What Ink Does the Canon PIXMA MG6120 Use?
Last Updated:Correction (October 2026): an earlier version of this guide said the MG6120 prints on CDs and DVDs. It does not; disc printing is not one of its features.
Quick answer: The Canon PIXMA MG6120 uses six ink tanks: PGI-225 pigment black plus CLI-226 black, gray, cyan, magenta and yellow. Castle Ink’s remanufactured PGI-225 black is $9.95 and each CLI-226 color is $8.95, so a full set costs about $55.
CastleScore · October 2026
69/100 — Situational
Canon PIXMA MG6120
| Pillar (weight) | Score | What it is based on |
|---|---|---|
| Owner ratings (28%) | — | No retailer rating with enough reviews to use. |
| Expert reviews (18%) | — | No published numeric expert score we could verify. |
| Cost per page (24%) | 88 | About 3.3¢ per page blended (black + color) with our remanufactured PGI-225 (340 pages) and CLI-226 colors (about 510 pages). |
| Reliability (13%) | 87 | Most-reported problems: print-head failure errors on this PIXMA generation |
| Features (12%) | 68 | Print, copy, scan, auto two-sided printing, Wi-Fi, Ethernet. No document feeder, no fax, no touchscreen. |
| Value (5%) | — | Running cost and owner satisfaction |
Limited data: We could not find enough owner ratings or published expert scores for this printer, so those weights are spread across the other pillars. With neither owner ratings nor a published expert score, we cap this printer at 69 (Situational) until better data is available.
Discontinued. Canon has retired the MG6120 and no longer updates its drivers; the MG6220 replaced it. PGI-225 and CLI-226 tanks are still easy to find.
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-225 / CLI-226 5-packPGBK + BK/C/M/Y
PGI-225 Black4530B001 · ~340 pages
CLI-226 Cyan4547B001
CLI-226 Magenta4548B001
PGI-225 / CLI-226 5-pack
PGI-225 Black
CLI-226 Cyan
CLI-226 MagentaOur own remanufactured cartridges, photographed in-house.
What Ink Cartridges Does the Canon PIXMA MG6120 Use?
| Cartridge | Color | Approx. yield | Castle Ink |
|---|---|---|---|
| PGI-225 BK | Pigment black (text) | ~341 pages | PGI-225 black, $9.95 |
| CLI-226 BK | Dye black (photos) | ~510 pages | CLI-226 black, $8.95 |
| CLI-226 GY | Gray | ~510 pages | CLI-226 gray, $8.95 |
| CLI-226 C | Cyan | ~510 pages | CLI-226 cyan, $8.95 |
| CLI-226 M | Magenta | ~510 pages | CLI-226 magenta, $8.95 |
| CLI-226 Y | Yellow | ~510 pages | CLI-226 yellow, $8.95 |
| PGI-225 / CLI-226 set | Multipack | 12 cartridges | 12-pack, $99.95 |
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 MG6120?
PGI-225/CLI-226 tanks also fit the PIXMA MG5120, MG5220, MG5320, MG6220, MG8120 and MG8220, the iP4820 and iP4920, the iX6520, and the MX882 and MX892. Five-ink models in this family don’t use the gray tank. Look up any model in our find ink by printer directory.
What Is the Cheapest Ink for the MG6120?
Remanufactured PGI-225/CLI-226 tanks are the cheapest option by far. Canon's own tanks cost more: 4inkjets lists the genuine CLI-226 gray at $22.99. Castle Ink’s tanks are $8.95–$9.95 each, and because each color is separate, you only replace the one that runs out. For heavy users, the 12-pack brings the per-tank price down further.
Why Does the MG6120 Have Two Black Inks and a Gray?
The PGI-225 pigment black gives sharp, smudge-resistant text on plain paper. The CLI-226 dye black blends with the colors for photos, and the CLI-226 gray improves neutral tones and black-and-white photos. The printer uses all six, so replace each when it runs low.
How Do I Replace the Ink in the Canon PIXMA MG6120?
- 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 MG6120?
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 your warranty, but Canon won't cover damage it attributes to that ink (here's why).
Why Does My MG6120 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. Canon has retired the MG6120 and posts no firmware for it, so a firmware block on third-party tanks is unlikely. Full steps: ink cartridge not recognized.
How Do I Fix Streaky or Faded Prints on the MG6120?
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 MG6120's Key Features?
The PIXMA MG6120 is a six-ink photo all-in-one (print, scan, copy) with automatic two-sided printing, touch-sensitive lid buttons, a tilting 3-inch screen, a memory card reader, Wi-Fi and Ethernet. It has no automatic document feeder and no CD/DVD printing.
Is the MG6120 Still Worth Using in 2026?
Yes, if it still prints well. The MG6120 is discontinued, but PGI-225/CLI-226 tanks remain inexpensive. Its print head is separate from the ink tanks, so if cleaning can’t fix missing colors, the head may need replacing, which usually 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 MG6120 support page.
Canon PIXMA MG6120 Ink FAQs
What ink does the Canon PIXMA MG6120 use?
Canon PGI-225 pigment black plus CLI-226 black, gray, cyan, magenta and yellow ink tanks.
Does the MG6120 use PGI-220 or CLI-221 ink?
No. The MG6120 uses PGI-225/CLI-226. Check the part number on your old tank before ordering.
Can I print without the gray tank?
No. All six tanks must be installed for the printer to work.
Does the MG6120 print on CDs and DVDs?
No. Disc printing isn't in Canon's MG6120 specifications, and a Canon rep confirmed the disc-tray option isn't available on this model.
Are remanufactured cartridges safe for the MG6120?
Yes, from a reputable seller. See are compatible ink cartridges 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 PIXMA MG6120 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.
Can I print on PVC ID cards with it?
No. Canon support has said PVC inkjet cards aren't supported on the MG6120.
Can it print borderless photos on both sides automatically?
No. Automatic two-sided printing works for regular pages, but borderless pages can't be printed two-sided.
Is Canon still updating drivers for the MG6120?
No. Canon lists the MG6120 as a retired model, so driver and content updates have ended. The drivers already posted on its support page are what you get.
Can I connect it to my network with a cable?
Yes. Besides Wi-Fi it has an Ethernet port on the back, plus USB.
PIXMA MG6120 quirks worth knowing
- It has two 150-sheet paper sources: a front cassette and a rear auto sheet feeder. That makes it easy to keep plain paper and photo paper loaded at the same time.
- The 3-inch screen tilts up to about 85 degrees. The lit buttons on the lid are touch-sensitive, but the screen itself is not a touchscreen.
- Along with Wi-Fi and Ethernet it has IrDA and an optional Bluetooth adapter (BU-30), which is unusual for a home photo all-in-one.
- Canon advises letting prints on glossy photo paper dry about 15 minutes before stacking them and 24 hours to dry fully. The dye inks are not suited to instant-dry porous papers.
Same ink, other models: the PIXMA MG6220 also uses PGI-225 black plus CLI-226 black, gray, cyan, magenta and yellow tanks.
Other printers that use PGI-225 and CLI-226
Canon PIXMA MG5320 · Canon PIXMA MX892
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.