What Ink Does the Canon PIXMA MX472 Use?
Last Updated:The Canon PIXMA MX472 is a wireless office all-in-one with fax that uses two cartridges: Canon PG-240 black and CL-241 tri-color (cyan, magenta, yellow). Standard, XL, and XXL high-yield versions are available so you can balance ink cost against print volume.
Ink Cartridges at a Glance
| Cartridge | Color | Yield Options |
|---|---|---|
| PG-240 | Black | Standard, XL, XXL |
| CL-241 | Tri-color | Standard, XL |
The PG-240/CL-241 cartridge family is also used by other Canon PIXMA models including the MG2120, MG2220, MG3120, MG3220, MG3520, MG3620, MX372, MX392, MX432, MX452, MX512, and MX532. If you own multiple printers in this family you can stock a single set.
Save on PG-240 and CL-241 Ink
Castle Ink offers compatible PG-240 and CL-241 cartridges at significant savings versus OEM with matching page yields. Shop PG-240 black or browse CL-241 tri-color for your MX472.
How to Replace Ink in the Canon PIXMA MX472
- Power on the printer and open the front cover; the cartridge holder slides to the access position.
- Press down on the empty cartridge and pull it forward out of its slot.
- Unwrap the new cartridge and remove the orange protective tape covering the contacts.
- Insert the cartridge at an angle and press up until it clicks securely into place.
- Close the front cover and let the printer run a print head alignment if prompted.
Troubleshooting Tips
Cartridge not recognized: Remove the cartridge, wipe its gold contacts and the print head with a lint-free cloth, and reseat firmly.
Faded or streaky prints: Run a print head cleaning from the printer Setup menu. Repeat up to three times before swapping cartridges.
Fax can't send: The MX472 will refuse to fax if the black cartridge is empty; replace the PG-240 to restore fax functionality.
Low ink warning that won't clear: Hold the Stop button for at least five seconds to acknowledge low-ink alerts and continue printing.
Official Canon Resources
Canon MX472 Support Page | Canon Genuine Ink
Bottom Line
The Canon PIXMA MX472 uses the simple two-cartridge PG-240/CL-241 system. Choose XL or XXL yields for the lowest cost per page, and consider Castle Ink's compatibles for additional savings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will PG-245 cartridges fit the MX472? No, the MX472 requires PG-240/CL-241; PG-245/CL-246 cartridges have different chips and won't fit.
Are XL or XXL cartridges worth the extra cost? Yes, XL and XXL yields deliver substantially lower per-page costs than standard cartridges.
Can I print black-only when the color cartridge is empty? Yes, the MX472 supports black-only printing if the CL-241 is empty, when enabled in printer preferences.
Will compatibles void my Canon warranty? No, compatible cartridges do not void your warranty under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act unless they cause damage.
How can I check ink levels? View ink levels from the printer's Setup menu or via the Canon software on your computer.
Written by William Elward, founder of Castle Ink, with 20+ years of experience in the printer and ink industry.