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Samsung HAF-CIN Refrigerator Water Filter | DA29-00020B Guide, Models & Replacement

HAF-CIN Refrigerator Water Filter

The Samsung HAF-CIN/EXP (part number DA29-00020B) is a round/cylindrical internal filter for older Samsung French door and side-by-side refrigerators made between 2010 and 2018. It is NSF 42, 53, and 401 certified, reducing 33 contaminants including lead, mercury, pharmaceuticals, and DEET. Replace every 6 months or 300 gallons.

If your Samsung fridge was made before 2018 and has a round filter slot, You need the HAF-CIN refrigerator water filter (DA29-00020B). It is one of the most popular Samsung filter types still in use, millions of older Samsung fridges still run on it. This guide gives you everything: specs, cross-reference numbers, compatible models, the difference between HAF-CIN and HAF-CINS, and a step-by-step replacement walkthrough.

Samsung HAF-CIN Water Filter | Full Specs and What Makes It Different

HAF-CIN Refrigerator Water Filter

The HAF-CIN/EXP is Samsung’s round-shaped refrigerator filter. It predates the newer square HAF-QIN design and is still the correct filter for a large number of Samsung models currently in use. One thing most buyers do not know: the HAF-CIN actually holds NSF 401 certification which covers pharmaceuticals, DEET, herbicides, and pesticides, giving it a wider contaminant range than the newer HAF-QIN.

SpecificationDetail
Filter nameSamsung HAF-CIN / HAF-CIN/EXP / HAF-CINS/EXP
Part numberDA29-00020B (replaces DA29-00020A)
ShapeRound / cylindrical
Filter life6 months or 300 gallons — whichever comes first
Flow rate0.5 gallons per minute
NSF certificationsNSF 42, NSF 53, and NSF 401 (HAF-CINS version)
Contaminants reduced33 contaminants, chlorine, lead, mercury, cysts, DEET, pharmaceuticals, herbicides, pesticides
Filter mediaActivated carbon block
Housing materialBPA-free food-grade plastic

HAF-CIN vs HAF-CINS | What is the difference?

You will sometimes see two versions listed, HAF-CIN/EXP and HAF-CINS/EXP. The S in HAF-CINS stands for the enhanced NSF 401 certification, covering pharmaceuticals and emerging contaminants. The HAF-CINS/EXP is the newer version of the same filter with broader certification. Both fit the same filter housing. If you find either on the shelf, they are interchangeable for your fridge.

Samsung’s HAF-CIN is certified to NSF 42, 53, and 401, reducing 33 contaminants. This makes it one of the most comprehensively certified Samsung filters available.

HAF-CIN vs HAF-QIN | Which Filter Does Your Samsung Fridge Need?

This is the most common confusion Samsung owners face. HAF-CIN and HAF-QIN are both Samsung OEM filters but they are not interchangeable. They fit completely different housings. Here is the direct comparison:

FeatureHAF-CIN (DA29-00020B)HAF-QIN (DA97-17376B)
ShapeRound / cylindricalSquare
Fridge generation2010 — 2018 models2017 onward — newer models
NSF certificationsNSF 42, 53, and 401NSF 42 and 53
Contaminants reduced33 certified contaminantsNSF 42 + 53 range
Filter life300 gallons / 6 months300 gallons / 6 months
Interchangeable?No — round slot onlyNo — square slot only

If your filter is round, you need the HAF-CIN (DA29-00020B). If it is square, you need the HAF-QIN (DA97-17376B). Pull out your current filter and look at the shape, that is your fastest confirmation.

HAF-CIN vs HAF-QIN

DA29-00020B Cross-Reference Part Numbers

The HAF-CIN refrigerator water filter appears under several different part numbers. All of these are the same filter or direct replacements:

Part NumberNotesSource
DA29-00020BCurrent primary part numberSamsung official
HAF-CIN/EXPSamsung model name — same filterSamsung official
HAF-CINS/EXPHAF-CIN with enhanced NSF 401 certificationSamsung official
DA29-00020APrevious version — same housing, same fitOlder Samsung models
DA29-00020B-1Minor revision — fully compatibleSamsung official
46-9101 / 469101Kenmore equivalent numberKenmore / Sears
RWF0700ACompatible third-party referenceVarious compatible brands

If your fridge manual or filter label shows DA29-00020A, the current DA29-00020B is your direct replacement. Samsung updated the part number but the filter fits identically.

Which Samsung Refrigerators Use the HAF-CIN Filter?

The DA29-00020B fits Samsung French door and side-by-side refrigerators with a round internal filter slot, mainly 2010 to 2018 models. Use this table to check your model series:

Model PrefixFridge TypeExample Models
RF28H, RF28R (older)French doorRF28HMEDBSR, RF28HFEDBSR, RF28HDEDBSR
RF263, RF265French doorRF263BEAESR, RF263TEAESG, RF265BEAESR
RF4287French doorRF4287HARS, RF4287HAWP
RS25J, RS25HSide-by-sideRS25J500DSR, RS25H5111SR
RS261, RS267Side-by-sideRS261MDWP, RS267TDRS
RF22R (select)French doorRF22R7351SR, RF22R7351SG

Pull your current filter out of the fridge and check the label. If it says DA29-00020B, DA29-00020A, or HAF-CIN, the DA29-00020B is your replacement.

What Does the Samsung HAF-CIN Filter Remove?

The HAF-CIN/EXP is certified to NSF 42, 53, and 401. That is a broader certification range than many filters, including Samsung’s own HAF-QIN. Here is what each standard covers

  • NSF 42, chlorine taste, odor, and particulate matter.
  • NSF 53, lead (99.3% at pH 6.5), cysts, mercury, asbestos, benzene, turbidity, atrazine, and lindane.
  • NSF 401, pharmaceuticals, DEET, herbicides, pesticides, and emerging contaminants. This is the certification most generic filters do not carry.

Samsung states the HAF-CIN reduces 33 certified contaminants, including more than 99% of lead and 99.99% of cysts. The NSF 401 coverage is what makes it stand out from cheaper compatible alternatives.

The CDC recommends NSF 53 certified filters for households with lead concerns, especially homes with children under 6. The HAF-CIN meets and exceeds this standard. Source: cdc.gov/healthywater/drinking

How to Replace the Samsung HAF-CIN Water Filter 

Replacing the DA29-00020B takes under 3 minutes. No tools required.

  • Step 1 Open the fridge. The round HAF-CIN filter is in the upper-right interior area of the fresh food compartment.
  • Step 2 Turn the filter counterclockwise about a quarter turn to unlock it. It will be released from the housing.
  • Step 3 Pull the old filter straight out. Keep a cloth nearby, small drips are normal.
  • Step 4 Remove the protective cap from the new DA29-00020B. Insert the filter into the housing and twist clockwise until it locks in place.
  • Step 5 Reset the filter indicator. On most models, hold the ‘Water Filter’ or ‘Filter Reset’ button for 3 seconds until the light changes.
  • Step 6  Flush 2-3 gallons through the dispenser and discard before drinking.

The HAF-CIN uses a twist-and-lock mechanism. If the filter drips after installation. It is likely not fully locked. Remove it and reinsert, making sure you feel and hear it click into the locked position.

How to Replace the Samsung HAF-CIN Water Filter 

FAQs

What is the Samsung HAF-CIN refrigerator water filter?

The HAF-CIN (DA29-00020B) is a round Samsung refrigerator filter for French door and side-by-side models made between 2010 and 2018, NSF 42, 53, and 401 certified for 33 contaminants.

Is DA29-00020B the same as DA29-00020A?

Yes, DA29-00020B is the updated version of DA29-00020A. They fit the same housing and DA29-00020B is the current replacement for both.

What is the difference between HAF-CIN and HAF-QIN?

HAF-CIN is round and fits older Samsung models (2010-2018). HAF-QIN is square and fits newer models (2017 onward). They are not interchangeable.

Why does my HAF-CIN filter drip after installation?

The filter is not fully locked, remove it and reinsert, twisting clockwise until you hear it click into the locked position.

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