How to Replace a GE MWF Refrigerator Water Filter

The GE MWF is one of the most widely used refrigerator water filters in the country, found in millions of GE and Hotpoint refrigerators. If your water and ice have started tasting flat, your dispenser has slowed to a trickle, or you simply haven't changed your filter in a while, here's everything you need to know to swap it out yourself in under five minutes.

What Is the GE MWF?

The GE MWF is a genuine OEM refrigerator water filter designed to fit select GE and Hotpoint refrigerators. It's NSF certified to reduce chlorine-resistant cysts, lead, select pharmaceuticals, and more than a dozen other common contaminants, helping your water and ice taste noticeably cleaner and fresher. The filter uses a simple twist-and-lock cartridge design, so no tools are required for installation.

The MWF also goes by several other part numbers depending on your specific model, including MWFP, GWF, GWFA, GWF06, GWF01, HWF, and HWFA. If your old filter is stamped with any of these numbers, or with WR02X11020, WR02X11287, WR17X11608, or WR17X22072, the MWF is the correct replacement.

When to Replace It

GE recommends replacing the MWF every 6 months or after roughly 300 gallons of water, whichever comes first. You should also replace it sooner if you notice any of the following:

• Water or ice starts tasting or smelling off
• Water flow from the dispenser has noticeably slowed
• Your fridge's filter indicator light has turned amber or red
• It's simply been more than six months since your last change

Step-by-Step Replacement

1. Locate the filter. On most GE refrigerators, the MWF is housed in the upper right-hand corner of the fresh food compartment, though some models place it in the base grille near the floor.
2. Turn or twist the old filter counterclockwise about a quarter turn until it releases from the housing, then pull it straight out. A small amount of water dripping out is normal — keep a towel handy.
3. Remove the packaging from your new GE MWF filter and take off the protective cap, if present.
4. Align the arrows on the new filter with the arrows on the housing, then insert it and twist clockwise until it locks firmly into place.
5. Flush the new filter by running 3–4 gallons of water through the dispenser before drinking it. New carbon filters release fine carbon particles that need to be flushed out, so don't be alarmed if the first cup or two looks slightly discolored.
6. Reset the filter indicator on your fridge's control panel (usually a "reset" or "filter reset" button held for 3 seconds) so it can track your next replacement date.

Compatible GE and Hotpoint Fridge Models

The GE MWF is designed for a wide range of GE and Hotpoint refrigerators that use the MWF-style filter housing. Because GE uses several similar-looking filters (including the newer XWF and XWFE), always check the part number printed on your current filter before ordering — the MWF is not interchangeable with the XWF or XWFE style.

Shop GE MWF Filters at Fine Filters

Ready to make the swap? Fine Filters carries the genuine GE MWF Refrigerator Water Filter in 1-pack through 6-pack options, so you can stock up and always have a fresh filter on hand.