GE RPWFE vs RPWF: Which Filter Does Your GE Fridge Need?
Quick answer
If your fridge was built for the RPWFE, buy the RPWFE. GE says those fridges need an RPWFE or the bypass plug to dispense water, and the filter's ID chip flags a wrong or non-genuine filter. [S1]
- GE says the RPWFE uses RFID to detect leaks and track filter status, and shuts off the water if it detects a leak. [S1]
- Rated for 170 gallons. Replace it every six months, or sooner if you hit 170 gallons or the flow drops. [S3]
- Lost the bypass plug? GE says you can order one at no charge by calling 1-800-GECARES. [S1]
- Waterdrop doesn't list an RPWFE or RPWF replacement on its US store (checked 2026-10-25).
Find your fridge model in our model lookup table.
RPWFE vs RPWF: what GE says
| RPWFE | RPWF | |
|---|---|---|
| RFID chip | Yes: leak detection and filter status [S1] | Not stated on the GE pages we read |
| Works in RPWFE fridges? | Yes | GE says RPWFE fridges require an RPWFE, and the chip detects a wrong part [S1] |
| Pharmaceuticals GE says it reduces | Fluoxetine, trimethoprim, progesterone, ibuprofen, atenolol; RPWFE filters after May 2017 add more, including carbamazepine, naproxen, estrone and BPA [S2] | Fluoxetine, trimethoprim, progesterone, ibuprofen, atenolol [S2] |
| Rated capacity | 170 gallons [S3] [S4] | Not stated on the GE pages we read |
GE says its pharmaceutical claims were tested by an independent laboratory and aren't NSF certified. [S2] [S4]
RPWFE specs from GE's data sheet
Certified alternatives
We didn't find a Waterdrop RPWFE replacement. GE says a non-genuine filter can stop the dispenser and show "Leak Detected", and that non-GE filters without the RFID part won't respond the same way to a leak. [S1]
How to install an RPWFE
GE's instructions differ by the color of the filter holder. [S3]
Grey holder (don't twist):
- Open the filter door and pull the bottom of the old cartridge so it swings out, then gently pull it off the holder.
- Center the new cartridge with "FRONT" facing out and push it in until it's fully seated. The red indicators shouldn't show.
- Swing it back into place.
Black holder:
- Pull the bottom of the old cartridge off its clips and swing it out until the holder clicks, then turn it a quarter turn counterclockwise and pull it off.
- Line up the new one with "FRONT" facing the top, push it in, and turn it a quarter turn clockwise until "FRONT" faces out.
- Swing it back into place. The red indicators shouldn't show.
Then, for both: run 2 gallons through the cold water dispenser, about 5 minutes, to clear air. Discolored water at first is normal, GE says. [S3]
Where the filter is
GE says the RPWFE sits in the top left corner of the fresh food compartment or inside the left fridge door, depending on the model. [S3]
For GE's other filter families, see MWF vs MWFP vs XWF vs XWFE.
Where to buy
We don't list prices because they change daily. Check the current price at the seller.
- GE Appliances: RPWFE Official: GE's own parts store. Check current price.
FAQ
Can I use an RPWF in an RPWFE fridge?
GE says fridges that use the RPWFE require an RPWFE to work correctly, and the filter's ID chip detects a wrong or non-genuine part. If that happens the dispenser stops and the display may show "Leak Detected". [S1]
How do I know my RPWFE is genuine?
GE says to look at the back of the filter: under the label where it says "This side must face inward" you'll see a raised square outline over the chip. No chip means it isn't a genuine RPWFE. [S1]
Can I run my fridge without the RPWFE?
Only with the bypass plug. GE says either the RPWFE or the bypass plug must be installed for the dispenser to work, and the display shows "Unfiltered Water" with the plug in. [S1]
Does the RPWFE stop the water when it's expired?
No. GE says the control shows "expired" and asks you to accept continued use; it only shuts off water when it detects a leak. [S1]
How do I reset the filter reminder?
On RPWFE fridges GE says it resets automatically when a new RFID filter or the bypass plug goes in, and can't be reset by hand. [S1]
Why does it say "BACK"?
The filter or plug is in backwards. GE says "FRONT" should show when it's installed correctly. [S1]
What we could not verify
- That GE superseded the RPWF with the RPWFE. GE's parts store returned "no results" for both part numbers when we checked on 2026-10-25, so we couldn't read the page that says so.
- Whether an RPWFE works in an older fridge built for the RPWF. GE says the RPWFE's 2017 redesign is backwards compatible, but that refers to RPWFE fridges, so we don't claim it for RPWF fridges.
- The RPWF's capacity and certifications. The GE pages we read don't state them.
- A GE model list. We haven't fetched one, so no GE models are added yet.
Sources
- [S1] Refrigerator - RPWFE Operation and Troubleshooting, GE Appliances support. Accessed 2026-10-25. Used for: RFID, RPWFE required, ID chip, Leak Detected, bypass plug, free plug via 1-800-GECARES, expired behavior, auto reset, FRONT/BACK.
- [S2] Refrigerator - RPWF/RPWFE Advanced Filtration, GE Appliances support. Accessed 2026-10-25. Used for: Pharmaceutical reduction lists for RPWF/RPWFE and post-May 2017 RPWFE.
- [S3] About the GE Appliances RPWFE Water Filter Cartridge (49-6000027 Rev. 5 09-20), GE Appliances. Accessed 2026-10-25. Used for: Replacement interval, location, grey and black holder install steps, 2-gallon flush.
- [S4] Performance Data Sheet: GE Appliances RPWFE, GE Appliances. Accessed 2026-10-25. Used for: 170 gallons, NSF/ANSI 42 and 53, flow, pressure, temperature, pharmaceutical claims not NSF certified.
- [S5] Learn More About RPWFE Water Filters, GE Appliances Parts. Accessed 2026-10-25. Used for: Tested to meet NSF/ANSI 42, 53, 401 and P473; IAPMO verified; 6-month replacement; leak detect.
Last checked 2026-10-25. Spot an error? Tell us and we'll recheck it against the source.