August 7, 2026

How to Reset the Filter Light on Any Refrigerator (LG, Samsung, GE, Whirlpool, Frigidaire, Kenmore)

GE XWF Genuine Refrigerator Water Filter — Genuine GE XWF

Quick answer: On almost every refrigerator, the filter light resets by pressing and holding one button for about 3 seconds after installing the new cartridge. The button differs by brand: LG uses Filter or Water Filter, Samsung uses Crushed Ice or Alarm/Hold, GE uses Reset, Whirlpool-family uses Filter Reset, Frigidaire uses Reset or Filter Reset. Kenmore follows whichever brand built the fridge. The light is a 6-month timer, not a sensor: it must be reset manually every change.

The all-brands reset table

Brand	Button to hold (about 3 seconds)	Confirmation
LG	Filter or Water Filter on the dispenser panel	Indicator returns to green/off
Samsung	Crushed Ice, or Alarm/Hold on some panels	Filter icon turns blue/off
GE	Reset (dispenser panel)	Light blinks then clears
Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Amana, JennAir	Filter Reset, or Options then Filter Reset	Status returns to good
Frigidaire, Electrolux	Reset or Filter Reset	Indicator clears
Kenmore	Depends on the builder: model prefix 106 = Whirlpool method, 795 = LG method, 253 = Frigidaire method	As per builder brand

Panel labels vary by model year; if holding 3 seconds does nothing, try 5 seconds, or consult the brand-specific replacement guides linked below.

The light is a timer, and that cuts both ways

The indicator does not measure water quality: it counts 6 months (some models also count gallons). That means two things. First, resetting the light without changing the cartridge silences the reminder while an expired filter keeps running, which defeats the point. Second, in a heavy-use household the cartridge can be exhausted before the light turns: if flow slows or taste drifts early, change early. The signs are covered in 8 signs you need to change your filter.

Reset done, but the light will not clear?

Three usual causes: the hold was too short (try a full 5 seconds), the cartridge is not fully seated (remove and re-seat until it clicks or locks flush), or on RFID-checking models the fridge rejected the cartridge itself, an issue explained in GE XWF vs XWFE. Step-by-step, per-brand replacement instructions live in our guides for LG, Samsung, GE, Frigidaire and Kenmore.

Frequently asked questions

Do I reset before or after installing the new filter?

After. Install, flush 2-4 gallons (see the flushing guide), then reset so the 6-month timer starts from the real install date.

Is it harmful to keep using the fridge with the light on?

The light itself changes nothing, but it usually means the cartridge is at or past capacity, where filtration fades and trapped contaminants can begin releasing. Change the cartridge, then reset.

Tired of tracking the light at all?

Auto-Delivery lands a fresh cartridge every 6 months at 10% off with free shipping: the delivery is the reminder.