What Ink Does the Canon PIXMA iX6820 Use?
Last Updated:Quick answer: The Canon PIXMA iX6820 uses five individual ink cartridges: PGI-250 pigment black plus CLI-251 black, cyan, magenta and yellow. The high-yield PGI-250XL and CLI-251XL versions fit the same slots and hold noticeably more ink. Because each color is separate, you replace only the one that runs out.
CastleScore · October 2026
76/100 — Recommended
Canon PIXMA iX6820
| Pillar (weight) | Score | What it is based on |
|---|---|---|
| Owner ratings (28%) | 79 | 4.06★ average across 4,880 ratings at Amazon (4.1), Best Buy (4.5), Staples (3.7) and Walmart (3.6) |
| Expert reviews (18%) | 70 | PCMag 3.5/5 ("Good"). RTINGS praises its cost per print and photo quality. |
| Cost per page (24%) | 89 | About 3¢ per page blended with our remanufactured PGI-250XL and CLI-251XL tanks. Separate color tanks mean you only replace the color that runs out. |
| Reliability (13%) | 75 | Wi-Fi setup without a screen is the top complaint, followed by paper-feed errors and printheads failing after a few years |
| Features (12%) | 55 | Prints up to 13 × 19 in borderless; Wi-Fi and Ethernet. Print-only: no scanner, no auto duplex, no screen |
| Value (5%) | 79 | Inexpensive to run for a wide-format photo printer |
Still listed by Canon at about $230–$249, though often out of stock.
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 7, 2026. It is not a customer review. See every ranked printer or how the score works.
The cartridges, pictured
PGI-250XL Pigment Black6432B001 · ~500 pages
CLI-251XL Black6448B001
CLI-251XL Cyan6449B001 · ~660 pages
CLI-251XL Magenta6450B001 · ~660 pages
CLI-251XL Yellow6451B001 · ~660 pages
PGI-250XL Pigment Black
CLI-251XL Black
CLI-251XL Cyan
CLI-251XL Magenta
CLI-251XL YellowOur own remanufactured ink tanks, photographed in-house. Page yields are for standard letter pages; a single 13 × 19 print uses far more ink.
What Ink Cartridges Does the Canon PIXMA iX6820 Take?
| Cartridge | Used for | Castle Ink option |
|---|---|---|
| PGI-250XL Pigment Black | Sharp text on plain paper | Remanufactured PGI-250XL Black |
| CLI-251XL Black (dye) | Photos and color graphics | Remanufactured CLI-251XL Black |
| CLI-251XL Cyan | Color | Remanufactured CLI-251XL Cyan |
| CLI-251XL Magenta | Color | Remanufactured CLI-251XL Magenta |
| CLI-251XL Yellow | Color | Remanufactured CLI-251XL Yellow |
Why Does the iX6820 Have Two Black Cartridges?
The large PGI-250 holds pigment black, which sits on top of plain paper for crisp, smudge-resistant text. The small CLI-251 Black is dye-based and blends with the colors for deeper photo blacks. The printer picks the right one automatically based on paper type, so both must be installed.
Does the iX6820 Use Gray Ink?
No. The CLI-251 Gray cartridge belongs to six-ink PIXMA models such as the MG6320 and MG7520. The iX6820 uses the five inks listed above.
How Do I Replace an Ink Cartridge in the Canon iX6820?
- Turn the printer on and open the top cover. The printhead holder moves to the replacement position.
- Press the tab on the empty cartridge and lift it out. The cartridge's ink lamp flashes when it's empty.
- Remove the orange cap and packaging from the new cartridge.
- Insert it into its matching color slot and press down on the top until it clicks. Its lamp lights red.
- Close the top cover.
Can I Use Remanufactured PGI-250XL and CLI-251XL?
Yes. On the iX6820, the printhead is a separate part inside the printer, so cartridges are ink tanks only, and remanufactured tanks work well. If the printer can't detect the ink level, it will ask you to confirm. Press and hold the Resume/Cancel button for about 5 seconds to continue. See compatible vs remanufactured vs OEM ink.
What iX6820 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.
Will it handle heavy cardstock and 12×12 scrapbook pages?
Owners report feeding 100–110 lb cardstock and 12×12 scrapbook paper through the rear feeder without trouble. Load heavy stock a few sheets at a time.
Can it scan or copy?
No. The iX6820 is print-only. If you need a scanner, pair it with a flatbed or use your phone's scanning app.
Can I keep printing text if a color tank runs dry?
No. All five tanks must be installed, and the printer stops when one is empty, even for black-only jobs. Keep a spare of whichever color you use most.
Why is wireless setup so fiddly?
There is no screen, so setup runs through button presses, lamp flashes and Canon's software. If Wi-Fi keeps dropping, the Ethernet port is the reliable fallback.
How long does the first setup take?
Allow about 15 minutes. The first ink charge fills the printhead and uses a noticeable share of the starter tanks.
iX6820 quirks worth knowing
- It prints up to 13 × 19 in (Super B) borderless from a single 150-sheet rear feeder, which is why designers and crafters like it.
- Unusually for a print-only photo printer, it has a wired Ethernet port alongside Wi-Fi and USB.
- Owners report "no paper" errors (alarm lamp flashing twice) on 11 × 17 jobs when the wide sheet sits at a slight angle. Square up the paper guides before printing.
- It is 23 in wide, so measure your desk before buying.
Frequently Asked Questions
What other printers use PGI-250 and CLI-251?
The PIXMA iP7220, iP8720, MG5420, MG5520, MG5620, MG6320, MG6420, MG6620, MG7120, MG7520, MX722, MX922 and iX6820 all use PGI-250 / CLI-251 cartridges.
Can the iX6820 print if one color is empty?
No. Canon PIXMA printers with individual tanks need all five cartridges installed and not empty. Replace the empty color, or confirm the low-ink warning to keep printing for a short time.
How do I clean the iX6820 printhead?
Run Cleaning or Deep Cleaning from the Maintenance tab of the Canon printer driver. If a nozzle check still shows gaps, rest the printer for a few hours before repeating.
Other printers that use PGI-250 and CLI-251
Canon PIXMA MX920 · Canon PIXMA iP8720 · Canon PIXMA iP7220 · Canon PIXMA MG5620 · Canon PIXMA MG6620 · Canon PIXMA MG7520
More Canon ink guides: Canon PIXMA TS3722 · Canon PIXMA MG3600 · Canon PIXMA Pro-100 · find any printer
Replacing it? Our highest-rated alternatives
- Canon PIXMA MegaTank G3290 — CastleScore 88
- Canon imageCLASS MF275dw (laser) — CastleScore 81
- Epson EcoTank ET-2980 (cheapest to run) — CastleScore 90
Sources
Ratings and prices were checked on October 7, 2026 and will change over time.
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.