Samsung refrigerator setup and installation

Measure for your new fridge

You need to narrow down what refrigerator size is right for the space where you plan to put it. No matter which refrigerator you decide to go with, here are some non-negotiables to keep in mind when prepping the location for your new fridge:

  • The fridge needs to be on a flat, hard surface.

  • Make sure your space has room for the doors to open fully. If your refrigerator is being installed where there is a wall on one side, and a fridge door could make contact with the wall when opened, make sure to leave at least 2.5 inches of clearance on the side closest to the wall.

  • You need a minimum of one inch of clearance at the back of the fridge for proper air circulation, water connections, and electrical connections.

  • Allow at least 3/8 inch of clearance on both sides and the top for ease of installation.

  • Counter depth and Standard depth are both 35 3/4 inches in width. The difference is how far they stick out from the counter. Refer your models specifications (available in the user manual) to measure ahead of time.

Remove your old fridge

When you buy your new refrigerator, there is usually an option to have it delivered and installed, and have the old one hauled away. Regardless of whether you have chosen these options or not, you need to have your old fridge emptied out and turned off before the new one arrives. It's a good idea to do this about one day before the new refrigerator is set to arrive.

Items you will need:

  • Towels

  • Pliers

  • A large bowl or bucket (to empty the water line)

  • Masking tape

Towels, Pliers, Tape, and a Bowl

Disconnecting and emptying the fridge

  1. Turn off the ice maker and empty the ice from the ice bucket.

  2. Remove the food from your old refrigerator and freezer. It's a good idea to have a cooler with some ice handy or even a neighbor who can store some of your items until your new fridge is ready. Even after it arrives, you won't be able to put food in it for a few hours.

  3. Pull the old fridge out from the wall enough so you can unplug it. This will give the cooling chemicals time to settle. Be ready with your towels in case any hidden frost or ice that's accumulated begins to melt.

  4. Attach the power cord to the back of the fridge. Some fridges have a small hook for gripping the cord and hoses. If you don't have this, use tape to make sure the cord is out of the way when it is time to move it.

  5. Turn off the water supply to the fridge. The location of this varies. You may have a valve behind the refrigerator, or under your sink.

  6. Once the fridge has had time to thaw out, it's time to disconnect the water line:

Disconnecting the water line

  1. Lay out some towels on the floor and have your bowl ready. Locate the water line on the back of the fridge. It should be either a plastic tube or copper.

  2. For a plastic water line, push both ends of the connector together to get it to release and disconnect. Once disconnected, empty the water into your bowl. For a copper water line, use the pliers to unscrew the line from the compression fitting. Once loose, empty the water into the bowl.

  3. Tape the water hose to the back of the refrigerator so it is out of the way when it is time to move the fridge.

Disconnecting the water line on a Samsung fridge

Depending on the size of the refrigerator you are replacing, you may need to remove its doors to get it out of your house. Assess the situation and if the doors need to be removed, consult the user manual for the fridge to get the most accurate instructions for removing the doors. Another thing to consider depending on the size of your house, and the path to your kitchen, is whether you need to take any doors off their hinges to get your old fridge out or your new fridge in. Measure these ahead of time so you are prepared for delivery.

If you aren't having the fridge taken away by the installer, you have a few options for getting rid of it. If it still works, you can always donate it. Check your local options as many organizations will come pick it up. Your energy company may even be able to come pick it up for you.

Install your fridge

Whether your fridge is delivered or you bring it home yourself, the doors may need to be taken off to get it into the house. The user manual for your refrigerator will have detailed instructions on how to remove and reinstall the doors.

Move the refrigerator

There are some things that you may want to have done before your refrigerator is in its final resting spot, like installing a water line. Leveling, however, should be done after the fridge is in its place.

You also want to make sure you get it plugged in before you move it into place, and don't forget to leave at least one inch of space at the back, 3/8 inch at the top, and 3/8 inch on both sides (2.5 inches on the side if next to a wall).

Attach the door handles and install the water filter

Your refrigerator will be delivered with its handles detached and even if it fits inside without removing the doors, you will need to attach the handles.

Also, your refrigerator comes with its first water filter, but it may not be installed. Samsung water filters come in a few different shapes and sizes and knowing the correct way to install the water filter is as important now as it will be when it comes time to replace it in six months.

Also, if your water line is connected and you have installed your water filter, dispense one gallon of water to clear out any impurities from the water line before you drink or use any water from the fridge. When you turn on the ice maker, dump out the first two batches of ice as well.

Set up your fridge

Now that the fridge is settled in place, it's time to get it up and running. The steps for setting up a refrigerator can be very different depending on the type of fridge you decided on. However, the first step is the same for every fridge:

Level the refrigeratorSave energy and prevent potential cooling issues, noises, or leaks by properly leveling your refrigerator. Our guide and video will show you how to level your fridge and make minor leveling adjustments.

Your fridge also needs to have its doors adjusted and leveled, and you will find information on how to do that in your user manual.

Level the refrigerator

General Setup

Install the water line: Use the line leftover from your old fridge, or start fresh. Either way, we'll to help you get your home water-ready.

Set the temperature: Your fridge and freezer temperatures need to be adjusted. Luckily, adjusting the temperature is as simple as pressing a few buttons.

Register your fridge: With a Samsung account, stay up to date with recall notices, get troubleshooting content, and manage your warranty status.

Family Hub / Smart Fridge Setup

Set up the Family Hub: Family Hub is unlike any fridge you have ever had before. This setup includes creating a Samsung Account and connecting to a Wi-Fi network.

Family Hub Web Manual FAQ: Family Hub comes with a digital manual that details how to use it. You can access it from the Settings menu or online.

Connect to SmartThings: SmartThings can connect to your Samsung smart fridge. With SmartThings you can view the inside of your fridge and adjust the temperature from your phone.

Do more with your fridge

Refrigerator features

Humidity level in Crisper drawers: You can use this setting to preserve fruits and vegetables and keep them from spoiling. The level depends on the type of fruits or vegetables being stored.

Use your Autofill pitcher: AutoFill on select Samsung fridges lets you add flavor to your water with fruit infusions or even brew cold iced tea in your refrigerator.

Use Sabbath mode: Sabbath mode prevents the appliance's panel and lights from responding to input in any way, either from pressing buttons or opening the door.

Family Hub features

Screen mirror on Family Hub: Watch your favorite shows and movies in the kitchen with Smart View. Connect your Samsung Smart TV, phone, or tablet to Family Hub.

Update the Family Hub: Just like a phone or a tablet, your fridge's Family Hub panel will need software updates once in a while. Its individual apps may need separate updates as well.

Play music on Family Hub: With the Family Hub's different music apps, you can play and stream your favorite songs on your Samsung smart fridge while you are in the kitchen.

Take care of your fridge

Organize your refrigerator: Where you place food in the fridge can affect how long the food lasts. We provide tips that help keep food fresh.

Clean your refrigerator: Sometimes messes in the fridge require deeper cleaning. We also have tips for keeping your fridge clean through the year.

Replace the water filter: You need a clean water filter to get fresh, filtered water. We recommend that you replace the water filter every six months.

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