What Ink Does the Canon PIXMA TS5020 Use?

Last updated: September 27, 2026. Reviewed by William Elward, founder of Castle Ink.

Quick answer: what ink does the Canon PIXMA TS5020 use?

The Canon PIXMA TS5020 uses five individual ink tanks: Canon PGI-270 pigment black for sharp text, plus CLI-271 black, cyan, magenta, and yellow (dye inks) for photos and color. High-yield PGI-270XL and CLI-271XL fit the same slots. The TS5020 does not use the CLI-271 gray cartridge.

Cartridge options at a glance

*Approximate Canon-rated ISO yields; your results depend on coverage and photo printing. The dye black is used mostly on photo paper, so on document-heavy use it lasts longer than the other colors.

Common questions about Canon PIXMA TS5020 ink

Why does the TS5020 have two black cartridges?

The PGI-270 pigment black sits on top of the paper, which gives crisp, water-resistant text on plain paper. The CLI-271 dye black soaks into photo paper for smooth, deep blacks in photos. The printer chooses automatically based on the paper type you select, so both need to be installed.

Does the TS5020 use the CLI-271 gray cartridge?

No. Gray is only used by six-ink models such as the PIXMA TS8020, TS9020, and MG7720. For the TS5020, buy a five-cartridge set like our PGI-270XL / CLI-271XL 5-pack rather than a pack with gray.

Standard or XL: which should I buy?

XL, if you print more than a handful of pages a month. XL tanks hold roughly twice the ink for well under twice the price, and because each color is separate you only replace the tank that runs out. See Is XL ink actually worth it? Standard vs. XL with real numbers.

Can I replace just one color?

Yes. Each of the five tanks is independent, so replace only the one that's empty. Most people go through the pigment black fastest, so keeping a spare PGI-270XL on hand is a good idea.

Will the TS5020 print if one cartridge is empty?

Not normally. Canon's five-ink printers expect all tanks to be installed and not empty. When a tank runs out you'll see a support code (1686 or 1688). For 1686, pressing and holding Stop for about 5 seconds lets you continue with ink-level detection turned off for that tank; for 1688, replace the tank.

What other printers use PGI-270 and CLI-271 ink?

The same tanks fit the PIXMA TS6020, PIXMA TS8020, PIXMA TS9020, PIXMA MG5720, PIXMA MG6820, PIXMA MG6821, PIXMA MG7720, as well as the MG5721, MG5722, and MG6822. (Six-ink models in that list also use gray.)

Are compatible PGI-270/CLI-271 cartridges safe for the TS5020?

Yes. Quality compatible and remanufactured tanks work like OEM, and using them doesn't void your warranty under U.S. law. Learn more: Compatible vs. remanufactured vs. OEM ink and Does compatible ink void your printer warranty?.

How do I replace the ink in the TS5020?

Turn the printer on, open the paper output tray, and lift the scanner unit until it locks. The print-head holder slides out. Press the tab on the empty tank and lift it out. Twist off (don't squeeze) the orange cap on the new tank, then insert it into its color-coded slot and press the top until the lamp lights. Close the scanner unit. Full guide: How to replace the ink in a Canon PIXMA printer.

Why is the TS5020 saying a cartridge isn't recognized?

Check that the tank is in the matching color slot and pressed down until the lamp lights. Remove it, check that the orange cap and any film are off, and wipe the chip gently with a dry lint-free cloth. Power-cycle the printer. More fixes: Printer says ink cartridge not recognized: how to fix it.

Why are my TS5020 prints faded or missing a color?

Unlike two-cartridge PIXMAs, the TS5020 has a permanent print head, so a new tank won't fix clogged nozzles. Run a nozzle check, then up to two standard cleanings and one deep cleaning. Let the printer rest a few hours between cycles if a color is still missing. See How to clean Canon printer heads.

Why do my photos look dull on the TS5020?

Usually it's the wrong paper-type setting. Select the photo paper you're actually using (for example, Photo Paper Plus Glossy II) so the printer uses the dye black and the right ink density. More tips: Why are my photo prints coming out dull? and Glossy vs. matte vs. luster photo paper.

Does the TS5020 support AirPrint and wireless printing?

Yes. It supports Wi-Fi, Apple AirPrint, Mopria, and the Canon PRINT app. Google Cloud Print, which older guides mention, was shut down in 2020. Setup help: How to connect a printer to Wi-Fi.

PIXMA TS5020 key facts

• Type: wireless all-in-one (print, scan, copy)
• Ink system: 5 individual tanks (PGI-270 PGBK + CLI-271 BK/C/M/Y)
• Print head: permanent (not part of the tanks)
• Gray ink: not used
• Connectivity: USB, Wi-Fi, AirPrint, Mopria, Canon PRINT app

Shop TS5020 ink at Castle Ink

• PGI-270XL / CLI-271XL 5-pack (the full set for the TS5020); a bulk 11-pack is also available
• Individual tanks: PGI-270XL pigment black, CLI-271XL black, CLI-271XL cyan, CLI-271XL magenta, CLI-271XL yellow
• Browse all Canon ink cartridges

Castle Ink compatibles typically cost 50–70% less than Canon retail and are backed by our compatibility guarantee. Estimate your savings with the Printer ink cost calculator.

Official Canon resources

For drivers, firmware, and the user manual, visit the Canon PIXMA TS5020 support page or the main Canon support portal.

Similar name, different ink: the PIXMA TS5120 uses two PG-240/CL-241 cartridges, not PGI-270/CLI-271 tanks.

Related guides

• How to replace the ink in a Canon PIXMA printer
• How to clean Canon printer heads
• Printer says ink cartridge not recognized: how to fix it
• Is XL ink actually worth it? Standard vs. XL with real numbers
• Why are my photo prints coming out dull?
• How to print photos at home that look like a lab print

Buy the Canon PIXMA TS5020 on Amazon: Canon PIXMA TS5020 on Amazon

About the author: William Elward is the founder of Castle Ink and has written about printers, ink cartridges, and printing technology for more than 20 years.