What Ink Does the Canon PIXMA TS8020 Use?
Last Updated:The Canon PIXMA TS8020 uses a six-cartridge ink system: Canon PGI-270 pigment black plus CLI-271 dye black, gray, cyan, magenta, and yellow. High-yield PGI-270XL and CLI-271XL versions are also fully compatible for users who print photos frequently.
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 | Deeper photo blacks |
| Canon CLI-271 GY | Gray | ~125 photos | Smooth grayscale photos |
| 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 photo printing |
The PGI-270 / CLI-271 family also serves the PIXMA TS5020, TS6020, TS9020, MG5720, MG5721, MG5722, MG6820, MG6821, MG6822, and MG7720 — though only the TS8020 and TS9020 also accept the dedicated CLI-271 Gray.
Save on PGI-270 and CLI-271 Ink
Compatible PGI-270 and CLI-271 cartridges match OEM yield and photo quality for less. Browse our PGI-270 / CLI-271 selection or upgrade to high-yield XL versions for the best per-page economy.
How to Replace Ink in the Canon PIXMA TS8020
- Power on the printer and lift the top scanner cover until it locks open.
- Wait for the cartridge holder to slide to the center, then press down on the empty cartridge tab and pull it up and out.
- Unbox the new cartridge and remove the orange protective cap.
- Insert the cartridge into its color-coded slot and press down until the indicator LED next to it lights up.
- Close the scanner cover 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 grainy photos. Run a print head cleaning followed by a deep cleaning from the Canon IJ Printer Utility — the six-tank system is sensitive to even partial clogs.
Wi-Fi setup issues. The TS8020 uses 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi only — confirm 2.4 GHz is broadcast and use the Canon PRINT mobile app for setup.
Touchscreen unresponsive. Power-cycle with a hard reset (hold Stop + Power for 10 seconds) to clear the firmware state.
Official Canon Resources
For drivers, firmware, and the user manual visit the Canon PIXMA TS8020 support page or the main Canon support portal.
Bottom Line
The Canon PIXMA TS8020 is a 6-ink wireless photo all-in-one with a 4.3" touchscreen, and the dedicated CLI-271 Gray cartridge dramatically improves black-and-white photo quality. Shop compatible TS8020 ink at Castle Ink for the best savings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ink does the Canon PIXMA TS8020 use?
Canon PGI-270 pigment black plus CLI-271 black, gray, cyan, magenta, and yellow — XL versions also fit.
How many cartridges does the TS8020 take?
Six — one pigment black, one photo (dye) black, gray, cyan, magenta, and yellow.
Can I run the TS8020 without the Gray cartridge?
No — all six tanks must be installed for the printer to operate.
Does the TS8020 support borderless photo printing?
Yes — borderless printing is supported up to 8.5x11 letter size on Canon photo paper.
Are compatible PGI-270 cartridges safe to use?
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.