How to Change Ink Cartridge in Canon PIXMA? (Tutorial Steps)

Canon printers need ink cartridge replacement for smooth printing and clear documents. However, as a beginner, it becomes really difficult to get started. Therefore, I will show you 'how to change the ink cartridge in your Canon PIXMA printer' step by step so the printer doesn’t print faded prints or cause any printing errors. This guide explains the steps to keep your ink levels maintained. Let’s learn the steps in this tutorial to change the ink cartridge and print without trouble.

Step 1: Purchase a Compatible Ink Cartridge

Before replacing the cartridge, make sure you have a compatible one ready. Canon printers have specific ink cartridges for different printers, so you should not buy a random cartridge. You need to check the printer’s manual or the current cartridge to check its number on the label. Then, buy the same cartridge so it fits properly into the slot.

Once you have bought the cartridge, remove its packaging carefully and avoid touching the electrical contacts. Also, make sure you buy the cartridge from Canon’s official source and not from a third party.

Step 2: Power on the Canon PIXMA Printer

Before inserting the cartridge into the printer, you need to turn on the printer from the power outlet. Now, locate the power button and turn it on. The power light on the printer will start flashing. After that, allow the printer to initiate the setup process.

Step 3: Open the Printer’s Cartridge Access Door

Before inserting the new cartridge, you need to locate the cartridge access door. Through this door, you can access the old cartridges and replace them with the new ones. This door might be present at the front or top, depending on the printer type. Go through the printer’s manual to check where this door is present.

Step 4: Locate and Remove the Empty Cartridge

Canon PIXMA printers often consist of multiple ink cartridges sitting in their respective slots. To check which ink cartridge is empty, check the display of your printer or the computer’s screen. You will often receive a message to alert you about the empty cartridge.

Once you are sure about the empty cartridge, press down on the cartridge’s latch, and it will slowly release from the holder. Now, you can pull it out carefully without touching its electrical contacts. Once it’s removed, keep it aside.

Step 5: Unbox and Prepare a New Cartridge

Once you buy the new cartridge, remove all its packaging and protective coverings. Also, ensure that you don’t touch the nozzles or contacts. This is how you can prevent contamination. Also, confirm that the cartridge is original and of good quality.

Step 6: Place the New Cartridge

After unboxing the original cartridge, insert it into its respective slot. Ensure that the cartridge clicks perfectly in its place and sits straight. Plus, ensure that the label on the cartridge matches the slot in the printer. Since each cartridge has a specific slot, make sure the cartridge position matches its label.

Step 7: Close Cartridge Access Door

After placing the cartridge into the appropriate slot, you can close the cartridge access door. Ensure that you close the door gently. After that, your printer will detect the new cartridge and prepare it for printing tasks.

Step 8: Take a Test Print

Finally, the printer will start preparation and calibrate itself to align the new cartridge into the slot. To check if the cartridge is working correctly, you can take a test print. That’s how you’ll confirm that the cartridge is working properly. A test print helps you check if your printer gives clear prints. That’s it for inserting a new cartridge into the printer’s slot, and start printing again hassle-free.

Tips and Tricks for a Hassle-Free Insertion of Cartridges

Inserting a new cartridge can become difficult in some situations. Sometimes, you may insert the cartridge correctly, but it doesn’t work as expected. Therefore, I’m sharing a few maintenance tips to keep the cartridges in good condition and work their best.

• Don’t use third-party ink cartridges, and always buy original cartridges.

• Try to print regularly; otherwise, the ink may dry and not print anything or yield faded prints.

• Clean the print heads from time to time. They are the components of the printer that sprinkle the ink onto the document.

• Check the ink levels in your printer and computer whenever you get faded prints.

   Frequently Asked Questions

Question

How to Insert New Ink Cartridge into a Canon Printer?

To properly insert the new cartridge into your printer, follow these steps:

1. Power on your printer and open the cartridge access door.

2. Gently remove the empty cartridge by pressing down the latch.

3. Insert the new cartridge into the correct slot, and then close the cartridge access door. 

Question

How to Spot the Correct Slot of an Ink Cartridge?

The best way to find the correct slot of the ink cartridge is to check the color coding on the cartridge’s label and inside the printer. Your printer has color codes like Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black. You can check the letters on the label of your cartridge, and then match it with the printer’s slot. This is how you’ll insert it into the correct slot. 

Question

How to Confirm if Ink Cartridge Is Original?

Checking if the cartridge is original is easy. First, ensure that you buy it from an authentic source such as the company’s official website or store. Secondly, check for the brand’s logo, QR codes, and security holograms on the new cartridge. Moreover, check for the serial number on the website and check it on the cartridge’s label. 

Source: How to Change Ink Cartridge in Canon PIXMA