September 15, 2023

How to Replace the Water Filter in a GE Refrigerator

Replacing your refrigerator water filter has never been easier; it's a quick task that anyone can master in no time. Your refrigerator's water filter should be replaced every 6 months, as recommended by manufacturers, to maintain the quality of your drinking water; replace it more frequently if you notice the water flow slowing.

GE makes a wide variety of refrigerators, and the water filters used vary by model. How to change the water filter in your GE refrigerator depends on the refrigerator style, the location of the water filter, and the filter part number. If you're unsure what filter goes in your GE refrigerator, use the filter finder in our GE refrigerator water filter collection.

The tables below list the GE water filter parts numbers by refrigerator style, with links to easy-to-follow instruction videos. Read on to learn how to install the water filter in your GE model.

How to change the water filter in a GE side-by-side refrigerator

Filter number	Removal method	Location	How-to video
MSWF, MWF, MXRC, XWF	Twist to remove	Inside top-right	How to replace a twist-to-remove water filter

How to change the water filter in a GE top-freezer refrigerator

Filter number	Removal method	Location	How-to video
GSWF	Open tray and twist out	Inside top-right	How to replace an open-tray-and-twist-out water filter
MWF	Twist to remove	Inside top-right	How to replace a twist-to-remove water filter

How to change the water filter in a GE bottom-freezer refrigerator

Filter number	Removal method	Location	How-to video
GSWF	Open tray and twist out	Inside top-right	How to replace an open-tray-and-twist-out water filter
XWF	Twist to remove	Inside top-right	How to replace a twist-to-remove water filter

How to change the water filter in a GE French 3-door refrigerator

Filter number	Removal method	Location	How-to video
GSWF	Open tray and twist out	Inside top-right	How to replace an open-tray-and-twist-out water filter
MSWF, MWF, XWF	Twist to remove	Inside top-right	How to replace a twist-to-remove water filter
RPWFE, XWF	Swing out	Inside top-right, Inside top-left, In door	How to replace a swing-out water filter

How to change the water filter in a GE French 4-door refrigerator

Filter number	Removal method	Location	How-to video
GSWF	Open tray and twist out	Inside top-right	How to replace an open-tray-and-twist-out water filter
XWF	Twist to remove	Inside top-right	How to replace a twist-to-remove water filter
RPWFE, XWF	Swing out	Inside top-right, Inside top-left, In door	How to replace a swing-out water filter

How to change the water filter in a GE no-freezer refrigerator

Filter number	Removal method	Location	How-to video
RPWFE	Twist to remove	Bottom grille	How to replace a twist-to-remove water filter

Step-by-step instructions by GE water filter part number

How to replace a twist-to-remove water filter

The twist-to-remove GE water filters are MSWF, MWF, MXRC, RPWFE and XWF.

Twist the filter to the left and pull it out of the housing.
For filters in the grille, use the decorative filter cap from the old filter on the new filter.
Line up the new filter, push it into the filter housing and twist the filter to the right.
Wipe up any spills.
Run 2 gallons of water through the water dispenser to purge air and residue.
Reset the water filter replacement reminder light.

How to replace an open-tray-and-twist-out water filter

The open-tray-and-twist-out GE water filter is GSWF.

Release the locking tab and lower the cover of the tray.
Twist the filter to the left until it stops, then pull it out.
Insert the new filter and twist it to the right until it stops.
Close the tray’s cover.
Run 2 gallons of water through the water dispenser to purge air and residue.
Reset the water filter replacement reminder light.

How to replace a swing-out water filter

The swing-out GE water filters are RPWFE and XWF.

Inside top-left and inside top-right

Open the cover and swing the filter out.
Pull the filter straight out of the housing.
Insert the new filter in the housing.
Swing the filter into its compartment and close the cover.

End of the door

Open the cover and pull out the bottom of the filter.
Pull the filter straight out of the housing.
Insert the new filter in the housing.
Swing the filter into its compartment and close the cover.

Behind door bin

Remove the door bin and swing the filter out.
Twist the filter to the left to release it then pull the filter straight out of the housing.
Insert the new filter in the housing and twist it to the right.
Swing the filter into its compartment and reinstall the door bin.

Middle of the door

Open the cover and swing the filter out.
Twist the filter to the left to release it then pull the filter straight out of the housing.
Insert the new filter in the housing and twist it to the right.
Swing the filter into its compartment and close the cover.

Remember to run 2 gallons of water through the dispenser to purge air and residue. Reset the water filter replacement reminder light.

Installing a replacing an external in-line water filter

If your refrigerator doesn't have a built-in water filter, you can add one in the water line behind the refrigerator. See how easy it is to install or replace an inline water filter using GE water filter GXRTDR.

If you’re having problems removing your old filter or installing the new one, check out our video on water filter replacement tips. Need DIY repair advice to fix a problem with your refrigerator? Check out our refrigerator repair help page for symptoms and troubleshooting tips, error codes and repair guides.