The basic steps to swap out an ink or toner cartridge

To change a cartridge in a Canon printer, you turn off the printer, open the access door (usually on the front or top), wait for the cartridge holder to move to the center, and then press the cartridge down and pull it toward you to release it. Slide the new cartridge in at a slight angle, push it down until it clicks, close the door, and turn the printer back on. The whole process takes about two minutes.

The exact location of the cartridge door and the angle of insertion vary slightly between Canon models — an inkjet printer's cartridges sit in a horizontal holder that moves left and right, while a laser printer's toner cartridge slides straight in from the side. Your printer's manual will show you the specific door location, but the release-and-click motion is the same across nearly all Canon machines.

Key Takeaways

  • Always turn off the printer before opening the cartridge door, or the holder may not move to the safe position.
  • The cartridge clicks when it is fully seated — if you hear no click, it is not locked in and the printer will not recognize it.
  • Inkjet cartridges have a small tab or lever you press down before pulling; toner cartridges usually have a green or blue tab you pull straight out.
  • If the printer displays an error after you install a new cartridge, remove it, wipe the gold contact strip on the cartridge with a dry cloth, and reinstall it.

Where to find the cartridge door on your Canon printer

On most Canon inkjet printers (the PIXMA line), the cartridge door is on the front of the machine, below the paper tray. On some older models it is on the top. On Canon laser printers (the imageCLASS or LBP series), the toner cartridge door is on the right side of the printer. If you are not sure, look for a door with a small icon of a cartridge printed on it, or check the quick-start guide that came with your printer.

Open the door slowly. You will hear the cartridge holder move to the center position — this is normal and necessary. Wait for the movement to stop before you reach in. If the holder does not move, the printer may not be fully powered on, or it may be in an error state. Turn it off, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on again.

Removing the old cartridge safely

Once the holder is centered, locate the cartridge you need to replace. On an inkjet printer, you will see four or more small cartridges (usually black, cyan, magenta, and yellow) sitting side by side. On a laser printer, you will see one large toner cartridge. Look for a small lever or tab near the cartridge — on inkjet models, this is usually a small plastic arm you press downward. On toner cartridges, it is often a green or blue pull-tab on the side.

Press or pull the release mechanism. You should feel the cartridge loosen. Then grasp the cartridge itself and pull it straight toward you. Do not twist or angle it sideways — straight out is the right direction. If it does not come out easily, you may not have released the lever fully. Stop, check that the lever is fully pressed or pulled, and try again.

Set the old cartridge aside. Do not touch the gold or copper contact strip on the bottom of an inkjet cartridge, or the green drum on a toner cartridge — oils from your skin can cause print quality problems later.

Installing the new cartridge

Remove the new cartridge from its packaging. On inkjet cartridges, you will see a small plastic clip or seal on the bottom — this protects the nozzles during shipping. Leave it in place; it will fall off automatically when you insert the cartridge. On toner cartridges, look for a protective tape or plastic cover on the drum — remove this before installation.

Hold the cartridge at a slight downward angle (about 45 degrees) and slide it into the empty slot. You will feel it settle into place. Then press down firmly until you hear a distinct click. That click means the cartridge is locked in and the contacts are engaged. If you do not hear a click, the cartridge is not fully seated. Remove it and try again, making sure you are pressing straight down.

Close the cartridge door. The printer should recognize the new cartridge within a few seconds. If the printer displays a "cartridge not recognized" or "low cartridge" error, open the door again, remove the cartridge, and wipe the gold contact strip with a clean, dry, lint-free cloth. Reinstall it and close the door. This usually solves the problem.

What to do if the cartridge does not fit or the printer does not recognize it

If a cartridge will not slide in, stop when ready — forcing it can damage the printer. The most common reason is that you have the wrong cartridge model for your printer. Canon cartridges are not interchangeable across different printer lines. Check the cartridge box against your printer's model number (usually printed on the back or bottom of the printer) to confirm they match.

If the model is correct but the cartridge still will not fit, the cartridge holder may be stuck or the printer may be in an error state. Turn off the printer, wait 30 seconds, and turn it back on. Then try again. If it still does not work, contact Canon support with your printer model number.

If the cartridge installs but the printer displays an error, the most likely cause is a dirty contact strip. Remove the cartridge, wipe the gold or copper strip on the bottom with a dry cloth, and reinstall it. If the error persists, the cartridge itself may be defective. Check the expiration date on the box — cartridges can degrade if stored in heat or humidity for too long. If the cartridge is expired or visibly damaged, return it to the retailer.

Cartridge types and what they cost

Canon sells two main types of cartridges: standard capacity and high-yield (or XL). A standard cartridge costs less upfront but prints fewer pages per cartridge. A high-yield cartridge costs more but prints significantly more pages, so the cost per page is lower. Which one makes sense depends on how much you print. If you print only a few pages a week, standard cartridges are fine. If you print dozens of pages a week, high-yield cartridges save money over time.

Canon also sells refurbished and third-party cartridges from other manufacturers. Refurbished Canon cartridges are genuine but used and refilled — they cost less and work fine, though Canon's warranty may not cover them. Third-party cartridges are made by other companies and are cheaper still, but they may not print as well or last as long, and they can void your printer's warranty. Check your printer's manual or Canon's website to see which cartridges are approved for your model.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to replace all the cartridges at once?

No. You can replace cartridges one at a time as they run out. The printer will tell you which cartridge is low or empty, and you can swap just that one. The other cartridges stay in place.

What should I do with the old cartridge?

Most office supply stores (Staples, Office Depot, Best Buy) accept used inkjet and toner cartridges for recycling at no charge. Some will give you a small discount on a new cartridge if you bring in the old one. Do not throw cartridges in the trash — they contain materials that should be recycled.

Can I use a cartridge from a different Canon printer?

No. Canon cartridges are model-specific. A cartridge made for a PIXMA TS3520 will not work in a PIXMA MG3620, even though both are inkjet printers. Always check the cartridge box against your printer's model number before buying.

Why does my printer say the cartridge is low when it is brand new?

New cartridges sometimes arrive with a protective seal or tape that the printer's sensor cannot read through. Remove any plastic film or tape from the cartridge, reinstall it, and close the door. If the error persists, remove the cartridge, wipe the contact strip with a dry cloth, and try again.

Is it normal for the printer to make noise when I install a cartridge?

Yes. The printer runs a cleaning cycle when you install a new cartridge to prepare the nozzles (on inkjet) or align the drum (on laser). This takes a minute or two and produces some noise and movement inside the printer. Let it finish before you try to print.