DeLonghi Water Filter Replacement Guide (Magnifica, Dinamica, La Specialista)

How Long a De'Longhi Water Filter Lasts

A De'Longhi water softener filter lasts about two months in normal use. If the machine stands unused with the filter in place, it lasts only three weeks. To fit a new one, set its date disk two months ahead, soak it in the tank, push it into its housing, then run off at least 500 ml of hot water to activate it. On machines with a filter setting, also tell the machine the filter is in.

The manuals identify the filter by EAN 8004399327252, sold through De'Longhi. Several models list it as an optional accessory, and the Dedica doesn't include one in the box.

---

Try This First

• Look at the date disk on your current filter. If the month shown has passed, it's due, whatever the machine says.
• Check for a filter prompt: the filter light on the Magnifica Start, "REPLACE WATER FILTER" on the Dinamica Plus, or "It's time to replace your water filter" on the Magnifica Duo.
• Has the machine been unused for 3 weeks? Replace the filter before using it again.
• Descaling soon? Take the filter out first. De'Longhi says to remove it before descaling (see the De'Longhi descaling guide).

---

What You Need

Keep spare filters in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight, and use one as soon as you open it.

---

Step 1: Take Out the Old Filter

1. Remove the water tank from the machine.
2. Pull the spent filter out of its housing in the bottom of the tank.
3. Magnifica Start and Duo: if you're not fitting a new one, tell the machine the filter has been removed. Use the filter item in the settings menu (FILTER REMOVED on the Start).

Time: 1 minute
Difficulty: Easy

---

Step 2: Prepare the New Filter

1. Take the new filter out of its packaging.
2. Turn the date disk until it shows the next two months.
3. Rinse it. Magnifica S: under about 0.5 L of running water. Magnifica Start: run tap water through the hole in the centre until it comes out of the side openings for more than a minute.

Time: 2 minutes
Difficulty: Easy

---

Step 3: Seat It in the Tank

1. Fill the tank with fresh water.
2. Immerse the filter completely, tilting it and pressing lightly so the air bubbles escape (about ten seconds on the Start).
3. Push it into its housing as far as it will go.
4. Close the tank lid and put the tank back in the machine.

Time: 2 minutes
Difficulty: Easy

---

Step 4: Activate It With Hot Water

The new filter isn't active until water has run through it.

1. Magnifica S: put a 500 ml container under the cappuccino maker, turn the steam dial to I, deliver at least 500 ml of hot water, then turn the dial back to 0. If the lights come on during installation, repeat from the container step.
2. Magnifica Start: in the settings menu, choose the water softener filter and select FILTER IN PLACE. When the steam button's LED flashes rapidly, turn the steam dial to I. The machine delivers hot water and stops by itself. When the LED flashes again, turn the dial back to O.
3. Dinamica: fit the hot water spout, put a 500 ml container under it, press ESC to deliver hot water, release at least 500 ml, then press ESC again.
4. Magnifica Duo: Settings → Maintenance → Water filter → OK, then follow the guided steps on the display.

Time: About 5 minutes
Difficulty: Easy

Magnifica Start: if the LED on the intensity button flashes rapidly during installation, press that button. The circuit fills and pushes out the air bubbles.

---

Model Differences

---

If the Machine Won't Accept the Filter

• Duo: "The water circuit is out of water" right after fitting a filter. The manual says to check the installation steps were followed. If the problem persists, remove the filter.
• Duo: "Oops, the process has been interrupted" means the filter installation wasn't completed. Press OK to continue.
• Air bubbles stopping delivery (Magnifica S, Dinamica Plus): deliver water from the hot water spout until the flow is regular.
• Filter light still on: check you confirmed the new filter in the menu (Start, Duo, Dinamica Plus).

---

When to Call De'Longhi

• The general alarm or "Something's not right" message stays on after cleaning
• Water collects under the machine (not just in the drip tray)

---

Filter Habits That Help

• Replace every two months, or after three weeks unused.
• Take the filter out before descaling, and put it back for the last rinse.
• Set the water hardness on the machine with the supplied strip.
• Clean the tank about once a month when you change filters.

---

FAQ

How often do I change a De'Longhi water filter?

About every two months in normal use, according to the Magnifica S, Start and Dinamica manuals. Change it sooner if the machine has stood unused for three weeks with the filter in.

What is the De'Longhi water filter part number?

The manuals print EAN 8004399327252 for the De'Longhi water softener filter. They don't give a separate part code, so check the EAN when you buy.

Do I have to use a water filter in my De'Longhi?

No. It's optional ("certain models" include one; the Dedica doesn't). De'Longhi recommends it to keep performance constant. Without one, set the water hardness correctly and descale when asked.

Does a filter mean I never need to descale?

The De'Longhi manuals don't say so. Jura's do for its own filters, but De'Longhi machines still ask for descaling. The filter reduces scale; it doesn't replace descaling.

Why remove the filter before descaling?

Because the manuals say so: "Remove the filter before descaling the machine" (Magnifica S). The Duo and Evo steps then have you refit it before the last rinse.

---

Related De'Longhi Guides

• De'Longhi Descaling Guide: every model
• Magnifica Evo Descaling
• De'Longhi Error Codes and Lights: the filter and alarm lights
• De'Longhi Not Heating?

Sources: De'Longhi instructions for the Magnifica S (ECAM22.11X), Magnifica Start (ECAM22X.2Y), Dinamica (ECAM35X.50), Dinamica Plus (ECAM37X.95), Magnifica Duo (ECAM330.80) and Dedica (EC685).