Whether you are performing upkeep on your home printer or managing an office suite with several devices, knowing how to put ink in a printer is critical to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Every printer brand has its methodology, with Canon ink cartridge replacement being distinct from other popular brands like HP and Epson. In addition to that, different models have different processes. Knowing how to change ink on Canon MX922 printers will vary compared to how to change the ink on a Canon Printer MG2522 model.
As a certified OEM merchant of ink, toner, and printer supplies, we have a wealth of experience regarding Canon ink cartridge replacement. That’s why we’ve compiled this guide on how to change ink in Canon printers. There’s a lot to cover, so let’s jump right in to discuss everything you need to know.
Signs You Need to Prepare for Canon Ink Cartridge Replacement
Whether you need to know how to change ink on Canon MX922 printers or how to change the ink on a Canon printer MG2522, you’ll first need to know when to do so.
Learning how to tell if an ink cartridge is empty is simple if you watch for your device’s built-in alert system and watch for any changes in the quality of your print jobs.
Automatic Notifications and Alerts
Canon ink cartridge replacement often comes paired with several warning signs, many of which will come from your device itself. We’ll use the MG2522 and MX922 as examples, with many of the other models in Canon’s line following a similar pattern.
The MG2522 will show a message stating “Ink Low” or “Replace Ink” on its LCD screen, signaling a need for Canon ink cartridge replacement. The MX922 features an LED display with various light patterns for black and color inks.
Both models are also capable of sending automatic email reminders with low ink, allowing you to get ahead of the curve without needing to physically inspect your device.
Visual and Print Quality Indicators
Another important warning sign you should learn as part of knowing how to change ink in Canon printers is any changes in print quality. When ink gets low, you will often notice that your print jobs are lighter or faded in color. This can include text that is difficult or impossible to read and photos that print with ink-less, empty spots.
You may also want to visually inspect your cartridges up close to verify if your cartridges need replacement. Most cartridges will feature visual cues on the sides or bottoms of the cartridge, allowing you to inspect the fill line.
Overall, whether you set up automatic alerts or wait for your print jobs to deteriorate, being able to recognize signs of low ink is critical to ensure you avoid disruptions in your printing quality. With that, let’s tackle our guide on how to change ink in Canon printers to help you once these signs start showing.
How to Change Ink in Canon Printer: Step-by-Step Guide
Replacing ink cartridges can feel like a daunting task at times, especially if you’ve recently changed printers or have to manage multiple models with different routines. However, you’ll quickly learn how to change ink in Canon printers with the help of our guide.
Before You Start: Preparation and Safety Tips
A crucial part of learning how to change ink on Canon printers is ensuring you have all the supplies you need to safely perform the task. You’ll want to ensure your printer is turned off and unplugged from its outlet.
We also highly recommend wearing gloves when handling ink cartridges. Figuring out how to get ink off skin can be frustrating and time-consuming. If you are replacing a printer at home, you’ll also want to ensure you can properly dispose of your cartridges to keep them out of reach of children and pets.
Identifying Your Canon Printer Model and Corresponding Ink
The most vital step in learning how to change ink in Canon printers is figuring out the right cartridge for your device. Most Canon ink cartridges will denote a list of compatible printers to allow you to cross-check and ensure you are purchasing suitable ink.
Your specific printer will also list compatible inks within its instructions manual or online on the Canon website. Cartridges that are not compatible with your device can cause errors or outright prevent you from performing print jobs.
Step-by-Step Ink Replacement Procedure
While your specific process will vary based on your model, this step-by-step guide should help you understand what is expected of you during ink replacement.
- Gather a suitable set of ink cartridges for your device.
- Turn off and unplug your printer and wear gloves to ensure a safe experience.
- Open the cartridge door or cover on your device.
- Look for a release button or tab, which will allow you to carefully remove old cartridges.
- Remove all packaging from your new cartridge, then insert it into the slot until you hear a click.
- Be sure you do not touch any of the electrical contact edges on your cartridge, usually found on the bottom, to avoid any static damage.
- Following the same methodology as steps 3 and 4, close your cartridge cover.
Testing the Ink Replacement
After following the steps above, all that is left is for you to do is to test out your new ink. Your Canon printer should allow you to print an alignment page or test page. You’ll want to verify that the colors in your print job are vibrant without any lines or gaps in the result.
If your test page turns out great, then you are all done! If you do encounter additional issues, you may need to re-seat your cartridge or clean the printer of any dust and debris.
Now that you know how to change ink in Canon printers, let’s discuss a few tips to help you extend the lifespan of your newest cartridges.
Tips on Making the Most of Your New Ink Cartridge
While Canon ink cartridge replacement is easy, you still don’t want to have to go through the process more than necessary. From tweaking your printer settings to keeping up with cleaning routines, there’s a lot you can do to make the most of your ink.
Optimal Printer Settings for Ink Conservation
Not all print jobs are equal, allowing you to optimize your printer settings to extend the lifespan of your cartridges. You can switch to a “draft” mode for Canon print jobs that don’t require vibrant colors or lots of text.
Printing photos without borders when possible can also help you to reduce ink usage. There may be additional features with your given model, like header/footer printing or additional color options, which can also be toggled off to preserve ink.
Regular Maintenance to Extend Ink Life
When figuring out how to make printer ink last longer, we always recommend periodical upkeep tasks to keep things in tip-top shape. These small tasks include wiping your printer exterior to keep it dust-free and maintaining manufacturer instructions for cleaning cycles.
What about the ink you aren’t currently using? Do ink cartridges expire?
You’ll also want to ensure you properly store your unused cartridges to prevent those inks and toners from drying out. If you do run into that problem, check out our in-depth guide to learn how to fix dry ink cartridges
The Value of Investing in Genuine Ink Cartridges
If you’ve ever wondered why ink cartridges are so expensive, it’s in large part due to the discrepancy between high-quality ink and third-party alternatives. Official Canon cartridges are specifically designed for Canon models, undergoing extensive testing and quality control processes.
While the upfront cost may be higher, investing in official cartridges allows you to enjoy a longer-lasting lifespan guaranteed by the supplier. Third-party options can cause printer jams and malfunctions due to their poor quality control, leading to more frequent ink replacements.
Wrapping Up Our Canon Ink Cartridge Replacement Guide
Overall, Canon ink cartridge replacement is simple once you understand the process. It’s a matter of watching for warning signs, opening your printer, and using genuine cartridges to quickly swap out your old ink.
If you enjoyed this guide and have more questions about the world of printers and printer supplies, consider checking out our blog! We are constantly releasing new guides to help you make the right choices for your office or home.
Some of our latest works include a list of the printers with cheapest inks, a guide answering what is printer ink made of, and a look at what brand printer has the cheapest ink. We also feature two guides on other popular printer brands, including how to change ink in HP printers, and how to change the ink on an Epson printer.
If you want to know what to do with unused ink cartridges, consider selling those cartridges! At SellToner.com, we purchase unopened ink and toner cartridges as part of a nationwide dealer network for toner reverse logistics. Our compassionate team will work with you to ensure you get the best possible price for your unwanted printer supplies. If you are ready to sell toner and ink, contact us by phone or email to get started!
