How to Replace the Water Filter on a Frigidaire Refrigerator

Frigidaire refrigerators use several different filter models across their product line, and the installation style varies by model series. Knowing which filter your fridge uses, where it is located, and the exact removal and installation technique for that design makes the replacement fast and straightforward. This guide covers all current Frigidaire filter configurations -- ULTRAWF, EPTWFU01, FPPWFU01, WF3CB, and WF2CB -- along with how to reset the indicator light and where to find compatible replacements.

Step 1 -- Identify the Right Filter for Your Frigidaire

Frigidaire refrigerators use a tiered filter lineup under the PureSource brand name. The table below maps the most common Frigidaire filter models to their configuration, location, and which refrigerators they fit.

The fastest way to confirm which filter your Frigidaire uses is to remove the existing filter and read the model number printed on the cartridge. Alternatively, the DFS Fridge Filter Finder identifies the correct replacement by refrigerator brand and configuration. The full Frigidaire refrigerator filters collection is organized by filter model for direct browsing.

Step 2 -- Locate the Filter in Your Refrigerator

On ULTRAWF models, the filter is located inside the refrigerator along the back interior wall. The filter slides straight out horizontally when the release is pressed -- there is no rotation involved. The water supply shuts off automatically when the filter releases.

On EPTWFU01 and FPPWFU01 models, the filter is in the upper-right corner of the fresh food compartment. These use a twist-in design: the filter rotates counterclockwise to release and clockwise to lock.

On WF3CB, WF2CB, and WFCB models, the filter is mounted inside the refrigerator on the back or side wall and slides straight out. A filter wrench (the Frigidaire 218710300 filter wrench available at DFS) is helpful for older PureSource and PureSourcePlus models where the filter has seated tightly over time.

Step 3 -- Remove and Install the Filter

Keep a small towel nearby regardless of model -- a few drops of water release during removal on all Frigidaire configurations.

For ULTRAWF models (push-to-lock, slide straight in/out): Press the release button on the filter housing. Slide the old filter straight out. Remove the protective caps from the new filter. Slide the new filter straight in and push firmly until it clicks into the locked position. The water valve opens when the filter locks -- if no click is felt, push more firmly.

For EPTWFU01 and FPPWFU01 models (twist-in): Rotate the old filter counterclockwise 90 degrees and pull it straight out. Inspect the O-rings on the new filter and confirm they are seated evenly -- misaligned O-rings cause drips after installation. Slide the new filter into the housing and rotate clockwise 90 degrees until it locks. Close the filter door if your model has one.

For WF3CB, WF2CB, and WFCB models (slide-out): Turn off the ice maker before removal on these models. Push the old filter in slightly to release the lock, then slide it straight out. Ensure the alignment guide on the new filter lines up with the notch in the receiver before pushing in -- the filter must be correctly oriented or it will not seat. Push firmly until the spring-loaded blades click into the open position. This may require slightly more force than an OEM filter on the first installation.

Step 4 -- Flush the New Filter

Dispense 3 to 4 gallons of water through the refrigerator dispenser and discard it before drinking. New Frigidaire filters release harmless carbon fines and trapped air during the initial flush -- Frigidaire's own installation instructions note that noise is not uncommon during the first few gallons as air is purged from the system. Cloudiness and sputtering clear quickly. Discard the first two batches of ice as well to ensure the ice maker line is fully flushed.

Step 5 -- Reset the Filter Indicator

Frigidaire refrigerators require a manual reset after every filter change. The standard method on most current Frigidaire models is pressing and holding the Filter Status button on the dispenser panel for 3 seconds until the display changes from "Replace" to "Good." On older models without a Filter Status button, press and hold the Reset button until the green indicator light flashes -- this may take up to 15 seconds on some series. If neither method produces a result, the reset option may be accessible in the Settings or Options menu on models with a digital display. For a complete model-specific reset walkthrough, the DFS Frigidaire air filter reset guide covers reset procedures across all current Frigidaire series.

Choosing a Replacement Filter

DFS carries OEM Frigidaire filters and certified compatible replacements for all current and discontinued Frigidaire filter models.

For the ULTRAWF, the OEM Frigidaire ULTRAWF PureSource Ultra filter is the genuine Frigidaire part and reduces chlorine, cysts, lead, mercury, insecticides, and pesticides with NSF certification. Households that replace both the water and air filter on the same six-month schedule can order the ULTRAWF and PAULTRA combo and handle both replacements at once.

For the EPTWFU01, the OEM Frigidaire EPTWFU01 reduces chlorine, cysts, lead, mercury, particulates, and pharmaceuticals and is rated for 200 gallons or 6 months. The Tier1 RWF1181 compatible replacement fits the same refrigerators, uses a 0.5-micron coconut shell carbon block, and is independently tested to NSF/ANSI 42 at a lower price than the OEM.

For the newest FPPWFU01 PurePour design, the OEM Frigidaire FPPWFU01 is the correct part for Frigidaire French door and side-by-side models manufactured from 2016 onward that use the updated PurePour twist-in housing. It is not interchangeable with the EPTWFU01 or ULTRAWF -- confirm your refrigerator model before ordering.

For older models using the WF3CB, the OEM Frigidaire WF3CB PureSource3 filter remains available, as does the Aqua-Fresh WF425 comparable replacement, which fits systems using the WF3CB and is tested to NSF/ANSI 42 at a significantly lower per-filter cost.

For a full comparison of OEM vs. compatible Frigidaire replacement options and NSF certification details, the fridge filter buying guide covers the decision framework in detail.

Questions about which Frigidaire filter fits your model? Call the DFS team at 1-800-277-3458.

Frequently Asked Questions

What water filter does my Frigidaire refrigerator use? It depends on the model and year. Newer French door and side-by-side Frigidaire models from 2016 onward typically use the EPTWFU01 or FPPWFU01. Older models use the ULTRAWF (push-to-lock, slide-in), WF3CB, WF2CB, or WFCB depending on the series. The part number is printed on the existing cartridge and is the most reliable identification method.

How do I reset the filter light on a Frigidaire refrigerator? Press and hold the Filter Status button on the dispenser panel for 3 seconds until the display changes from "Replace" to "Good." On models without a Filter Status button, press and hold the Reset button for up to 15 seconds until the green indicator light flashes. On some models, the reset is accessible through the Settings or Options menu on the digital display.

What is the difference between the ULTRAWF, EPTWFU01, and FPPWFU01? These are three different filter designs across different Frigidaire model generations. The ULTRAWF uses a push-to-lock slide-in installation along the back interior wall. The EPTWFU01 uses a twist-in design at the upper-right corner of the fresh food compartment. The FPPWFU01 is the newest PurePour twist-in design for 2016+ models and is not interchangeable with the EPTWFU01. Always confirm your refrigerator's model number or the existing filter's part number before ordering.

Do I need to turn off the water supply to change a Frigidaire refrigerator filter? No. Frigidaire filter housings shut off the water automatically when the cartridge is released. A small amount of water may drip during removal -- keeping a towel nearby is sufficient. No supply valve shutoff is required.

Why is my water cloudy after replacing the Frigidaire filter? Cloudiness is caused by carbon fines and trapped air released from the new cartridge. Frigidaire's installation instructions note that noise and cloudiness are normal during the initial 3 to 4 gallon flush. Both resolve quickly as you run water through the dispenser. If cloudiness persists beyond 4 gallons, remove the filter and confirm it is fully seated and locked.

How often should I replace the Frigidaire refrigerator water filter? Every 6 months or 200 gallons, whichever comes first, for the EPTWFU01 and FPPWFU01. The WF3CB Aqua-Fresh comparable is rated for up to 300 gallons or 6 months. High-usage households or homes with elevated incoming chlorine or sediment may reach the gallon limit before the 6-month mark. A change in water taste, reduced dispenser flow, or the filter indicator turning red are all reliable replacement signals.

Can I use a compatible replacement filter in a Frigidaire refrigerator? Yes. Compatible filters from Tier1 and Aqua-Fresh fit the same housings and meet NSF filtration performance standards. Using an NSF-certified compatible filter is the appropriate standard and does not affect the refrigerator's warranty under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, provided the replacement is certified to equivalent performance specifications.

Should I also replace the Frigidaire air filter at the same time? Yes if your model has one. Frigidaire refrigerators that include a PAULTRA or PureAir air filter are designed to have both the water and air filter replaced on the same 6-month schedule. The ULTRAWF and PAULTRA combo pack available at DFS covers both replacements in a single order and saves compared to buying each separately.