Where to buy Canon ink and what to check before you buy

Canon ink cartridges come in two main types: standard capacity and high-yield (XL). Standard cartridges cost less upfront but run out faster. High-yield cartridges cost more per cartridge but print more pages, so they cost less per page over time. Both work in the same printer — the choice is about how often you want to replace them.

You can buy Canon ink at office supply stores like Staples or Office Depot, online retailers like Amazon, big-box stores like Walmart or Target, and directly from Canon's website. Prices vary significantly between retailers, so it's worth checking a few before you buy. Before purchasing, find your exact printer model — it's on the front or back of your printer — because different Canon models use different cartridge numbers.

Watch out for counterfeit cartridges, especially on third-party marketplaces. Genuine Canon cartridges have a hologram on the box and come in Canon packaging. If the price seems far below what you see elsewhere, it probably is counterfeit. Counterfeit cartridges may leak, clog your printer, or void your warranty.

Key Takeaways

  • Find your printer model number on the device itself, then look up which cartridge numbers it uses in your printer manual or on Canon's website.
  • High-yield cartridges cost more upfront but print more pages, making them cheaper per page if you print regularly.
  • Turn off your printer completely before opening the cartridge door, and never touch the copper contacts on the cartridge itself.
  • If your printer says it is low on ink but the cartridge still has ink, you can reset the counter, though this may affect print quality.

How to locate the cartridge slot and open the access door

Turn off your Canon printer completely using the power button. Wait 30 seconds for it to shut down fully. This prevents electrical damage to the cartridge contacts and keeps the print head from moving while you work.

Look for the cartridge access door on the front or side of your printer. On most Canon models, it's a panel that either slides or swings open. If you can't find it, check your printer manual — the manual came with your printer or you can read it from Canon's support website by entering your model number. Open the door slowly. You may hear a beep or see a light, which is normal.

Inside, you'll see one or more cartridge slots. Each slot is labeled with a color: black (BK), cyan (C), magenta (M), or yellow (Y). Some printers have a separate slot for photo black. The empty or low cartridge will be the one you need to replace. If you're not sure which one is empty, look for a cartridge that appears lighter in color or has less ink visible through the plastic.

Removing the old cartridge and installing the new one

Locate the cartridge you need to replace. Press down on the cartridge until you hear a click — this releases the locking mechanism. The cartridge will pop out slightly. Grasp it by the sides (not the top or bottom) and pull it straight out toward you. Do not touch the copper contacts on the back of the cartridge or the contacts inside the printer slot.

Unwrap your new cartridge and remove any protective tape or plastic covers. There is usually a yellow or orange tab on the back — peel this off completely. This tab protects the contacts during shipping. Insert the new cartridge into the empty slot at a slight downward angle, then press down firmly until you hear a click. The cartridge should sit flush with the slot, not sticking out.

Close the cartridge access door. Your printer will run a setup cycle, which takes one to three minutes. You may see lights blinking or hear the printer moving — this is normal. Do not turn off the printer during this cycle. Once the cycle finishes, the printer will beep or display a message on the screen. Turn the printer back on if it turned off automatically.

What to do if your printer says it's low on ink but the cartridge still works

Canon printers track ink use with a counter that estimates how much ink remains based on the number of pages printed. This counter is not always accurate — sometimes it says the cartridge is empty when ink remains, or low when the cartridge is nearly full. If your printer displays a low-ink warning but prints normally, you can keep using the cartridge.

If the printer refuses to print and displays an error message about the cartridge, you have two options. The first is to replace the cartridge with a new one, which is the safest choice for print quality. The second is to reset the ink counter. To reset the counter on most Canon models, hold down the Resume button (or the button with a circular arrow) for five to ten seconds while the printer is on. The exact button and timing varies by model, so check your manual for the correct method.

Be aware that resetting the counter may affect print quality because the printer will no longer track when the cartridge is truly empty. You may see faded prints or streaks before the cartridge stops working entirely. If you reset the counter and notice print quality dropping, replace the cartridge.

Troubleshooting cartridge errors and contact problems

If your printer displays an error message after you install a new cartridge, the most common cause is that the protective tape or cover was not fully removed. Turn off the printer, open the cartridge door, and check that the yellow or orange protective tab is completely gone. Also check that there is no plastic film covering the copper contacts on the back of the cartridge. Remove any protective material and close the door.

If the error persists, the cartridge contacts may be dirty. Turn off the printer and remove the cartridge. Dampen a lint-free cloth with distilled water and gently wipe the copper contacts on the back of the cartridge and the contacts inside the printer slot. Let both dry completely — at least two minutes — before reinstalling the cartridge.

If you still see an error after cleaning, the cartridge may be defective. Return it to the retailer where you bought it for a replacement. Keep your receipt and the cartridge packaging. If the cartridge is genuine Canon and defective, the retailer will exchange it without charge.

Storing extra cartridges and extending cartridge life

Store unopened cartridges in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. The ideal temperature is between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not store cartridges in a car, garage, or basement where temperature and humidity fluctuate. Cartridges stored in extreme heat or cold may not work properly when installed.

Keep cartridges in their original packaging until you use them. The packaging protects the contacts and prevents the ink from drying out. Once you open a cartridge, use it within six months for best results. Ink can dry out or separate if a cartridge sits unused for too long.

To extend the life of installed cartridges, print regularly — at least once a week. Printers that sit unused for weeks or months may develop clogs in the print head, which wastes ink when the printer runs cleaning cycles. If you don't print often, consider a printer with a lower page volume or a tank-based system instead of cartridges.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, third-party and refilled cartridges work in most Canon printers, though Canon does not warrant them and they may trigger warning messages. Third-party cartridges are often cheaper than genuine Canon cartridges. Refilled cartridges are used cartridges that have been emptied and refilled with ink. Both carry a small risk of leaking or clogging, which could damage your printer. If you choose to use them, buy from a reputable seller and keep your receipt in case you need a replacement.

What happens if I install a cartridge upside down?

The cartridge will not fit into the slot if it is upside down — the locking mechanism will not align. You cannot force it in without breaking the cartridge or the printer. If a cartridge does not slide in smoothly, remove it and check the orientation. The label should face outward and the contacts should face into the printer.

Do I need to replace all cartridges at the same time?

No. Replace only the cartridge that is empty or low. You do not need to replace the others. However, if multiple cartridges are low, you may want to replace them together to avoid multiple trips to the store.

Why does my printer use so much black ink?

Black ink is used for text and outlines, so documents with a lot of text drain the black cartridge faster than color cartridges. If you print mostly text, the black cartridge will empty first. This is normal. If you want to reduce black ink use, print in draft mode or grayscale mode, which uses less ink per page.

Can I refill a cartridge myself instead of buying a new one?

Yes, refill kits are available online and at some office supply stores. Refilling is messy and requires care not to spill ink on your hands or clothes. The cartridge must be completely empty before refilling, and you need to reset the ink counter afterward. If you are not comfortable with the process, buying a new cartridge or a refilled cartridge from a professional service is simpler and carries less risk of damaging your printer.