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PrintDiag

Canon supply replacement

How to change ink in a Canon printer

Find out first whether your Canon uses FINE cartridges, individual PGI/CLI ink tanks, or refillable MegaTank bottles — the three procedures are different, and the MegaTank refill carries health warnings the others do not.

Hazard: Do not follow a Canon procedure written for a different ink system. Canon warns not to hold or force the cartridge holder and not to touch it until it stops completely. MegaTank ink is a refill, not a cartridge, and Canon gives explicit instructions to seek medical advice if ink is swallowed or gets into the eyes.

What you need

  • The exact Canon model number
  • Which ink system that model uses: FINE cartridge, individual ink tank, or MegaTank bottle
  • The replacement supply Canon lists for that model

FINE cartridges

PIXMA models using two FINE cartridges, such as TS3520 and MG3020 — colour on the left, black on the right

Caution: Canon: “Don’t touch the electrical contacts or print head nozzle on an ink cartridge. The printer may not print properly if you touch them.” Canon also flags as a Caution: do not hold or forcibly move the cartridge holder, and do not touch it until it stops completely.

  1. 1

    Power on and open the cover

    Make sure the printer is on, retract the paper output tray and its extension, then open the cover. The cartridge holder moves to the replacement position.

    Source: Canon U.S.A. Support — Replacing an Ink Cartridge - TS3520
  2. 2

    Release and remove the empty cartridge

    Push down the ink cartridge lock lever of the empty cartridge until it clicks, then remove it. Canon warns that leaving a cover open more than 10 minutes causes the holder to move and an error to occur.

    Source: Canon U.S.A. Support — Replacing an Ink Cartridge - TS3520
  3. 3

    Unwrap the new cartridge

    Take the new cartridge out of its package and remove the protective tape gently. Do not reattach the tape once removed, and do not shake the cartridge — Canon warns ink may spill and stain.

    Source: Canon U.S.A. Support — Replacing an Ink Cartridge - TS3520
  4. 4

    Install it in the correct slot

    Insert the cartridge into the holder in the orientation shown for your exact model. Canon states the colour cartridge goes in the left slot and the black cartridge in the right slot, and that the printer cannot print unless both are installed.

    Source: Canon U.S.A. Support — Replacing an Ink Cartridge - TS3520
  5. 5

    Lock, close, and align

    Push the lock lever up until it clicks so the cartridge is locked in place, close the cover, then align the print head as Canon instructs after replacement.

    Source: Canon U.S.A. Support — Replacing an Ink Cartridge - TS3520

Individual ink tanks (PGI/CLI)

PIXMA models using one tank per colour clipped into a separate print head, such as TR7520

Caution: Canon warns that ink may splash if the orange tape is left over the Y-shaped air hole or if the sides of the tank are squeezed while that hole is blocked, and that only one tank should be removed at a time.

  1. 1

    Open the scanning unit and let the holder settle

    With the power on, open the scanning unit or cover. The print head holder moves to the replacement position. Canon cautions against holding or forcibly moving the holder, or touching it until it stops.

    Source: Canon U.S.A. Support — Replacing Ink Tanks - TR7520
  2. 2

    Remove one empty tank at a time

    Push the tab and lift the empty tank out. Canon says not to remove two or more tanks at the same time — replace them one by one.

    Source: Canon U.S.A. Support — Replacing Ink Tanks - TR7520
  3. 3

    Unwrap the new tank carefully

    Remove the orange tape completely, then the protective film completely. Canon warns that if orange tape remains over the Y-shaped air hole, ink may splash or the printer may not print properly.

    Source: Canon U.S.A. Support — Replacing Ink Tanks - TR7520
  4. 4

    Remove the orange cap without blocking the air hole

    Hold the tank with the orange protective cap pointing up, being careful not to block the Y-shaped air hole, then lift the tab on the cap to remove it gently. Do not touch the inside of the cap or the open ink port.

    Source: Canon U.S.A. Support — Replacing Ink Tanks - TR7520
  5. 5

    Seat the tank and close up

    Insert the front end of the tank into the print head at a slant, checking it matches the label position, then press the top until it snaps into place. Close the scanning unit, taking care not to catch your fingers.

    Source: Canon U.S.A. Support — Replacing Ink Tanks - TR7520
  6. 6

    Let the automatic cleaning finish

    When you next print, the printer starts cleaning the print head automatically. Canon says not to perform any other operation until that cleaning completes.

    Source: Canon U.S.A. Support — Replacing Ink Tanks - TR7520

MegaTank ink bottles

PIXMA G-series MegaTank models such as G7020 — the tanks are refilled, never removed

Hazard: This is a refill, not a cartridge swap. Canon: “Keep out of reach of children.” “Don’t drink ink.” If ink is swallowed or gets into the eyes, Canon instructs you to obtain medical advice immediately.

  1. 1

    Keep the printer flat and open the covers

    Canon warns the printer must remain flat and never be turned upside down or on its side, as ink may leak. With the printer on, open the scanning unit, then the ink tank cover for the colour you are refilling.

    Source: Canon U.S.A. Support — Refill the Ink Tanks - G7020
  2. 2

    Open the tank cap carefully

    Open the tank cap of the tank to be refilled. Canon warns that ink on the inside of the cap may spatter when it is opened.

    Source: Canon U.S.A. Support — Refill the Ink Tanks - G7020
  3. 3

    Open the bottle upright

    Hold the new ink bottle upright and gently twist the bottle cap to remove it. Canon warns not to shake the bottle, as ink may spatter when the cap is opened.

    Source: Canon U.S.A. Support — Refill the Ink Tanks - G7020
  4. 4

    Refill to the upper limit line

    Align the bottle tip with the printer inlet, slowly stand the bottle upside down, and push it into the inlet, supporting it so it does not fall. Fill only to the upper limit line on the tank, then remove the bottle.

    Source: Canon U.S.A. Support — Refill the Ink Tanks - G7020
  5. 5

    Close everything and store the bottle upright

    Close the tank cap fully, close the ink tank cover, then gently close the scanning unit. Cap any remaining bottle securely and store it upright. Canon warns not to leave bottles in the tanks and not to mix ink with water or other ink.

    Source: Canon U.S.A. Support — Refill the Ink Tanks - G7020

How to confirm it worked

The printer reports no ink error, finishes any automatic print head cleaning or alignment, and prints one test page with all expected colours.

Verified Canon supplies by model

Part numbers checked against Canon’s own U.S. documentation. Buy against the number listed for your exact model — supplies that look alike are often not compatible.

  • imageCLASS LBP172dw
    • 5647C001 — Toner black
    • 5648C001 — Toner black (high yield)
  • imageCLASS MF262dw II
    • CRG 051 — Toner black
    • CRG 051 H — Toner black (high yield)
    • CRG 051 DRUM — Drum unit
  • imageCLASS MF264dw II
    • CRG 051 — Toner black
    • CRG 051 H — Toner black (high yield)
    • CRG 051 DRUM — Drum unit
  • imageCLASS MF267dw II
    • CRG 051 — Toner black
    • CRG 051 H — Toner black (high yield)
    • CRG 051 DRUM — Drum unit
  • imageCLASS MF269dw II
    • CRG 051 — Toner black
    • CRG 051 H — Toner black (high yield)
    • CRG 051 DRUM — Drum unit
  • MegaTank PIXMA G3270
    • 4526C001 — Ink cartridge black
    • 4537C001 — Ink cartridge cyan
    • 4538C001 — Ink cartridge magenta
    • 4539C001 — Ink cartridge yellow
  • MegaTank PIXMA G3290
    • 4526C001 — Ink cartridge black
    • 4537C001 — Ink cartridge cyan
    • 4538C001 — Ink cartridge magenta
    • 4539C001 — Ink cartridge yellow
  • MegaTank PIXMA G4280
    • 4526C001 — Ink cartridge black
    • 4537C001 — Ink cartridge cyan
    • 4538C001 — Ink cartridge magenta
    • 4539C001 — Ink cartridge yellow
  • MegaTank PIXMA G6020
    • 3383C001 — Ink cartridge black
    • 3394C001 — Ink cartridge cyan
    • 3395C001 — Ink cartridge magenta
    • 3396C001 — Ink cartridge yellow
  • PIXMA TR4720
    • CL-276 — Ink cartridge tri_color
    • CL-276XL — Ink cartridge tri_color (high yield)
    • PG-275 — Ink cartridge black
    • PG-275XL — Ink cartridge black (high yield)
  • PIXMA TR7120
    • 7164C001 — Ink cartridge black (high yield)
    • 7165C001 — Ink cartridge black
    • CL-286 — Ink cartridge tri_color
    • CL-286XL — Ink cartridge tri_color (high yield)
  • PIXMA TR8620a
    • 2075C001 — Ink cartridge black
    • 2088C001 — Ink cartridge cyan
    • 2089C001 — Ink cartridge magenta
    • 2090C001 — Ink cartridge yellow
    • 2091C001 — Ink cartridge black
  • PIXMA TS3520
    • CL-276 — Ink cartridge tri_color
    • CL-276XL — Ink cartridge tri_color (high yield)
    • PG-275 — Ink cartridge black
    • PG-275XL — Ink cartridge black (high yield)
  • PIXMA TS4320
    • 7164C001 — Ink cartridge black (high yield)
    • 7165C001 — Ink cartridge black
    • CL-286 — Ink cartridge tri_color
    • CL-286XL — Ink cartridge tri_color (high yield)
  • PIXMA TS6420a
    • CL-261 — Ink cartridge tri_color
    • CL-261XL — Ink cartridge tri_color (high yield)
    • PG-260 AMR — Ink cartridge black
    • PG-260XL — Ink cartridge black (high yield)
  • PIXMA TS6520
    • 7164C001 — Ink cartridge black (high yield)
    • 7165C001 — Ink cartridge black
    • CL-286 — Ink cartridge tri_color
    • CL-286XL — Ink cartridge tri_color (high yield)
  • PIXMA TS8820
    • 6673C001 — Ink cartridge black
    • 6674C001 — Ink cartridge black
    • 6675C001 — Ink cartridge cyan
    • 6676C001 — Ink cartridge magenta
    • 6677C001 — Ink cartridge yellow
    • 6678C001 — Ink cartridge gray

If it did not work

General ink and toner replacementThe brand-independent version of this procedure.Check compatible suppliesUse verified model-to-part matches before buying.New supply is not recognizedDiagnose an installation or compatibility error.Blank pages after replacementCheck seals, seating, and ink delivery.

Documented from official U.S. manufacturer support. Last verified 2026-08-13.

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