plug, and cut the zip tie. Remove the wire retainer and defrost thermostat. Using gloves and a screwdriver, carefully remove the defrost heater and install a new one. After, reattach the wire retainer and defrost thermostat. Connect the retaining clips on both electrical plugs, then add a zip tie to attach the wires. Return the evaporator cover, and reinstall all the shelving.
Making Loud Fan Noises	Frost Buildup	Manually defrost the fridge or activate the Force Defrost mode.
	Faulty Evaporator Fan	Buy a replacement for your Samsung fridge’s evaporator fan motor.  Unplug the fridge, and take out everything inside, including the shelves and bins. Remove the screws on the fan cover on the inner wall. Detach the wires to remove the cover. Next, turn the cover over to access the fan motor. Remove the screws attaching the plastic housing to the cover, and remove the wires. Remove the faulty fan, and install the replacement with the sticker facing your way. After, reattach the screws and the wires on the plastic housing.  Then, reattach the screws and the wires on the fan cover.
Water Leakage	Clogged Defrost Drain	Unplug the fridge and take out its contents. Remove the evaporator cover and panel from the fridge’s inner wall. Pick out any dirt or debris clogging up the defrost drain. Then, flush out the residual grime with warm water. Let the fridge fully dry before plugging it back in.
	Damaged Water Filter	Turn the knob of the water filter counterclockwise and gently pull it out of the fridge. Install the new water filter by sliding it in and turning the knob in a clockwise direction.

Knocking or Vibrating Sounds

Samsung refrigerators produce all sorts of sounds when it is operating. Knocking or vibrating noises are normal, but when they get very loud and repetitive, they could indicate a problem.

Often, it is a result of frost buildup in the evaporator fan. Excess ice can prevent the fan motors from rotating properly and cause these loud noises.

Defrosting the fridge should solve the problem right away.

Solution: To resolve the loud knocking noises from your Samsung fridge, you can manually defrost the fridge or activate Force Defrost. 

If you want to give the fridge a deep cleanse, opt to manually defrost the fridge because cleaning is going to take up a lot of time anyway. 

However, if you just want a quick fix for this issue, you can turn on Force Defrost, which should only take 20 minutes.

Follow these steps to turn on Force Defrost mode:

• Step 1: Look for the Power Freeze and Fridge buttons on the control panel. 

Not all Samsung fridges have this button combination. Check your user manual to find out how to activate the Force Defrost mode button on your unit.

• Step 2: Press the Power Freeze and Fridge buttons until the display goes blank and you hear a beep.
• Step 3: Tap the Fridge button until “FD” appears on the display and you hear a beep.
• Step 4: Unplug the fridge to reset it after it defrosts.

The refrigerator isn’t cooling.

Your Samsung fridge isn’t cooling because of inadequate airflow or incorrect temperature settings.

Simply put, your fridge can’t reach optimal cooling levels if its temperature settings are wrong. If you overfill it or place it in a poor location, you can block airflow and prevent it from cooling.

Although uncommon, faulty components can also cause cooling problems. A damaged gasket, fan, compressor, thermistor, or thermostat can be the reason behind the cooling problem.

Quick Note: Address these minor cooling issues as soon as you catch them. If your fridge continues to operate with these problems, its components will eventually burn out. In another guide, we delve into cooling issues caused by faulty refrigerator components, such as door seals, compressors, and thermostats. We offer step-by-step instructions to help you replace the faulty component in your fridge.

Overpacked Fridge

If you store too much food inside a fridge, you can restrict airflow from the vents. It will force the fridge to work harder to regulate cool temperatures.

The good news is that it’s quite easy to fix.

Solution: To fix cooling issues caused by an overfilled fridge, reorganize its contents. 

Store your food and beverages on the designated shelves and bins, and make sure nothing is blocking the vents.

Here are a few tips for better fridge organization:

• Door bins:  Since the door bins are the warmest part of the fridge, stock them with non-perishable goods like condiments, cooking oils, or sodas.

• Top shelf: The top shelf is the second warmest area of the fridge. Items that need to be cool but not frozen, such as leftovers, cheese, and yogurt, should go here.

• Lower shelf: As the coolest area in the fridge, the lower shelf is ideal for eggs, dairy, and deli meats.

• Crisper drawers: Store fruits and vegetables inside the crisper drawers. If your unit has humidity controls, you can adjust the settings to keep everything inside the drawers fresh.

Quick Note: Ideally, you should keep your fridge ⅔ full. Every time you open the fridge doors, cool air escapes, and warm air seeps inside. By keeping your fridge ⅔ full, you can reduce the amount of air it has to cool when you open the doors. There are probably items in your fridge that don’t need to be refrigerated. To prevent overcrowding, take the following items out of your fridge: • Avocados • Citrus fruits • Hot sauces • Bread • Potatoes • Honey

Poor Location

The location of your fridge affects not only its internal temperature but also its efficiency.

If your fridge is in direct sunlight or too close to hot appliances, its internal temperature will be high. The extra heat forces the condenser, fans, and coils to work harder to keep the fridge cool.

As a result, these fridge components will wear down faster.

Solution: If a Samsung fridge isn’t cooling because of its poor location, relocate it to a better spot.

Before moving the fridge, here are a few factors to consider:

• Avoid placing the fridge in a spot where the temperature range is between 10°C and 43°C. 

• Keep your Samsung fridge away from heat sources, such as direct sunlight, ovens, and dishwashers.

• Make sure the fridge has enough ventilation space. It must have at least two inches of space on all slides and at least four inches on top.

• If you are installing the fridge in an enclosure or between countertops, leave enough room for the doors to open and close properly.

Quick Note: To prevent issues with your fridge’s water and ice dispensers, pick a location that is close to a water pipe.

Wrong Temperature Settings

If your fridge’s temperature isn’t set at optimal levels, it can’t keep your food chilled and fresh inside. 

Knowing the ideal temperature to set on your fridge and freezer compartments can help you resolve this issue and prevent it from happening again.

Solution: To manually adjust the temperature in your Samsung fridge and freezer compartments, follow these steps.

• Step 1: Press the Freezer button on the control panel to change the temperature of your freezer compartment.
• Step 2: Set the temperature to -19°C(-2.2°F), which is the freezer’s default setting. Your freezer temperature can range between  -15°C(5°F) and -23°C(9.4°F).
• Step 3: Press the Fridge button on the control panel to adjust the fridge’s temperature.
• Step 4: Set the temperature to 3°C(37.4°F), which is the fridge’s default setting. You can also set the temperature between 1°C(33.8°F) and 7°C(44.6°F)

Quick Note: Other Samsung models may have different labels for the temperature controls, such as “Freezer Temp” and “Refrigerator Temp.”

Fluctuating Temperatures

Fridge temperatures may fluctuate as a result of its daily operations. During the cooling cycle, refrigerant is pushed into different components to lower the fridge temperature.

However, if you have dirty condenser coils, it can make your cooling system less effective. It can lead to drastic shifts in temperature inside your unit.

If the fridge temperature goes beyond the recommended temperature range, which is between 1°C(33.8°F) and 7°C(44.6°F), you need to clean the condenser coils.

Solution: To resolve your Samsung fridge’s fluctuating temperature, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Unplug the fridge, and remove everything inside. Take out its contents, including the shelves and drawers.
• Step 2: Pull out the fridge to access the back panel.
• Step 3: Unmount the screws securing the fridge’s back panel, and remove it.
• Step 4: Use a vacuum and a soft-bristled brush to remove the dust from the coils.
• Step 5: Secure the back panel with the screws.
• Step 6: Plug the fridge back in.

Quick Note: Clean the condenser coils at least twice per year. However, if you have pets that shed and a lot of dust in the kitchen, you should clean it more frequently.

The refrigerator isn’t making ice.

Your Samsung refrigerator isn’t making ice because its Ice Maker feature is off or its Child Lock mode is activated. 

However, if your ice maker is on and it still can’t dispense ice, your water pressure is probably weak, or your water filter is faulty.

Ice Maker Deactivated

One of the most common reasons why an ice maker isn’t dispensing ice is because it is simply off. If no other issues are present, it should start dispensing ice once you turn it on.

Solution: To turn on the Samsung fridge ice maker, press and hold the Ice Maker button on the control panel for three seconds. 

The display should say Ice Maker On once it’s activated.

Child Lock Activated

If you see a padlock icon on the fridge display, Child Lock mode is activated. This mode disables the control panel, water dispenser, and ice maker.

Some Samsung fridges don’t have a Child Lock mode, but they have a Dispenser Lock. Similarly, it prevents little hands from tampering with the controls on the display.

Solution: To disable the Child Lock or Dispenser Lock mode, press the Lighting button for three seconds. 

If your fridge doesn’t have these options, check the control panel. The right button should be labeled with “control lock” or something similar.

You may also refer to the user manual for instructions.

Weak Water Pressure

After turning on the Ice Maker feature or disabling Child Lock, and your fridge still can’t dispense ice, you might have a problem with the water pressure. It might be too low. 

Solution: To resolve your low water pressure problem, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Perform a water pressure test.

First, check your water pressure by dispensing water into a measuring cup. Ideally, your water line should have enough pressure to fill six ounces in under 10 seconds.

• Step 2: Remove the water filter.

Take out the water filter, then perform the test again. If your fridge failed the first one but passed the second one, it’s time for a filter replacement.

However, if your fridge can’t pass the water pressure test with a new filter, it means your water pressure is too low. 

• Step 3: Straighten out any kinks in the line.

Kinks can restrict or block water flow entirely. Make sure to straighten out any kinks in your water hose if you find any.

• Step 4: Make sure the water valve is on.  

Check your home’s water valve and make sure it’s open. If you don’t see a difference in the water pressure after turning it on, contact a plumber immediately. 

You can’t continue troubleshooting until you resolve the water pressure problem.

• Step 5: Power cycle your fridge.

Unplug your Samsung fridge, and wait about five minutes for the electrical charge to drain out of your appliance. Then, plug the fridge back in.

• Step 6: Reset your ice maker.

Press the Test button for about 10 seconds. You’ll hear a chime that indicates the test cycle is underway.

It takes about six minutes for the test cycle to finish. While it’s in progress, you might hear ice dropping inside the bucket. 

You’ll hear another chime once the test is done.

• Step 7: Wait for ice production to normalize.

The ice maker will start dispensing ice again about eight hours after resetting it. However, it will take about 24 hours for ice production to normalize.

At this point, you should see two trays of ice every three hours. To prevent the ice in the bucket from clumping together, dispense ice occasionally.

The refrigerator isn’t defrosting.

Poor airflow, dirt buildup, and faulty components are common causes of defrost system failure in a Samsung refrigerator.

Properly arranging your fridge and thoroughly cleaning it can usually resolve problems with your defrosting system. 

However, if you do all of this and your fridge still can’t defrost, your problem is most likely a component failure.

Malfunctioning Defrost Thermostat

The defrost thermostat regulates the temperature inside the freezer compartment. If it is defective, it can cause the cooling system to malfunction.

Solution: A continuity test can help you determine if your thermostat has a continuous electrical path. It is defective if the test shows no continuity.

• Step 1: Check the user manual to locate your fridge’s thermostat. It is usually clipped to the evaporator coil on the freezer’s back panel. 
• Step 2: Unplug the refrigerator, and disconnect the thermostat wires.
• Step 3: Before you can test a defrost thermostat’s continuity, it needs to be placed in a working freezer. Placing it in ice water isn’t enough.
• Step 4: Use a multimeter to test for continuity. Turn the dial to the continuity setting.
• Step 5: Place the multimeter problem on each of the thermostat’s wires to run the test. 
• Step 6: Determine if the thermostat has continuity by checking the closing and opening temperatures.

On the side of your thermostat, you’ll see a series of numbers and letters. Let’s say the label says L55-35F. 

The number following L indicates the thermostat’s opening temperature. In this case, it is 55°F (12.8°C).

To get the thermostat’s closing temperature, subtract 35 from 55. That means the closing temperature is 20°F (-6.7°C).

If the test shows that the thermostat is colder than its closing temperature, it has continuity. To have continuity, the temperature must be at 20°F (-6.7°C) or colder.

However, if it is warmer than the opening temperature, it has no continuity and must be replaced.

To replace a Samsung bi-metal defrost thermostat, you’ll need a Phillips screwdriver, a 10mm socket, and a replacement part. Then, follow these steps carefully:

• Step 1: Unplug the fridge.
• Step 2: Open the freezer drawer. Remove the freezer tray assembly and the freezer box tray. 
• Step 3: Unscrew the four 10 mm bolts on the door brackets, and remove the freezer drawer.
• Step 4: Pull out the retaining pin from the gear shaft. After, slide the gear shaft to the right to remove it.
• Step 5: Remove the Phillips screws on the freezer panel.
• Step 6: Grab the bottom of the panel and pull it down to remove it. Don’t pull the panel too hard because it’s still connected by the wires.
• Step 7: To disconnect the electrical plug, press the clip and pull. Then, take the panel out of the freezer.
• Step 8: Squeeze the sides of the electrical cover to remove it. 
• Step 9: Press the locking clips on all three electrical plugs, and pull them out.
• Step 10: Separate the electrical plugs by prying out the retaining clips. Cut the zip tie binding them together.
• Step 11: Remove the faulty thermostat, and install a new one. Just align the retainers and push the thermostat in place.
• Step 12: Reinstall the electrical plugs onto the retaining clips, and plug all three back into the wall. Add a new zip tie to connect the wires.
• Step 13: Reinstall the thermostat’s electrical cover.
• Step 14: Reconnect the electrical plug and push the panel until it snaps into place. Make sure to reattach the screws to keep the panel secure.
• Step 15: Reinstall the gear shaft and its retaining pin. 
• Step 16: Reattach the freezer door, and its screws. Then, reinstall all the trays.

Malfunctioning Defrost Heater

If the defrost thermostat has continuity, your Samsung fridge’s defrosting issues might be caused by a defective defrost heater. 

The fridge’s automatic defrost cycle stops working when the defrost heater malfunctions. A tell-tale sign of a faulty defrost heater is thick frost build-up on your evaporator coils.

Solution: To replace a Samsung defrost heater, you’ll need gloves, needle nose pliers, a Phillips screwdriver, a flathead screwdriver, and a side cutter. Follow these steps carefully:

• Step 1: Unplug the fridge, and unload its contents. 
• Step 2: Remove all the shelves, vegetable drawers, and drawer covers. Once you have access to the center shelf support, unscrew it from the panel.
• Step 3: Remove the screws on the evaporator cover, and gently pull out the cover.

Due to frost build-up on the coils, they can sometimes stick to the cover, making them harder to separate. In such cases, open the fridge doors overnight and let the ice melt.

• Step 4: Open the evaporator cover, and disconnect the wires to fully remove the cover.
• Step 5: Remove the electrical plug retaining clips. Once out, press the locking tab, pull out the plug, and cut the zip tie.
• Step 6: Repeat the previous step to remove the second electrical plug.
• Step 7: Pull the wire retainer on the right side to remove it.
• Step 8: Remove the bi-metal defrost thermostat on the left side.
• Step 9: Put on your gloves for protection. 
• Step 10: Use a flat-head screwdriver to pry out the heater retaining tabs. Then, use needle-nosed pliers to bend the bottom retaining tabs.
• Step 11: Carefully remove the defrost heater. 
• Step 12: Install the new defrost heater. 

The new defrost heater won’t include a heater drain probe or retaining clip. Make sure to take it out from the defective component, and transfer it to the new part.

To install the heater, start by inserting the heater probe into the drain hole. Then, tuck the left and right sides of the heater behind the coils.

• Step 13: Bend the bottom retaining tabs back into place.
• Step 14: Tuck the wire into the retaining clip on the right side, and fold the locking tab to keep it secure. After, reattach the wire retainer.
• Step 15: On the left side, tuck the wire into the retaining clip, and bend the locking tabs into place.
• Step 16: Reattach the bi-metal defrost thermostat.
• Step 17: Reinstall the retaining tabs and their respective clips. Next, add a zip tie to attach the wires.
• Step 18: Reconnect the electrical plugs, and insert the evaporator cover.
• Step 19: Reinstall all the screws, shelves, and drawers.

Loud Evaporator Fan Noises

If a Samsung refrigerator fan makes loud noises, there might be excessive ice buildup on the inner walls. 

The blades are most likely hitting the ice around it, producing the loud noises you hear. Or, they could be partially frozen and struggling to rotate properly.

By defrosting the fridge, you can solve this issue in no time.

However, if the unusual sound is coming from a defective fan, the fix will be a bit more complicated. That’s because you’ll have to replace the faulty part with a new one.

Frost Buildup

Ice buildup is a natural result of the cooling process inside the refrigerator. Whenever you open the doors, warm air seeps inside and mixes with the cool air.

That excess moisture settles on the inner fridge walls. Due to the unit’s cold temperature settings, the water droplets freeze and turn into ice.

Although frost buildup is usually harmless, it’s alarming when excessive ice formations start freezing fridge components. When you hear loud rattling or rumbling fan noises, it’s a sign that the fan can’t properly function.

There’s no way of avoiding ice buildups entirely. However, you can make it more manageable by knowing what causes ice to form excessively inside the fridge.

• Leaving the fridge doors open for too long. Opening the fridge doors for long periods will allow warm air and moisture to enter. As mentioned, it will condense and form ice in the fridge’s inner walls, freezing the fan motor.

• Leaving food uncovered. Always cover food properly. Store them in airtight containers to prevent spoilage and reduce excess moisture inside the fridge.

• Clogged drain tray. When the fridge auto-defrosts, melted ice water flows into the drain tray. If it is clogged, water can get stuck and turn into a chunk of ice.

Solution: The easiest way to remove excess frost buildup in your Samsung fridge is to activate the Force Defrost mode.

• Step 1: Press and hold the Power Freeze and Fridge buttons for 8 seconds until the display goes blank. Some fridges will have a different button combination.
• Step 3: Tap the Fridge button until “FD” appears on the display. 
• Step 4: After the fridge defrosts, unplug the unit to reset it.

To prevent the melted ice water from turning into a big clump of ice in the drain tray, use a damp soapy sponge to wipe away all the dust and grime. You should clean the tray at least once per month.

Faulty Evaporator Fan

The evaporator fan motor sits behind a panel on the refrigerator’s back wall. It circulates cold air throughout the freezer and fridge compartments.

It only ever stops when you open the fridge doors or unplug the unit. If it stops functioning properly, you’ll notice uneven temperatures and other cooling issues that may lead to food spoilage.

Solution: To replace a faulty evaporator fan, you’ll need a Phillips screwdriver, a flathead screwdriver, and a replacement part. Once you have everything you need, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Unplug the fridge, and unload its contents.
• Step 2: Remove all the shelving and bins.
• Step 3: Remove the screw covers using a flathead screwdriver.
• Step 4: Unscrew the fan cover using the Phillips screwdriver. Then, disconnect the wiring to detach the cover.
• Step 5: Turn the cover over to access the fan motor, and remove the wires from the clips.
• Step 6: Remove the screws attaching the motor’s plastic housing to the cover.
• Step 7: Gently push the motor out of the plastic housing.
• Step 8: Install the new fan motor with the sticker facing you. Then, position the wires on the bottom right corner of the housing.
• Step 9: Reattach the screws around the plastic housing, and insert the wires in the clips. Make sure to tie them around the clip.
• Step 10: Reconnect the wiring that attaches the cover to the fridge, and close the cover. Reattach all the screws to keep everything secure.

Water Leakage

Another common problem in Samsung refrigerators is water leakage. If you have a damaged door seal, clogged drain pan, or malfunctioning water filter, water can pool and leak inside your food compartments.

Damaged Door Seal

The door seal, also called a gasket, is a rubber strip attached to the outer edges of the fridge and freezer doors. This air-tight barrier keeps cold air in and warm air out.

If the seal is damaged, your fridge doors won’t close properly. The internal temperature of your unit will rise and warm up its contents, causing water to pool and leak inside.

One way to check for damages on the rubber seal is to pass your hand along the edges of the fridge doors. If you feel cool air, the seals are damaged.

You can also insert a sheet of paper between the fridge doors and try to pull it out. If it comes out smoothly without any resistance, the door seal needs to be replaced.

Solution: To replace a damaged door seal, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Unplug the fridge, and open the doors.
• Step 2: Gently pry out the door seal starting from the top corner of the unit. Then, work your way around the door to fully remove the seal.
• Step 3: Position the new door seal in the groove and gently push it into place, starting from the top corner.

Clogged Defrost Drain

The defrost drain is a tiny hole usually located at the inner wall of the refrigerator. Depending on your unit, it might be at the bottom of the freezer or behind a panel. 

If dirt or ice clogs up the defrost drain, melted ice water won’t flow into the drain pan. Instead, it will leak all over the shelves and drawers of your fridge.

Solution: To unclog a defrost drain, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Unplug the fridge, and transfer its contents to temporary containers.
• Step 2: Remove all the shelves and drawers.
• Step 3: Unscrew the cover from the wall and pull out the locking tabs to release the cover. Make sure to disconnect the wires before removing the cover.
• Step 4: Take out any debris and dirt obstructing the drain.
• Step 5: Pour hot water into the defrost drain to remove any residual grime.
• Step 7: Reattach all the wires and screws of the evaporator cover.
• Step 8: Reinstall the shelves and drawers.
• Step 9: Let the fridge dry before plugging it back in.

Malfunctioning Water Filter

A water filter leak can be caused by a broken connection between the fridge and the filter. It often happens when you install a non-Samsung filter as a replacement for the damaged component.

Genuine Samsung filters are marked with a serial number so look for that when you’re buying a replacement. You can also look for a rib on the filter body because counterfeit designs lack this part.

Solution: To replace a malfunctioning water filter, follow these steps: 

• Step 1: Remove the old water filter by rotating the knob counterclockwise and pulling it out.

Depending on your Samsung fridge model, your water filter may be located between the crisper drawers or somewhere else in the main compartment. Check your manual to be sure.

If you’re having a hard time turning the knob on the filter, turn off the water supply and dispense some water into a cup. Then, try removing it again.

• Step 2: Insert the new filter and turn the knob clockwise.

Quick Note: A Samsung water filter should be changed every six months. You may need more frequent changes if your household uses hard water because it shortens the life of your filter.