You open your Samsung fridge for a quick sip and get hit with that unwanted stale or leftover-food smell instead of the clean scent you expect. In today’s Samsung French-door and side-by-side models, the air filter quietly traps ethylene from fruits, sulfur from eggs/onions, ammonia from fish/meat, and other odor-causing gases, helping keep food fresher longer and stopping smells from spreading between compartments.
The HAF-QIN series handles most current Samsung fridges, and knowing exactly where it’s located makes replacement fast and painless — whether you have a smart Family Hub touchscreen or a standard non-connected model. In 2026, with more attention on smart kitchen hygiene and reducing food waste, these filters feel more relevant than ever. Humid kitchens or frequent strong-food storage can saturate them faster, but regular swaps keep the interior noticeably fresher. Hard water doesn’t affect air filters, but overall fridge maintenance does.
This post breaks down the main access points for Family Hub smart models and standard versions, includes real-user notes, and compares how competitors handle similar spots — so you can change yours quickly without digging around or frustration.
Access in Family Hub Smart Models
Family Hub refrigerators (like the RF28T5A2SR or RF29A9771SG) place the air filter behind rear vents or lift-off panels inside the fridge. The touchscreen and app turn the process into something guided and modern.

French-Door (e.g., RF28R7201SR, RF23A9671SR) — Top-right rear vent area; slide or gently pop off the cover. App often shows a visual map.
Four-Door Flex (e.g., RF23A9071SR) — Behind produce drawer or vent panel; twist or lift the access door.
Smart Features — Voice command (“where is the air filter?”) or SmartThings app arrows highlight the exact spot. Panels lift smoothly in most cases.

Nuance: The smart panel adds one small step (lifting it), but app alerts and on-screen guides make up for it — especially helpful for first-timers.
Access in Standard (Non-Smart) Models
Non-smart Samsung refrigerators keep it simple with direct access — no touchscreens or voice controls.

French-Door (e.g., RF263BEAESR) — Rear wall vent panel; pop open the cover and pull the filter.
Side-by-Side (e.g., RS27T5200SR, RS25H5111SR) — Base grille/kick plate; remove the plate, then twist or push the filter.
Bottom-Freezer (e.g., RB10FSR4ESR) — Produce drawer area or rear vent; slide the cover or pull the drawer forward.

These locations feel easier for anyone avoiding tech-heavy interfaces. Older models may have slightly different vent placements — always check your manual.
How Smart Panels Change the Experience
Family Hub’s touchscreen adds polish. Filters hide behind panels or vents, but the interface helps:

Panel Lift — Gently lift the edge of the screen or vent cover — filter is usually right underneath.
App Mapping — SmartThings app provides step-by-step arrows and photos tailored to your exact model.
Voice Assist — Say “show air filter location” for on-screen directions.

Gentle critique: Smart features are convenient (especially reminders), but basic models feel faster without the extra panel step. In humid kitchens, panels can occasionally stick — a light tug usually frees them.
How Competitors Handle Filter Access

GE Profile (PFE28KYNFS) — Top-shelf twist-in; no panels; 6-month rating; very direct.
LG LT120F — Top-right push-in; app alerts similar to Samsung but no screen lift.
Frigidaire PureAir II — Behind drawer; simple slide-out; no smart extras.
Whirlpool FreshFlow — Behind light cover; twist; app in some models like Samsung.
Bosch Active AirClean — Door slot or clip-in; voice guidance in smart versions.

Samsung’s panel + app combo adds a premium touch, but LG’s app-only approach feels very close without the physical lift.
Quick Access Locations Table

Model TypeCommon LocationAccess NoteFamily Hub French-DoorTop-right rear ventLift smart panel + app/voice guideStandard Side-by-SideBase grille/kick plateRemove plate, twist/pushFamily Hub Four-Door FlexProduce drawer / vent panelApp arrows + twist/lift ventStandard Bottom-FreezerDrawer back / rear ventSlide cover or pull drawer
A Few Final Notes
Accessing Samsung air filters is quick and direct in standard models (vent or grille) and only slightly more involved in Family Hub versions (panel lift + app help). The HAF-QIN reliably reduces odors, though humid environments shorten life. User experiences show it handles strong food smells (garlic, fish, onions) well, though busy fridges wear it out faster. Gentle critique: It’s excellent for odors and ethylene, but not a deep bacteria fighter — quick spill cleanup remains key. Swap when smells return, test with strong foods, and enjoy a fresher fridge. For more, see Installation, Maintenance, and Troubleshooting for Refrigerator Air Filters. Check Samsung refrigerator air filters: Compatibility across French door lines. In mixed-brand homes, see Refrigerator air filter compatibility cross-check for multi-brand homes.

For more visit : https://filterappliance.com/collections/samsung-refrigerator-water-filter