What Ink Does the Canon PIXMA MG7120 Use?
Last Updated:The Canon PIXMA MG7120 uses a six-cartridge ink system: Canon PGI-250 pigment black plus CLI-251 dye black, gray, cyan, magenta, and yellow. Higher-yield PGI-250XL and CLI-251XL versions are fully compatible for users who print photos 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 GY | Gray | ~125 photos | Smoother grayscale photos |
| 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 photo printing |
The PGI-250 / CLI-251 family also serves the PIXMA MG5520, MG5620, MG6320, MG6420, MG6620, MG7520, MX722, MX922, IP7220, IX6820, and IP8720 — though only MG7120 / MG7520 / MG6320 / IP8720 also accept the dedicated CLI-251 Gray.
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 MG7120
- Power on the printer and the front output tray will open automatically.
- Lift the top scanner cover until it locks open, then wait for the cartridge holder to slide to the center.
- Press down on the empty cartridge tab and pull it up and out of the holder.
- Unbox 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 print head replacement is needed.
Faded grayscale photos. Verify the CLI-251 Gray cartridge is installed and properly seated — the printer needs it for monochrome photo output.
Wi-Fi setup issues. The MG7120 uses 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi only — confirm 2.4 GHz is broadcast and use Canon's setup utility for your platform.
Official Canon Resources
For drivers, firmware, and the user manual visit the Canon PIXMA MG7120 support page or the main Canon support portal.
Bottom Line
The Canon PIXMA MG7120 is a flagship 6-ink wireless all-in-one with NFC and a 3.5" touchscreen, and the dedicated CLI-251 Gray cartridge dramatically improves B&W photo quality. Shop compatible MG7120 ink at Castle Ink for the best savings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ink does the Canon PIXMA MG7120 use?
Canon PGI-250 pigment black plus CLI-251 black, gray, cyan, magenta, and yellow — XL versions also fit.
How many cartridges does the MG7120 take?
Six — one pigment black, one photo (dye) black, gray, cyan, magenta, and yellow.
Can I run the MG7120 without the Gray cartridge?
No — all six tanks must be installed for the printer to operate.
Does the MG7120 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.