What Ink Does the Canon PIXMA MP280 Use?
Last Updated:Quick answer: The Canon PIXMA MP280 uses two FINE cartridges: PG-210 black and CL-211 color (cyan, magenta and yellow in one cartridge). The high-yield PG-210XL Black and CL-211XL Color fit the same slots and print far more pages, so XL is the one to buy.
Canon PIXMA MP280 Ink Cartridges at a Glance
| Cartridge | Part Number | Color | Approx. Page Yield |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canon PG-210 | 2974B001 | Black | ~220 pages |
| Canon CL-211 | 2976B001 | Tri-Color | ~244 pages |
| Canon PG-210XL | 2973B001 | Black (high yield) | ~401 pages |
| Canon CL-211XL | 2975B001 | Tri-Color (high yield) | ~349 pages |
On this printer the print head is part of each cartridge, so every new cartridge comes with fresh nozzles. The color cartridge holds all three colors, so when one runs out the whole cartridge needs replacing.
The MP280 is a USB home all-in-one: print, scan and copy, with a flatbed scanner and a rear paper tray. It has no Wi-Fi and no automatic two-sided printing. The same PG-210 / CL-211 cartridges fit the PIXMA MP240, MP250, MP270, MP480, MP490, MP495, MP499, MX320, MX330, MX340, MX350, MX410, MX420 and iP2700.
Do not confuse PG-210 / CL-211 with PG-240 / CL-241 (MG2120, MG3120, MX472) or PG-245 / CL-246 (MG2520, TS3122). They will not seat in the MP280.
Save on PG-210XL / CL-211XL
Castle Ink's PG-210XL Black and CL-211XL Color cost a fraction of Canon XL. Every cartridge is tested, backed by a 1-year guarantee, and ships free on orders over $50. Printing checks? We also carry a PG-210XL Black MICR cartridge. See the real cost per page with our printer ink cost calculator.
How to Replace Ink in the Canon PIXMA MP280
- Turn the printer on and lift the scanning unit (cover) until it stops. The cartridge holder moves to the center.
- Push the empty cartridge down until it clicks, then lift it out.
- Unpack the new cartridge and gently peel off the protective tape. Do not touch the gold contacts or the nozzles.
- Slide the cartridge into its slot at a slight upward angle — black on the right, color on the left — and push it up until it clicks.
- Close the scanning unit and run a nozzle check.
Troubleshooting Tips
Cartridge not recognized or not installed: Remove the cartridge, check the tape is fully off, and reinstall it until it clicks. Wipe the gold contacts with a dry lint-free cloth if needed.
Ink level cannot be detected: Normal with refilled or remanufactured cartridges. Press and hold Stop/Reset for about 5 seconds to keep printing. Ink level detection turns off for that cartridge only.
Faded or streaky prints: Run a nozzle check and one or two cleanings from the printer or the Canon driver. Because the print head is part of the cartridge, a cartridge that still prints badly after that needs replacing. More: how to clean Canon printer heads.
Official Canon PIXMA MP280 Resources
Bottom Line
The Canon PIXMA MP280 runs on PG-210 and CL-211. Buy the XL versions, replace them together, and this older PIXMA will keep printing cheaply for years.
Written and reviewed by William Elward — Founder of Castle Ink, 20+ years in the printer & imaging supplies industry. Last updated October 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use PG-210XL in the MP280?
Yes. Standard and XL cartridges use the same slot. XL only adds capacity.
Does the MP280 work with only one cartridge?
No. Both the black and the color cartridge must be installed for the printer to work.
Does the MP280 have Wi-Fi?
No. It connects by USB only.
Does using compatible or remanufactured cartridges void my warranty?
No. Under the U.S. Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, a manufacturer cannot void your printer warranty only because you used third-party cartridges. Damage proven to be caused by a specific cartridge would not be covered, but the rest of the warranty still applies.
How are these page yields measured?
They are approximate figures based on Canon's ISO/IEC 24711 testing. Real results depend on what you print, how often, and how much color is on the page.
Shop Compatible Ink at Castle Ink
Find the right cartridge for the Canon PIXMA MP280 and every other printer we cover on the Find Ink by Printer page, or work through a fault at our printer troubleshooting center.
Looking for a newer Canon printer? Canon PIXMA printers on Amazon — as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
See also: printer says ink cartridge not recognized | faded or streaky prints | printer printing the wrong colors
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