How to change the water filter in a Whirlpool refrigerator

Whirlpool makes a wide variety of refrigerators and the water filter installed in each fridge can differ depending on the refrigerator's model. The method for changing a Whirlpool water filter depends on the design of the particular filter and the type of water filter housing that holds the filter.

In the following sections, we describe water filter replacement for the different types of Whirlpool refrigerators.

How do I replace the water filter in my Whirlpool French-door refrigerator?

You’ll find one of the types of water filters listed below in a Whirlpool French-door refrigerator. Follow the steps described below to replace the type of filter that you find in your fridge.

Whirlpool EveryDrop 2 Refrigerator Water Filter part number EDR2RXD1

You’ll find the Whirlpool EveryDrop 2 water filter located in the top, right corner or the bottom, left corner of the refrigerator section.

The procedure for removing this filter depends on its location. Follow the water filter replacement procedure below that coincides with the location of your EveryDrop 2 filter.

• Top, right corner. Release the catch and open the water filter housing cover. Twist the filter ¼ turn left and pull it out of the housing. Line up the new filter and insert it in the housing. Rotate the filter ¼ turn right to lock it in place. Lift the filter into the housing and close the cover. Run 2 gallons of water through the water dispenser to purge air and carbon residue from the filter. Reset the filter reminder light. See additional replacement tips for this type of filter in our How to replace pull-down refrigerator water filters video.

• Bottom, left corner. Open the filter compartment cover and twist the filter ¼ turn left. Pull the filter out of the housing and remove the decorative cap. Install the cap on the new filter. Align the new filter and push it into the housing. Rotate the filter ¼ turn to the right to lock it in place. Close the filter compartment cover. Purge 2 gallons of water through the water dispenser to flush carbon residue from the filter and rid air from the dispenser system.

Whirlpool EveryDrop 1 Refrigerator Water Filter part number EDR1RXD1

The Whirlpool EveryDrop 1 water filter will be located in the top right corner of the refrigerator compartment. Follow these steps to replace the EveryDrop 1 filter:

1. Open the filter housing cover and pull the filter out of the housing.

2. With the new filter’s alignment arrow pointing up, slide the filter into the housing until it stops.

3. Close the filter housing cover.

4. Run 2 gallons of water through the water dispenser to purge air and residue from the filter and water system.

5. Reset the water filter replacement reminder light.

See more information and tips for replacing a Whirlpool EveryDrop 1 filter in our How to replace eject-and-slide-out refrigerator water filters article/video.

Whirlpool EveryDrop 4 Refrigerator Water Filter part number EDR4RXD1

You’ll find the Whirlpool EveryDrop 4 water filter located in the top, right corner of the refrigerator section of a Whirlpool French-door fridge.

To replace the filter, release the catch and open the water filter tray. Twist the water filter to the left and remove it from the housing. Align the new filter and push it into the filter housing. Rotate the filter to the right to lock it in place. Close the filter tray. Run 2 gallons of water through the refrigerator water dispenser to purge air and carbon dust residue from the filter and dispenser water lines.

See more details about replacing this type of water filter in our How to replace open-tray-and-twist-out refrigerator water filters article/video.

How do I replace the water filter in my Whirlpool side-by-side refrigerator?

Whirlpool side-by-side refrigerators use one of the types of filters listed below. Follow the replacement procedure listed for the type of filter that you find in your side-by-side fridge.

Whirlpool EveryDrop 1 Refrigerator Water Filter part number EDR1RXD1

You’ll find the Whirlpool EveryDrop 1 filter in the bottom grille under the freezer door or in the top right corner inside the refrigerator section. The procedure for replacing the EveryDrop 1 filter is the same regardless of its location. Follow these steps to replace the EveryDrop 1 filter in a Whirlpool side-by-side refrigerator:

1. Open the filter housing cover door.

2. Pull the existing water filter out of the housing.

3. Position the alignment arrow pointing up for the inside filter or point the alignment arrow to the left if your filter is in the grille, slide the new filter into the housing until it stops.

4. Close the filter housing cover door.

5. Run 2 gallons of water through the refrigerator water dispenser to purge air and residue.

6. Reset the water filter replacement reminder light.

For more details and advice on replacing an EveryDrop 1 filter in your Whirlpool side-by-side fridge, watch our How to replace eject-and-slide-out refrigerator water filters video.

Whirlpool EveryDrop 3 Refrigerator Water Filter part number EDR3RXD1

You’ll find the Whirlpool EveryDrop 3 water filter in the bottom grille of your side-by-side refrigerator, below the freezer door.

Push the ejection button and pull the filter out of the housing. Transfer the decorative cap to the new filter. Push the new filter into the housing. You’ll hear a click as the filter locks in place. Run 2 gallons of water through the refrigerator water dispenser to purge carbon dust and air from the filter and water lines. Reset the water filter replacement reminder light on the control.

If you lose track of the decorative filter cover or it breaks, you can order a replacement cap. Key your model number into the search field at the top of the page and order the parts from the parts list for your model.

For more help with replacing the EveryDrop 3 filter in your Whirlpool side-by-side fridge, see our How to Replace a Push-Button Refrigerator Water Filter video.

Whirlpool EveryDrop 5 Refrigerator Water Filter part number EDR5RXD1

The EveryDrop 5 filter fits in the bottom grille of your Whirlpool side-by-side refrigerator. Follow these steps to replace the water filter:

1. Twist the filter to the left ¼ turn to unlock it from the housing.

2. Pull the filter out of the housing and transfer the decorative water filter cap to the new water filter.

3. With the decorative cap aligned in the vertical position, push the new filter into the housing until it stops.

4. Rotate the filter ¼ turn to the right to lock it in place.

5. Dispense 2 gallons of water through the refrigerator water dispenser to purge carbon dust and air from the filter cartridge and refrigerator water lines.

6. Reset the water filter replacement reminder light on your fridge.

For additional help with replacing the EveryDrop 5 filter in your Whirlpool side-by-side refrigerator, view our YouTube video How to Replace a Quarter-Turn Refrigerator Water Filter.

If the decorative cap breaks or you lose it, you can order a new one. Here are part numbers for the different colors of decorative filter caps:

• Black Water Filter Cap WP2186494B

• White Water Filter Cap WP2186494W

• Bisque Water Filter Cap WP2186494T

Whirlpool EveryDrop 8 Refrigerator Water Filter EDR8D1 replaced by part 8171413

The original Whirlpool EveryDrop 8 filter has been replaced by Whirlpool Refrigerator Water Filter 8171413. Equivalent water filter ClearChoice Taste Plus Refrigerator Water Filter CLCH111-L is another valid substitute for the Whirlpool EveryDrop 8 water filter.

You’ll find the filter in the top, right corner inside the refrigerator section. To replace the filter, twist the cartridge to the left ¼ turn and pull it out. Align the install mark on the new filter with the indicator line on the refrigerator water filter housing and push the new filter into place. Rotate the filter to the right ¼ turn to lock it in place. Distribute 2 gallons of water through the refrigerator water dispenser to purge air and carbon dust residue from the filter and refrigerator water lines.