The basic steps for replacing Canon Pixma ink cartridges
To change ink in a Canon Pixma printer, you turn off the printer, open the cartridge access door on the front, wait for the carriage to move to the center, and then press the cartridge down and pull it toward you to remove it. The new cartridge goes in at a slight angle, then you push it down until it clicks. Close the door, turn the printer back on, and run the alignment process that appears on the screen.
The exact location of the cartridge door and the number of cartridges you have depends on your specific Pixma model — some have four cartridges (black, cyan, magenta, yellow), others have five or six if they include a gray or photo black cartridge. Check your printer's manual or the label on the front of your printer to confirm which model you own before you buy replacement cartridges, because cartridge numbers are model-specific.
Most Pixma printers use standard cartridges, but some newer models use XL or XXL cartridges that hold more ink. Buying the wrong size will not damage your printer, but it will not fit. The cartridge number is printed on the box and on the cartridge itself — it usually starts with CLI or PGI followed by numbers.
Key Takeaways
- Turn off your printer before opening the cartridge door, and wait for the carriage to stop moving before you remove or insert a cartridge.
- Cartridge numbers are model-specific, so confirm your printer model before buying replacements to avoid purchasing the wrong size.
- New cartridges must click into place, and your printer will prompt you to run an alignment process after you close the door and power on.
- Keep the plastic tape on new cartridges until the moment you insert them, because removing it early can dry out the cartridge.
Why your printer asks you to align after changing ink
When you close the cartridge door and turn your printer back on, it automatically detects that you have installed new cartridges and prompts you to run an alignment. This process takes a few minutes and prints a test pattern so the printer can measure where the ink is landing on the page. Without alignment, colors may appear misaligned or blurry because the cartridges are not perfectly positioned relative to each other.
You can skip alignment if you are in a hurry, but the first few pages you print will likely show color banding or slight misalignment. Running alignment takes less time than reprinting those pages, so it is worth doing right away. If you skip it and later notice poor print quality, you can run alignment manually by going to your printer's settings menu or through the Canon print driver on your computer.
Where to buy Canon Pixma cartridges and what to watch for
Canon cartridges are sold at office supply stores like Staples and Office Depot, online retailers like Amazon, and directly from Canon's website. Prices vary significantly — buying from Canon's website is usually the most expensive option, while third-party retailers often discount them. Some retailers offer subscription services where cartridges are shipped automatically when your printer's ink level drops, which can save money if you print regularly.
Be cautious of cartridges labeled "compatible" or "remanufactured" if you are not familiar with the seller. Compatible cartridges are made by third parties and may not work reliably in your printer. Remanufactured cartridges are used cartridges that have been refilled and tested, and they are usually cheaper than new ones but carry more risk of leaking or poor print quality. If you buy either type and they fail, you have limited recourse — Canon will not warranty damage caused by non-Canon cartridges.
Original Canon cartridges cost more upfront but come with a one-year limited warranty and are may provide to work. If print quality matters for documents you are keeping or sharing, original cartridges are the safer choice. If you are printing drafts or temporary documents, compatible or remanufactured cartridges may be worth the risk.
How to know when your cartridges are running low
Your Pixma printer displays ink levels on the screen on the printer itself and in the Canon print driver on your computer. When a cartridge reaches a certain level, the printer shows a warning but usually continues printing until the cartridge is completely empty. Some models allow you to keep printing with an empty cartridge for a short time, but this can damage the print head, so you should replace the cartridge as soon as you see a low-ink warning.
If you print infrequently, cartridges can dry out even if they still show ink remaining. This is especially true for color cartridges, which dry faster than black. If your printer has been sitting unused for more than a month and you notice faint or missing colors when you print, run the cleaning cycle from your printer's maintenance menu before you assume the cartridge is empty. The cleaning cycle uses ink to flush the print head, so it may lower your ink levels further, but it often restores color quality.
Troubleshooting cartridge problems after installation
If your printer shows an error message after you install a new cartridge, the most common cause is that you did not push it down far enough to click into place. Remove the cartridge, check that the plastic tape has been completely removed from the bottom, and reinsert it firmly until you hear or feel a click. Then close the door and power the printer back on.
If the error persists, the cartridge may be defective or the contacts on the cartridge or printer may be dirty. Remove the cartridge again and gently wipe the gold contacts on the bottom of the cartridge with a dry, lint-free cloth. Also wipe the contacts inside the printer where the cartridge sits. Reinsert the cartridge and try again. If the error continues, the cartridge may be faulty — contact the retailer where you bought it for a replacement.
If your printer prints but the color is wrong or missing, run the alignment process first. If alignment does not fix it, run the cleaning cycle from the maintenance menu. If the problem persists after cleaning, one of the cartridges may be clogged or low on ink. Check the ink levels on your printer's screen and replace any cartridge that shows empty or very low.
Storing cartridges and preventing waste
Keep unopened cartridges in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. The ideal temperature is between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Cartridges stored in hot cars, basements, or attics may dry out or leak when you try to use them. If you buy cartridges in bulk, store them in their original packaging until you need them.
Once you open a cartridge and install it, use it within a reasonable time. If your printer sits unused for more than three months, the cartridges may dry out. If you know you will not be printing for an extended period, consider removing the cartridges and storing them in an airtight container with a damp paper towel to keep them from drying out completely. This is only necessary if you plan to store them for more than six months.
When a cartridge is empty, do not throw it in the trash. Many retailers that sell cartridges, including Staples and Best Buy, accept empty cartridges for recycling at no charge. Canon also runs a cartridge recycling program through its website. Recycling keeps plastic and metal out of landfills and allows the materials to be reused.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use third-party cartridges in my Canon Pixma printer?
Yes, compatible cartridges made by third parties will physically fit in most Pixma printers and may work reliably. However, Canon does not warrant them, and if they leak or cause print quality problems, you cannot return them to Canon. Buy from reputable sellers and read reviews before trying a new brand.
What should I do if ink leaks inside my printer?
Turn off the printer when ready and unplug it. Open the cartridge door and remove the leaking cartridge. Use a dry cloth to wipe up any visible ink inside the printer. Do not use water or cleaning solutions unless your manual specifically recommends them. Let the printer dry for at least an hour before plugging it back in and testing it.
Do I need to remove the plastic tape from new cartridges before installing them?
Yes. The plastic tape on the bottom of a new cartridge must be completely removed before you insert it, or the cartridge will not make contact with the printer and will trigger an error. Check that no tape remains on the gold contacts on the bottom of the cartridge.
Why does my printer still show low ink after I installed a new cartridge?
The printer may not have recognized the new cartridge. Remove it, make sure it is fully inserted and clicked into place, and power the printer off and back on. If the level still does not reset, the cartridge may be defective or the contacts may need cleaning.
How long do Canon Pixma cartridges last once installed?
A cartridge lasts as long as the ink inside it, which depends on how much you print. A single cartridge may last weeks or months. Once installed, a cartridge will gradually dry out if unused, so cartridges in printers that sit idle for months may fail even if they still contain ink.