What Ink Does the Canon PIXMA MG3120 Use?
Last Updated:The Canon PIXMA MG3120 is an entry-level wireless all-in-one inkjet that uses just two cartridges: Canon PG-240 black and CL-241 tri-color (cyan, magenta, yellow). Standard, XL, and XXL high-yield versions are available so you can choose the best value for your print volume.
Ink Cartridges at a Glance
| Cartridge | Color | Yield Options |
|---|---|---|
| PG-240 | Black | Standard, XL, XXL |
| CL-241 | Tri-color | Standard, XL |
The PG-240/CL-241 cartridge family is also used by other Canon PIXMA models including the MG2120, MG2220, MG3220, MG3520, MG3620, MX372, MX392, MX432, MX452, MX472, MX512, and MX532. If you own several of these printers you can stock a single set.
Save on PG-240 and CL-241 Ink
Castle Ink offers compatible PG-240 and CL-241 cartridges at significant savings versus OEM prices with the same page yield. Shop PG-240 black or browse CL-241 tri-color for your MG3120.
How to Replace Ink in the Canon PIXMA MG3120
- Power on the MG3120 and open the front cover; the cartridge holder slides to the center.
- Press down on the empty cartridge and pull it forward out of its slot.
- Unwrap the new cartridge and remove the orange protective tape from the contacts.
- Insert the cartridge at an angle and press up until it clicks into place.
- Close the front cover and run a print head alignment if prompted.
Troubleshooting Tips
Cartridge not recognized: Remove the cartridge, wipe the gold contacts and copper print head with a lint-free cloth, and reseat firmly.
Faded or streaky prints: Run a print head cleaning via Setup > Maintenance. Repeat up to three times before swapping cartridges.
Low ink warning that won't clear: Hold the Stop/Reset button for at least five seconds to dismiss low-ink alerts and continue printing.
Tri-color shows wrong color: The CL-241 contains all three colors; if one is empty you must replace the whole cartridge to restore color printing.
Official Canon Resources
Canon MG3120 Support Page | Canon Genuine Ink
Bottom Line
The Canon PIXMA MG3120 uses the simple two-cartridge PG-240/CL-241 system. Choose XL or XXL yields for the lowest cost per page, and consider Castle Ink's compatibles for additional savings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will PG-245 cartridges fit the MG3120? No, the MG3120 requires the PG-240/CL-241 family; PG-245/CL-246 cartridges are different and won't fit.
Are XL yields worth the extra cost? Yes, XL and XXL cartridges deliver a substantially lower cost per page than standard yields.
Can I print in black only when the color cartridge is empty? Yes, the MG3120 supports black-only printing if the CL-241 is empty, but you'll need to enable that mode in printer preferences.
Do compatible cartridges void my warranty? No, using compatible cartridges does not void your Canon warranty under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act unless they cause direct damage.
How can I check ink levels? Use the Canon software on your computer; the MG3120 does not display ink levels on the printer itself.
Written by William Elward, founder of Castle Ink, with 20+ years of experience in the printer and ink industry.