How to hang the door on a Samsung refrigerator with your own hands: instructions with photos and videos

Hanging the refrigerator door Samsung is a task that many owners face when moving, renovating a kitchen, or simply wanting to optimize space. Unlike other brands, the Korean manufacturer has provided the ability to change the door opening direction on most models without contacting a service center. However, the process requires caution: errors during dismantling can lead to damage to the hinges, seal, or even breakdown of the system. No Frost.

In this article you will find step-by-step instructions with photos, video guides for popular series (RB, RT, RS), as well as a table of tool compatibility. We will figure out how to properly remove the door, re-hang the hinges and adjust its position to avoid distortions and loss of tightness. We will pay special attention models with a display on the door - their rehanging has critical nuances that are not written about in standard instructions.

Preparation: tools and safety

Before starting work, make sure that you have there is everything you need. For most models Samsung you will need:

  • ✅ Phillips screwdriver (PH2) - for screws of hinges and fastenings
  • ✅ Hex key (4 mm) - for some series RS i RF
  • ✅ Flat-head screwdriver - for removing decorative plugs
  • ✅ Wrench (10 mm) - if the hinges are secured with bolts
  • ✅ Masking tape - to secure the door during dismantling
  • ✅ Level (optional) - to check horizontality after installation

Important: unplug the refrigerator 1-2 hours before starting work, so that the compressor cools down. If the model has an ice maker (RS6* or RF2*), first turn off the water supply and drain the remaining water from the system through the drainage hole (usually located on the rear wall at the bottom).

⚠️ Attention: On models Samsung Family Hub (with a touch screen), reversing the door requires reconnecting the display power cable. Without experience, it is better to contact the service - an incorrect connection can damage the electronic unit.
📊 What type of Samsung refrigerator do you have?
Single-chamber
Double-chamber Side-by-Side
Two-chamber with freezer at the bottom
Model with Family Hub display
I don’t know the model

Determination of the type of hinges and fastenings

Hinge design y Samsung depends on the series and year of manufacture. For example:

  • 🔹 RB, RT series (2015–2022) —standard hinges with 4 screws, the top and bottom are symmetrical.
  • 🔹 RS, RF series (from 2018) —reinforced hinges with additional fastening to the body (hexagon required).
  • 🔹 Models with French Door —two upper hinges on the central door + separate fastenings for the freezer.

To accurately identify the type, inspect the hinges:

  1. Open the door 90° and look under the decorative plugs (they are usually plastic, removed with a flat screwdriver).
  2. Count the number of screws on the top and bottom hinges - there can be from 2 to 6.
  3. Check whether there are holes on the refrigerator body for attaching hinges on the opposite side (they are closed plastic plugs).
Refrigerator series Hinge type Tools Features
RB29*, RT38* Standard Cross screwdriver Symmetrical holes for left/right fastening
RS6*, RF23* Reinforced Philipps + hexagon 4 mm Additional bolt for fastening to the body
Family Hub (RF27*, RS21*) Complex Cross + flat + 10 mm key Requires reconnection of the display cable
Budget (RR*, DT*) Simplified Cross screwdriver There may be no plugs for the opposite side

If your model does not have holes for attaching hinges on the other side, It is impossible to rehang the door this is typical for some budget series (RR39M*) and older models (before 2014). In this case, you will either have to accept the current location or purchase additional components from an official dealer.

Step-by-step instructions: removing the door

The dismantling algorithm is the same for most models, but there are nuances for refrigerators s ice maker i display. Follow the instructions strictly in order:

  1. Seal the door with masking tape in the closed position so that it does not fall when unscrewing the hinges. This is especially important for heavy models Side-by-Side.
  2. Remove the decorative plugs from the hinges (pry it off with a flat screwdriver). The screws are hidden under them.
  3. Unscrew the screws of the upper hinge (usually 2-3 pieces). Hold the door - it may begin to tilt.
  4. Carefully lift the door upto remove it from the lower hinge. This will require effort, since the hinges often “stick” from moisture.
  5. Remove the bottom hingeby unscrewing the remaining screws. On some models (RS6*) there is a hidden hex bolt here.

Make sure the refrigerator is unplugged

Seal the door with tape in the closed position

Prepare a place for laying the door (soft surface)

Check the presence of all tools

Take a photograph of the location of the hinges and screws-->

If the door cannot be removed from the bottom hinge, do not use excessive force it is possible you forgot to unscrew the hidden screw or the hinge has a lock. Refer to the instructions for your model (usually available on the website Samsung in the "Support" section).

⚠️ Attention: On models with automatic ice maker (RS6H*, RF23*), you must disconnect the water supply hose before removing the door. It is attached to the back wall of the refrigerator with a plastic clip. Do not pull on the hose - this may damage the connection!

Moving the hinges to the other side

After removing the door, you need to move the hinges to the opposite side. The main thing here is do not confuse the upper and lower hinges, since they are often not interchangeable. Follow the algorithm:

  1. Remove the plugs from the holes on the opposite side of the case (they are usually plastic, removed with your fingers or a flat screwdriver).
  2. Move the top loop:
    • Attach the loop to the new holes and check the match.
    • Tighten the screws not all the way - then adjustment will be required.
  • Install the bottom hinge similarly. On models Side-by-Side there may be an additional bracket - do not lose it!
  • Check the symmetry: the distance from the edge of the door to the hinge should be the same on both sides.
  • For refrigerators with French Door (two upper doors) the process is more complicated:

    • 🔧 First, both upper hinges are removed.
    • 🔧 Then - the central hinge between the doors (it is attached to the body and requires a nut key).
    • 🔧 The bottom hinge of the freezer is transferred last.

    Door installation and adjustment

    Now the most important thing is to hang the door back and adjust its position. Do this together, as the door is heavy and may warp.

    1. Place the door onto the lower hingelift it all the way. Make sure it sits straight.
    2. Hold the door, tighten the screws of the upper hinge (do not tighten it all the way!).
    3. Check the gaps:
      • There should be a uniform gap of 2–3 mm on the sides of the door.
      • The upper and lower gaps are 1–2 mm (for models with No Frost they may be larger).
  • Adjust the position:
    • If the door falls forward - tighten the upper hinge.
    • If it clings to the body, loosen the lower hinge and move the door to the side.
    • To check the tightness, use test with a paper sheet:

      1. Insert a sheet of paper between seal and body.
      2. Close the door and try to pull out the sheet.
      3. If it comes out without effort, the seal does not fit tightly. You need to tighten the hinges or adjust the door.
      What to do if the door does not close tightly after hanging?

      If adjusting the hinges did not help, the problem may be deformation of the seal. Check it for any kinks or cracks. The solution is to heat the seal with a hairdryer (temperature 50–60°C) and shape it with your hands. If this does not help, the seal needs to be replaced (the part number can be found in the instructions or on the Samsung website for the refrigerator model).

      On models with a display (Family Hub), after rehanging, it may be necessary reset screen settings. To do this:

      1. Plug in the refrigerator.
      2. Press and hold the button Power Cooling (or Fridge) for 10 seconds.
      3. Wait until the display reboots (may take up to 2 minutes).

    Common errors and how to avoid them

    Even if you carefully follow the instructions, you can make mistakes that will lead to breakdown. Here are the most common:

    • Tightening the hinge screws — leads to deformation of the plastic case or thread breakage. Solution: tighten the screws with a force of no more than 1.5 N m (use a torque wrench, if available).
    • Mismatched holes —if the hinges do not fit into the new place, do not drill new holes! Most likely, you have mixed up the upper and lower hinges. Solution: check the markings on the hinges (usually there are marks L and R).
    • Damage to the seal — if it is bent or torn when removing the door, the seal will be broken. Solution: before work, cover the seal with masking tape.
    • Ignoring the display cable —on models Family Hub its break leads to complete inoperability of the screen. Solution: if you have no experience, entrust the work to the service.

    Another typical problem — creaking of hinges after hanging. It occurs due to:

    • 🔧 Insufficient lubrication (use food grade silicone grease, not technical oil!).
    • 🔧 Door warping (check with a level).
    • 🔧 Debris getting into the hinge mechanism (clean with a brush).
    • ⚠️ Attention: If after rehanging the refrigerator starts more noisy or vibration appears, check the fastening of the compressor. When removing the door, it could have been accidentally moved. Solution: unscrew the back cover and tighten the compressor bolts (usually 4 pieces).

      Features for models with an ice maker and a display

      Refrigerators Samsung s ice maker (RS6H*, RF23*) and touch display (Family Hub) require additional actions when reversing the door. If you ignore them, you may damage the electronic components.

      For models with an ice maker:

      1. Before removing the door turn off the water supply (close tap on the pipe).
      2. Disconnect the hose from the back wall of the refrigerator (it is secured with a plastic clip).
      3. Drain the water from the system through the drain hole (press the valve next to the compressor).
      4. After after rehanging, connect the hose back and check the tightness (start ice dispensing).

      For models with a display Family Hub:

      1. Take a photo of the location of the display power cable before disconnecting.
      2. Carefully disconnect the connector (it is usually secured with a latch).
      3. When installing the door to a new location do not bend the cable - the bend radius must be at least 5 cm.
      4. After assembly, reset the display settings (see instructions above).

      If after re-hanging the display does not turn on or gives an error E-22, this means:

      • 🔌 The cable is connected incorrectly (check the polarity).
      • 🔌 The connector is damaged (needs replacement).
      • 🔌 The overvoltage protection has tripped (turn off the refrigerator for 10 minutes, then turn it on again).

      FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions

      Is it possible to hang the door on a Samsung refrigerator yourself if you have no experience?

      Yes, but only for models without display and ice maker. For Family Hub or RS6* it is better to invite a specialist - errors when working with cables or plumbing can lead to expensive repairs. Start with simple models (RB, RT), where the hinges are symmetrical and do not require complex manipulations.

      How long does it take to hang a door?

      For a standard two-chamber model (RT38*, RB37*) - about 1–1.5 hours. For Side-by-Side or French Door —up to 2.5 hours (due to the large number of loops). If this is your first experience, allow +30% of the time for adjustment and checking.

      Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before hanging the door?

      No, if the work takes less than 2 hours. However unplug the refrigerator in advance, so that the compressor cools down. For models with No Frost defrosting is not required even during long periods of inactivity.

      What to do if, after rehanging, the door does not close tightly?

      The reasons may be different:

      1. Distortion of the hinges - loosen the screws and adjust the position of the door.
      2. Deformation of the seal - heat it with a hairdryer (50–60°C) and shape it.
      3. Debris gets into the hinges - clean them with a brush.
      4. Wear seal - replacement is required (the article number can be found in the instructions).

      If the problem remains, check the level of the refrigerator with a level. Sometimes it is enough to tighten the legs.

      Is it possible to re-hang the door on a Samsung refrigerator with a freezer below?

      Yes, but there are nuances:

      • On models RB* the freezer and refrigerator compartment hinges are moved separately.
      • For RT* with drawers (EasySlide), you may need to remove the freezer front.
      • Check whether there are holes for attaching hinges on the other side - some budget models do not have them.

      If the freezer has a separate door (as in RT38K*), it also needs to be reweighed.