GE MWF vs MWFP vs XWF vs XWFE: Which SmartWater Filter Do You Need?

Last checked 2026-10-25 NSF database check: pending 5 sources

Quick answer

These are two pairs, not four versions of one filter. GE says the MWFP replaced the MWF (and its label still reads "MWF"), and the XWFE replaced the XWF in 2020. [S1] Buy the number printed on the filter you're taking out.

  • GE says the XWFE fits fridges that used an XWF, but an XWF won't work in a newer fridge built for the XWFE. [S2]
  • GE lists MWF, GWF and HWF as the SmartWater filter, rated for up to 6 months or 300 gallons. [S1] The XWFE is rated for 170 gallons. [S1]
  • The cylinder-shaped GSWF and MSWF are not interchangeable with the MWF, or with each other. [S1]

Find your fridge model in our model lookup table.

The four filters side by side

MWFMWFPXWFXWFE
What GE saysReplaced by the MWFP [S1]Improved replacement for the MWF; label reads "MWF" [S1]Used on select models made after June 2018; replaced by XWFE in 2020 [S1]Current; same size, shape and installation as the XWF [S1]
Rated capacity300 gallons [S3]300 gallons [S4]Not stated on the GE pages we read170 gallons [S1]
Certification GE claimsIAPMO R&T against NSF/ANSI 42, 53, 401 and P473 (current MWF sheet) [S3]NSF International against NSF/ANSI 42 and 53 [S4]Not stated on the GE pages we readSee our XWFE vs XWF guide
Water pressure40 to 120 psi [S3]40 to 120 psi [S4]
Service flow0.5 gpm [S3]0.5 gpm [S4]
RFID chipNoNoNo [S2]Yes, for leak detection and filter life [S2]

GE also says older MWFA, GWF and HWF filters were sold under the SmartWater, SmartWater Plus and Water by Culligan names. [S1]

Certified alternatives

Waterdrop doesn't list an MWF or MWFP replacement on its US store (checked 2026-10-25). It does sell a replacement for the XWFE and XWF, covered in our XWFE vs XWF guide. GE says it hasn't qualified non-GE filters for its fridges. [S3]

How to tell which one you have

  1. Read the old filter. It's the only sure answer. An MWFP will say "MWF" on the label. [S1]
  2. Check the shape. A cylinder-style GSWF or MSWF is a different filter and won't swap with an MWF. [S1]
  3. XWFE fridges show filter life. If your control panel shows filter life or a leak alert, it's built for the XWFE. See the XWFE vs XWF guide.

How to change an MWF

From GE's MWF cartridge instructions. [S3]

  1. The filter is in the back upper right corner of the fridge compartment.
  2. Turn the old filter slowly to the left to remove it. Don't pull down on it.
  3. Fill the new cartridge with tap water, line up its arrow with the holder, and turn it to the right until it stops, about half a turn. Don't overtighten.
  4. Run 1½ gallons through the dispenser, about 3 minutes.
  5. On some models, press and hold RESET WATER FILTER for 3 seconds.

GE recommends GE-branded filters and says it hasn't qualified non-GE filters for its fridges. [S3]

Disclosure: We earn a commission if you buy through Waterdrop links. It doesn't change which filters we say fit. How we handle affiliate links.

Where to buy

We don't list prices because they change daily. Check the current price at the seller.

FAQ

Is MWFP the same as MWF?

GE says the MWFP is the improved replacement for the MWF, and the MWFP's label reads "MWF". [S1]

Can I use an XWFE instead of an XWF?

Yes. GE says the XWFE is backwards compatible and can be used in fridges that use an XWF. [S2]

Can I use an XWF in an XWFE fridge?

No. GE says the XWF isn't forward compatible with newer fridges that use the XWFE, because those fridges expect the filter to talk to the control panel. [S2]

Can I use an XWF or XWFE in place of an MWF?

GE doesn't say so on the pages we read. It lists the MWFP and the XWF as the current filters for different models. [S1] Buy the number on your old filter.

How often should I change an MWF?

GE says SmartWater filters can be used for up to 6 months or 300 gallons. [S1] On models with an indicator light, replace it when the light turns red or the flow drops. [S3]

Can I run my fridge without the MWF?

Only with the filter bypass plug. GE says the dispenser and icemaker won't work without a filter or the bypass plug. [S3]

What we could not verify

  • Whether an MWF and an XWF or XWFE fit the same fridges. GE doesn't say on the pages we read, so we don't claim it.
  • The XWF's rated capacity and certifications. The GE pages we read don't state them.
  • NSF or IAPMO listing confirmation for any of these filters.
  • GE's parts-store spec pages for MWF, MWFP and XWFE returned "no results" when we checked on 2026-10-25, so specs here come from GE's data sheets.
  • A model-by-model list. We haven't fetched a GE fits list, so no GE models are added yet.

Sources

  1. [S1] Refrigerator - SmartWater, SmartWater Plus, and Water by Culligan Water Filters, GE Appliances support. Accessed 2026-10-25. Used for: MWF replaced by MWFP; MWFP label reads MWF; XWF on select models after June 2018; XWF replaced by XWFE in 2020; XWFE 170 gallons; SmartWater 6 months or 300 gallons; GSWF/MSWF not interchangeable.
  2. [S2] Refrigerator Water Filter - XWFE, GE Appliances support. Accessed 2026-10-25. Used for: XWFE backwards compatible with XWF fridges; XWF not forward compatible; RFID.
  3. [S3] About the GE Appliances MWF water filter cartridge (49-6000042 Rev. 3 03-22), GE Appliances. Accessed 2026-10-25. Used for: MWF location, install steps, flush, bypass plug, 300 gallons, IAPMO certification, pressure and flow, GE-branded filter recommendation.
  4. [S4] Performance Data Sheet: SmartWater Filtration System, GE Appliances MWFP Cartridge, GE Appliances (PDF hosted by AJ Madison). Accessed 2026-10-25. Used for: MWFP 300 gallons, NSF/ANSI 42 and 53, pressure, flow.
  5. [S5] Waterdrop XWFE Water Filter, Replacement for GE XWFE, Built-in Chip, Waterdrop. Accessed 2026-10-25. Used for: Lists XWFE and XWF as compatible; NSF 42 and 372 claim; sold out 2026-10-25.

Last checked 2026-10-25. Spot an error? Tell us and we'll recheck it against the source.