The basic steps to swap out empty cartridges

Changing ink in a Canon Pixma printer takes about five minutes once you know where the cartridges sit. Turn the printer on, open the access panel on the front or top (depending on your model), wait for the carriage to move to the side, and slide out the empty cartridge by pressing the tab or clip holding it in. Slide the new cartridge in until it clicks, close the panel, and run a cleaning cycle from the printer's menu or your computer.

The exact location of cartridges and the method for removing them varies slightly between Pixma models — some have cartridges stacked vertically, others horizontally — but the principle is the same across the line. Canon designs the cartridges to be impossible to install backwards, so you cannot damage the printer by putting one in the wrong way.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the access panel while the printer is on, and the carriage will move automatically to the side so you can reach the cartridges.
  • Press the tab or clip on the empty cartridge to release it, then slide the new one in until you hear or feel a click.
  • Run a cleaning cycle after installing new cartridges to clear air from the print head and prevent streaking.
  • Keep the plastic tape on the new cartridge's nozzle until the moment you install it, or the nozzle will dry out.

Where to find the cartridges in your specific model

Canon Pixma printers come in several body styles, and the cartridge location depends on which one you own. In compact models like the TR4720 and MG3620, cartridges sit in a horizontal row behind a panel on the front of the printer. In larger models like the PRO-100, they stack vertically along the right side. Check your printer's model number on the back or bottom, then look up the manual on Canon's support website to see a diagram of your exact layout.

If you cannot find the manual, open the access panel anyway — the cartridges are always visible once the panel is open, and they are always labeled with their color. The carriage will move to the side automatically when you open the panel while the printer is on, which is the signal that the printer is ready for you to change them.

Removing the empty cartridge without damaging the printer

Every Canon Pixma cartridge has a small tab or clip on top or on the side. Press this tab firmly until you feel resistance, then continue pressing — the cartridge will pop out slightly. Grab the cartridge by its sides (not the nozzle at the bottom) and pull it straight toward you. Do not twist or angle it; straight out is the only direction that works.

If a cartridge feels stuck, stop and check that you are pressing the correct tab. Some models have a separate clip for each cartridge, and pressing the wrong one will not release anything. Once the cartridge is out, set it aside — do not leave the empty slot open for more than a few minutes, or air can enter the print head and cause clogs.

Installing the new cartridge correctly

Before you open the new cartridge box, check that you have the right color for the slot you are filling. Cartridges are labeled on the box and on the cartridge itself with their color code — black, cyan, magenta, yellow, or sometimes photo black and matte black in larger models. If you have the wrong color, put it back and get the right one; installing the wrong color will not damage anything, but your prints will be wrong until you fix it.

Peel the plastic tape off the nozzle at the bottom of the cartridge — this tape protects the nozzle during shipping and must come off before installation. Slide the cartridge into the empty slot at a slight downward angle, then push it up and in until you hear a click. The click means the cartridge is locked in place. If you do not hear a click, pull it out and try again; a cartridge that is not fully seated will not print.

Running a cleaning cycle to prevent streaks and gaps

After you install new cartridges, close the access panel and wait for the printer to finish its automatic initialization — this usually takes 30 seconds to a minute. Then open the printer's menu on the device itself or through the Canon print driver on your computer and look for a "Cleaning" or "Head Cleaning" option. Select it and let the printer run the cycle, which takes two to five minutes depending on the model.

This cleaning cycle pushes ink through the nozzles to remove air bubbles that may have entered during the cartridge change. Skipping this step often results in missing colors or thin lines in your first few prints. If you still see gaps or streaks after the first cleaning, run the cycle again — most printers allow you to run it multiple times in a row.

What to do if a cartridge will not install or print

If a cartridge clicks into place but the printer says it is not recognized, turn the printer off and on again. Sometimes the printer needs to re-scan the cartridges after installation. If it still does not recognize the cartridge after a restart, remove it and check that the plastic nozzle tape is completely off — even a small piece of tape left on will prevent the cartridge from making contact with the print head.

If the cartridge is recognized but prints are streaky or missing colors, run the cleaning cycle again. If streaks persist after two cleaning cycles, the cartridge itself may be defective. Contact the retailer where you bought it for a replacement — most cartridges come with a warranty that covers defects in manufacturing.

Storing empty cartridges and choosing refill options

Once you remove an empty cartridge, you can throw it away or recycle it. Many office supply stores like Staples and Office Depot accept empty cartridges for recycling at no cost. Canon also runs a cartridge recycling program through its website, though you have to pay for shipping. Storing empty cartridges is not necessary unless you want to keep them as a record of what you have used.

When you buy replacement cartridges, you have two main options: genuine Canon cartridges and third-party alternatives. Genuine cartridges cost more but come with a warranty and are may provide to work with your printer. Third-party cartridges cost less but vary in quality and may void your printer's warranty depending on your model and where you bought the printer. Check your printer's documentation to see whether third-party cartridges are supported.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use refillable cartridges in my Canon Pixma?

Some Pixma models support refillable cartridges, but not all. Check your printer's manual or Canon's website for your specific model number. Refillable cartridges cost less per page but require more maintenance and may leak if not filled correctly.

What happens if I install a cartridge upside down?

Canon cartridges are designed so they cannot be installed upside down — the shape and connectors only fit one way. If a cartridge will not slide in, you are likely trying to insert it at the wrong angle or into the wrong slot, not installing it upside down.

How long does a new cartridge last?

Page yield varies by cartridge type and model. Standard cartridges typically print 200 to 500 pages, while high-capacity cartridges print 1,000 to 2,000 pages. Check the box or Canon's website for your specific cartridge to see its rated yield.

Do I need to clean the print head every time I change cartridges?

Run a cleaning cycle once after installing new cartridges. You do not need to clean every time you change cartridges after that, only if you notice streaks or missing colors during normal printing.

What if ink leaks from a new cartridge?

If a cartridge leaks during installation, remove it immediately and wipe the area with a damp cloth. If the cartridge itself is leaking from a crack or defect, contact the retailer for a replacement. Do not try to seal or repair a leaking cartridge.