What Ink Does the Canon PIXMA TS6020 Use?

The Canon PIXMA TS6020 uses five individual Canon ink tanks: PGI-270 pigment black for sharp text, plus CLI-271 dye black, cyan, magenta and yellow for color and photos. High-yield PGI-270XL and CLI-271XL tanks fit too, and you can replace each color on its own as it runs out.

Updated September 26, 2026 — cartridge numbers, yields and compatibility re-checked for this edition.

The PIXMA TS6020 is a wireless five-ink all-in-one with automatic two-sided printing, built for households that print both documents and photos.

What Ink Cartridges Does the Canon PIXMA TS6020 Take?

*Canon ISO yield estimates at about 5% coverage. Photos, heavy graphics and cleaning cycles reduce real-world yield.

Why Does the TS6020 Use Two Different Black Inks?

The PGI-270 pigment black sits on top of plain paper, giving crisp, smudge-resistant text. The CLI-271 dye black soaks into glossy photo paper for deeper, richer shadows in photos. The printer picks the right one automatically based on paper type — which is why the PGI-270 usually runs out first if you mostly print documents, and the CLI-271 black empties faster if you print photos.

Should I Buy PGI-270XL / CLI-271XL or Standard Tanks?

If you print more than a handful of pages a week, go XL. XL tanks hold substantially more ink for a modest price increase, so your cost per page falls and you swap tanks less often. You can mix XL and standard tanks freely — many people run an XL pigment black with standard colors. Compare the math in is XL ink actually worth it or estimate your own costs with the ink cost calculator.

Will PGI-280 / CLI-281 or PGI-250 / CLI-251 Tanks Fit the Canon PIXMA TS6020?

No. They look similar, but PGI-280 / CLI-281 (used by the TS6120-era and TS8120 models) and the older PGI-250 / CLI-251 have different chips and notches, and the TS6020 will reject them. Stick with 270 / 271.

Are Remanufactured PGI-270XL and CLI-271XL Tanks Safe for the TS6020?

Yes. On this printer the printhead is a permanent part of the machine, and the tanks simply supply ink through a chip-equipped reservoir. A good remanufactured tank uses a genuine Canon shell, is cleaned, refilled and tested, and won't harm the head. Using non-Canon ink doesn't void your U.S. warranty. Castle Ink's PGI-270XL / CLI-271XL 5-pack is remanufactured and covers all five slots in one order. Learn more in compatible vs remanufactured vs OEM ink.

How Do I Replace an Ink Tank in the Canon PIXMA TS6020?

1. Turn the printer on.
2. Open the scanning unit / cover until it locks in the raised position.
3. Wait for the print head holder to move to the replacement position.
4. Press the tab on the empty tank and lift it out.
5. Take the new tank out of its package, pull off the orange protective cap and any film, then insert it into the matching colored slot.
6. Press down on the top of the tank until it clicks; its ink lamp should light up.
7. Close the cover and let the printer finish initializing.

See our Canon PIXMA ink replacement guide for more detail.

Why Is an Ink Lamp Flashing or the Tank Not Recognized?

A lamp that doesn't light usually means the tank isn't fully seated or is in the wrong slot — press firmly on the top of the tank. A slowly flashing lamp means that color is low; a fast flash can mean the tank is in the wrong position or the printer can't read it. With remanufactured tanks you may see "the remaining level of the ink cannot be correctly detected"; hold the Stop button for at least 5 seconds to dismiss it and keep printing (low-ink warnings for that tank are turned off). More fixes: ink cartridge not recognized and printer error codes explained.

Can the TS6020 Print if One Color Is Empty?

Not for long. Canon's five-tank printers warn you when a tank is low, then stop printing once any tank is fully out — even for black-only documents in some cases. The good news is you only replace the color that's empty. Never leave a slot empty for days: the permanent printhead can dry out and clog.

Which TS6020 Ink Runs Out First?

For document printers, the PGI-270 pigment black. For photo printers, usually the CLI-271 black or cyan. Keeping a spare PGI-270XL on hand prevents most "can't print my homework" emergencies. Shelf life and storage tips are in how long printer ink cartridges last.

Why Are My TS6020 Prints Streaky or Missing a Color?

Run a nozzle check from the printer's setup or maintenance menu. If a color is broken, run a cleaning, then a deep cleaning if necessary. Because the printhead is permanent, avoid running cleaning after cleaning back to back — give it a few minutes, and print a page every week or so to keep the nozzles moist. Help: how to clean Canon printer heads, faded or streaky prints, why is my Canon printer not printing. For better photo results, see how to print lab-quality photos at home.

What Other Printers Use PGI-270 and CLI-271 Ink?

• Canon PIXMA TS5020
• Canon PIXMA TS8020 (adds CLI-271 gray)
• Canon PIXMA TS9020 (adds CLI-271 gray)
• Canon PIXMA MG5720 / MG5721 / MG5722
• Canon PIXMA MG6820 / MG6821 / MG6822
• Canon PIXMA MG7720 (adds CLI-271 gray)

Frequently Asked Questions

How many ink cartridges does the Canon PIXMA TS6020 use?

Five: PGI-270 pigment black plus CLI-271 black, cyan, magenta and yellow.

Does the TS6020 use a gray cartridge?

No. CLI-271 gray is only for six-ink models such as the TS8020, TS9020 and MG7720.

Can I mix XL and standard tanks?

Yes — any combination of standard and XL 270/271 tanks works.

Why does the printer stop when one color is empty?

Canon protects the permanent printhead from running dry, so it halts when any tank is out. Replace just that color.

Do the TS6020 and TS5020 use the same ink?

Yes. Both take PGI-270 / CLI-271 in five colors, standard or XL.

Where do I find ink for my other printers?

Use the Find Ink by Printer directory.

Related PGI-270 / CLI-271 guide

See our updated Canon PIXMA TS5020 ink guide for a full Q&A on PGI-270 and CLI-271 cartridges, including standard vs. XL and support code 1686. Shop the compatible PGI-270XL / CLI-271XL 5-pack at Castle Ink.