Can you run a Samsung refrigerator without the water filter?

Author: Tabitha Swift DVM  |  Last update: Sunday, April 6, 2025

Most Samsung water and ice dispensers will work without an AquaPure water filter installed. The water filter housings are designed as rotary valves that allow the water to bypass the water filter whenever there is no filter or the filter is not in the locked position.

Will my Samsung fridge work without a water filter?

pstein15 Most Samsung refrigerators can be operated without a water filter in place. No plug is needed. If you have good city water, you don't need one.

Can I bypass my refrigerator water filter?

Many refrigerators have built-in water filtration that filters sediment and contaminants from the water going to the dispenser and/or the icemaker. If you do not need or want to use the water filter, a bypass plug must be used in place of the filter.

What happens if you don't change the water filter in a Samsung refrigerator?

As your water filter begins to wear out, it will become less effective at filtering out the various chemicals, minerals, and microbes that may be present in the water supply. This may soon become apparent to you in the form of changes in the taste and odor of the water coming from your refrigerator.

Can you run a refrigerator without a water filter?

Yes, many refrigerators are designed to run even if their water filter is not installed. However, running the system after removing the filter is not advised. Drinking unfiltered water can harm your health and make you sick.

Can I use my refrigerator without the water filter?

Can I leave the water filter out of the fridge?

If the filter is clogged and you are not able to immediately replace it, leave the filter out so the water system is in bypass mode. With the filter removed, the water system will continue to operate, bypassing the filter, and the clogged filter will not cause slow water dispensing or low ice production.

What happens if you haven't changed the water filter in your refrigerator?

An unchanged filter could hold nasty toxins that can alter the taste of your water and cause damage to the refrigerator unit, your health and wellbeing.

Is it OK to use off brand refrigerator water filters?

Consumer Reports have shown that while some off-brand filters can perform reasonably well, brand name filters consistently outperform their generic counterparts in both filter quality and water purity.

Can not changing your refrigerator water filter make you sick?

Consume Harmful Bacteria

If you neglect to change your refrigerator's water filter, it will become clogged with these substances and fail to do its job, causing these harmful microbes to get into your water. From E. coli to fecal coliform, your health can be impacted.

Does your fridge really need a water filter?

The short answer is that fridge water filters do work for some simple needs — mainly those related to chlorine, like unpleasant tastes and odors. However, the list of things a refrigerator filter can't do is far longer. For example, fridge systems won't reduce contaminants like arsenic, pharmaceuticals and fluoride.

Will the ice maker work without a filter?

The short answer is not necessarily.

An ice machine will operate without a filter, but will quickly start having problems will scale buildup, especially in a city where the water is considered “hard”.

Will Samsung refrigerator stop making ice if filter is dirty?

A Samsung refrigerator not making ice due to water pressure issues may have a clogged filter. Changing the filter can improve pressure and should be done every 6 months to prevent clogs. We recommend that every time you change the filter, you also clean your ice maker as part of regular maintenance.

Is it okay to use a generic water filter in a Samsung refrigerator?

Always use Samsung brand filters. Filters from other manufacturers, even if they indicate compatibility, may damage your fridge and water filter housing, or break off and leave pieces of the filter inside (like the cap), preventing a new filter from being inserted.

What happens if you don't run water through a new filter?

Flushing a new water filter is necessary to eliminate any initial carbon dust and particles. These impurities can accumulate during the production and packaging of the filter. If not flushed out, they can mix with your drinking water, affecting its quality and taste.

Can I leave the filter out of my Samsung refrigerator?

Most Samsung water and ice dispensers will work without an AquaPure water filter installed. The water filter housings are designed as rotary valves that allow the water to bypass the water filter whenever there is no filter or the filter is not in the locked position.

Can I leave fridge without water filter?

While having a water filter in place helps to ensure that all of the water entering your fridge is clean and free of impurities, it is not necessary for keeping your refrigerator running smoothly.

Can you throw away refrigerator water filters?

Answer: Water filter recycling varies by municipality. Refer to the local recycling facility for specific information on items accepted for recycling. While not recommended, it is safe to throw water filters in the trash.

Can I use my Samsung refrigerator without a filter?

Water filters are made to remove contaminants like lead, mercury, chlorine and more from your drinking water and ice. Most Samsung fridges can still function without a water filter installed.

What is the purpose of the water filter on a Samsung refrigerator?

Our water filters are NSF* certified to remove many contaminants. You should know that herbicides, pesticides, lead, mercury, asbestos, and even pharmaceuticals like ibuprofen, carbamazepine and a whole lot of other hard-to-pronounce chemicals are all filtered out by Samsung. So you can rest (and drink easy).

What happens if you don't change your Samsung water filter?

Timely fridge water filter replacement is essential for ensuring high-quality drinking water and the proper functioning of your refrigerator. Skipping this simple but necessary task can lead to issues such as strange smells, bad-tasting water, and potential damage to your fridge's internal components.

Do I really need to change the water filter in my refrigerator?

Because they're susceptible to the build up of dirt and debris, old fridge water filters may not be able to prevent contaminants from tainting drinking water as well. To ensure drinkable, fresh tasting water for your family, be sure to change your fridge's water filter every six months.

Is it safe to drink fridge water without filter?

Without filters, water and ice water may contain contaminants, bad taste, and odor. There are certain occasions when skipping the filtration process is necessary. For instance, if you have a whole-house water filtration system that filters water long before it gets into your refrigerator.

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