The basic steps for replacing Canon Pixma ink cartridges

To change ink in a Canon Pixma, turn the printer on, open the access door on the right side of the machine, wait for the cartridge holder to move to the center, then push down on the cartridge you want to replace until it clicks and pops out. Slide the new cartridge in at a 45-degree angle, push it down until it clicks into place, and close the access door. The printer will run a brief calibration cycle and you are done.

The exact location of the access door and the number of cartridges vary by model — some Pixmas have four cartridges (black, cyan, magenta, yellow), while others have five or six if they include a gray or photo black cartridge. Check your printer's manual or the label inside the access door to see which cartridge slot is which, because inserting a cartridge in the wrong slot will prevent the printer from starting.

You do not need to remove the protective tape from a new cartridge before installing it — the printer will puncture it automatically when you close the access door. If you try to remove the tape yourself, you risk damaging the cartridge or spilling ink.

Key Takeaways

  • Turn the printer on before opening the access door, because the cartridge holder will not move to the center position if the printer is off.
  • Push down on the cartridge until it clicks and pops out, rather than pulling sideways, to avoid breaking the cartridge or the holder.
  • Insert new cartridges at a 45-degree angle and push straight down until you hear a second click, which means the cartridge is fully seated.
  • Leave the protective tape on the new cartridge — the printer removes it automatically when you close the access door.
  • If the printer displays an error after you close the door, open it again, remove the cartridge, and reseat it by pushing down firmly until it clicks twice.

What happens if you use the wrong cartridge for your model

Canon makes different cartridge types for different Pixma models, and using the wrong one will cause the printer to display an error and refuse to print. The cartridge may physically fit into the slot, but the printer's firmware will detect that it is the wrong type and lock you out.

The safest way to find the right cartridge is to look at the label inside the access door — it shows the cartridge number for each slot. You can also find your model number on the back or bottom of the printer and search for it on Canon's website or on the cartridge retailer's site. Do not rely on the color of the cartridge alone, because multiple cartridge types come in the same colors.

Refillable cartridges and third-party options

Canon sells refillable cartridges (sometimes called "EcoTank" or "MegaTank" models) that hold much more ink than standard cartridges and cost less per page to use. These are built into certain Pixma models and cannot be retrofitted to older machines. If you own a standard cartridge Pixma, you cannot switch to refillable cartridges without replacing the entire printer.

Third-party cartridges made by companies like Epson-compatible or generic brands are cheaper than Canon cartridges but carry real risks. Some will work fine; others will clog, leak, or produce poor color quality. More importantly, using non-Canon cartridges will void your printer's warranty, so if something goes wrong, Canon will not repair it for free. If you decide to use third-party cartridges, buy from a seller with clear return policies in case the cartridges do not work with your specific model.

How to know when a cartridge is empty

Your Pixma will display a low-ink warning on the screen or in the printer's software on your computer before the cartridge runs completely dry. You can usually keep printing for a while after this warning appears, but print quality will decline as the cartridge empties.

If you ignore the warning and the cartridge runs completely empty, the printer will stop and display an error. You must replace the empty cartridge before the printer will resume — you cannot print in black-and-white only if a color cartridge is empty, and you cannot skip a cartridge slot.

Some Pixma models let you check ink levels by opening the printer's software on your computer or by looking at a small window on the cartridge itself. The window shows the approximate ink level as a colored bar, though it is not always perfectly accurate.

Preventing air bubbles and clogs in new cartridges

Air bubbles inside a new cartridge can cause it to print poorly or not at all, even though the cartridge is full. This happens because the cartridge was sitting in a warehouse or on a shelf before you installed it, and the ink settled.

To reduce the risk of bubbles, store cartridges upright (not on their side) before you install them, and install them as soon as you open the box. If a cartridge prints with streaks or gaps after you install it, run the printer's cleaning cycle — this is usually found in the printer's settings menu or in the software on your computer. The cleaning cycle forces ink through the nozzles and can clear small air pockets. You may need to run it two or three times if the problem is severe.

If cleaning does not work, the cartridge may be defective. Contact the seller or Canon to report the problem and request a replacement.

Storing used cartridges and recycling options

Do not throw empty cartridges in the trash. Many retailers, including Best Buy and Staples, will take used Canon cartridges for free recycling. Some will even give you a small discount on your next cartridge purchase if you bring in empties.

If you want to keep a used cartridge as a backup, store it upright in a cool, dry place with the nozzle facing down. Seal the nozzle with a small piece of tape to prevent it from drying out. Used cartridges stored this way can sometimes be refilled or used again if the printer runs out of ink unexpectedly, though the print quality may not be as good as a new cartridge.

Canon also runs a cartridge recycling program through its website — you can print a prepaid shipping label and mail in used cartridges. This is useful if you do not have a local retailer nearby.

Troubleshooting cartridge errors and error codes

If the printer displays an error after you install a new cartridge, the most common cause is that the cartridge is not fully seated. Open the access door, remove the cartridge, and push it back in at a 45-degree angle, then push straight down until you hear two distinct clicks. Close the door and wait for the printer to finish its calibration cycle.

If the error persists, try removing the cartridge again and checking that the protective tape has been removed from the nozzle. If tape is still covering the nozzle, the printer cannot detect the cartridge. You may also see an error if the cartridge is the wrong type for your model — double-check the cartridge number against the label inside the access door.

Some Pixma models display a specific error code on the screen. Canon's website has a searchable error code database where you can type in the code and see what it means and how to fix it. If you cannot resolve the error after reseating the cartridge and checking the type, the cartridge itself may be defective and should be replaced.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I print in black and white if a color cartridge is empty?

No. Canon Pixmas require all cartridges to be present and have ink in them before the printer will operate, even if you only want to print in black. You must replace the empty color cartridge before you can print anything.

How long does a cartridge usually last?

This depends on how much you print and the cartridge type. Standard cartridges typically last between 200 and 500 pages, while high-capacity cartridges last longer. Your printer's manual or the cartridge box will show the page yield for your specific cartridge.

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 cloth to gently wipe away any visible ink. Do not use water or cleaning solution, as this can damage the internal components. Let the printer dry for at least an hour before plugging it back in. If ink has leaked onto the cartridge holder or nozzles, you may need to run a cleaning cycle after the printer dries.

Is it cheaper to buy cartridges in bulk?

Buying multi-packs of cartridges is usually cheaper per cartridge than buying single cartridges, but only if you will use them within a reasonable time. Cartridges stored for more than a year may dry out or develop clogs, especially if they are not stored upright in a cool place. Buy in bulk only if you print regularly.

Why does my printer say the cartridge is empty when it still has ink?

Canon printers estimate ink levels based on how many pages you have printed, not by actually measuring the ink inside the cartridge. If you print a lot of images or use heavy color coverage, the cartridge will appear empty sooner than if you print mostly text. You can usually keep printing for a while after the empty warning, but print quality will decline.