What Ink Does the Canon PIXMA G3260 Use?
Last Updated:Quick answer: The Canon PIXMA G3260 MegaTank uses Canon GI-21 ink bottles — GI-21 PGBK pigment black plus GI-21 Cyan, Magenta and Yellow — and the MC-G02 maintenance cartridge. It does not use the older GI-290 bottles, even though it looks like the G3200-series printers that do. Castle Ink stocks compatible GI-21 bottles individually and in a 4-bottle combo pack.
Canon PIXMA G3260 Ink at a Glance
| Supply | Color / Type | Canon Part No. | Approx. Yield |
|---|---|---|---|
| GI-21 PGBK | Pigment black (Canon bottle: 135 ml) | 4526C001 | ~6,000 pages |
| GI-21 Cyan (70 ml) | Cyan | 4537C001 | ~7,700 color pages* |
| GI-21 Magenta (70 ml) | Magenta | 4538C001 | ~7,700 color pages* |
| GI-21 Yellow (70 ml) | Yellow | 4539C001 | ~7,700 color pages* |
| Canon MC-G02 | Maintenance cartridge | 4589C001 | Replace when prompted |
*Canon quotes the color yield for a set of cyan, magenta and yellow bottles together.
The PIXMA G3260 is a wireless print, copy and scan MegaTank all-in-one with a rear paper tray. Its four front tanks are refilled from bottles, and each bottle nozzle is keyed to its own tank so you cannot pour the wrong color in. The black is pigment ink for sharp text; the colors are dye ink for bright photos.
GI-21 vs. GI-290: The Most Common Mistake
The G3260 replaced the G3200/G3202 generation, which used GI-290 ink. Many G3260 owners order GI-290 by habit — but the G3260 is a GI-21 printer. Check the number on your bottle before you buy. (The G7020 and G6020 use yet another series, GI-20; see our Canon G6020 ink guide.)
The MC-G02 Maintenance Cartridge
The G3260 has a user-replaceable maintenance cartridge, the Canon MC-G02, that absorbs waste ink from cleaning cycles. When it is full, the printer stops until you replace it. It is not the same part as the MC-G04 used by the newer G3270. Castle Ink does not stock maintenance cartridges; you can find the Canon MC-G02 on Amazon (as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases).
Buying GI-21 Ink at Castle Ink
Shop compatible GI-21 PGBK black, cyan, magenta and yellow, or the GI-21 combo 4-pack. Orders placed by 4 PM ET ship the same business day. Wondering whether a tank printer really saves money? Read refillable ink tank vs. cartridge printers.
How to Refill the Canon PIXMA G3260
- With the printer on, open the scanning unit to reach the ink tank caps.
- Open the cap on the tank you are filling.
- Uncap the new bottle, turn it upside down and insert its nozzle into the matching tank inlet. Ink flows automatically and stops when the tank is full.
- Remove the bottle, close the tank cap firmly and close the scanning unit.
- Confirm the refill on the printer if prompted so the ink estimate resets.
Troubleshooting Tips
"Maintenance cartridge is full": Replace the MC-G02 from the back of the printer. Keep a spare, because the printer will not print until it is replaced.
Missing lines or faded color: Print a nozzle check, run Cleaning, then Deep Cleaning if needed. If a tank ran dry, refill it and run Ink Flush. See why is my Canon printer not printing.
Wrong ink was poured in: If GI-290 or a non-matching ink was added, stop printing and contact Canon support before running cleanings — mixing ink formulations can clog the printhead.
Ink-level warning after refilling: Confirm the refill on screen or in the Canon PRINT app to reset the estimated level; the printer counts dots rather than sensing the ink.
Which Other Printers Use GI-21 Ink?
GI-21 bottles also fit the Canon PIXMA G1220, G2260, PIXMA G3270, G1230, G2270, G3272 and G4270. The G1220, G2260 and G620 share the G3260's MC-G02 maintenance cartridge.
Official Canon PIXMA G3260 Resources
- Canon USA support and drivers
- Canon ink, toner and paper
- How to recycle used ink cartridges and bottles
Bottom Line
The Canon PIXMA G3260 uses GI-21 ink bottles — not GI-290 — plus the MC-G02 maintenance cartridge. Match the bottle number before ordering, keep a spare MC-G02, and restock with the GI-21 combo pack.
Written and reviewed by William Elward — Founder of Castle Ink, 20+ years in the printer & imaging supplies industry. Updated October 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Canon G3260 use GI-290 ink?
No. The G3260 uses GI-21. GI-290 is for the older G1200, G2200, G3200 and G4210 models.
Is the G3260 maintenance cartridge MC-G02 or MC-G04?
MC-G02. The MC-G04 is for the newer G3270 and its siblings.
How long does GI-21 ink last?
About 6,000 black pages per PGBK bottle and about 7,700 color pages per set of color bottles, according to Canon's ratings.
Can I use the same ink in the G3260 and G3270?
Yes. Both use GI-21 bottles; only their maintenance cartridges differ.
Shop Ink at Castle Ink
Find the right cartridge for the Canon PIXMA G3260 and every other printer we cover on the Find Ink by Printer page, or work through a fault at our printer troubleshooting center. Shopping for a new machine? Try the PrinterIQ Finder, a 60-second quiz that matches you to a printer.
Buy the Canon PIXMA G3260 on Amazon: Canon PIXMA G3260 on Amazon — as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
See also: what ink does the Canon G3270 use | ink tank vs. cartridge printers | why is my Canon printer not printing
Need replacement Canon ink cartridges? Shop Canon ink cartridges at Castle Ink. Remanufactured, up to 70% less than OEM, and shipped the same day when you order by 4 PM ET.
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