How to Replace the Water Filter in an LG Refrigerator


Is the water filter in your LG refrigerator faulty or worn out and needs a replacement, but you have no idea how? You’re not alone. Luckily, you’re just on the right page. Water filters for LG refrigerators are designed to keep the water you drink from your dispenser clean and free from impurities. So you will need to replace the water filter at regular intervals. 

Photo of a man opening a refrigerator in his kitchen
In most cases, it’s fairly simple to replace the water filter in your refrigerator.

However, if you begin to notice a smell coming from the food, the refrigerator is not cooling properly or the dispenser is leaking, you may want to check on your cartridge. We are going to show you how to remove the water filter from the LG fridge and replace it with a new one.

Before You Start

Before changing the LG water filter, make sure you have the right model for your exact fridge type. Removing a water filter from an LG refrigerator is as simple as fixing a light bulb, but each refrigerator type and model has specific replacement methods.

This guide explains how to replace the water filter in an LG fridge. Additionally, we’ll discuss how to deal with a stuck unit.

How to Replace the Water Filter

Whether you have well water or city water, everyone wants pure, healthy drinking water. So here’s how to replace the LG refrigerator water filter.

Changing the LG Side-by-Side Refrigerator Filter

  1. Pull out the shelf in the top left corner. Simply lift the front of the shelf and tilt it upwards.
  2. On the filter compartment, press the PUSH button and pull the door downward.
  3. Turn counterclockwise while pulling down to detach and remove the old unit.
  4. Take off the packaging of the new unit as well as the protective ring cover.
  5. Make sure the top tabs of the cartridge are horizontal as you position the filter, then Insert it into the compartment.
  6. Lock the new piece in place by rotating it clockwise.
  7. Be sure to close the compartment door.
  8. Change the top left shelf.
  9. Make sure to flush the system. Hold the dispenser button for 30 seconds until at least 2.5 gallons of liquid are dispensed and disposed of.
  10.  Hold down the FILTER or RESET button for five seconds to reset the filter indicator light.

Changing the LG French Door Refrigerator Filter

  1. The refrigerator is connected to your home’s water supply via a water valve. Disconnect the valve.
  2. Empty the dispenser of any lingering liquid.
  3. Open and grasp the bottom bin on the left side of the refrigerator door. Lift it up to reveal the filter.
  4. To remove the old unit, pull out its bottom half until it is easily graspable. Detach it by turning it counterclockwise.
  5. Unwrap and remove the cap cover from the replacement piece.
  6. Place the new filter head into the filter mount of the compartment and turn it clockwise until it clicks into place.
  7. Insert the bottom end of the  replacement unit into the compartment
  8. Push the bin securely down on the mounts of the door to reinstall it.
  9. Turn the valve back on.
  10.  Make sure to flush the system. Hold the dispenser button for 30 seconds until at least 2.5 gallons of liquid are dispensed and disposed of.
  11. Hold the button for three seconds to reset the indicator light.

What to Do If Your LG Filter Is Stuck?

What is the safest way to remove the cartridge if it gets stuck? If you experience this issue, here are some tips that can help:

  • Always remove the uppermost shelves from the refrigerator when accessing filters located in the top corners.
  • It is easier to remove other filters when the dispenser’s pressure is reduced. To release the pressure, make sure to dispense any remaining liquid in the dispenser after turning off the valve to release the pressure.
  • If the problem persists, call in a trained technician to help safely replace the cartridge.

If you still can’t get the old filter out, you’re likely going to need to call a service tech. Companies like FilterWay can assist you with this service or don’t forget you can ask your Realtor for recommended local experts. 

The Importance of Regularly Replacing Your LG Filter 

You should change your refrigerator cartridge at regular intervals of six months to one year because the life of the unit depends on how much water it has to purify. The more water that passes through the cartridge, the more dirt, and particles it can trap and remove from your water. If you do not periodically change the unit, it will eventually stop working properly and need to be replaced.

A dirty or old refrigerator cartridge can lead to a host of problems with your refrigerator, including:

  • The water in your refrigerator is not clean enough for you to drink.
  • The water in your ice maker is no longer clean enough to use as a source for making ice cubes.
  • The smell of mold and mildew inside your refrigerator. 
  • There will be reduced efficiency by your appliance which leads to increased energy consumption and expense.

Final Thoughts

Clean, pure water and fresh foods are some of life’s greatest pleasures. LG consumers are lucky to have access to a wide selection of products that provide these essential needs. 

However, regularly checking and replacing the cartridges is vital for the health of your home and family. You only need to follow these simple steps on how to replace the water filter in the LG refrigerator to get it done. Enjoy!