Where to find your ink cartridges and what type you need

Canon printers store ink cartridges in different places depending on the model. Most home inkjet printers keep cartridges in a carriage that moves left and right across the printer head — you'll see it move when you first turn on the printer or open the access door. Some Canon models, particularly compact or portable ones, have cartridges stacked vertically on the side or back of the machine.

Before you buy replacement ink, you need to know which cartridges your printer uses. The easiest way is to look at the printer itself: most Canon models have the cartridge numbers printed on a sticker inside the access door or on the carriage itself. The numbers usually start with "CLI" or "PG" followed by numbers like 245, 246, or 280. You can also find your model number on the printer's exterior — usually on the front or back — and search "[your model number] cartridges" online to see what fits.

Canon makes both standard and high-capacity cartridges for most printers. Standard cartridges cost less upfront but run out faster. High-capacity cartridges (marked "XL" or "XXL") cost more per cartridge but print more pages, which usually works out cheaper per page if you print regularly. Some printers also use refillable tank systems instead of cartridges — these look like small bottles clipped to the side of the printer and are filled from larger ink bottles rather than replaced.

Key Takeaways

  • Find your cartridge numbers on a sticker inside the printer's access door or by searching your model number online.
  • Turn off the printer before opening the access door, then wait a few seconds for the carriage to stop moving.
  • Push the cartridge forward or down (depending on your model) until it clicks, then pull it straight out without twisting.
  • Remove the plastic tape or seal from the new cartridge before inserting it at an angle, then push down or forward until it locks in place.
  • Run a cleaning cycle from your printer's settings menu after installing new cartridges to may support proper ink flow.

Turning off the printer and opening the access door safely

Power off your Canon printer completely using the power button on the front panel. Do not unplug it — let it shut down normally. Wait about 10 to 15 seconds after the lights go out. This gives the carriage time to move to its resting position, which is usually on the far left or right side of the printer.

Once the printer is quiet and still, locate the access door. On most Canon inkjet printers, this is a hinged panel on the top or front of the machine. Open it slowly and gently. You should see the carriage with cartridges installed in it. If the carriage is in the middle of the printer and won't move, turn the printer back on briefly, let it initialize, then turn it off again — this resets the carriage position.

Removing the old cartridge

Look at how your cartridge is held in place. Most Canon printers use a push-forward or push-down latch. Locate the cartridge you need to replace — they are usually color-coded or labeled with their color name. Gently push the cartridge toward the front or downward (whichever direction the latch moves) until you hear or feel a click. This releases the cartridge from its holder.

Once the cartridge is unlatched, pull it straight out toward you. Do not twist or wiggle it side to side — pulling straight out prevents damage to the cartridge slot. Set the old cartridge aside. If you see a small rubber seal or protective cap still attached to the cartridge slot, leave it in place; it protects the nozzles while the slot is empty.

Installing the new cartridge

Remove the new cartridge from its packaging. Look for a plastic tape, foil seal, or protective cap covering the bottom or side of the cartridge — this protects the ink nozzles during shipping. Peel or pull this seal off completely. Do not skip this step; if you install a cartridge with the seal still on, no ink will flow and your printer may show an error.

Hold the new cartridge at a slight angle (usually 45 degrees) and insert it into the empty slot. Push it gently forward or downward — the same direction you pushed to release the old one — until you feel resistance and hear a click. The cartridge should now be locked in place. Do not force it; if it does not click after gentle pressure, remove it and check that the seal is fully removed.

Close the access door. The printer may beep or display a message on its screen. Some models automatically detect new cartridges and run a brief initialization. Others ask you to confirm the cartridge color or type on the printer's menu. Follow any on-screen prompts.

Running a cleaning cycle to test the new cartridge

After installing new cartridges, run a cleaning cycle to clear any air bubbles and may support ink flows properly. This step is especially important if the printer sat unused for a while or if you replaced multiple cartridges at once. Access the cleaning cycle through your printer's menu: press the Menu or Settings button on the front panel, navigate to Maintenance or Tools, and select Cleaning Cycle or Head Cleaning.

The cleaning cycle takes about 2 to 5 minutes and makes noise as the printer moves the carriage back and forth. Let it finish without interrupting. Once it completes, print a test page to confirm the new cartridge is working. Most printers have a Print Test Page option in the same Maintenance menu. If the test page prints with the correct color and no streaks, the cartridge is installed correctly.

What to do if the printer shows an error after installing new cartridges

If your printer displays a cartridge error, low ink warning, or "cartridge not recognized" message after installation, the most common cause is that the protective seal was not fully removed. Power off the printer, open the access door, and remove the cartridge you just installed. Check the bottom and sides for any remaining plastic, foil, or tape. Even a small piece left behind can block the nozzles and trigger an error. Remove any remaining seal and reinstall the cartridge.

If the error persists after removing the seal, try removing and reinstalling the cartridge again, making sure it clicks firmly into place. Some Canon printers also require you to manually confirm the cartridge type on the printer's menu before they will recognize it. Check your printer's manual or the Canon support website for your specific model number to see if this step applies to you.

If you are still seeing an error after these steps, the cartridge itself may be defective. Contact the retailer where you purchased it for a replacement, or check the cartridge packaging for a warranty or return period.

Storing old cartridges and buying ink in bulk

Do not throw away empty cartridges when ready. Many retailers that sell Canon ink — including office supply stores and online retailers — accept empty cartridges for recycling. Some offer small discounts on future purchases in exchange. Check whether your local retailer has a cartridge recycling program before disposal.

If you print frequently, buying cartridges in multi-packs or switching to high-capacity cartridges can reduce the total cost over time. Compare the price per page printed rather than the upfront price of each cartridge. A high-capacity cartridge that costs more initially but prints twice as many pages is usually the better value. Keep a spare cartridge on hand so you are not without a color if one runs out unexpectedly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use third-party or refilled cartridges in my Canon printer?

Yes, many Canon printers accept third-party and refilled cartridges, though Canon officially recommends using genuine cartridges. Third-party cartridges are usually cheaper but may have lower page yields or color accuracy. If you use non-genuine cartridges, your printer may display a warning message, but it will usually still print. Check your printer's manual to confirm compatibility before purchasing.

Why does my printer say the cartridge is low when I just installed it?

New cartridges sometimes show as partially full because the printer's internal counter does not reset automatically. Power off the printer completely, wait 30 seconds, then power it back on. The counter should reset. If it does not, check your printer's menu for a "Reset Cartridge" or "Cartridge Counter Reset" option under Maintenance or Tools.

What should I do if ink leaks inside the printer?

Turn off the printer when ready and unplug it. Open the access door and use a dry, lint-free cloth to gently wipe away any visible ink. Do not use water or cleaning solutions unless your printer manual specifically recommends them. Let the printer dry for at least 30 minutes before plugging it back in. If ink has leaked onto the carriage or internal parts, contact Canon support or a repair technician.

How long do Canon ink cartridges last if the printer is not used?

Unopened cartridges typically last two to three years from the manufacture date if stored in a cool, dry place. Once installed in a printer, cartridges can dry out if the printer sits unused for several months. If your printer has been off for more than three months, run a cleaning cycle before printing to restore ink flow.

Is it cheaper to refill cartridges myself or buy new ones?

Refilling cartridges yourself costs less per refill but requires buying refill kits and dealing with messy ink. The savings depend on how often you refill and how much you pay for kits. For most home users, buying high-capacity cartridges or switching to a tank-based printer system offers better value and less hassle than manual refilling.