How to Replace Ink in a Canon Printer: Step-by-Step for PIXMA and All Models

Running out of ink at the wrong moment is frustrating enough — struggling to figure out how to replace it makes it worse. This guide walks you through replacing ink cartridges on Canon PIXMA printers and other Canon inkjet models, step by step. The process is similar across most Canon printers, with minor differences noted below.

What You'll Need

• The correct replacement ink cartridge for your Canon printer model (see below for help identifying yours)
• A flat, clean surface
• A piece of paper for a test print

Make sure your replacement cartridge matches your printer's cartridge number. You can find this in your printer's documentation, on the side of the empty cartridge, or by searching your model number on the Canon USA support site. Castle Ink carries compatible cartridges for virtually all Canon PIXMA models — browse our full range of Canon compatible ink cartridges.

Step 1: Turn the Printer On

Always make sure your Canon printer is powered on before opening the cartridge access door. When the printer is on and idle, the print head carriage moves to its home position (usually centered or to the right). If the printer is off when you open the door, the carriage won't move and you won't be able to access the cartridges safely.

Step 2: Open the Cartridge Access Door

On most Canon PIXMA models (including the PIXMA MG series, TS series, TR series, and G series), there is a door on the front or top of the printer that covers the cartridge area. Open it fully. The print head carriage will move to the center of the printer within a few seconds, making the cartridges accessible.

Wait for the carriage to fully stop moving before proceeding — you'll hear it settle and the movement will stop completely.

Step 3: Remove the Empty Cartridge

Push down gently on the cartridge you want to remove — you'll feel a slight click as it releases from the holder. Then pull it straight out toward you. Most Canon cartridges have a tab or grip on the side to make removal easier.

Dispose of the empty cartridge responsibly — see our guide on Where to Recycle Printer Ink Cartridges for free drop-off options near you.

Step 4: Prepare the New Cartridge

Remove the new cartridge from its packaging. Most Canon cartridges have an orange protective tape or plastic tab covering the nozzle plate and vent hole. You must remove this tape before installing the cartridge — if you leave it on, the printer won't be able to draw ink and will display an error. Pull the tab off firmly but gently; it should come off in one piece. Do not touch the copper contact strip or the nozzle plate (the flat area with tiny holes) after removing the tape.

Step 5: Install the New Cartridge

Hold the cartridge with the label facing you (the arrow or Canon logo pointing toward the printer). Slide the cartridge into the correct slot — Canon printers that use two cartridges have a black ink slot and a color ink slot, usually color on the left and black on the right (though this varies by model). Line up the cartridge with the slot and push it firmly into place until you hear a clear click. It should sit flush with the holder and not wiggle when nudged.

Step 6: Close the Access Door

Close the cartridge access door. The printer will automatically begin a brief initialization process — you'll hear the printer making sounds as it primes the new cartridge. This typically takes 30 to 60 seconds. Don't try to print during this process.

Step 7: Print a Test Page

Once the initialization is complete, print a test page to confirm the new cartridge is working correctly. On most Canon PIXMA printers, you can do this by pressing the printer's maintenance button or going to the Canon IJ Printer Utility on your computer (Mac) or Printer Properties (Windows) and selecting "Print Test Page." If the output shows streaks or missing colors, run one cleaning cycle from the maintenance menu and test again. For more cleaning tips, see our post How to Clean Printer Ink Cartridges.

Common Canon Cartridge Numbers by Series

• Canon PIXMA MG and MX series: Typically use PG-245 (black) and CL-246 (color), or PG-243 and CL-244 for lower-yield versions. High-yield versions are PG-245XL and CL-246XL.
• Canon PIXMA TS and TR series: Many use PG-275 (black) and CL-276 (color), or the PG-280 / CL-281 series. Check your model's documentation for the exact number.
• Canon PIXMA G series (MegaTank): These printers use bottled ink rather than cartridges — see our guide on What Printer Has the Cheapest Ink? for more on MegaTank pricing.
• Canon PIXMA iP and iX series: Typically use CLI-36 or CLI-251 series cartridges depending on the specific model.

All of these cartridges are available as high-quality compatible versions at Castle Ink at significantly lower prices than Canon OEM cartridges, with the same page yield guarantee. Compatible cartridges install and print exactly the same way as described above.

Troubleshooting: Canon Printer Says "No Cartridge" After Installing

If your printer doesn't recognize a new cartridge, first confirm the protective tape has been fully removed. Then remove the cartridge and firmly reinstall it — the click needs to be definitive. If using a compatible cartridge, make sure it's rated for your specific model number. You can also try cleaning the copper contacts gently with a dry lint-free cloth. If the issue persists, our post on HP Printer Not Printing Black? covers many of the same troubleshooting steps that also apply to Canon printers.