How to Use Cheap RPWFE Water Filter Replacement for GE Refrigerator

If you’ve ever replaced the water filter in your GE refrigerator, you know they
don’t come cheap. The GE RPWFE water filter can cost as much as $60, which means that if you follow directions
and change your filter every six months, that can really add up.

So it’s very common that we try to find better-priced filters online, as we do with
printer ink replacements. The problem is that a lot of GE filters have an RFID Chip in it, which prevents us
from replacing with cheap water filters. A generic RPWF water filter from other brands would not be recognized
by the GE refrigerator.

It’s quite troublesome and frustrating. Giving up? Of course not! This article will
show you how to hack your refrigerator to use cheap water filters. Let’s dive in!

The only difference between the RPWF and the RPWFE is a chip on the back of the E
which tells when to change the filter and supposedly detect leaks. The newer GE refrigerators “use radio
frequency identification (RFID) to “talk” to the fridge and let it know that it’s a genuine factory product.

If your filter is either older than 6 months or not a genuine GE RPWFE filter, the
display screen will show a message suggesting that the refrigerator could not be able to dispense any water at
the moment.

Before we jump into the “hack” part, let’s take a look at how to take the old
filter out and install the new one. The RPWFE has two types of filter with two different installation methods.

Despite the high price of GE RPWFE filter, the company does provide you with a free
bypass cartridge to access unfiltered water. This bypass also contains the RFID chip, and that is our
breakpoint.

The idea is to take the RFID chip off from the bypass and place it onto either the
generic filter or the cabinet where you place the filter. (If you choose to place the chip onto the generic
filter, make sure you orient it correctly. There’s an up and a down to the RFID chip.)

The first step is to mark the chip’s position. Take the old GE filter and locate
the chip. Then paint some pigment right at the chip’s location and quickly place the filter back into the
refrigerator filter cabinet to leave a mark there.

The second step is to take the chip off the bypass. Peel off the sticky paper on
the bypass where it says “BACK” and you will see the chip glued inside. Then gently slip a flathead tool under
the chip to take it off.

Final step. Install the generic RPWF filter. When you do this successfully, your
fridge will detect that the bypass is installed and will tell you that you are drinking unfiltered water. Yet,
the water is being filtered perfectly through the generic filter and you can rest assured that the water you
drink is safe and clean.

Waterdrop provides you with two types of RPWF filters. The only difference is the
NSF certificate that each has received. Learn how to choose the right refrigerator filter here.

The video below will walk you through each of the steps we have discussed above.

Some GE filter has been modified, instead of sitting within a square sunk, the chip
is glued into the label, which makes it harder to take off than before. If your filter falls into this scenario,
please refer to the below video and learn how to cut the label and place it right.

Well, you can also take a more barbaric approach by cutting off the plastic where
the chip is glued on. This video below shows the detailed process. Just to be clear, this method is not suitable
for everyone as you do have to be quite handy to cut the piece off, and there’re risks that you might get hurt.

Cutting the chip off may be too much of a risk sometimes. In this case, you should
go for the more secure option – replacing the system with an under sink water filtration system.

All you have to do is get the GE bypass cartridge installed within the refrigerator
so that the refrigerator can dispense water as usual.

If you are looking for a reliable source of crisp, cool drinking water, the
Waterdrop 15UC-UF water filter system is a top choice. It works with most refrigerators, giving you a filtration
performance just like the original. With a filtration accuracy of 0.01 μm, the ultrafiltration membrane filters out most of
bacteria larger than 0.01 μm. Activated carbon block and other advanced filter media ensure efficient and safe
filtration. KDF effectively inhibition of bacteria growth. This filter is NSF-372 certified to confirm the
adoption of only premium, lead-free, and BPA-free materials. The NSF-42 certification also confirms that the
filter effectively reduces chlorine, odor, and taste, leaving you with clean and pure drinking water.

Installation is seamless, whether you are connecting the system to the cold-water
line under your sink or refrigerator. The twist-and-lock design is quick and easy, and you get 1.4″ PE tubing
out of the box.

This under sink water filter delivers a fast flow rate of 0.75 gpm at 60 psi. You
can enjoy pure and freshwater with zero wait or interruptions.

The Vegebe Inline Water Filter is the go-to filtration system for homeowners
interested in a water filter for their ice maker, refrigerator, or under-sink reverse osmosis water system. The
filter ensures your drinking water is free of bad taste and odors. The NSF/ANSI-42 certified food-grade coconut
shell activated carbon has a high iodine adsorption capacity.

You do not need prior plumbing experience to install the Vegebe Inline Water
Filter. All you have to do is insert the ¼” water line tube straight into the inbuilt ¼” quick connections on
either end. It works flawlessly with existing or new plumbing fixtures, giving you up to 12 months or
1,500-1,800 gallons of filtered water.

The versatility of the Vegebe Inline Water Filter makes it compatible with almost
all your water appliances, including ice machines, drinking fountains, RO systems, water coolers, refrigerators,
water coolers, and coffee makers.

The 20,000-gallon filter capacity is one of the largest you will find around. The
filter is effective against bad taste and odors, as well as sediments and chlorine in your tap water. The
efficient filtration process leaves you with clean, pure, and healthy drinking water for you and your family.

Whether you are using the Watts Inline Water Filter with your refrigerator or
ice-makers, you can rest assured of excellent filtration performance. You can also use it with your coffee
maker, water coolers, or RV campers, provided there is a ¼” line for connection.

You get a 10″ KDF inline filter and 2x 14″ brass connectors out of the box for
faster installation and easier operation. The filter is NSF listed and certified by WQA to NSF/ANSI 372 to
confirm it is lead-free. The best part? This filter is only due for a replacement after 20,000 gallons or six
months of service, depending on your tap water quality.