What Ink Does the Canon PIXMA MG5520 Use?
Last Updated:The Canon PIXMA MG5520 uses a five-cartridge ink system: Canon PGI-250 pigment black plus CLI-251 dye black, cyan, magenta, and yellow. Higher-yield PGI-250XL and CLI-251XL versions are fully compatible for users who print more often.
Ink Cartridges at a Glance
| Cartridge | Color | Approx. Page Yield | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canon PGI-250 | Pigment Black | ~300 pages | Sharp text on plain paper |
| Canon CLI-251 | Dye Black | ~125 photos | Photo black depth |
| Canon CLI-251 C/M/Y | Cyan / Magenta / Yellow | ~298 pages each | Color documents and photos |
| Canon PGI-250XL | Pigment Black (High Yield) | ~500 pages | Frequent text printing |
| Canon CLI-251XL | Color (High Yield) | ~660 pages | Frequent color/photos |
The PGI-250 / CLI-251 family also fits the PIXMA MG5420, MG5422, MG5620, MG6320, MG6420, MG6620, MG7120, MG7520, IP7220, IX6820, IP8720, MX722, MX922, and TS9020 — a very broad Canon 5-tank line.
Save on PGI-250 and CLI-251 Ink
Compatible PGI-250 and CLI-251 cartridges match OEM yield and photo quality at a fraction of retail cost. Browse our PGI-250 / CLI-251 selection or upgrade to high-yield XL versions for the best per-page economy.
How to Replace Ink in the Canon PIXMA MG5520
- Power on the printer and lift the scanner unit until it locks open.
- Wait for the cartridge holder to slide to the center, then press down on the empty cartridge tab and pull it up and out.
- Unwrap the new cartridge and remove the orange protective cap.
- Insert the cartridge into its color-coded slot and press down until the indicator LED lights up.
- Close the scanner unit and let the printer run automatic head alignment.
Troubleshooting Tips
Cartridge not recognized. Remove the cartridge, wipe the gold contacts with a dry, lint-free cloth, and reseat firmly. Power-cycle the printer if needed.
Faded or missing colors. Run a print head cleaning, then a deep cleaning if needed, from the Canon IJ Printer Utility — the 5-tank system is sensitive to clogs after long idle periods.
Wi-Fi setup issues. The MG5520 uses 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi only — confirm 2.4 GHz is broadcast and use Canon's setup utility (older models predate the PRINT mobile app on some platforms).
Print head error B200. Power off, remove all cartridges, unplug for 60 seconds, then re-install cartridges and power on. If the error persists the print head may need professional service.
Official Canon Resources
For drivers, firmware, and the user manual visit the Canon PIXMA MG5520 support page or the main Canon support portal.
Bottom Line
The Canon PIXMA MG5520 is a 5-ink wireless all-in-one, and PGI-250 / CLI-251 cartridges (or XL) deliver excellent text and photo output. Shop compatible MG5520 ink at Castle Ink for the best savings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ink does the Canon PIXMA MG5520 use?
Canon PGI-250 pigment black plus CLI-251 dye black, cyan, magenta, and yellow — XL versions also fit.
How many cartridges does the MG5520 take?
Five — one pigment black, one photo (dye) black, and one each of cyan, magenta, and yellow.
Can I mix standard and XL cartridges?
Yes — the MG5520 accepts any mix of PGI-250 / PGI-250XL and CLI-251 / CLI-251XL.
Does the MG5520 support AirPrint?
Yes — AirPrint and Google Cloud Print (where available) are supported.
Are compatible PGI-250 cartridges safe to use?
Yes — quality compatibles match OEM yield and quality, and federal law protects your warranty.
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.