What Ink Does the Canon PIXMA TS5020 Use?
Last Updated:The Canon PIXMA TS5020 uses a five-cartridge system: Canon PGI-270 pigment black plus CLI-271 dye black, cyan, magenta, and yellow. High-yield PGI-270XL and CLI-271XL versions are also available for users who print more often.
Ink Cartridges at a Glance
| Cartridge | Color | Approx. Page Yield | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canon PGI-270 | Pigment Black | ~300 pages | Sharp text on plain paper |
| Canon CLI-271 | Dye Black | ~125 photos | Photo black depth |
| Canon CLI-271 C/M/Y | Cyan / Magenta / Yellow | ~300 pages each | Color documents and photos |
| Canon PGI-270XL | Pigment Black (High Yield) | ~500 pages | Frequent text printing |
| Canon CLI-271XL | Color (High Yield) | ~650 pages | Frequent color/photos |
These same cartridges fit the PIXMA MG5720, MG5721, MG5722, MG6820, MG6821, MG6822, MG7720, TS6020, TS8020, and TS9020 — a complete consumer photo-printer line that shares the PGI-270 / CLI-271 family.
Save on PGI-270 and CLI-271 Ink
Compatible PGI-270 and CLI-271 cartridges match OEM yield and photo quality at a fraction of retail cost. Browse our PGI-270 / CLI-271 selection or pick up high-yield XL versions for the best per-page economy.
How to Replace Ink in the Canon PIXMA TS5020
- Power the printer on and open the front output tray, then lift the scanner unit until it locks.
- Wait for the cartridge holder to slide to the center, then press down on the empty cartridge tab and pull it up and out.
- Unwrap the replacement cartridge and remove the orange protective cap.
- Insert the cartridge into its color-coded slot and press down until the LED next to it lights up.
- Close the scanner unit and let the printer run automatic head alignment.
Troubleshooting Tips
Cartridge not recognized. Remove the cartridge, wipe the gold contact strip with a dry, lint-free cloth, and reseat firmly. Power-cycle the printer if needed.
Faded or missing colors. Run a print head cleaning from the Canon IJ Printer Utility — two cycles or a deep cleaning should clear most clogs.
Wi-Fi setup issues. The TS5020 uses 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi only — confirm 2.4 GHz is broadcast on your router and use the Canon PRINT mobile app to complete setup.
Photo printing looks dull. Make sure you've selected Canon Photo Paper Plus Glossy II (or similar) in the print dialog and the correct paper is loaded.
Official Canon Resources
For drivers, firmware, and the user manual visit the Canon PIXMA TS5020 support page or the main Canon support portal.
Bottom Line
The Canon PIXMA TS5020 is a 5-ink wireless photo all-in-one, and PGI-270 / CLI-271 cartridges (or XL) deliver excellent text and photo quality. Shop compatible TS5020 ink at Castle Ink for the best savings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ink does the Canon PIXMA TS5020 use?
Canon PGI-270 pigment black plus CLI-271 dye black, cyan, magenta, and yellow — with PGI-270XL and CLI-271XL high-yield options.
How many cartridges does the TS5020 take?
Five — one pigment black, one photo (dye) black, and one each of cyan, magenta, and yellow.
Can I mix standard and XL cartridges?
Yes — you can install any mix of PGI-270/PGI-270XL and CLI-271/CLI-271XL.
Does the TS5020 support AirPrint?
Yes — AirPrint, Mopria, Google Cloud Print (where available), and the Canon PRINT app are supported.
Are compatible PGI-270 cartridges safe?
Yes — quality compatibles match OEM yield and quality, and federal law protects your warranty.
About the Author: William Elward is the founder of Castle Ink and has been writing about printers, ink cartridges, and printing technology for over 20 years.