What Ink Does the Canon PIXMA MP480 Use?
Last Updated:Quick answer: The Canon PIXMA MP480 uses two cartridges: a PG-210 black and a CL-211 tri-color. The high-yield PG-210XL and CL-211XL versions fit too. Castle Ink stocks remanufactured PG-210XL Black, CL-211XL Color and a combo pack.
The MP480 takes the same cartridges as the PIXMA MP280 and MP250. Each cartridge has its own print head built in, so a fresh cartridge also means fresh nozzles.
CastleScore · October 2026
69/100 — Situational
Canon PIXMA MP480
| Pillar (weight) | Score | What it is based on |
|---|---|---|
| Owner ratings (28%) | — | No retailer rating with enough reviews to use. |
| Expert reviews (18%) | — | Reviewed by Macworld in 2008, without a numeric score we could verify. |
| Cost per page (24%) | 81 | About 5.5¢ per page blended (black + color) with our remanufactured PG-210XL (401 pages) and CL-211XL (349 pages). |
| Reliability (13%) | 80 | Most-reported problems: U051/U052 'cartridge not recognized' errors; U162/U163 ink-out warnings after refills; 'ink absorber full', with Canon no longer making parts; paper jams from the rear feeder |
| Features (12%) | 48 | Print, copy, scan, color LCD, memory card slots. No Wi-Fi, no document feeder, no auto two-sided printing, no fax. |
| 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 and retired. Canon launched the MP480 in August 2008 at about $99.99 and now lists it as retired, with no further support. PG-210 and CL-211 cartridges are still sold.
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 15, 2026. It is not a customer review. See every ranked printer or how the score works.
The cartridges, pictured
PG-210XL + CL-211XL 2-packBlack + Color
PG-210XL Black2973B001 · ~401 pages
CL-211XL Tri-color2975B001 · ~349 pages
PG-210XL + CL-211XL 2-pack
PG-210XL Black
CL-211XL Tri-colorOur own remanufactured cartridges, photographed in-house.
What Ink Cartridges Does the Canon PIXMA MP480 Take?
| Cartridge | Canon part no. | Approx. yield | Castle Ink option |
|---|---|---|---|
| PG-210 Black | 2974B001 | ~220 pages | — |
| PG-210XL Black | 2973B001 | ~401 pages | Remanufactured PG-210XL Black |
| CL-211 Color | 2976B001 | ~244 pages | — |
| CL-211XL Color | 2975B001 | ~349 pages | Remanufactured CL-211XL Color |
Yields come from retailer listings of Canon's ratings.
Is XL Worth It?
Yes. On October 15, 2026, Staples listed Canon's PG-210XL at $39.99 (about 10¢ a page) and the CL-211XL at $46.99. Our remanufactured PG-210XL is $19.95 (about 5¢ a page) and CL-211XL $21.95, or $35.99 for the combo pack.
How Do I Replace the Ink in the Canon PIXMA MP480?
- Turn the printer on and lift the scanning unit until it locks open. 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 pull off the orange protective tape. Don't touch the electrical contacts or the nozzles.
- Slide the cartridge in at a slant (color on the left, black on the right) and push it up until it clicks.
- Close the scanning unit and wait for the automatic head cleaning to finish before printing.
Which Other Printers Use PG-210 and CL-211?
The PIXMA iP2702, MP240, MP250, MP270, MP280, MP490, MP495, MX320, MX330, MX340, MX350, MX360, MX410 and MX420.
What PIXMA MP480 owners ask
These are the questions that come up most for this printer in Canon's support community and owner reviews, answered in our words.
What do errors U051 and U052 mean?
The printer doesn't recognize a cartridge. Lift the scanning unit, take the cartridge out and reinstall it until it locks, and wipe the contacts if needed. If the error persists, the cartridge or printer needs service.
What do U162 and U163 mean?
Ink is low or out, or the printer can't track the level after a refill. To keep printing without ink-level detection, hold Stop/Reset for at least five seconds.
It says the ink absorber is full.
The waste-ink pads are full. You can keep printing for a while, but the printer will eventually stop. Canon no longer makes parts for the MP480, so most owners replace the printer at that point.
Does the MP480 have Wi-Fi?
No. It connects by USB, with PictBridge, memory card slots and an optional Bluetooth adapter.
PIXMA MP480 quirks worth knowing
- Canon quoted up to 20 pages a minute in black and 16 in color, using its pre-ISO method, and a borderless 4x6 photo in about 45 seconds.
- It prints, copies and scans, with a 1.8-inch color screen.
- Paper loads into a 100-sheet rear feeder.
- There's no fax, document feeder or automatic two-sided printing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ink does the Canon PIXMA MP480 use?
PG-210 or PG-210XL black and CL-211 or CL-211XL color.
Can I get the MP480 repaired?
Canon has retired the model and no longer offers support, driver updates or parts such as ink absorber pads.
Do PG-240 or PG-245 cartridges fit?
No. They're for newer PIXMA models.
Other printers that use PG-210 and CL-211
Canon PIXMA MP280 · Canon PIXMA MP250
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 15, 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.