Finding and buying the right cartridges for your Canon Pixma
Canon Pixma printers use cartridges labeled by color and model number. The cartridge type depends on which Pixma you own — a Pixma TR series uses different cartridges than a Pixma MG series, even though both are Canon. Before you buy, check your printer's model number (usually on the front or back of the machine) and look up the correct cartridge numbers on Canon's website or your printer manual.
You have three sources for cartridges: genuine Canon cartridges, third-party compatible cartridges, and refilled cartridges. Genuine cartridges cost more but come with a warranty and are may provide to work. Compatible cartridges from brands like Epson or Staples-brand alternatives cost less and work in most Pixma models, though Canon will not warranty them. Refilled cartridges are the cheapest option but carry the highest risk of leaks or poor print quality.
Check the cartridge number on your current cartridge before ordering. It will be printed on the side or top — something like PG-245 or CL-246. Search that exact number to avoid buying the wrong size or type. Some Pixma models use XL cartridges (larger capacity) or XXL cartridges (even larger), and these are not interchangeable with standard cartridges.
Key Takeaways
- Find your printer model number on the machine itself, then look up the correct cartridge numbers in your manual or on Canon's website before buying.
- Open the cartridge access door on top of your printer, wait for the carriage to stop moving, and remove the old cartridge by pressing the tab or lever.
- Remove the protective tape from the new cartridge, insert it into the empty slot until it clicks, and close the access door.
- Your printer will run a setup cycle after you install new cartridges — this is normal and takes a few minutes.
- If your printer shows a low-ink warning but the cartridge still has ink, you can continue printing; the warning is an estimate, not a hard stop.
Opening the cartridge access door and preparing to remove old cartridges
Turn on your printer and wait for it to finish any current task. Open the top cover or access door — on most Pixma models, this is the hinged panel on top of the machine. The cartridge carriage (the plastic holder that moves left and right) will move to the center position automatically. Do not force it or close the door while it is moving.
Once the carriage stops, you can safely remove cartridges. Look for the cartridge you want to replace — they are arranged in a row and labeled by color. Black cartridges are usually on the left, followed by cyan, magenta, and yellow. Some models have a separate black cartridge for photos.
Do not touch the metal contacts on the cartridge or the printer head. These contacts transfer data and ink, and fingerprints or debris can cause print quality problems or cartridge errors.
Removing the old cartridge
Look for a small tab or lever on the cartridge you are removing. On most Pixma models, you press this tab downward or toward the center of the printer. The cartridge will pop up slightly, making it easier to grip. Grasp the cartridge firmly and pull it straight out toward you. Do not twist or angle it — straight out is the correct direction.
Set the old cartridge aside. If it still has ink, you can recycle it at most office supply stores or through Canon's recycling program. Do not throw it in the trash.
If a cartridge is stuck, do not force it. Close the access door, turn off the printer, wait 30 seconds, and try again. Forcing a stuck cartridge can damage the carriage or the cartridge slot.
Installing the new cartridge
Remove the new cartridge from its packaging. Look for a piece of protective tape or a plastic seal on the cartridge — this protects the ink during shipping. Peel off this tape completely before inserting the cartridge. If you leave the tape on, the cartridge will not work and may leak inside the printer.
Hold the cartridge so the label faces toward you and the metal contacts face into the printer. Align the cartridge with the empty slot and push it straight in until you hear or feel a click. The click means the cartridge is seated correctly and the contacts are making a connection. Do not force it past the click — that can damage the cartridge or the printer.
Repeat this process for each cartridge you are replacing. You can replace one cartridge at a time or all of them at once.
Closing the access door and running the setup cycle
Once all new cartridges are installed and clicked into place, close the access door or top cover. Your printer will automatically run a setup cycle that cleans the print head and tests the cartridges. This cycle takes two to five minutes and uses a small amount of ink — this is normal and necessary.
During the setup cycle, you will hear the printer moving and may see it print a test pattern or blank page. Do not open the access door or turn off the printer during this cycle. If you interrupt it, the printer may not recognize the new cartridges correctly.
Once the cycle finishes, your printer is ready to use. Print a test page to confirm the colors are correct and there are no error messages on the screen.
Troubleshooting common cartridge problems
If your printer shows an error message after installing new cartridges, the most common cause is protective tape left on the cartridge. Open the access door, remove the cartridge, check for any remaining tape or plastic, and reinstall it. If tape is present, peel it off completely and try again.
If the printer does not recognize a cartridge after you have removed all tape, try removing and reinstalling it. Make sure it clicks into place and the metal contacts are clean. If the problem continues, the cartridge may be defective — try a different cartridge in that slot to confirm.
If you see low-ink warnings but the cartridge still prints, the warning is an estimate based on page count, not an actual measurement of remaining ink. You can continue printing until the cartridge runs dry or the print quality drops noticeably. Some printers will stop printing when a cartridge is completely empty, while others will print with reduced quality.
If ink leaks inside the printer, turn it off when ready and do not use it. Contact Canon support or take it to a service center. Leaking cartridges can damage the print head and other internal parts.
When to replace cartridges and how to avoid waste
Replace a cartridge when print quality drops noticeably — colors become faint, lines appear broken, or black prints look gray. Do not wait for the low-ink warning if you need a print job done today, because the warning can appear weeks before the cartridge actually runs out.
Keep spare cartridges on hand if you print regularly. Cartridges have a shelf life of about two years, so buy only what you will use within that timeframe. Store cartridges in a cool, dry place with the protective tape still on until you are ready to use them.
If you print infrequently, consider a printer with a tank system instead of cartridges. Tank printers hold much larger ink reservoirs and cost less per page, though they have a higher upfront cost. For occasional home use, cartridge printers are usually more practical.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use third-party cartridges in my Canon Pixma?
Yes, compatible cartridges from other brands work in most Pixma models. They cost less than genuine Canon cartridges but may not print with the same color accuracy or longevity. Canon will not warranty prints made with third-party cartridges, though the printer itself remains under warranty.
What should I do if a cartridge is stuck and won't come out?
Turn off the printer and wait 30 seconds, then try again. If it is still stuck, do not force it — forcing can break the cartridge or damage the carriage. Contact Canon support or take the printer to a service center for help.
Do I have to replace all cartridges at once?
No, you can replace one cartridge at a time as each one runs out. You do not need to replace cartridges that still have ink just because you replaced another color.
Why does my printer print a test page after I install new cartridges?
The setup cycle cleans the print head and confirms the cartridges are working correctly. This uses a small amount of ink and is necessary for proper print quality. Do not interrupt this cycle.
Can I refill my cartridges instead of buying new ones?
Yes, refill services exist, but refilled cartridges carry higher risk of leaks, poor print quality, or cartridge errors. If you refill frequently, a tank printer may be more cost-effective in the long run.