What Ink Does the Canon PIXMA MG5520 Use?
Last Updated:Quick answer: The Canon PIXMA MG5520 uses five ink tanks: PGI-250 pigment black plus CLI-251 black, cyan, magenta and yellow, in standard or high-yield XL sizes. Castle Ink's remanufactured PGI-250XL and CLI-251XL tanks are $9.95 each, about $50 for a full set.
CastleScore · October 2026
78/100 — Recommended
Canon PIXMA MG5520
| Pillar (weight) | Score | What it is based on |
|---|---|---|
| Owner ratings (28%) | 74 | 3.80★ average across 102 ratings at Amazon (3.8) |
| Expert reviews (18%) | 70 | PCMag 3.5/5 |
| Cost per page (24%) | 90 | About 2.9¢ per page blended (black + color) with our remanufactured PGI-250XL (500 pages) and CLI-251XL colors (about 680 pages). |
| Reliability (13%) | 84 | Most-reported problems: B200 'internal error'. Canon says the printer needs service, and owners report workarounds only let it scan, not print |
| Features (12%) | 64 | Print, copy, scan, auto two-sided printing, Wi-Fi. No document feeder, no fax, no touchscreen. |
| Value (5%) | 82 | Running cost and owner satisfaction |
Discontinued. Canon replaced the MG5520 with the MG5620 in 2014, which takes the same ink. Canon still offers MG5520 drivers.
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 11, 2026. It is not a customer review. See every ranked printer or how the score works.
The cartridges, pictured
PGI-250XL / CLI-251XL 5-packPGBK + BK/C/M/Y
PGI-250XL Black6432B001 · ~500 pages
CLI-251XL Cyan6449B001
CLI-251XL Magenta6450B001
PGI-250XL / CLI-251XL 5-pack
PGI-250XL Black
CLI-251XL Cyan
CLI-251XL MagentaOur own remanufactured cartridges, photographed in-house.
What Ink Cartridges Does the Canon PIXMA MG5520 Use?
| Cartridge | Color | Approx. yield | Castle Ink |
|---|---|---|---|
| PGI-250 / PGI-250XL | Pigment black (text) | ~300 / ~500 pages | PGI-250XL black, $9.95 |
| CLI-251 / CLI-251XL BK | Dye black (photos) | ~1,105 / ~4,425 pages | CLI-251XL black, $9.95 |
| CLI-251 / CLI-251XL C | Cyan | ~298 / ~660 pages | CLI-251XL cyan, $9.95 |
| CLI-251 / CLI-251XL M | Magenta | ~298 / ~660 pages | CLI-251XL magenta, $9.95 |
| CLI-251 / CLI-251XL Y | Yellow | ~298 / ~660 pages | CLI-251XL yellow, $9.95 |
Yields are the manufacturer's ISO estimates at about 5% coverage; photos and heavy graphics use more ink. Castle Ink prices checked September 2026.
Which Printers Use the Same Ink as the MG5520?
PGI-250/CLI-251 tanks fit a large family of PIXMA printers, including the MG5420, MG5620, MG6320, MG6420, MG6620, MG7120, MG7520, iP7220, iP8720, iX6820, MX722 and MX922. Six-ink models (MG6320, MG7120, MG7520, iP8720) also use a CLI-251 gray tank; the MG6420 is five-ink like the MG5520. Look up any model in our find ink by printer directory.
What Is the Cheapest Ink for the MG5520?
Remanufactured XL tanks are the cheapest way to run the MG5520. Canon's original PGI-250XL lists at about $36 and each CLI-251XL at about $23 to $25 at online retailers, so a full XL set is about $133. Castle Ink's tanks are $9.95 each, and since each color is separate you only replace what runs out.
Should I Buy Standard or XL Tanks for the MG5520?
XL. PGI-250XL prints about 500 pages versus about 300 for the standard PGI-250, and CLI-251XL colors roughly double the standard yield, for a much lower cost per page. All sizes fit the same slots, so you can mix them.
How Do I Replace the Ink in the Canon PIXMA MG5520?
- Turn the printer on and open the scanner unit/cover; the print head holder moves to the replacement position.
- Press the tab on the empty ink tank and lift it out.
- Remove the new tank from its packaging, then twist or pull off the orange protective cap (and any film).
- Insert the tank into its matching color slot and press the PUSH mark until it clicks. The tank's lamp should light red.
- Close the cover. If prompted about a non-genuine or refilled cartridge, confirm to continue.
Will Remanufactured Ink Work in the MG5520?
Yes. Canon PIXMA printers are generally friendly to third-party cartridges. You may see a message that a non-genuine or refilled cartridge is installed, or that the ink level can't be detected; confirm to continue printing, and keep a spare of the colors you use most since levels may not display. Using third-party ink doesn't void Canon's warranty, but Canon won't cover damage it attributes to that ink (here's why).
Why Does My MG5520 Say the Cartridge Isn't Recognized?
Remove the cartridge, make sure all protective tape and caps are off, wipe the chip or copper contacts gently with a dry lint-free cloth, and reinstall until it clicks. Confirm the part number matches this printer, then restart. We have found no Canon firmware that blocks third-party PGI-250/CLI-251 cartridges. Full steps: ink cartridge not recognized.
How Do I Fix Streaky or Faded Prints on the MG5520?
From the printer's Setup/Maintenance menu (or the Canon IJ utility on your computer), print a nozzle check, then run one Cleaning cycle and check again; use Deep Cleaning only if needed. See how to clean Canon printer heads.
What Are the Canon PIXMA MG5520's Key Features?
The PIXMA MG5520 is a five-ink wireless all-in-one (print, scan, copy) for homes, with automatic two-sided printing, Wi-Fi, and AirPrint and Canon PRINT app support.
Is the MG5520 Still Worth Using in 2026?
Yes, if it prints well. The MG5520 is discontinued, but PGI-250/CLI-251 tanks are among the most widely available Canon inks. Its print head is separate from the tanks; if cleaning can't restore missing colors, the head may need replacing, which often costs more than a new printer. Compare current models in our printer buying guide, or take the ~60-second PrinterIQ Finder quiz.
For drivers and the manual, visit the Canon PIXMA MG5520 support page.
Canon PIXMA MG5520 Ink FAQs
What ink does the Canon PIXMA MG5520 use?
Canon PGI-250 pigment black plus CLI-251 black, cyan, magenta and yellow tanks, in standard or XL sizes.
Can I mix standard and XL tanks?
Yes. PGI-250 and PGI-250XL (and CLI-251/251XL) fit the same slots.
Can I use PGI-270 or CLI-271 tanks in the MG5520?
No. PGI-270/CLI-271 tanks look similar but are for newer models and won't be recognized.
Are remanufactured cartridges safe for the MG5520?
Yes, from a reputable seller. See our guide on whether third-party cartridges are safe.
Need help choosing? Contact us with your printer model. Orders placed by 4 PM ET Monday–Friday ship the same day, with free shipping over $50.
What MG5520 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.
My MG5520 shows B200. Is there a fix?
Canon describes B200 as an internal hardware error and says the printer needs service. Its staff offered no do-it-yourself fix, and new ink won't clear it.
It scans if I open and close the cover, but B200 comes back when I print. Why?
Scanning doesn't use the print head. B200 is tied to the head and printing hardware, so the error returns as soon as the printer tries to print.
Why does the CLI-251 black last so much longer than the PGI-250 black?
The CLI-251 dye black is used mostly for photos and color blends, so it is rated for about 1,105 pages (4,425 XL). The PGI-250 pigment black prints your text and is rated for about 300 pages (500 XL).
How fast does it print?
Canon rates it at about 12.2 pages a minute in black and 8.7 in color, and about 44 seconds for a borderless 4x6 photo.
If I replace it with an MG5620, can I keep my spare tanks?
Yes. Canon replaced the MG5520 with the MG5620 in 2014, and both use the same PGI-250 and CLI-251 tanks.
MG5520 quirks worth knowing
- It uses two blacks: pigment PGI-250 for sharp text and dye CLI-251 BK for photos. Both need to be installed.
- The print head is separate from the ink tanks. When it fails, the printer shows support code B200, which Canon treats as a service repair.
- Some Canon replies refer to the MG5522, a variant of the MG5520 that takes the same tanks.
- Canon replaced it with the MG5620 about a year after its 2013 launch.
Other printers that use PGI-250 and CLI-251
Canon PIXMA iX6820 · Canon PIXMA MX922 · Canon PIXMA iP8720 · Canon PIXMA MG6320 · Canon PIXMA MG6620 · Canon PIXMA MG7520 · Canon PIXMA MG6420 · Canon PIXMA MX722
More Canon ink guides: Canon PIXMA TS3722 · Canon PIXMA TR4720 · Canon PIXMA MG3600 · 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 11, 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.