GE filter hack XWFE to XWF

Come along as i replace XWFE filter with XWF.

[@EvanRossPlus]

Printer manufacturers have been getting hit with, and losing, class action suits for doing the same thing with the chips in the ink cartridges. I hope that GE gets sued.

[@poopagore]

for real, this is pretty shitty, I have to pay like 50 bucks every 3/4 months for a filter, and I understand it has a life span, but then my fridge won't make ice or let me get any water from it. so lame

[@gwo8th211]

I hope they lose a lot of business. Our whole kitchen was GE and for most part is okay, the gas range totally sucks, had several service calls on it. Does not burn even. Came with the wrong model instructions. Now it is a 50$ water filter with a chip = total bullshit.

[@manoloescobar4925]

What a SCAM by GE with the filter deal. I just hacked mine. - Peeled the label using a hair dryer so the chip did not get damaged. - Laminated the glued side of the label using transparent tape to protect the chip. - Trimmed the label to make it smaller, being very careful not to damage the chip. - Found the right spot inside fridge where the sensor detected the chip and placed it using more transparent tape. And, “voila”!! Now, i just have to replace the generic filter when the time comes. The filter light is still red, but who cares. Every time i see it, reminds me i am saving 42 dollars per filter and get happy!!😅 I hope this can help somebody!! P.S- This method was mentioned by someone in the comments below. Credit for him. Thanks man for the idea!!👍🏻 Like the Mandalorians would say “THIS IS THE WAY”!

[@denniscummins-pe8ng]

I took your advice because I also purchased a 3 pack of XWF. I carefully mark and removed the outside paper and put it on the XWF filter. It worked great. Thank you so much. ps. 3 filter pack was $19.00

[@rasicule]

Great video. That said, read below for and even better solution! (Author, I recommend you try this and make a new video the next time you replace your filter) I carefully removed the sticker using a hair dryer to heat it up. Then, I used scissors to cut the excess sticker around the RFID chip. Next, I essentially laminated the sticker with packaging tape, so that the sticker is no longer sticky on the bottom. I positioned the sticker under the RFID sensor and taped it into place (I had to reposition a couple times to find the right spot). Now I can buy and use the cheap filters without having to fumble around with the old GE sticker. The only downside is that the red light always stays on, but I could care less. I put the installation date on the cheap filter, and plan to replace every 6 months or so.

[@TheBennik]

This is great. This leak detection bs is nothing more than a way for them to make perpetual revenue on their fridges. Apparently, fridges don't make enough money at current prices, so sock it to em by using exclusive filters. You just can't trust these bad executives.

[@yumad9830]

This right here is the solution

[@IcedWings]

I did what the video said AND THEN read the comments and I definitely ruined the RFID chip when peeling the sticker off. I had another back up one and this time I did what this commenter said and used a hair dryer. Worked MUCH better. The sticker came off much more easily AND the chip was intact. I didn’t have a laminator tho so I put plastic wrap on the sticky side instead. Lol! I matched it up with the scanner inside the fridge and popped in the filter. WORKED LIKE A CHARM 10000% Thank you BOTH of you. Ain’t no way I am paying $50 for one filter. Fuck you GE

[@ISawSomethingOnTheInternet]

After peeling the sticker (using a heat gun on low), I powdered the sticky side with corn starch to make it not sticky.

[@smaqdaddy]

They sabatoge it to where part of the antenna that joins the two pads in the circle comes off when you peel. Just bridge this with foil.

[@bevo65]

I bring good news on resetting the light. I bought a regulation replacement filter (the expensive kind) and swapped it for the old one. As expected, the red light reset itself. Then I reinstalled the old one. No red light! So if you can keep TWO RFID labels and keep swapping them back and forth, the continuing red light shouldn’t be a problem.

[@cachdoan]

Why would you reinstall the old one? Are you able to use the XWF filter?

[@bevo65]

@@cachdoan I'm talking about putting the RFID label on an XWF filter as shown in this video. If you keep using the same RFID label every time, the warning light will never reset. That was the lingering problem in the video, as Bank4Buck explains at 3:00. If you keep two RFID labels around and swap them out, it fixes the problem.

[@snipplewiffle]

@bevo65 The control board keeps a memory of all RFID codes used... it will recognize the older RFID filter sticker.

[@solosix3991]

@@snipplewiffle yeah, I dunno if he thought that through.

[@ptypablo]

@@snipplewiffle I wonder if disconnecting the fridge from the power and waiting a few minutes before plugging it back in would reset the computer

[@user-cu7zd2tq2d]

Great video that I found after my xwfe filter gave me the red filter status 6 months out warning on my new2023 GE PFE24HMLTKES refrigerator similar to the one in this video. I put in the replacement XWF that I bought cheap on amazon but got the ERR warning and no water dispensing. I swapped out the label as shown in the video and got it working but the red filter status light stayed on. I eventually called GE and got the bypass plug with the chip imprinted under the second label-gently peeled off using a hairdryer on low setting and a sharp pairing knife and stuck it near the reader with packaging tape. The XWF filters now work with only the red filter status light coming on & BP(bypass I guess) showing in the display while dispensing water. I had to remove the expired label off the second filter since that label overrides the bypass chip.

[@lucycat2576]

Blow dryer peel , line up arrow , place over, it Worked THQ SO MUCH!!! Why don't they tell yoh in the owners manual, more things to frustrate us😖

[@bevo65]

Thanks for this. I'm convinced that the whole RFID/$50-per-filter thing is a giant scam. No way that sticker costs enough to justify such price-gouging. What if you kept TWO stickers and then swapped them out with each replacement? I wonder if that would reset the yellow/red indicator light.

[@rasicule]

Yeah, the refrigerator essentially comes with a subscription plan…

[@MAhole617]

So many things wrong with society today

[@hsmatias]

I peeled off the label from the old one. Problem was that when I did, part of the RFID stayed stuck on the filter and rendered the RFID useless. I went to Home Depot and purchased a new filter with the RFID on it. I already had 3 generic XWF filters that I purchased on Amazon before knowing about the stupid sensor. I popped off the RFID reader from the fridge and taped it on to the brand new filter, facing the RFID. I then installed the XWF filter and it worked perfectly. The only issue is I have the other filter leaning standing there with wires hanging out. But I could care less. F**k GE for doing this.

[@TheBennik]

Greedy bastards

[@markdalton5750]

Broke RFID between two contact points used tape and aluminum foil to bridge that gap. Seems to be working.

[@pderon1]

I just want to say... i really like all of you guys. :) Thanks for the tips.

[@lapchurng]

I've come back with results. I went with the soaking method. It was still nerve wrecking since I only have 1 label to test peel. I used cold water at first, but warm water worked better. After doing this, I recommend using the low heat hair dryer instead because my label was wet, and it gave me a 'leak' error message. So I had to take the label off again, and pat dry it which made some parts of the foil come off onto the napkin 😬😬😬 but thankfully it still worked. I am too afraid to touch it again because it is very sensitive and the 'error' death msg may show up again. Next time when I repeel it, I will laminate the chip for future use. I saved about $45 because I got 3 generic filters for $13.00 on prime day

[@lapchurng]

Actually I saved $165 because I got 3 filters 😂

[@poopagore]

brilliant. I wish I caught the prime sale but still saving Hella money not paying 50$ every 3 damn months

[@common_cents4164]

I was able to use a heat gun to get it off somewhat cleanly. I've heard that hairdryer or soaking off can work too. I pulled it off extra slow to ensure the chip didn't get damaged. I was even able to reuse the glue to put it onto the 3rd party one. While I was able to get my 3rd party filter working, no matter how long I hold the filter button, it never resets. It just shows a 9 on the display. I assume there's a series of button presses to override this or possibly pulling the power on the refrigerator, but there's not a lot of data on these newer RFID chips.

[@mward5338]

Worked like a charm. Thanks!

[@stephencarter7030]

Worked like a charm with a hair dryer! Only issue is the red filter light. Any ideas folks?

[@perrymnazjurgens]

Great job - thanks!!!

[@prestonjohnson3321]

Awesome video, thanks!

[@mph0682]

also wondering, when you press filter status, what percentage does it say?

[@willh3131]

I read that if you place rfid label on Back of fridge it works that too.

[@lapchurng]

Whereeee? Have u tried?

[@johnjxxx]

I did that and it worked just fine. I had a big plastic RFID chip from my first GE filter and just taped it to the back of the fridge. The new non-RFID filter works just fine.@@lapchurng

[@kristinahitchcock5230]

Didn't work for me unfortunately. You think it has to be lined up just exactly right? Part of the silver was still on the filter, not the label. Did yours do that or did mine mess up? Thanks

[@lazersharpvb]

Sorry yes you messed it up . I did the same thing , Had to go out and spend $50 today :( Next time I will take a hair dryer and heat up the chip area so it comes off easier. I thought I was going slow enough . I am thinking of getting a under sink filter system from Amazon and getting the bypass plug and doing it that way and changing , the filters are $22 each . I paid $15 for this Glacier one and have seen a 3 pack for $27 I want to buy but can't until I get a label off in one piece . GE is profiting big time with this . I looked up Samsung and LG friges and their name brand filters sell for $27 each much cheaper than GE is doing . I bought my Frige in Sept so this was my first filter but I will try again or go with the plug and under the sink system . I can't seem to find my plug or I did not get one and the plug sells for $30 . GE is losing my business. Just found this in the manual Some models do not come equipped with the filter bypass plug. To get a free one call 1800-GECARES

[@gunluvS14]

any tips on how to remove the sticker w/o damaging the RFID? I peeled two of the used genuine GE filter and twice I damaged it by leaving tiny bit of conductor behind

[@Komainu959]

I haven't tried it but other commenters mentioned using a hair dryer to heat the sticker up before trying to remove it. You can also try to bridge the broken bridge by using a small bit to aluminum foil.

[@jordanprysmiki5361]

How can I bypass the rfid reader itself? I ripped the old one when removing it.

[@rainyday13]

Thanks for this, but as I just went to remove the label it damaged the chip. Not as easy as you make it sound.

[@lancewolf2451]

How would that work..doesnt the refrigerator read this tag as an expired serial number?...

[@MH5XXXX]

Does this idea work with RPWFE FILTERS ALSO?

[@dalc4life]

Definitely DO NOT try removing without using heat. Other than that works like a charm. Big middle finger to GE!!!

[@gd8610]

You can order a bypass plug from ge they should ship it free in the states anyway. Then grab the rfid off the bypass plug. It will not tme out and shut off. Not sure if it will actually shut off but i am dealing with the same problem now.

[@ISawSomethingOnTheInternet]

Any update on this method please?

[@kevinadey7232]

How did you remove the label without tearing it? Did you soak it in water? Or did it come off in two parts?

[@JH-hx2cl]

bro, use a heatgun. most heat guns can be stood up right on a work bench, turn the heat down on it. slowly work the label off heating the adhesive as needed. Youll get a clean label. Then i would use clear shipping tape and tape the adhesive side of the label to "laminate" it. That way you can use the label again and again and not ruin the RFID.

[@FunAndEZ]

I used a combination of a blow dryer and goo gone. Worked like a charm

[@TheBennik]

@@JH-hx2cl Or just use a dam hair blow dryer. Worked for me. Wife was like, "wtf are you doing with my hair dryer, asshole?" LOL

[@guyfernandez3328]

Why wouldn't it work to simply leave an old XWFE in the back of the refrigerator and install a XWF in the socket? Would the RFID chip transmit a couple of inches? ***EDIT - I see now on other videos that the RFID chip must be positioned exactly so my "idea" would not work. This really turns me off to GE products.

[@texaslookout5382]

The chip is numbered so that's why it will not work. see my info above

[@nightseer1663]

Yeah so I'm in a similar situation, which is why I found this video. Unfortunately, I had peeled off the sticker before doing any research on it and it bricked the RFID tag. As far as I'm concerned, they are designed to break if you remove them. I've been in the process of doing research on the "Next Gen RFID Board" that sits behind the water filter and reads the tag so I can maybe spoof it. Information on this board is very sparse though, so if anybody finds anything, feel free to respond to this comment.

[@IcedWings]

I also ruined the sticker the first time around. I had a back up and used a hair dryer-per another commenter’s suggestion. The hair dryer did the trick and the sticker came off easily. If you get another one with a chip, use a hair dryer!

[@Hightidetommy]

Bravo!!

[@mph0682]

so i did this, peeled the label with the chip, wrap the new XWF filter but it didnt work because i think the Chip tells the fridge how many percent the filter has left. mines was at zero percent so when i tried, it doesn't work. i ended buying a new one from Lowes, buy two save $10.. insert it, and now its back at 100% and working. if you try to replace a new XWF filter with a chip at 20%, then use up the 20%, it wont work after. there is no way to reset the chip back to 100%. i beleive the chip only have a up to 100% life, and again, once used up, its needs a new chip again

[@dennismccaffery6903]

yeah ..but your supposed to let 2 gals of water thru new filter, then its good to drink, Let us know in 6 months if you get a reminder on fridge to change filter thats what chip is for. chip lets you know when to replace and if you have a leak

[@user-xf1hs6xu5l]

How did you get the label off so clean?

[@JH-hx2cl]

use a heatgun. The heat will force the adhesive to give way and youll get a clean un damaged label. After, use packaging tape (Clear) and tape the adhesive side of the label (laminate the label) so you can use the label again and again. The tape with strengthen the label, less chance of a tear down the road.

[@TheBennik]

I'm coming back to this cuz I've already completed the hack but the red light showed up the very next day on the filter status it's working but it's still showing up. Anyone have any ideas?

[@1SR71]

I’m trying and it’s not working. Now the fridge just says error.

[@DavidsHowtosReviews]

The problem is, we’re getting nickel and dimes to death They are computerizing everything, and not allowing us to choose what we the owners of the product want to do And unfortunately, I think it’s just going to get worse

[@wmlaveck]

All you need is a bypass filter plug, filter tubing, connectors and an external filter ($10).

[@tjeff51]

When I went to take off the label, part of the rfid chip stayed on the cartridge. I guess they are getting smarter about making sure you can't reuse the chip.

[@The_Hostile_Soldier]

Warm it up next time....was the filter cold to touch? Run under hot water before pulling sticker off

[@tjeff51]

Thanks!@@The_Hostile_Soldier

[@lancedenney2408]

Mine went Red, still gives water. Has anyone tried to turn off the Fridge and then plug back in, like a computer/modem reload?

[@solosix3991]

Have you tried an aftermarket filter?

[@davidjarvi5002]

Is it still working ? I need to do the same thing........GE money grab !!!!!!! Thanks !!!

[@bang4buck808]

Still working! Warning light has now changed to red, but it still gives me water:)

[@JH-hx2cl]

@@bang4buck808 how did you remove the label so clean? Did you use a solvent, or heatgun, etc?

[@anthonydura5960]

@@JH-hx2cl use WD40 little at a time pull off slow

[@mx2ce782]

These fridges are so expensive to begin with... think I'll have to use my warranty fully

[@hvacexplained9341]

I tried and it’s not working for me 🥴

[@jamesepryor]

Why stick the label to the new filter... Just stick it to the fridge wall

[@BiologyIsHot]

They have to be swapped out eventually. The fridge logs the RFID

[@rar49]

What happens if you use the old XWF filter without the chip

[@danielcollini5825]

Will not work will display error code. My old filter left some of the chip on the filter. Gonna try this again when my filter goes low. The ge filter went dead before 40% anyhow.

[@rar49]

@@danielcollini5825 thanks going to try and use denatured alcohol on the adhesive to get the label off will post back if it works

[@lapchurng]

Did it work??

[@rar49]

​@@lapchurng Sure did take your time and make sure it goes back on in the same location on the new filter.

[@seekinghumility6209]

You have to reset the warning light and your good

[@bang4buck808]

Not sure how to reset the light ..howja do that then?

[@Bronson-_-]

@@bang4buck808 Hold the button for 3 seconds.

[@lapchurng]

​@@Bronson-_-these new fridges don't do that. They force u to buy their branded filters

[@Bronson-_-]

@kim6753 Dude, you are right, it sucks, tried to use the hack but couldn't get it to work.

[@TheBennik]

This is why I told my wife to make sure just to get a basic fridge using a generic type filter. More expensive fridges will screw you over. Don't listen to your wife. All she cares is about looks and convenience. You can get a fridge with those features for way, way less and without the extra baggage.

[@jerryfacts9749]

The only difference between the XWFE and the WFE is a chip on the back of the XWFE filter, which the newer GE refrigerators "use radio frequency identification (RFID) to "talk" to the fridge. The chip is used to detect leaks and let the refrigerator know whether it's a genuine factory product or not. With the older WFE filter if the water system has a leak there will be no warning, and the filter timer in the fridge's uPC will no longer function properly. The WFE is lower in cost and clone filters can be found on line at a lower cost. With the newer GE fridges it is NOT advisable to use the older WFE type filter if your fridge specifies to use the XWFE type. When investing in such an expensive appliance it does not make sense to skimp on the cost of the water filter that is changed every six months!

[@thomaszingale1124]

if this is Redio Frequency chip then it should work anyplace in or out of the refrigerator. However there is no battery so the chip is not powered. I get my bypass in a few days will play with both filters and report back.