What Ink Does the Canon PIXMA iP2820 Use?
Last Updated:Shopping for this printer? See all Canon PG-245 & CL-246 Ink Cartridges – 245XL & 246XL → Ships same day by 4 PM ET, 1-year guarantee.
Correction (October 2026): an earlier version of this guide said the PIXMA iP2820 uses PG-240 and CL-241 cartridges. It uses PG-245 and CL-246 (and their XL versions); the smaller PG-243 and CL-244 also fit. PG-240 and CL-241 do not.
CastleScore · October 2026
69/100 — Situational
Canon PIXMA iP2820
| Pillar (weight) | Score | What it is based on |
|---|---|---|
| Owner ratings (28%) | — | No retailer rating with enough reviews to use. |
| Expert reviews (18%) | — | No published numeric expert score we could verify. |
| Cost per page (24%) | 73 | About 7.7¢ per page blended (black + color) with our remanufactured PG-245XL and CL-246XL (about 300 pages each). |
| Reliability (13%) | 90 | No recurring hardware or connection complaints in owner reviews. |
| Features (12%) | 40 | Print only, over USB. No document feeder, no auto two-sided printing, no fax, no touchscreen. |
| Value (5%) | — | Running cost and owner satisfaction |
Limited data: We could not find enough owner ratings or published expert scores for this printer, so those weights are spread across the other pillars. With neither owner ratings nor a published expert score, we cap this printer at 69 (Situational) until better data is available.
Discontinued. Canon no longer sells or supports the iP2820, and its listed driver support ends at Windows 8.1 and Mac OS X 10.9. This score rates it for people who already own one.
CastleScore is Castle Ink’s own editorial rating, built from retailer star ratings, expert reviews, real cost per page and owner complaint patterns, checked October 9, 2026. It is not a customer review. See every ranked printer or how the score works.
The cartridges, pictured
PG-245XL + CL-246XL 2-packBlack + Color
PG-245XL Black8278B001 · ~300 pages
CL-246XL Tri-color8280B001 · ~300 pages
PG-245XL + CL-246XL 2-pack
PG-245XL Black
CL-246XL Tri-colorOur own remanufactured cartridges, photographed in-house.
Quick answer: what ink does the Canon PIXMA iP2820 use?
The Canon PIXMA iP2820 uses two FINE cartridges: one black and one tri-color (cyan, magenta, yellow in a single cartridge). Canon lists PG-245 black and CL-246 color and the high-yield PG-245XL / CL-246XL. Retailers also sell the lower-capacity PG-243 / CL-244 for it. All three sizes fit the same slots, so the XL pair is the lowest-cost-per-page choice for most people. There is no XXL version.
Cartridge options at a glance
| Cartridge | Color | Approx. page yield* | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canon PG-243 (1287C001) | Black | Not published by Canon (lower capacity than PG-245) | Occasional printing |
| Canon CL-244 (1288C001) | Tri-color | ~180 pages | Occasional color |
| Canon PG-245 (8279B001) | Black | ~180 pages | Light, regular text printing |
| Canon CL-246 (8281B001) | Tri-color | ~180 pages | Light color printing |
| PG-245XL black (8278B001) | Black (high yield) | ~300 pages | Homework, forms, frequent text |
| CL-246XL tri-color (8280B001) | Tri-color (high yield) | ~300 pages | Photos and color documents |
*Canon-rated yields based on ISO/IEC 24711 test pages. Real-world yield depends on coverage, photo printing, and how often the printer runs cleaning cycles.
Common questions about Canon PIXMA iP2820 ink
Which cartridge should I buy for the PIXMA iP2820: standard or XL?
Buy the XL pair unless you print only a few pages a month. The PG-245XL black and CL-246XL tri-color are rated for about 300 pages each, against about 180 for PG-245 and CL-246, so the cost per page drops sharply. The only reason to buy standard cartridges is if the printer sits idle for months, since ink can dry out before you use it. See Is XL ink actually worth it? Standard vs. XL with real numbers for the math.
What's the difference between PG-243 and PG-245?
They are the same size and shape and use the same slot. PG-243 is Canon's lower-capacity version; PG-245 is rated for about 180 pages and PG-245XL for about 300. The same relationship applies to CL-244, CL-246, and CL-246XL. You can switch between them at any time. For the most predictable ink-level readings, replace black with black and color with color from the same series when you can.
Can I mix an XL black with a standard color cartridge?
Yes. The black and color cartridges are read independently, so a PG-245XL black with a CL-244 or CL-246 color works fine. Many people buy XL black only, because text uses black much faster than color.
What other printers use the same cartridges as the PIXMA iP2820?
The PG-243/245 and CL-244/246 family is one of Canon's most widely used. It also fits the PIXMA TS202, PIXMA TS302, PIXMA TS3120, PIXMA TS3122, PIXMA TS3320, PIXMA TS3322, PIXMA MG2420, PIXMA MG2520, PIXMA MG2522, PIXMA MG2525, PIXMA MG2920, PIXMA MG3022, PIXMA MG3029, PIXMA MX490, PIXMA MX492, PIXMA TR4520, PIXMA TR4522, PIXMA TR4527, plus the PIXMA MG2922, MG2924, and MG3020. If you own two of these printers, one stock of cartridges covers both.
Are compatible or remanufactured cartridges safe for the PIXMA iP2820?
Yes. Canon lists no firmware for the iP2820 and we found no cartridge lockout on it. Our PG-245XL and CL-246XL are remanufactured Canon cartridges, and under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act Canon can't void a warranty just because you used third-party ink. For the differences between cartridge types, read Compatible vs. remanufactured vs. OEM ink and Does compatible ink void your printer warranty?.
How do I replace the ink in the PIXMA iP2820?
Turn the printer on and open the front cover; the cartridge holder moves to the replacement position. Push down on the empty cartridge and lift it out. Remove the new cartridge from its bag, peel off the orange protective tape (never touch the gold contacts or the nozzles), insert it at a slight upward angle, and press until it clicks. Black goes in the right-hand slot and color in the left on most models. Close the cover and run a nozzle check. Full walkthrough: How to replace the ink in a Canon PIXMA printer.
Why does my PIXMA iP2820 say the cartridge isn't recognized?
Usually it's the protective tape left on, dirty contacts, or a cartridge that isn't fully seated. Remove the cartridge, wipe the gold contact strip with a dry lint-free cloth, reseat it until it clicks, and power-cycle the printer. If the error remains, try the cartridge in a sibling printer or swap in another cartridge to isolate the problem. More fixes: Printer says ink cartridge not recognized: how to fix it.
What does support code 1686 mean, and can I keep printing?
Code 1686 means the printer can no longer estimate the remaining ink, which happens after a cartridge runs very low or when a refilled/remanufactured cartridge is installed. You can keep printing by pressing and holding the Stop button for at least 5 seconds; this turns off ink-level detection for that cartridge only, so watch print quality and replace it when output fades. Code 1688 means the ink has run out and the cartridge should be replaced. See Printer error codes explained.
Why are my PIXMA iP2820 prints faded, streaky, or missing a color?
FINE cartridges have the print head built in, so a new cartridge often fixes nozzle problems. Before replacing, run a nozzle check and one or two standard cleanings (Maintenance menu or the Canon IJ Printer Utility), then a deep cleaning if needed. If one color is missing on the tri-color cartridge, that color is empty; the whole cartridge must be replaced. Step-by-step: How to clean Canon printer heads and Faded or streaky prints: causes and fixes.
Can I print with only one cartridge installed?
No. The printer needs both cartridges installed, even if you only print in black. If one is empty (but installed), you can usually keep printing with the other by pressing Stop through the warning, and Canon's driver lets you choose black-only or color-only in some cases. Replace the empty cartridge as soon as possible to avoid drying the nozzles.
Can I refill PG-245 or CL-246 cartridges?
Yes, they can be refilled, but because the print head is part of the cartridge, each refill wears the nozzles and you'll need the Stop-button workaround above. For most people a remanufactured XL cartridge is less messy and more reliable. If you do refill, read How to refill ink cartridges at home first.
Will PG-240 or CL-241 cartridges fit the iP2820?
No. The iP2820 uses the smaller PG-243/245 and CL-244/246 family. PG-240/CL-241 cartridges are a different size and won't seat in the holder.
Does the iP2820 print wirelessly or scan?
No. The iP2820 is a USB-only, print-only inkjet. If you want wireless printing or scanning with the same cartridges, look at the PIXMA TS3122 or MG3029.
Can the iP2820 print photos?
Yes, it prints photos on Canon photo paper using the tri-color cartridge. Because it has no dedicated photo-black ink, results are best for everyday snapshots. For better results, see How to print photos at home that look like a lab print.
PIXMA iP2820 key facts
- Type: USB single-function inkjet (print only)
- Ink system: 2 FINE cartridges (black + tri-color)
- Cartridges: PG-243/CL-244, PG-245/CL-246, PG-245XL/CL-246XL (not PG-240/CL-241)
- Connectivity: Hi-Speed USB only (no Wi-Fi, no mobile printing)
- Paper: 60-sheet auto sheet feeder, up to legal size
- Speed: 8.0 ipm black, 4.0 ipm color (Canon rating)
- Best for: low-volume home printing
What PIXMA iP2820 owners ask
These are the questions that come up most for this printer on retailer Q&A pages, Canon's support community and owner reviews, answered in our words.
Are there drivers for the latest Windows or macOS?
Canon says support for the iP2820 is no longer available, and its listed operating-system support stops at Windows 8.1 and Mac OS X 10.9. Check that your computer can still print to it before you stock up on ink.
What's the biggest paper it takes, and how much can I load?
Legal size (8.5 × 14 in) is the largest Canon lists. The auto sheet feeder holds 60 sheets, and it also takes 4 × 6, 5 × 7 and #10 envelopes.
Why does it seem so expensive to run?
The standard PG-245 and CL-246 are rated for only about 180 pages each. The XL versions are rated for about 300 pages each in the same slots, which is why we suggest XL for anyone who prints every week.
How fast does it print?
Canon rates it at 8 images per minute in black and 4 in color. It is a slow printer for color pages and photos.
PIXMA iP2820 quirks worth knowing
- The print head is built into the cartridges: 320 nozzles in the black and 960 in the color. A new cartridge is effectively a new print head.
- Canon publishes its manuals under the iP2800 series name, and the retail model number is 8745B002. Look for "iP2800 series" if you can't find an iP2820 manual.
- It has Quiet Mode and Auto Power On/Off, which is unusual for an entry-level USB-only PIXMA.
- Canon's own support page lists only PG-245/CL-246 and their XL versions for this printer. PG-243/CL-244 are sold by retailers as lower-capacity versions that fit the same slots.
Other printers that use PG-245 and CL-246
Canon PIXMA MX490 · Canon PIXMA MG2922 · Canon PIXMA TS3120 · Canon PIXMA TR4522 · Canon PIXMA TR4527
More Canon ink guides: Canon PIXMA TS3722 · Canon PIXMA TR4720 · Canon PIXMA MG3600 · find any printer
Replacing it? Our highest-rated alternatives
- Epson EcoTank ET-2980 (cheapest to run) — CastleScore 90
- Canon PIXMA MegaTank G3290 — CastleScore 88
- Canon imageCLASS MF275dw (laser) — CastleScore 81
Sources
Ratings and prices were checked on October 9, 2026 and will change over time.
Need replacement Canon PG-245 & CL-246 Ink Cartridges – 245XL & 246XL? Shop Canon PG-245 & CL-246 Ink Cartridges – 245XL & 246XL at Castle Ink. Remanufactured, up to 70% less than OEM, and shipped the same day when you order by 4 PM ET.