Every once in a while, someone opens the fridge, grabs a glass of water and pauses for a second because something feels a little off. Maybe the taste has changed just enough to make you wonder what is happening behind the scenes. In many homes, the source of that small change is usually the same thing: the fridge water filter quietly asking for some attention.
The Samsung DA97-17376B water filter is one of those parts people forget until it stops doing its job, yet it plays a surprisingly big role in keeping your kitchen water clean, crisp and safe.
This article guides you on how it works, how to replace it and what your best options are, especially if you are trying to figure out which filters are compatible.
What Is the Samsung Water Filter?
The DA97-17376B filter is Samsung’s well known refrigerator filter and honestly, it goes by so many official names that people get confused the first time they see it. One day it’s HAF-QIN, another day it shows up as HAF-QIN EXP but it’s still the same filter doing the same job. Its main task sounds simple enough: remove the chlorine that makes tap water smell a bit sharp and improve taste, though it also ends up reducing everyday stuff like sediment and tiny particles drifting through old pipes.
Most families swap this filter around the six-month mark, or after something like three hundred gallons, because that’s usually when it starts losing its strength. And even though the filter looks kind of small, its impact on your water and ice turns out way bigger than most people expect.
Samsung Water Filter Compatibility Guide
A question people ask all the time is this one, and honestly I’ve heard it more times than I can count: do all Samsung fridges use the same water filter? The short answer is still no. Samsung uses different filter designs across their models, so checking compatibility is pretty important before you order anything. I usually tell folks to peek inside the fridge for that little sticker with the model number on it. It’s almost always hiding near the crisper drawers or sometimes on the side walls.
Once you’ve got that number, you can compare it with the list of fridges that support the DA97-17376B. A lot of the modern Samsung French door and side-by-side units use it but it’s always safer to double-check instead of guessing. And if you already have the old filter, the part number printed on it kind of makes the whole thing way easier.
Samsung Replacement Options (OEM vs Compatible Filters)
OEM DA97-17376B (HAF-QIN) Filter
The OEM filter is the one Samsung designs and sells under their own name. People like it because it usually fits perfectly, seals tightly and carries the usual certifications. If you prefer sticking with the original brand, this is the straightforward choice and it works exactly as Samsung intended.
Compatible or Aftermarket Replacements
Some folks prefer compatible filters because they help save money while offering similar performance. There are several aftermarket brands that build filters designed to work with the DA97-17376B. The key here is choosing one from a reputable seller, because not every third party filter is made equal. A good compatible filter should match the fit, the flow rate and the quality of the OEM filter and it should list the same important certifications.
NSF Certifications to Look For
A trusted filter usually carries certifications like NSF 42 for taste and chlorine reduction or NSF 53 for certain contaminants. These labels matter more than marketing words because they show the filter has been tested and not just advertised.
Photo by Pixabay: https://www.pexels.com/photo/fluid-pouring-in-pint-glass-416528/
DA97-17376B Cross Reference List (Equivalent and Alternative Part Numbers)
Sometimes when people shop for this filter, they get confused because the same part shows up under different names. Samsung has its own naming style, and third party brands sometimes use whatever number customers search for most. To keep things simple, here is a clean table that lays out the common equivalents you might see while browsing.
| Part Number | Description |
|---|---|
| DA97-17376B | Primary Samsung part number |
| DA97-08006C | Alternative Samsung reference |
| HAF-QIN | OEM name used on packaging |
| HAF-QIN EXP | Extended version used in some regions |
| 4601554 | Third-party cross-reference |
| 3973570 | Third-party cross-reference |
This table helps a lot when you search online, because most sellers choose whichever part number is familiar to their customers. If you see any of these listed, they usually point to the same style filter designed to fit fridges that accept the DA97-17376B.
How to Replace the Samsung DA97-17376B Water Filter (Step by Step)
Before You Start
Before you begin, make sure you have the new filter ready to go. It helps to turn off the water supply if your fridge allows it, though most people replace the filter with the water on without any issue. Keep a towel nearby just in case a few drops fall out when you remove the old one.
Remove the Old Filter
Most Samsung fridges tuck the filter in the upper right corner, almost hiding it. You give the filter a little turn to unlock it and then just ease it out. Sometimes it acts inflexible, but usually a small move does the trick without you fighting it too much.
Install the DA97-17376B Replacement Filter
Take the new filter, line it up with the slot, push it in and twist until it locks. You will feel a small click when it is seated correctly. If it does not sit straight, pull it back out and try again because forcing it never works well.
Flush the Filter Properly
Run a few cups of water through the dispenser after installation. This clears the air pockets and removes the tiny bits of carbon that all new filters release, making the water ready for drinking.
Reset the Filter Indicator Light on Samsung Fridges
Most Samsung fridges use a simple button for resetting the filter timer. You press and hold it until the light flips back to blue or green. If it refuses to reset, the manual is your friend, since each model has its own little method.
Photo by Pixabay: https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-pouring-water-on-glass-279947/
How Often to Replace the DA97-17376B Filter plus Warning Signs
The usual rule is to replace the filter every six months but your usage might change that. If your water flow becomes noticeably slow or the ice starts tasting a bit odd, your filter might be clogging. Some people notice cloudy cubes or a faint smell before they realize their filter is overdue. These signs usually mean the filter is full and no longer doing its job.
Common Problems After Replacing the DA97-17376B Filter (Troubleshooting)
Water Flow Is Slow
Slow flow sometimes happens when the filter is not fully locked into place. Removing it and reinstalling it often fixes the issue. It can also happen if there is trapped air, which flushing helps remove.
Filter Light Will Not Reset
If the light stays red even after holding the reset button, your fridge model might use a different combination. Checking the user manual or searching the model number online usually solves this quickly.
Water Tastes Strange After Replacement
New filters need a little time to settle. Flushing a few more cups of water helps the taste return to normal.
Filter Is Leaking
A leak usually points to an improper seal. Removing the filter, wiping the connection area and reinstalling it gently often takes care of the problem.
Benefits of Using the DA97-17376B Water Filter
A good filter does more than just clean the water, at least that’s how I’ve come to see it. You notice it when your drinks start tasting better, the ice looks kind of fresher, and you get this small peace of mind knowing the water going into your meals and bottles is cleaner than whatever comes straight from the tap. And honestly, it even ends up protecting the fridge itself, because it reduces that annoying buildup inside the water system.
Over time, this tiny maintenance habit somehow saves money too, way more than buying bottled water all the time or dealing with repairs on those internal fridge parts. And if you’re looking for trusted options, you can still find reliable replacement water filters that match the DA97-17376B requirements without much trouble at all.
Liam Bennett holds a degree in Computer Science from the University of Edinburgh and has over 15 years of experience in technology and digital innovation. He began his career in software development, focusing on user-friendly systems and backend architecture. Liam joined our platform in 2025 to lead our Tech section, where he simplifies complex topics—from smart home devices and AI tools to cybersecurity and troubleshooting tips. Known for his clear, practical advice, he helps readers navigate today’s fast-evolving tech landscape. Outside of work, Liam enjoys building custom PCs and contributing to open-source projects.
