What Ink Does the Canon PIXMA MG2520 Use?
Last Updated:The Canon PIXMA MG2520 uses Canon PG-240 black and CL-241 tri-color ink cartridges. Higher-yield PG-240XL and CL-241XL versions are available for heavier print loads and a much lower cost-per-page.
Ink Cartridges at a Glance
| Cartridge | Color | Approx. Page Yield | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canon PG-240 | Black | ~180 pages | Light text printing |
| Canon CL-241 | Tri-color | ~180 pages | Light color printing |
| Canon PG-240XL | Black (High Yield) | ~300 pages | Frequent black printing |
| Canon CL-241XL | Tri-color (High Yield) | ~400 pages | Photos and color documents |
| Canon PG-240XXL | Black (Extra High Yield) | ~600 pages | High-volume black printing |
PG-240 and CL-241 also fit the PIXMA MG2120, MG2220, MG3120, MG3122, MG3220, MG3222, MG3520, MG3522, MG3620, MG4120, MG4220, MX372, MX392, MX432, MX439, MX452, MX459, MX472, MX475, MX512, MX522, MX532, and TS5120 — a very broad product family.
Save on PG-240 and CL-241 Ink
Compatible cartridges deliver matching yields and print quality at a much lower price. See our PG-240 / CL-241 selection or step up to PG-240XL / CL-241XL for better economy.
How to Replace Ink in the Canon PIXMA MG2520
- Turn the printer on and open the cover — the cartridge holder will slide to the replacement position.
- Press down gently on the empty cartridge and lift it straight out.
- Unwrap the new cartridge and remove the orange protective tape covering the gold contacts and nozzles.
- Insert the cartridge at a slight angle, then push down until you hear it click into place.
- Close the cover and let the printer run its automatic head alignment.
Troubleshooting Tips
Cartridge not detected. Remove and reinstall, wiping the gold contacts with a dry, lint-free cloth first. Power-cycle the printer if the message persists.
Faded or streaky prints. Run the Print Head Cleaning utility — two cycles will clear most clogs. Follow with a nozzle check pattern.
Black not printing. Try a deep cleaning, and confirm the PG-240 is properly seated and not still wearing its protective orange tape.
Paper jams. Fan the paper stack before loading, keep paper below the MAX line, and never mix sheet sizes in the tray.
Official Canon Resources
For original drivers and the user manual, visit the Canon PIXMA MG2520 support page or the main Canon support portal.
Bottom Line
The Canon PIXMA MG2520 is a basic, USB-connected all-in-one, and the widely-stocked PG-240 / CL-241 cartridges keep replacement costs low. Shop compatible MG2520 ink at Castle Ink for the best savings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ink cartridges does the Canon PIXMA MG2520 use?
Canon PG-240 black and CL-241 tri-color, with PG-240XL/XXL and CL-241XL high-yield options.
Can I use PG-240XL or PG-240XXL in the MG2520?
Yes — both fit and provide 300 and 600 pages respectively versus 180 for the standard PG-240.
Does the MG2520 have Wi-Fi?
No — the MG2520 is USB-only. For wireless, look at the MG3620 or newer TS-series.
Are compatible PG-240 cartridges safe to use?
Yes, quality compatibles match OEM performance and don't void your warranty under federal law.
How long do MG2520 cartridges last?
Roughly 180 pages for standard and up to 600 pages for the XXL black, depending on coverage.
About the Author: William Elward is the founder of Castle Ink and has been writing about printers, ink cartridges, and printing technology for over 20 years.