Hack a Cheap RPWF Filter to Replace an RPWFE Filter in a GE Refrigerator

I demonstrate how to remove the RFID chip from a GE RPWFE water filter and affix it to a cheaper RPWF filter.
AQUACREST RPWF Refrigerator Water Filter, Pack of 2 (Amazon Affiliate)
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CA: amzn.to/2YW8e1H
Alternate filters, look for RPWF (Amazon Affiliate)
US: amzn.to/2JOlCjQ
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[@glennwood6699]

Thanks for the guidance. I used the oscillating tool similar to the one you showed to remove the chip from a filter bypass. Coarse sandpaper worked well to clean up the plastic around the chip and painters tape adhered it to the refrigerator instead of the filter. The entire job took about 10 minutes. Simply set a calendar reminder to change the filter every 6 months. Saves me 75% off of the filter replacement. Thanks again!

[@cappy02]

Someone may have already mentioned this, but the RFID is what recognizes when the filter needs changing. Using the old chip doesn't cancel out the alert on the fridge door on models without the touch screen. (New filters have new chips that recognize the filters and resets the 6 month date.) To hack these, you need to get the 'bypass filter' and remove the chip from it. (it's a 'forever' chip) Tape this chip with packaging tape (in the proper location) inside the filter compartment (not on the filter). When in use, the fridge might say 'not filtering' but you know it will be. (A small price to pay for the savings.) Write the date of the filter change somewhere so you know when it was installed and possibly even squeeze out an extra couple of months of usage if the filter isn't heavily used.

[@GMAMEC]

I don’t even have a GE refrigerator, but appreciate your willingness to share and help others.

[@carrolldrew]

Thanks. Worked great! Took the peel off method but understand why it can be “iffy” Cheers

[@user-nh2bo1jl5j]

This absolutely worked!! Thank you for making this video! You saved me a ton of $$$!

[@nabeelfaiyaz2]

Thanks a lot Rick. That was the exact same issue I was facing.

[@vinrinaldi3316]

Thanks Rick! I wound up using a hacksaw and miter box and cut the chip/plastic backing as you did. Question about the chip, is each unique? I had a 9 day countdown, installed/ran the bypass, did the hack, and then installed a generic filter, all within an hour. The 9 day countdown is now gone, but my question is will it come back? And if so, will the chip be blocked? Mine has the digital panel, no screen. (Plan B of course would be hacking the bypass filter, and taping the word 'NOT'! Thx!

[@nmnguyen62]

Thanks for the video, I used the hair dryer to get the bypass chip out then tape on new RPWF because my fridge did not take the old RFID chip

[@KurtRichterCISSP]

I would recommend cutting stuff never takes more than 15 seconds of your video. Thanks for showing us the internals!

[@stevon521]

good idea thanks.

[@Rickmakes]

No problem!

[@DWR6]

How do I remove the Replace Water Filter message? I did the transfer of the water filter, but not sure how to remove the error message. I tried cycling power as well.

[@1708195]

Great video! I was wondering if I could use a chip off one of the original filters! Now I have my answer. I think this is more convenient than bypassing! Thanks!

[@Rickmakes]

I wish I had done this sooner. For what GE wants for their filter, it would probably be cheaper to buy bottled water.

[@delcy28]

Question. If my fridge says replace, and I put that chip on an after market filter, will it still say replace?

[@rapitaro]

Great hack. One question for you. I noticed the style of the locating tabs on the GE filter are different from the Aquacrest filter. Did you have any issues locking the AQUACREST in place?

[@Rickmakes]

I didn't. I went in the same as the GE filter.

[@rapitaro]

@@Rickmakes Great. Thanks for your help.

[@Iyeetmyself3]

wonderful, instead of paying $ 40 for RPWFE filter , I just pay for $18 RPWF filter , Thanks you so much

[@wizardorlegend]

Did you try and read the tag, in some cases the reader just needs to see a tag (any tag) present. I wonder if the tag could just be copied and written to a new one.

[@Rickmakes]

I spent a few seconds trying to read it with my Nexus 7 tablet but didn't get anything. I don't have experience with RFID so I'm not sure what kind of reader is needed. It would be interesting to know if it could be copied.

[@rajandseema123]

Thanks damn filter is so expensive. Did that remove the change filter on the touch screen 0??

[@vladimirlysenko7095]

Ingeniously !!! 🤗

[@RLMUnbelievaaable]

I rarely used the water dispenser, so I just let it expire and when you get the alert, just ignore it. The water still works and all it does is tell you how many days it's been since it expired. I can live with that. Just write the date on some tape outside the filter cover to remind you to "eventually" change the filer.

[@mogarcia1861]

Worked for like 2 cups of water then filter pops out and warning comes on that filter not in place. I think it's because the tabs are different and standard filter will not stay in place due to pressure from water.

[@Rickmakes]

It sounds like you have a different mounting setup than mine. Mine isn't able to pop out.

[@pn3940]

how about taping the cutout piece directly onto the refrigerator where sensor is located. If that works, you don't need to bother with changing the chip to the new filter.

[@daltonbryer3171]

That came out much quicker than when it has a genuine filter. I'd be concerned those replacements arent filtering anything at all and are an empty tube.

[@roccop12]

How do you fix if the mechanism has been twisted when it should not have

[@Rickmakes]

Which mechanism is twisted?

[@carjunkiegarage5417]

I just did this hack. The filter works, fridge recognizes RFID, but the countdown on the door to filter time out stayed the same. Any ideas? Model GFE28GELFDS. Water on outside of door. Thanks

[@Rickmakes]

I don't have the countdown feature on my fridge. Mine just lights up after 6 months and you hold the button to reset it. Does the water still flow without the countdown timer working?

[@its2nv4u]

i have the same kind of fridge where i have a countdown timer on outside door, wondering also how reset timer if i did this mod. anyone figure it out yet??

[@jslvbl]

@@its2nv4u put the bypass on for a couple of days. Then when you put the old chip back.. it will be reset.

[@its2nv4u]

@@jslvbl thank you so much 🙂

[@gregsewell4259]

Are all the OEM filter chips unique to one another? If so, wouldn't the fridge recognize the cut out chip from an old filter as an old and expired chip?

[@Rickmakes]

My fridge doesn't seem to do that. You could use the chip from the plug that you put in if you don't use a filter.

[@stevon521]

@@Rickmakes would the water actually be filtered?

[@Rickmakes]

On mine it would be. The plug has a gasket on it so the water is still flowing when it is used. Another option is to leave the plug in place and add a filter on the line that is going to the fridge.

[@wesleyherrin1236]

I'm getting ready to try this myself on a current-generation GE Cafe fridge. My guess, from what I've read in other comments and based on what I've seen from my fridge itself, is that it will show that the water filter is expired and every now and again I'll have to acknowledge it by pressing a button on the screen. Instead, I'll just add a 6.5- to 7- month reminder on my Google calendar to change it out... GE is THE WORST.

[@gregsewell4259]

@@wesleyherrin1236 I wound up buying the bypass filter, carefully cutting the chip out and taping it to the inside of the filter compartment wall. It then allows the filter mechanism to accept cheaper non-chip filters, (and use a Sharpie to write the date on), but the display will constantly show, "Not filtering," when you are dispensing water. To bypass that, I took the faceplate off, and put black electrical tape over the word "Not."

[@sarahthebox]

2 potentially stupid questions 1) what happens if you just put the filter in without the chip? Is it just the alert that pops up, or will it actually not work? 2) if the bypass is in, does the water still come out? I am fine with my tap water as is, I just like it cold from the fridge! Thanks!

[@Rickmakes]

On mine, the water doesn't dispense if it doesn't have the chip. It should dispense with the bypass in. You can get an filter to install on the water line to the fridge as an option too.

[@mob6o6o]

What's the point of taking the RFID chip out and put it on new filter.. it will keep getting the message to change the filter

[@jtotheroc]

Has anyone tried to remove the RFID chip wirh a radial hand saw, or even a table saw or band saw?

[@davidweisinger5766]

after replacing OEM GE filter with "RPWFE Water Filter, Replacement for GE RPWFE Rеfrigеrator Water Filter (Without RFID Chip)-2 PACK", I found that NEITHER the old filter nor the new filter worked at all until I RESTARTED my "GE Profile™ Series ENERGY STAR® 22.1 Cu. Ft. Counter-Depth French-Door Refrigerator" I did not see this recommendation in any of the videos.

[@Rickmakes]

Thanks for the info. Hopefully this helps someone. My fridge didn't require that but it sounds like GE has fridges with different levels of water filter security.

[@kamol901]

What is your GE model number? Mine did not work. Wondering if I need to restart the GE. i

[@Rickmakes]

@@kamol901 PWE23KSDFSS

[@gregsewell4259]

Unscrew the inside wall where everyone is taping the chip to and pull that plastic inner wall part out. Behind that plastic part is the circuit board that senses the chip. There are three wires plugged into that board, a Purple wire, a Black/Red wire, and an Orange/Gray wire. Who here knows the correct combination to splice those wires together, to bypass the chip altogether?

[@jl1848]

Did you ever get the answer to that?

[@gregsewell4259]

@@jl1848 No, never did. Still waiting for someone to answer it.

[@jl1848]

@@gregsewell4259 Okay, well thanks for replying to me!

[@WVRetreat]

Good idea, but that seems too easy of a workaround. I am sure the manufacturer thought about it. I assume these three wires are for data, negative and positive voltage, which would be the minimum wires for an RFID chip reader to send RFID data to the frig computer. Splicing the wires probably would just cause the RFID reader to not function any longer or even worse, short out the reader, not bypass the RFID chip. The computer probably has to read the RFID data, determine if it's a unique code that hasn't been used before or if it's a RFID for a filter bypass then only when one of those conditions is met it will it allow water to flow.

[@wonderwood1967]

Unfortunately, if you have the TWIST-IN filter, this will not work - at least not on mine. The electronics are imbedded/printed in the label layers and cannot be removed without damage. Waiting to see if someone can work out a hack for that. It may be possible to cut it out but it is quite a large are of the label and knowing exactly where it is is impossible without sacrificing at least one label. It really isn't even a chip. Until then, a bypass filter may be my best option. GE did NOT include one with my fridge

[@Rickmakes]

Hopefully you can find a bypass. An external filter could easily be set up. For the price of few GE filters, I could set up a reverse osmosis system.

[@wmlaveck]

It's recommended not to run the RO to your refrigerator because of lack of pressure. I went with a plug and an external refrigerator filter.

[@koaasst]

@@wmlaveck thats why those systems come with that basketball thingie, its a small pressure tank that goes under the sink with the rest of the system. granted it wont last long enough to fill a really big pitcher and fills up to pressure slow but hey, its for a glass of water at a time usually

[@robbyers7614]

I hate having to buy their EXPENSIVE filters. I would like to see how I really feel but my daughter reads my reviews at times on my phone.

[@PrestonCovell]

This isn’t going to work for mine. I have the fridge with the digital countdown. Wish I had some way to reset the rfid tag.

[@Rickmakes]

Did yours come with a bypass plug? If it did, you could install it and then install a filter on the water line to the fridge. There are countless options there. Home improvement stores likely have something you could connect up. I think some even come with push fittings. If you don't have easy access to the back of the fridge, you might be able to drill some holes in an adjacent cabinet to install the filter. If you have an unfinished basement with access to the fridge water line, you could install the filter downstairs.

[@PrestonCovell]

@@Rickmakes I wonder if the bypass has a RFID tag on it?

[@Rickmakes]

@@PrestonCovell Mine does and I think I can use it as opposed to one of a "legit" filter. I'm not sure how it works on the countdown system. You might try it.

[@carolburnett8372]

I did not know it but GE gives you one free bypass filter if you ask.......I called them today......and I plan to get the code off and install it in the fridge in the exact right place and then use a good much cheaper filter....

[@carolburnett8372]

@@PrestonCovell THE GE bypass filter has a RFID and you can get one free one.....call GE........they have many numbers though

[@wmlaveck]

Just add a filter plug then use an external refrigerator ice filter. These are about $10 and with no chip.

[@majorahole]

Doesn't it only allow you to use the filter for 6 months?

[@Rickmakes]

My specific model doesn't have that limitation. I have been using the same tag since I made this video. I can't speak to other models.

[@lordcolinb]

What if you replace the filter and it still won't make ice cubes?? Ty

[@Rickmakes]

Do you have a water dispenser and if so, is it working?

[@lordcolinb]

@@Rickmakes yes it's making fresh water

[@Rickmakes]

@@lordcolinb Was it making ice before the filter change? I wouldn't think a filter change would affect the ice maker (since you know the filter is working via the dispenser).

[@lordcolinb]

@@Rickmakes it quit making ice about 3 weeks ago. I changed out the filter a few days ago.

[@toddzevchik7376]

All that work just to wait for your chip to expire and shut down your frig! You need to use a chip from a bypass filter that doesn’t expire

[@Rickmakes]

I don't think they expire with my fridge but I think they do on other fridges.

[@kroekerjonathan]

It's a sticker dude. You just peel it off.

[@markb.2051]

just use a razor knife to remove the chip from the old filter. put the blade under a corner and pop it off.

[@benalt]

I tried this on several filters. They had it glued solidly in place and the chip was destroyed each time.

[@markb.2051]

@@benalt try removing the chip from the bypass plug

[@benalt]

@@markb.2051 What I described was from 2 years ago (last time I changed the filter). I'll see about it again the next time I change it which I do either when the water flow is reduced enough or the taste changes which hasn't happened yet. The fridge display just shows that it is 99 days overdue. The kids were excited to see what happened after 99. Answer: nothing.

[@carolburnett8372]

@@markb.2051 What does that mean? please help...

[@carolburnett8372]

@@benalt there is a video on here of a girl showing you how to take the top of the exterior ice, water dispenser off and disconnecting about three things and then putting on a small piece of black electrical tape over one of the words.....that makes you think you have to change it......

[@seanbryant2848]

Will a filter without an RFID chip work in there?

[@carolburnett8372]

I think what he is saying is that you can use other filters, after you have gotten the RFID chip out of the bypass water filter (a genuine GE one) ......and install it inside your freezer .....listen to the video again...you will see...

[@seanbryant2848]

@@carolburnett8372 ... I have since explored, and experimented, and I have decent results.

[@carolinej3661]

Can you keep reusing that same exact RFID chip over and over - just tape it onto a new filter each time??

[@Rickmakes]

It works that way on my fridge.

[@ionicaw7489]

This only works if your fridge does not have a display. You can not use the same chip more than 1 year. Here is t how to do it so you can use the same chip over and over again! kzbin.info/www/bejne/maipoJuLrMx7b9U

[@wesleyherrin1236]

I'm going to give this a try, thank you! (Although the child exploitation from the other video is a bit grotesque, IMO)

[@ronc127]

Just buy the right filter, a trip to the emergency room after you cut your hand will cost more than the correct filter.

[@DoubleTimeRC]

What’s the purposed of doing this? Why do these even need an RFID chip? There’s no electrical connection on the filtrr

[@Rickmakes]

They don't need one. The GE filters are expensive so they want to lock you into buying them. It is dumb.

[@steveb4810]

Never loan your tools.

[@Rickmakes]

That is good advice but in my case I loaned it to my dad. I have a bunch of his tools too. :) We have quite a few tools we share. I could have gotten the oscillating tool if I really needed it.

[@carolburnett8372]

AMEN AMEN AMEN

[@flapoverspeed]

This didn’t work on mine

[@Rickmakes]

Have you tried taping the tag to the fridge itself?

[@luisarredondo33]

4:56 😂😂😂😭☠️

[@bwhit2025]

To much trouble for me

[@bwhit2025]

I like your idea of using an external filter,under the counter

[@tony37068]

GE, why are you doing this?

[@Rickmakes]

It's so dumb.

[@TallyRocky]

That RFID chip will just pop off..no need for all that cutting stuff. Just tape it on the new filter.

[@syncflame]

GE started gluing it and when you tried to pop it out it will damaged the chip

[@carolburnett8372]

it seems that the newer ones are super glued on.......wonder if any of them are not super glued? I called GE today and said that I heard that I can have one free bypass water filter free with my purchase so when can I get mine.......she asked for my address immediately....was easy but finding the right number was hard.....

[@HezekiahDomowski]

​@@carolburnett8372 Will youtube let you share that number? My fridge didn't come with a bypass either!

[@gregallard8438]

GE has smartened up. Tried gently razoring off only to stall out on big gob of epoxy. Sheared the chip…

[@SuperFlyCH]

@@gregallard8438 you're not alone... 🤨

[@luisbeltran7422]

There is no point in this hack. The fridge will shut water off automatically after ship is expired. better cut the chip off a bypass unit.

[@Rickmakes]

I think different model fridges work differently in this respect. Mine doesn't have an expiration so the same chip keeps working. I just have to press reset on the filter timer. Based upon yours and other comments, it sounds like this doesn't work with every model. In that case, you are correct, the bypass chip would work better. One reason I didn't mess with the bypass is because I may just install it and use an external filter system.

[@georgebrodie9795]

That is to much work. Spend the money and buy the right filter

[@fahler14]

Dude for saving $25 ...... seems like a lot of work haha 😂.

[@Rickmakes]

Only a lot of work the first time. Then it saves $78 a year.

[@fahler14]

@@Rickmakes $6.50 a month.... I’m not some rich snob but I’m also not a handy man, so I will save my money elsewhere. Cool video nonetheless. I totally agree the system is a pain in the ass. If it didn’t come with my house I would of went with a different fridge .

[@rocoroco5749]

What the big deal why dont u want Rfid

[@Rickmakes]

The GE filters are around $50 and the off brand, without RFID are around $12.

[@Mickycho1964]

Why the fricken GE makes do this things? Fricken profit greeders. Isn't the customer always right? arrrrgh!!!!

[@Rickmakes]

It's such a scam. If I pay for a GE, I might as well just buy bottled water.

[@robertcole9207]

All to save $20...nuts

[@Rickmakes]

$37 twice a year. Once it is done, I just have to transfer the RFID to a new filter.

[@leektah354]

You bought cheap Made in China filters! No thanks, I'll buy Made in the USA Zuma filters.

[@nwilliams4714]

Use a multitool to cut it … Oh, OK, the dude loaned his out. Well, duh. Wait until you get it back …

[@Rickmakes]

I got a second one. I've barely used it. I don't use multitools everyday but when I need one, they are handy. Not going to be without one again. :)

[@GMAMEC]

I don’t even have a GE refrigerator, but appreciate your willingness to share and help others.