What Ink Does the Canon PIXMA TS3122 Use?
Last Updated:CastleScore · October 2026
69/100 — Situational
Canon PIXMA TS3122
| Pillar (weight) | Score | What it is based on |
|---|---|---|
| Owner ratings (28%) | — | No retailer rating with enough reviews to use. |
| Expert reviews (18%) | 60 | PCMag (TS3120) 3.0/5 |
| Cost per page (24%) | 73 | About 7.7¢ per page blended (black + color) with our remanufactured PG-245XL and CL-246XL (about 300 pages each). |
| Reliability (13%) | 87 | Most-reported problems: cartridge not recognized errors on the PG-243/245 family of FINE cartridges |
| Features (12%) | 56 | Print, copy, scan, Wi-Fi. No document feeder, no auto two-sided printing, no fax, no touchscreen. |
| Value (5%) | — | Running cost and owner satisfaction |
Limited data: We could not find enough owner ratings for this printer, so that weight is spread across the other pillars.
Availability unclear. We couldn't confirm the TS3122 is still sold new; B&H lists its sibling, the TS3120, as no longer available. PG-245 and CL-246 cartridges are still widely 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 11, 2026. It is not a customer review. See every ranked printer or how the score works.
The cartridges, pictured
PG-245XL + CL-246XL 2-packBlack + Color
PG-245XL Black8278B001 · ~300 pages
CL-246XL Tri-color8280B001 · ~300 pages
PG-245XL + CL-246XL 2-pack
PG-245XL Black
CL-246XL Tri-colorOur own remanufactured cartridges, photographed in-house.
Quick answer: what ink does the Canon PIXMA TS3122 use?
The Canon PIXMA TS3122 uses two FINE cartridges: one black and one tri-color (cyan, magenta, yellow in a single cartridge). In the U.S. it ships with Canon PG-243 black and CL-244 color, and it also accepts PG-245 / CL-246 and the high-yield PG-245XL / CL-246XL. All three sizes fit the same slots, so the XL pair is the lowest-cost-per-page choice for most people.
Cartridge options at a glance
| Cartridge | Color | Approx. page yield* | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canon PG-243 | Black | Low-capacity (5.6 ml) | Occasional printing |
| Canon CL-244 | Tri-color | Low-capacity (6.2 ml) | Occasional color |
| Canon PG-245 | Black | ~180 pages | Light, regular text printing |
| Canon CL-246 | Tri-color | ~180 pages | Light color printing |
| PG-245XL black | Black (high yield) | ~300 pages | Homework, forms, frequent text |
| CL-246XL tri-color | Tri-color (high yield) | ~300 pages | Photos and color documents |
*Canon-rated yields based on ISO/IEC 24711 test pages. Real-world yield depends on coverage, photo printing, and how often the printer runs cleaning cycles.
Common questions about Canon PIXMA TS3122 ink
Which cartridge should I buy for the PIXMA TS3122: standard or XL?
Buy the XL pair unless you print only a few pages a month. The PG-245XL black and CL-246XL tri-color hold more ink than the standard pair. Canon lists 12.0 ml for PG-245XL against 8.9 ml for PG-245 (about 35% more), and 13.0 ml for CL-246XL against 9.0 ml for CL-246 (about 44% more). PG-245XL holds a little over twice the ink in PG-243 (5.6 ml). The only reason to buy standard cartridges is if the printer sits idle for months, since ink can dry out before you use it. See Is XL ink actually worth it? Standard vs. XL with real numbers for the math.
What's the difference between PG-243 and PG-245?
They are the same size and shape and use the same slot. PG-243 is Canon's lower-capacity “starter/value” cartridge (about 5.6 ml of ink); PG-245 holds 8.9 ml and PG-245XL 12.0 ml. The color cartridges follow the same pattern: CL-244 holds 6.2 ml, CL-246 9.0 ml and CL-246XL 13.0 ml. You can switch between them at any time. For the most predictable ink-level readings, replace black with black and color with color from the same series when you can.
Can I mix an XL black with a standard color cartridge?
Yes. The black and color cartridges are read independently, so a PG-245XL black with a CL-244 or CL-246 color works fine. Many people buy XL black only, because text uses black much faster than color.
What other printers use the same cartridges as the PIXMA TS3122?
The PG-243/245 and CL-244/246 family is one of Canon's most widely used. It also fits the PIXMA TS202, PIXMA TS302, PIXMA TS3120, PIXMA TS3320, PIXMA TS3322, PIXMA MG2420, PIXMA MG2520, PIXMA MG2522, PIXMA MG2525, PIXMA MG2920, PIXMA MG3022, PIXMA MG3029, PIXMA MX490, PIXMA MX492, PIXMA TR4520, PIXMA TR4522, PIXMA TR4527, PIXMA iP2820, plus the PIXMA MG2922, MG2924, and MG3020. If you own two of these printers, one stock of cartridges covers both.
Are compatible or remanufactured cartridges safe for the PIXMA TS3122?
Yes. Canon doesn't block them; refilled and remanufactured cartridges just can't report ink levels, so you'll need the Stop-button step described below. Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, Canon can't void your warranty just because you used third-party ink. We sell remanufactured PG-245XL black and CL-246XL tri-color cartridges. For the differences between cartridge types, read Compatible vs. remanufactured vs. OEM ink and Does compatible ink void your printer warranty?.
How do I replace the ink in the PIXMA TS3122?
Turn the printer on and open the paper output cover and top cover; the holder slides to the center. Push down on the empty cartridge and lift it out. Remove the new cartridge from its bag, peel off the orange protective tape (never touch the gold contacts or the nozzles), insert it at a slight upward angle, and press until it clicks. Black goes in the right-hand slot and color in the left on most models. Close the cover and run a nozzle check. Full walkthrough: How to replace the ink in a Canon PIXMA printer.
Why does my PIXMA TS3122 say the cartridge isn't recognized?
Usually it's the protective tape left on, dirty contacts, or a cartridge that isn't fully seated. Remove the cartridge, wipe the gold contact strip with a dry lint-free cloth, reseat it until it clicks, and power-cycle the printer. If the error remains, try the cartridge in a sibling printer or swap in another cartridge to isolate the problem. More fixes: Printer says ink cartridge not recognized: how to fix it.
What does support code 1688 mean, and can I keep printing?
Code 1688 means the printer reports that a cartridge is out of ink. This also shows up with refilled or remanufactured cartridges, which can't report their level. Canon says you can keep printing by pressing and holding the Stop button for at least 5 seconds. This turns off ink-level detection, so watch print quality and replace the cartridge when output fades. Canon recommends replacing it. See Printer error codes explained.
Why are my PIXMA TS3122 prints faded, streaky, or missing a color?
FINE cartridges have the print head built in, so a new cartridge often fixes nozzle problems. Before replacing, run a nozzle check and one or two standard cleanings (Maintenance menu or the Canon IJ Printer Utility), then a deep cleaning if needed. If one color is missing on the tri-color cartridge, that color is empty; the whole cartridge must be replaced. Step-by-step: How to clean Canon printer heads and Faded or streaky prints: causes and fixes.
Can I print with only one cartridge installed?
No. The printer needs both cartridges installed, even if you only print in black. If one is empty (but installed), you can usually keep printing with the other by pressing Stop through the warning, and Canon's driver lets you choose black-only or color-only in some cases. Replace the empty cartridge as soon as possible to avoid drying the nozzles.
Can I refill PG-245 or CL-246 cartridges?
Yes, they can be refilled, but because the print head is part of the cartridge, each refill wears the nozzles and you'll need the Stop-button workaround above. For most people a remanufactured XL cartridge is less messy. If you do refill, read How to refill ink cartridges at home first.
Does the TS3122 have Wi-Fi and AirPrint?
Yes. It connects over 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and supports Apple AirPrint, Mopria (Android), and the Canon PRINT app. If it keeps dropping off the network, make sure your router broadcasts a 2.4 GHz band. Setup help: How to connect a printer to Wi-Fi.
Does the TS3122 print double-sided?
Not automatically. It supports manual two-sided printing: the driver prints one side, then prompts you to flip and reload the stack.
PIXMA TS3122 key facts
- Type: wireless all-in-one (print, scan, copy)
- Ink system: 2 FINE cartridges (black + tri-color)
- Cartridges: PG-243/CL-244, PG-245/CL-246, PG-245XL/CL-246XL
- Connectivity: USB, 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, AirPrint, Mopria, Canon PRINT app
- Duplex: manual only
What PIXMA TS3122 owners ask
These are the questions that come up most for this printer on retailer Q&A pages, Canon's support community and owner reviews, answered in our words.
Why did the cartridges that came with it run out so fast?
The TS3122 ships with the low-capacity PG-243 black (5.6 ml) and CL-244 color (6.2 ml). Canon's PG-245XL holds 12.0 ml and the CL-246XL 13.0 ml, so XL replacements last much longer.
Where does the paper go?
In the rear tray. It holds 60 sheets of plain paper, or 20 sheets of 4×6 or 10 sheets of 5×7 photo paper.
Can I scan legal-size originals?
No. The flatbed takes originals up to 8.5 × 11.7 in (Letter or A4), even though the printer can print on legal paper.
It stays on my Wi-Fi but my computer loses it. What helps?
One owner on Canon's forum had this and only got the printer back by reinstalling the printer software on the computer.
How fast is it?
Canon rates it at about 7.7 pages a minute in black and 4.0 in color. A 4×6 borderless photo takes about 65 seconds.
PIXMA TS3122 quirks worth knowing
- The black is pigment ink (320 nozzles), for sharp text on plain paper. The tri-color is dye ink (960 nozzles), for photos.
- The display is a 1.5-inch segment LCD, not a graphic screen, so most setup happens in the Canon PRINT app or on a computer.
- It is 12.5 in deep, but 21.8 in with the paper support extended. Leave room behind and in front of it.
- Canon doesn't block refilled or remanufactured cartridges. They just can't report ink levels, so you hold Stop for 5 seconds to keep printing.
Other printers that use PG-245 and CL-246
Canon PIXMA MX490 · Canon PIXMA MG2922 · Canon PIXMA TS3120 · Canon PIXMA TR4522 · Canon PIXMA TR4527 · Canon PIXMA iP2820 · Canon PIXMA MG3029 · Canon PIXMA MG2525
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
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- Canon imageCLASS MF275dw (laser) — CastleScore 81
Sources
Ratings and prices were checked on October 11, 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.