What Ink Does the Canon PIXMA MG6120 Use?
Last Updated:The Canon PIXMA MG6120 uses a six-cartridge ink system: Canon PGI-225 pigment black plus CLI-226 dye black, gray, cyan, magenta, and yellow. The MG6120 is one of Canon's older 6-tank photo printers, so cartridges may be harder to find at retail but remain stocked through specialty channels.
Ink Cartridges at a Glance
| Cartridge | Color | Approx. Page Yield | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canon PGI-225 | Pigment Black | ~341 pages | Sharp text on plain paper |
| Canon CLI-226 | Dye Black | ~135 photos | Photo black depth |
| Canon CLI-226 GY | Gray | ~135 photos | Smooth grayscale photos |
| Canon CLI-226 C/M/Y | Cyan / Magenta / Yellow | ~510 pages each | Color documents and photos |
The PGI-225 / CLI-226 family also fits the PIXMA MG5120, MG5220, MG5320, MG6220, MG8120, MG8220, IP4820, IP4920, IX6520, MX712, MX882, and MX892. Only the MG6120, MG6220, MG8120, and MG8220 also accept the dedicated CLI-226 Gray.
Save on PGI-225 and CLI-226 Ink
Compatible PGI-225 and CLI-226 cartridges match OEM yield and photo quality at a fraction of retail cost. Browse our PGI-225 / CLI-226 selection to keep your MG6120 running.
How to Replace Ink in the Canon PIXMA MG6120
- Power on the printer and lift the top scanner cover 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 cover 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.
Print head error B200. Power off, remove all cartridges, unplug for 60 seconds, then re-install and power on. Persistent B200 errors usually indicate a print head replacement.
Faded photos. Run a print head cleaning followed by a deep cleaning if needed. Older 6-tank Canons are prone to clogs after long idle periods.
Wi-Fi setup issues. The MG6120 supports 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi. Use Canon's IJ Setup Utility from the original disc or downloaded drivers to complete network setup.
Official Canon Resources
For drivers, firmware, and the user manual visit the Canon PIXMA MG6120 support page or the main Canon support portal.
Bottom Line
The Canon PIXMA MG6120 is a 6-ink wireless photo all-in-one with a touch-sensitive control panel, and the dedicated CLI-226 Gray cartridge dramatically improves B&W photo quality. Shop compatible MG6120 ink at Castle Ink for the best savings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ink does the Canon PIXMA MG6120 use?
Canon PGI-225 pigment black plus CLI-226 black, gray, cyan, magenta, and yellow.
How many cartridges does the MG6120 take?
Six — one pigment black, one photo (dye) black, gray, cyan, magenta, and yellow.
Can I run the MG6120 without the Gray cartridge?
No — all six tanks must be installed for the printer to operate.
Are XL versions of PGI-225 available?
No — PGI-225 and CLI-226 ship in a single standard capacity only.
Are compatible PGI-225 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.
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See also: Which printers work best with compatible ink | Printer Ink Cost Calculator