How often should I replace my XWFE GE water filter?

Author: Randi Thiel  |  Last update: Wednesday, February 25, 2026

We recommend replacing your XWFE™ water filter every 6 months.

Why is the XWFE filter so expensive?

Cost. In the case of price, the XWFE water filters are slightly more expensive. That is because of the filter's advanced features and compatibility with newer refrigerators.

Do I really need to replace my refrigerator water filter every 6 months?

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.

How do I know when my GE water filter needs changing?

Monogram, GE and GE Profile™ Series Indicator Light

Red: The filter cartridge should be replaced when the replace filter indicator light turns red or if the flow of water to the dispenser or icemaker decreases.

Are xwfe and xwf water filters the same?

The XWFE Filter replaces the XWF Filter and is embedded with Leak-Detecting Sensing Technology. This innovation enables refrigerators to shut down the water valve when a leak is detected at the filter. The size, shape, assembly, and installation of the filter remains unchanged from the previous XWF filter.

GE water Filter replacement: When to replace.

Can I use XWFE without chip?

Any generic XWFE water filter that is not directly from the manufacturer will not work. The GE refrigerator will not recognize it due to the absence of the RFID chip. This means the fridge would not dispense water.

What happens if I don't change my refrigerator water filter?

An unchanged water filter can produce water with a foul odour or a strange taste. A dirty or clogged water filter can also affect the mechanical actions within your refrigerator, such as the Ice dispenser. A refrigerator with a water dispensing function is a significant investment and really should be treated as such.

How to tell if a water filter needs to be replaced?

So we've put together a simple guide for you to tell whether this might apply to your cooler or water filter system.
  1. 1 - Reduced Delivery Volume. ...
  2. 2 - Water Tastes or Smells Bad. ...
  3. 3 - Strange Noises or Air Bubbles. ...
  4. 4 - Discoloured or Cloudy Water. ...
  5. 5 - Expiry Date or Visual Indicators.

Can you drink water from the fridge if it says replace the filter?

Ignoring the need for regular refrigerator water filter changes can lead to a host of problems. From a health perspective, an old or clogged filter cannot effectively remove contaminants. This situation means you might drink and cook with unfiltered water, exposing you and your family to potential health risks.

Is it okay 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 a water filter last 5 years?

Most household drinking water filters last between 6 to 12 months and need to be changed to maintain effectiveness. However, some filters like those in pitchers have shorter lifespans and may need to be replaced every 1 to 2 months. On the other hand, some whole house water filters can last between 5 to 10 years.

Can I bypass the water filter on my GE refrigerator?

The Refrigerator has the option to use a filter bypass plug, should you not want to use a genuine GE Appliances water filter. Refrigerator - Bypass Plug.

Are expensive water filters better than cheap ones?

Usually, low-priced water purification systems are considered not to be effective. However, a machine can do a great job depending on the quality of the water. Therefore, when selecting a water filter system for your house or company, cost shouldn't be your top priority.

How long do GE refrigerator water filters last?

GE RPWFE Refrigerator Water Filter, Genuine Replacement Filter, Certified to Reduce Lead, Sulfur, and 50+ Other Impurities, Replace Every 6 Months for Best Results, Pack of 1.

How do I reset my GE refrigerator after replacing the water filter?

Reset Water Filter Pad

After you change the water filter, press and hold the the RESET WATER FILTER button for 3 seconds until the red light goes off. On some models the light goes out and on others it will turn green; either is considered normal.

Will GE refrigerator water work without 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.

Do I really need to change my refrigerator water filter every 6 months?

Experts recommend changing your refrigerator's water filter every 6 months, but keep in mind that this may be different for your particular model of refrigerator. It is important to check your fridge's user manual and warranty information to confirm.

How do you know if your refrigerator water filter is bad?

Signs it's time for refrigerator water filter replacement include:
  1. Water coming from the fridge dispenser tastes or smells bad.
  2. There are black specks or debris in the water.
  3. The water has a cloudy appearance.
  4. The water filter light turns on.
  5. It's been more than a year since the last water filter replacement.

Do you have to unplug fridge to change water filter?

The steps to replacing a twist-in filter are as follows: Unplug the refrigerator. This may seem like an obvious step, but you should always turn off the power to any electrical appliance before working on it.

When should I replace my XWFE filter?

We recommend replacing your XWFE™ water filter every 6 months.

What does the chip do in a xwfe water filter?

A: An XWF filter could still be found without the RFID chip, but the XWFE should have a chip sensor built into it. The filter uses radio frequency identification (RFID) to detect leaks and monitor the filter status.

Why is my GE refrigerator not dispensing water after replacing the filter?

If you just replaced the water filter and don't have water from the dispenser, the reservoir tank or tubing has not filled yet. Press the dispenser for several minutes to purge air from the line and make sure all the tubing is filled with water.

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