FAQs

Only potable drinking water should be filtered through your Brita® filters. Do not filter any other liquids including alcohol, juice, or non-potable water.

All Brita® filters are certified to reduce chlorine taste and odor for great-tasting water. Some of our filters also reduce health contaminants such as copper, cadmium, mercury, and lead. Substances that Brita® products filter may not be in all users' water. Note: For fluoridated municipal tap water, Brita® filters keep a healthy level of fluoride, a water additive that promotes strong teeth.

This page lists all the contaminants our filters are certified to reduce or remove for great-tasting water.

Brita® Original (Standard) Filters (white) are compatible with all standard Brita® pitchers.

Brita Elite™ Filters (blue) will fit with all Brita® Systems.

Brita Stream® Filters (gray) are exclusively for the Filter-As-You-Pour™ Brita Stream® pitchers.

You’re just a few simple steps from enjoying great-tasting Brita® filtered water.

Brita® Original (Standard) and Elite™ Filters:

1. Wash your hands, then remove the filter from the bag.
2. Hand-wash your pitcher system periodically with a mild dish soap (no abrasive cleaners). Rinse well. Do not wash in dishwasher.
3. Brita® Original (Standard) Filters require a 15-second rinse prior to insertion. Brita Elite™ Filters do not require this.
4. Insert the filter into the reservoir by lining up the groove in the filter with the notch in the reservoir. Press firmly for a tight seal. Fill the reservoir with cold tap water. Discard your first three pitchers of filtered water, or use to water plants.
5. Set up your pitcher’s electronic filter indicator or sticker indicator following the enclosed instructions, for either a white Original (Standard) Filter or blue Elite™ Filter.

Brita® Stream Filters:

1. Flush your new Brita Stream® Filter with cold water for 15 seconds.
2. Insert the filter into the filter cage with the blue ring facing up. Press the filter until it clicks.
3. Install the filter cage onto lid with a firm twist.
4. Activate the electronic filter indicator. Fill pitcher and enjoy great-tasting water.

Brita® Bottle Filters:

Sport Bottles:

1. Remove the filter from the filter housing.
2. Push new filter firmly into the housing.
3. Unscrew cap and fill bottle with cold tap water. Tighten cap firmly.
4. Squeeze one full bottle of water through the filter to activate before use.

Hard-Sided Bottles:

1. Rinse the filter under running water for 15 seconds.
2. Place the new filter into housing and press down firmly until the filter is flush with the straw.
3. Align the lid and straw in the unlocked position, then rotate the straw to lock.

Brita® Water Faucet Filters:

1. Wash hands with soap and water, then remove the Brita® filter from the bag.
2. Flush Brita® Water Filter Faucet System for 5 minutes to activate the filter and remove any carbon.
3. The 100-gallon Brita® filter life begins after the flushing process.

Brita's Standard systems and filters have been renamed to Original to better reflect its role as the foundational product in our lineup and to clearly differentiate it from our Elite products. Nothing else has changed - the same quality, features, and performance you know and trust.

The shelf life of an unused Brita® filter is indefinite as long as its pouch is intact and sealed. However, we do recommend pre-soaking older Original (Standard) filters in water for 15 minutes before using.

Brita® pitchers and dispensers have three different styles of filter indicators—Pitchers WITH Max Fill Line, Pitchers WITHOUT Max Fill Line, and sticker filter indicators. Find instructions below to match your indicator type, so you'll always know when it's time for a filter change.

Pitchers WITH Max Fill Line

The filter indicator lets you know when it’s time to replace your filter. It activates when the lid is opened for 5–8 seconds (based on size of reservoir) and measures water use by counting the number of times the reservoir is filled.* The green light will blink next to the filter you’ve selected, indicating a fresh filter. The red light will blink when your filter has reached the end of its certified life, indicating that it’s time to replace the filter. See instructions below.

Setup for Original (Standard) Filters (White)

1. To reset the indicator, press the STATUS button and hold it down. If using an Original (Standard) Filter (white in color), hold down the STATUS button for 2 seconds, then release. All lights will blink simultaneously twice, then the green light next to STANDARD FILTER will blink three times. This indicates that the Original (Standard) filter mode (40 gallons) has been selected.

2. If you accidentally select the incorrect mode, repeat the step 1 instructions above until you successfully select the mode that correlates with the filter being used.

3. The indicator light will blink after each time you fill the reservoir and close lid. A blinking green light indicates that your filter is good.

4. Check filter life status at any time by pressing Status button for 1 second and releasing. The light corresponding to your current filter status will blink for 1 second.

5. When 0% of the filter life remains, the red light next to REPLACE will blink, indicating that the filter should be replaced. Replace the filter and reset the indicator (see step 1).

Setup for Elite™ Filters (Blue):

1. To reset the indicator, press the STATUS button and hold it down. If using the a Brita Elite™ Filter (blue in color), hold down the STATUS button for 6 seconds. Do not release until the green light next to Elite™ FILTER has blinked green three times by itself. This indicates that the Elite™ Filter mode (120 gallons) has been selected. Note: Older pitcher models may say Longlast+ instead of Elite™, but both are programmed for 120 gallons.

2. If you accidentally select the incorrect mode, repeat the step 1 instructions above until you successfully select the mode that correlates with the filter being used.

3. The indicator light will blink after each time you fill the reservoir and close lid. A blinking green light indicates that your filter is good.

4. Check filter life status at any time by pressing Status button for 1 second and releasing. The light corresponding to your current filter status will blink for 1 second.

When 0% of the filter life remains, the red light next to REPLACE will blink, indicating that the filter should be replaced. Replace the filter and reset the indicator (see step 1).

Tips for Accurate Tracking

• Open the Fill Lid completely. Always fill the reservoir with water all the way to the provided “Max Fill” line. Close the Fill Lid.
• Only keep the Fill Lid open for more than 5 seconds if you are filling the reservoir with water. Always fill to the Max Fill line to ensure accuracy, and open the reservoir lid only when filling with water.
• ALWAYS wait until the reservoir is empty before refilling.

A note about LAKE, METRO, and SOHO PITCHERS (Models OB58, OB11): The filter indicator for these pitchers is activated when you pour, and measures water use based on 8 fl. oz. pours. To fill the Lake Pitcher, place center Fill Lid under faucet and fill the reservoir until the Fill Lid closes. Allow water to filter completely before pouring. The light will blink after water is poured from the pitcher. A blinking green light indicates that the filter is good.

Pitchers WITHOUT Max Fill Line The filter change indicator lets you know when it’s time to replace your filter. It is activated each time you pour, and measures water use based on 8 fl. oz. pours. A green blinking light indicates that the filter is good. A yellow light indicates the filter should be replaced soon, while a red light blinking indicates the filter should be replaced. Filter performance is not certified after 40 gallons. Changing your filter regularly helps ensure you have cleaner, great-tasting water.

Reset your filter change indicator each time you replace your filter:

1. To reset, press the “RESET” button (on some models called the “STATUS” button) below the lights on the indicator.

2. Release the button when the green light blinks.

3. On the Electronic or Volumetric fill models, the indicator light will blink after every time you fill the reservoir and close the Fill Lid. On volumetric pour models the indicator light will blink after every time you pour from the pitcher.

4. When 0% of the filter life remains, the red light next to REPLACE will blink, indicating that the filter should be replaced. Replace the filter and reset the indicator (see step 1).

Sticker Filter Indicator

The filter indicator lets you know when it’s time to replace your filter. Timing estimates are based on average household usage.* Changing your filter regularly helps ensure you have cleaner, great-tasting water.

• For all Brita® pitchers, dispensers and Water Filter Faucet Systems, timing estimates are based on 11 glasses per day for the average household. Approximate timing for Brita® Premium Filtering Water Bottles is based on 64 ounces per day.

Blue Brita Elite™ Filters last up to six months (120 gallons) on average, three times longer than our Original (Standard) Filters. If you purchased your Brita® pitcher or dispenser before 2019, your filter change indicator may not track Elite™ Filter life. The following questions address how to track Elite™ Filter life for these older models:

I have an electronic filter indicator. How do I track my Brita Elite™ Filter life?

If the electronic filter indicator on your pitcher or dispenser lid looks like the image below, then you’re all set to track Elite™ Filter life. Instructions are in the User Guide. If your electronic filter indicator does not look like the image below, it can only track the filter life of Original (Standard) Filters, and not Elite™ Filters. To track your filter life, you can sign up for personalized filter change reminder emails so you’ll always know when it’s time to change your filter.

I have a sticker filter indicator. How do I track my Brita Elite™ Filter life?

If your sticker indicator looks like the image below, you’re all set to track Elite™ Filter life. See instructions below.

If your sticker indicator does not look like the image, it’s an older version. But, you can still use this indicator to track Elite™ Filter life. Place the right side of the sticker on top of the month six months after you change your filter. For example, if you change your filter in January, place the left side of the sticker over “Jan” and place the right side of the sticker diagonally over “June.” Then you’ll know to change your filter in June. To track your filter life, you can sign up for personalized filter change reminder emails so you’ll always know when it’s time to change your filter.

It's important to change your filter as recommended for optimal performance. If you have hard water, you may need to change filters more often. Use your cling calendar, or activate your electronic filter change indicator, when you install a new filter to help keep track of your usage. Filter replacement depends on filter and product type.

Pitcher and Dispenser Filters

• Brita® Original (Standard) (White) Filter: Every 40 gallons (about 2 months)
• Brita Elite™ (Blue) Filter: Every 120 gallons (about 6 months)
• Brita Stream® (Gray) Filter: Every 40 gallons (about 2 months)

Bottle Filters and Faucet Mount Filters

• Brita® Premium Filtering Water Bottles: Every 40 gallons (about 2 months)†
• Brita® Water Filter Faucet System Model SAFF-100: Every 100 gallons (about 4 months)
• Brita® Water Filter Faucet System Model FF-100: Every 100 gallons (about 4 months)

Time estimates for Brita® pitchers, dispensers and Water Filter Faucet Systems are based on 11 glasses per day for an average household. Approximate timing for Brita® Premium Filtering Water Bottles is based on 64 ounces per day.

A micron rating is a measurement for quantifying the ability of a filter to remove contaminants of a particular size. Brita® filters use technology that cannot be effectively measured with a micron rating.

Brita® filters are not intended to purify water. Do not use with water that is microbiologically unsafe or of unknown quality without adequate disinfection. Individuals requiring water of special microbiological purity should follow the advice of their doctor or local health officials regarding the use and consumption of their tap water and Brita® filtered water.

Avoid filling above the MAX FILL line. The purpose of this line is to help you avoid overfilling the reservoir, which can cause water to spill into the handle and leak out of the pitcher.

1. Support the bottom of the system with one hand.
2. Align the insert groove on the lower part of the cartridge with the filter indicator at the front of the filter cup.
3. Insert the filter cartridge into the filter cup until you hear a “click.” Do not force the filter cartridge into the system base. Inserting the new filter cartridge automatically resets and activates the electronic filter indicator.
4. A green signal will flash, indicating that the filter is engaged.

Purchase online here or check out our complete list of retailers.

The Brita Elite™ Filter utilizes a different type of filtration technology that requires water to flow through the sides of the filter, instead of the bottom. The Brita Stream® Filter is designed to filter water as you pour—it’s our fastest pitcher filter yet.

A “Certified” Brita® product means it has been tested by an accredited third party to meet the performance set by NSF/ANSI Standards.

Read all about the Elite™ Filter here.

The pitcher name and model number can be found on the dataplate sticker on the bottom of your pitcher.

Yes. All Brita® filters, pitchers, dispensers, Premium Filtering Water Bottles and Water Filter Faucet Mount Systems are made without BPA.

Although built to last, Brita® products can crack or break due to a variety of unfortunate circumstances. We stand by our products and offer both a 30-day, unconditional, 100% money-back guarantee and a 1-year warranty in case your Brita gets damaged. Your satisfaction is important to us, whether or not you are within the warranty period. Please don’t ever hesitate to contact us via this page or call 1-800-24-BRITA for support.

Seeing carbon particles in the pitcher or dispenser after several weeks of use is normal with our older filters. Our new filters are designed to eliminate black flecks in your water.

If your Water Filter Faucet System hasn’t been used for several days, wet and reactivate the system’s filter by running water through the filter for 30 seconds.

The Brita Elite™ Filter lasts 3x longer than our Original (Standard) Filter and the next leading brand* and reduces 3x more contaminants.^ It's also the only 6-month filter that removes 99% of lead.†

Brita Elite™ Filters fit all Brita® Pitchers and Dispensers.

*vs. 40-gal. PUR™ Lead Reducing Filter ^ vs. Brita Original (Standard) filters. See certifications. † Pour-through systems only. See certifications.

1. Wash hands, and remove filter from bag.
2. Hand-wash pitcher system periodically with a mild detergent (no abrasive cleaners). Rinse well. Do not wash in dishwasher.
3. Insert filter into reservoir by lining up groove in filter with notch in reservoir. Press firmly for a tight seal. Fill the reservoir with cold tap water. Discard your first three pitchers of filtered water, or use to water plants.
4. Set up your pitcher’s electronic indicator for use with the Elite™ Filter or use the sticker indicator provided.

For optimum performance, it's important to change your Brita Elite™ filter regularly. Keep your great-tasting filtered water flowing by replacing every 120 gallons or approximately every six months. Users with hard water should replace more frequently.

Elite™ Filters are compatible with all Brita® pitchers and dispensers.

See the full product comparison chart.

No, but Brita Elite™ Filters can be recycled through our TerraCycle® program. Visit this page for more information.

Brita Elite™ filters are certified through WQA. Click this link to view the Performance Data Sheet for Brita Elite™ Filters.

No. Only the Brita Stream® Filter will work in a Brita Stream® Pitcher.

Blue Brita Elite™ Filters last up to six months (120 gallons) on average, three times longer than our Original (Standard) Filters. If you purchased your Brita® pitcher or dispenser before 2019, your filter change indicator may not track Elite™ Filter life. The following questions address how to track Elite™ Filter life for these older models:

I have an electronic filter indicator. How do I track my Brita Elite™ Filter life?

If the electronic filter indicator on your pitcher or dispenser lid looks like the image below, then you’re all set to track Elite™ Filter life. Instructions are in the User Guide. If your electronic filter indicator does not look like the image below, it can only track the filter life of Original (Standard) Filters, and not Elite™ Filters. To track your filter life, you can sign up for personalized filter change reminder emails so you’ll always know when it’s time to change your filter.

I have a sticker filter indicator. How do I track my Brita Elite™ Filter life?

If your sticker indicator looks like the image below, you’re all set to track Elite™ Filter life. See instructions below.

If your sticker indicator does not look like the image, it’s an older version. But, you can still use this indicator to track Elite™ Filter life. Place the right side of the sticker on top of the month six months after you change your filter. For example, if you change your filter in January, place the left side of the sticker over “Jan” and place the right side of the sticker diagonally over “June.” Then you’ll know to change your filter in June. To track your filter life, you can sign up for personalized filter change reminder emails so you’ll always know when it’s time to change your filter.

No, there is no pre-rinse required for the Elite™ Filter.

No, set-up for Elite™ Filters is always the same.

1. Wash your hands, then remove the filter from the bag.
2. Hand wash your pitcher and all components periodically with a mild dish soap. (Do not use a dishwasher or abrasive cleaners.)
3. Rinse well.
4. Insert the filter into the reservoir by lining up the groove in the filter with the notch in the reservoir. Press firmly for a tight seal. Fill the reservoir with cold tap water. Discard your first three pitchers of filtered water, or use to water plants.
5. Set up your pitcher’s electronic filter indicator for use with the Elite™ Filter, or using the sticker indicator provided.

The Elite™ Filter utilizes a different type of filtering media than the Brita® Original (Standard) Filter. The proprietary media in Brita Elite™ Filters weighs less.

The Brita Elite Filter uses a proprietary pleated media which enables enough surface area to filter 120 gallons.

Although the Elite Filter may fit into non-Brita pitchers, it is only certified for contaminant reduction in Brita® pitchers and dispensers.

No. Do not use the Elite™ Filter (or any Brita® filters) to filter water that is microbiologically unsafe or of unknown quality without adequate disinfection. Individuals requiring water of special microbiological purity should follow the advice of their doctor or local health officials regarding the use and consumption.

We recently added new filter models to our lineup. While Brita® Original (Standard) Filters are white in color, Brita Elite™ Filters are blue. Brita Elite™ and Brita® Original (Standard) Filters fit all Brita® pitchers and dispensers.

The shelf life of an unused, packaged filter is indefinite. Filters should be kept in the sealed Brita® bag and stored in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to use them.

Yes, the Brita® Elite™ Filter is compatible with your Ultramax Dispenser.

No. Brita Stream® products only work with Stream Filters. Stream Filters attach to the lid of a Stream Pitcher and feature Filter-As-You-Pour™ Technology.

The shelf life of an unused, packaged filter is indefinite. Filters should be kept in the sealed Brita® bag and stored in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to use them.

The Brita Stream® with Filter-As-You-Pour™ Technology delivers great-tasting water when you want it. Brita Stream® is a unique offering that functions differently from Brita Original and Elite pour through system filters. Brita Stream® Filters only work with Brita Stream® pitchers and dispensers. Learn more about our different pitcher and filter offerings here.

Replace your Brita Stream® Filter every 40 gallons, or about every 2 months. If you have hard water, you may need to change filters more often. When you install a new filter, use your built-in electronic filter indicator or SmartLight™ filter indicator so you’ll know exactly when to replace it. See how often to change other types of Brita® filters here.

1. Flush your new Brita Stream® filter with cold water for 15 seconds.
2. Insert filter into filter cage with blue ring facing up. Press filter until it clicks.
3. Install filter cage onto lid with a firm twist.
4. Activate electronic indicator. Fill pitcher and enjoy great-tasting water.

Reset your filter change indicator each time you replace your Brita Stream® filter. Filter replacement is essential for product to perform as represented.

1. To reset (or activate) the indicator, press the STATUS button and hold it down for 8 seconds. Red, yellow and green lights will blink simultaneously.
2. Release the STATUS button when only the green light blinks.
3. Open the Fill Lid completely and fill the pitcher with water. Close the Fill Lid. If pitcher lid is removed to fill the pitcher, place on a flat surface while filling.
4. Check filter life status at any time by pressing STATUS button for 1 second. Light will flash green, yellow or red depending on filter life remaining.
5. The light will also blink after water is poured from the pitcher. A blinking green light indicates that the filter is good.
6. When 25% of filter life remains (480 pours completed), the yellow light will blink, indicating the filter should be changed SOON. The light will continue to blink yellow through 1% of filter life remaining.

We stand by our products and offer a 30-day unconditional 100% money-back guarantee and a 1-year warranty in case your Brita gets damaged. Your satisfaction is important to us, whether or not your Brita® product is under warranty. Visit our Help Page or call 1-800-24-BRITA or 1-800-387-6940 (Canada) for support.

• Brita® Pitcher and Dispenser User Guide
• Brita Elite Pitcher and Dispenser User Guide
• Brita® Premium Filtering Water Bottle User Guide
• Brita® Water Filter Faucet System User Guide
• Brita Stream® User Guide