How to Replace an LG Refrigerator Air Filter

The air filter in LG refrigerators helps remove unpleasant odors and airborne contaminants, creating a more hygienic environment and keeping food fresh.

To ensure optimal performance, replace this filter every six months or when the “Fresh Air Filter” indicator light is flashing. This guide shows you how to replace the air filter in an LG refrigerator in 5 easy steps.

Replacing the Air Filter in an LG Refrigerator

Follow these 5 steps to replace an LG refrigerator air filter.

Step 1: Order a new filter

You can purchase a new air filter for your refrigerator directly from LG’s website. They offer a convenient subscription option that allows you to have a new air filter—or an air filter and water filter combo—shipped automatically every six months when they are due to be changed.

Alternatively, you can purchase official LG refrigerator air filters on Amazon or from home improvement stores like The Home Depot or Lowe’s.

Third-party filters compatible with LG refrigerators are also available on sites like Amazon and eBay. These filters are often less expensive, but there is no guarantee they will match the quality and performance of LG-branded filters.

Step 2: Locate the air filter

The air filter is typically located inside the fridge, in the middle, near the top of the back panel. The filter cover will usually be labeled, making it easily identifiable, and it will be either rectangular or square in shape.

Step 3: Remove the air filter cover

To remove the air filter cover, twist it counterclockwise (to the left) to unlock it. Don’t pull and twist simultaneously, as you risk damaging the cover. Twist first to unlock it, then pull it out.

Sometimes, the cover is tightly secured, making it a little tough to remove. If needed, you can remove the upper fridge shelves first to give yourself extra working room, allowing you to use both hands.

If it’s really stuck, try bumping it with the palm of your hand against the bottom right corner. Alternatively, wrap the cover in a towel and gently hit the bottom right corner with a rubber mallet.

Step 4: Replace the air filter

The air filter is attached to the inside of the air filter cover. Simply pop out the old filter with your fingers, then insert the new one, ensuring it is aligned correctly. It should snap into place.

Next, reinstall the filter cover inside the fridge by placing it at a slight angle and turning it clockwise until it locks into place.

Step 5: Reset the air filter indicator light

With the new air filter installed, you can now reset the air filter flashing indicator by pressing and holding the “Air Filter” button on the refrigerator’s control panel for 3 seconds, until the light turns off.

This restarts the internal timer that monitors the air filter’s usage, alerting you when it’s time for a replacement, typically every six months.

What if the new air filter doesn’t fit inside the filter cover?

LG has discontinued the air filters designed for some older LG refrigerator models. If the new filter you’ve purchased does not fit inside the filter cover, this is likely the issue.

To resolve this, visit LG’s customer support website, which provides assistance for this filter cover problem.

Simply enter your refrigerator’s serial and model number along with your shipping information, and LG will send you a new filter cover compatible with the latest LG air filter. This service is completely free of charge.

What happens if I don’t replace the air filter?

Over time, the air filter can become clogged, reducing efficiency, causing unpleasant odors, and potentially contaminating the refrigerator. It may also cause food to spoil more quickly.

Can I clean and reuse my LG refrigerator air filter?

LG refrigerator air filters are not designed to be cleaned or reused. The only way to ensure the air filter functions properly is to replace it every six months or whenever the air filter indicator light flashes on the refrigerator’s control panel.

What are the air filter operating modes?

The operating modes for the Fresh Air Filter in LG refrigerators are as follows:

• Auto Mode: The air filter cycles on for 10 minutes and then off for 110 minutes, repeating this cycle continuously.
• Power Mode: The air filter operates continuously for four hours, cycling on for 10 minutes and off for 5 minutes. After this period, it automatically reverts to Auto Mode.

Power Mode is designed to provide enhanced odor removal when more aggressive air filtration is needed, such as after storing strong-smelling foods like fish or eliminating residual odors from spoiled food.

Summary

To ensure optimal performance of your LG refrigerator, maintain a hygienic environment, and prevent unpleasant odors, it’s important to change the air filter every six months.

Replacing the air filter is an easy task to perform, although the air filter cover can sometimes be a bit tight and tricky to remove. Simply follow the five simple steps outlined above, and you should encounter no issues.

While LG recommends using only LG-branded air filters, third-party filters are available. These may be cheaper, but some may not perform as well. If you experience any issues with the new filter not fitting into the filter cover, remember that LG offers customer support for this and will send a new cover free of charge.