What Ink Does the Canon PIXMA TS3120 Use?
Last Updated:The Canon PIXMA TS3120 is a compact wireless all-in-one inkjet that uses two cartridges: Canon PG-245 black and CL-246 tri-color (cyan, magenta, yellow). Standard, XL, and XXL high-yield versions are available so you can choose the best value for your print volume.
Ink Cartridges at a Glance
| Cartridge | Color | Yield Options |
|---|---|---|
| PG-245 | Black | Standard, XL, XXL |
| CL-246 | Tri-color | Standard, XL |
The PG-245/CL-246 cartridge family is also used by other Canon PIXMA models including the MG2522, MG2920, MG3022, MG3029, MG3620, MX490, MX492, TR4520, TS202, TS302, TS3122, TS3322, and TS3322. Stock one set to cover the whole family.
Save on PG-245 and CL-246 Ink
Castle Ink offers compatible PG-245 and CL-246 cartridges at significant savings versus OEM with matching page yields. Shop PG-245 black or browse CL-246 tri-color for your TS3120.
How to Replace Ink in the Canon PIXMA TS3120
- 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 into place.
- Close the front cover and run a print head alignment from the printer's Setup menu if prompted.
Troubleshooting Tips
Cartridge not recognized: Take the cartridge out, wipe its gold contacts and the print head with a lint-free cloth, and reseat it firmly.
Faded or streaky prints: Run a print head cleaning from Setup > Maintenance. Repeat up to three times before swapping cartridges.
Low ink warning that won't clear: Hold the Stop button for at least five seconds to acknowledge low-ink alerts and continue printing.
One color missing in prints: Because CL-246 is a tri-color cartridge, if one color runs out you'll need to replace the whole cartridge to restore color printing.
Official Canon Resources
Canon TS3120 Support Page | Canon Genuine Ink
Bottom Line
The Canon PIXMA TS3120 uses the simple two-cartridge PG-245/CL-246 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-240 cartridges fit the TS3120? No, the TS3120 requires PG-245/CL-246; PG-240/CL-241 cartridges have different chips and won't be recognized.
Are XL or XXL cartridges worth it? Yes, XL and XXL yields deliver substantially lower per-page cost than standard cartridges.
Can I print black-only when the color cartridge is empty? Yes, the TS3120 supports black-only printing if the CL-246 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 in the Canon software on your computer; the TS3120 displays an alert when ink is low.
Written by William Elward, founder of Castle Ink, with 20+ years of experience in the printer and ink industry.