What Ink Does the Canon PIXMA MG3520 Use?
Last Updated:Last updated: September 27, 2026. Reviewed by William Elward, founder of Castle Ink.
Quick answer: what ink does the Canon PIXMA MG3520 use?
The Canon PIXMA MG3520 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 MG3520 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 MG2120, MG3120, MG3600, MG3620, MX452, MX470, MX472, MX532, TS5120, MG3220, MG4120, MG4220, MX372, MX392, MX432, MX512, and MX522. If you own two of these printers, one stock of cartridges covers both.
Will other Canon cartridges fit the MG3520?
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.
Are compatible or remanufactured cartridges safe for the MG3520?
Yes. Quality compatible and remanufactured cartridges print like OEM, and using them 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 MG3520?
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 MG3520 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 MG3520 work on Wi-Fi?
Yes. It connects over 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and works with the Canon PRINT app. If it keeps dropping off the network, make sure your router broadcasts a 2.4 GHz band. Setup help: How to connect a printer to Wi-Fi.
Does the MG3520 print double-sided?
Yes. It has automatic two-sided printing, which cuts paper use on long documents.
MG3520 key facts
- Type: wireless all-in-one (print, scan, copy)
- Ink: 2 FINE cartridges, PG-240 black + CL-241 color (XL and XXL fit)
- Duplex: automatic
- Connectivity: USB, 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi
Shop MG3520 ink at Castle Ink
- Canon PG-240XL black (remanufactured)
- Canon CL-241XL tri-color (remanufactured)
- PG-240XL black + CL-241XL color 2-pack
- PG-240XXL extra-high-yield black 2-pack
- Browse all Canon ink cartridges
Castle Ink compatibles and remanufactured cartridges typically cost 50–70% less than Canon retail and are backed by our 1-year satisfaction guarantee. Estimate your savings with the Printer ink cost calculator.
Official Canon resources
Canon PIXMA MG3520 support, drivers, and manuals
Related guides
- How to replace the ink in a Canon PIXMA printer
- How to clean Canon printer heads
- Printer says ink cartridge not recognized: how to fix it
- Is XL ink actually worth it? Standard vs. XL with real numbers
- Why is my Canon printer not printing?
- Printer error codes explained
Buy genuine Canon PG-240XL on Amazon: Canon PG-240XL on Amazon
About the author: William Elward is the founder of Castle Ink and has written about printers, ink cartridges, and printing technology for more than 20 years.
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.
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