What Ink Does the Canon PIXMA MG2120 Use?
Last Updated:Correction: an earlier version of this article said the MG2120 uses PG-210/CL-211 cartridges. It uses PG-240/CL-241.
CastleScore · October 2026
69/100 — Situational
Canon PIXMA MG2120
| 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%) | 82 | About 5.1¢ per page blended (black + color) with our remanufactured PG-240XXL (600 pages) and CL-241XL (400 pages). |
| Reliability (13%) | — | Not enough owner complaint data to score. |
| Features (12%) | 50 | Print, copy, scan. 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, published expert scores or owner complaint data 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 lists the MG2120 as retired. PG-240 and CL-241 cartridges, including the XL sizes, are still sold.
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 10, 2026. It is not a customer review. See every ranked printer or how the score works.
The cartridges, pictured
PG-240XL + CL-241XL 2-pack5206B001 / 5208B001
PG-240XXL Black5204B001 · ~600 pages
PG-240XL Black5206B001 · ~300 pages
CL-241XL Tri-color5208B001 · ~400 pages
PG-240XL + CL-241XL 2-pack
PG-240XXL Black
PG-240XL Black
CL-241XL Tri-colorOur own remanufactured cartridges, photographed in-house.
Quick answer: what ink does the Canon PIXMA MG2120 use?
The Canon PIXMA MG2120 uses two FINE cartridges: one PG-240 black and one CL-241 tri-color (cyan, magenta, and yellow in a single cartridge). High-yield PG-240XL and CL-241XL, plus the extra-high-yield PG-240XXL black, fit the same slots.
Cartridge options at a glance
| Cartridge | Type | Approx. yield* |
|---|---|---|
| Canon PG-240 | Black | ~180 pages |
| Canon PG-240XL | Black (high yield) | ~300 pages |
| Canon PG-240XXL | Black (extra-high yield) | ~600 pages |
| Canon CL-241 | Tri-color | ~180 pages |
| Canon CL-241XL | Tri-color (high yield) | ~400 pages |
*Approximate Canon-rated yields based on ISO/IEC test pages. Real-world results depend on coverage, photo printing, and cleaning cycles.
Common questions about Canon PIXMA MG2120 ink
Standard, XL, or XXL: which should I buy?
For most people, PG-240XL or PG-240XXL black plus CL-241XL color. The XXL black is rated for about 600 pages, more than three times the standard PG-240, so it has the lowest cost per page if you print a lot of text. Only buy standard cartridges 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.
What other printers use PG-240/CL-241 ink?
The same cartridges fit the PIXMA MG3120, MG3520, MG3600, MG3620, MX452, MX470, MX472, MX532, TS5120, MG3220, MG4120, MG4220, MX372, MX392, MX432, MX512, MX522, MG2220, MG3122, MG3222 and MX439. If you own two of these printers, one stock of cartridges covers both.
Will other Canon cartridges fit the MG2120?
No. PG-243/PG-245 and CL-244/CL-246 (used by the PIXMA MG2520 and TS3122) are a smaller cartridge, and PG-210/CL-211 (MX340, MP495) and PG-260/CL-261 (TS5320, TR7020) are different shapes too. None of them will seat in a PG-240/CL-241 printer. Always match the number printed on your current cartridge.
Can I use remanufactured cartridges in the MG2120?
Yes. Using non-Canon cartridges, including our remanufactured PG-240XL and CL-241XL, doesn't void your warranty under U.S. law. The printer may show a message about a non-genuine or refilled cartridge; choose OK or Continue and print normally. More: Compatible vs. remanufactured vs. OEM ink and Does compatible ink void your printer warranty?.
How do I replace the ink in the MG2120?
Turn the printer on and lift the scanner unit; the cartridge holder moves to the center. Push the empty cartridge down to unlock it and lift it out. Unpack the new cartridge, peel off the protective tape (don't touch the gold contacts or the nozzles), slide it in at a slight upward angle, and push it up until it clicks. Black goes on the right and color on the left. Close the cover and run a nozzle check. Walkthrough: How to replace the ink in a Canon PIXMA printer.
What does support code 1686 or 1688 mean?
Code 1686 means the printer can no longer estimate how much ink is left, which is normal after a cartridge runs very low or when a refilled or remanufactured cartridge is installed. Press and hold Stop for about 5 seconds to keep printing; this turns off ink-level detection for that cartridge only. Code 1688 means the ink has run out. See Printer error codes explained.
Why are MG2120 prints faded, streaky, or missing a color?
On this printer the print head is part of each cartridge, so a fresh cartridge often fixes nozzle problems. Before you replace one, run a nozzle check and one or two cleanings from the printer or the Canon driver. If one color is missing from the color cartridge, that color is empty and the whole cartridge needs replacing. Step by step: How to clean Canon printer heads and Faded or streaky prints: causes and fixes.
Does the MG2120 have Wi-Fi?
No. The MG2120 connects by USB only. The PIXMA MG3120 is the wireless version that uses the same ink.
MG2120 key facts
- Type: USB all-in-one (print, scan, copy)
- Ink: 2 FINE cartridges, PG-240 black + CL-241 color (XL and XXL fit)
- Connectivity: USB
- Wireless sibling with the same ink: PIXMA MG3120
What PIXMA MG2120 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.
How fast does it print?
Canon rates it at about 8.4 pages a minute in black and 4.8 in color (ESAT), and about 44 seconds for a borderless 4 × 6 photo.
What's the largest paper it takes?
Legal. The 100-sheet rear feeder also takes 4 × 6, 5 × 7, 8 × 10, Letter and #10 envelopes.
Is Canon still supporting the MG2120?
No. Canon lists it as a retired product, so don't expect new drivers or updates.
What are the Canon part numbers?
PG-240 black is 5207B001, PG-240XL is 5206B001 and PG-240XXL is 5204B001. CL-241 color is 5209B001 and CL-241XL is 5208B001.
PIXMA MG2120 quirks worth knowing
- It has a simple 7-segment LED display instead of a screen, so problems show up as short codes rather than messages.
- The print head is built into the two FINE cartridges: 1,792 nozzles in all, 1,152 for color and 640 for black. A new cartridge is also a new set of nozzles.
- The copier can reduce or enlarge from 25% to 400% and do 2-in-1 and 4-in-1 copies.
Other printers that use PG-240 and CL-241
Canon PIXMA MG3620 · Canon PIXMA MG3600 · Canon PIXMA MX470 · Canon PIXMA MG3520 · Canon PIXMA MG3120 · Canon PIXMA TS5120 · Canon PIXMA MX472 · Canon PIXMA MX452
More Canon ink guides: Canon PIXMA TS3722 · Canon PIXMA TR4720 · Canon PIXMA TS3322 · 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 10, 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.