Replacing your Canon ink cartridges is a straightforward process, and this guide will ensure you do it smoothly. We’ll cover everything you need to know for Canon PG-640 black and CL-641 colour cartridges, commonly used in these printer models:
- MG Series: MG2160, MG2260, MG3160, MG3260, MG3560, MG3660, MG4160, MG4260
- MX Series: MX376, MX396, MX436, MX456, MX476, MX516, MX526, MX536
- TS Series: TS5160
These printers are perfect for home users who print occasionally, offering basic document printing and scanning functionalities.
Choosing the Right Cartridges
You have two choices for ink cartridges: standard yield or high yield (XL). Standard yield cartridges are ideal for lower print volume, while high yield cartridges offer more ink per cartridge, making them a better value for frequent printing. The estimated page yield, which indicates the number of pages a cartridge can print, is usually printed on the cartridge itself, but can also be found in your printer specifications. This helps you choose the most cost-effective option for your needs.
Replacing Your Ink Cartridges Step-by-Step
- Gather your supplies: Locate your new Canon PG640 black and CL641 colour cartridges. You may also want to have some tissues on hand in case of any ink spills.
- Power on your printer and open the top cover. The cartridge holder will automatically move to a replacement position.
- Identify the empty cartridge: The black cartridge goes in the black slot, and the colour cartridge goes in the colour slot.
- Removing the empty cartridge: Gently push down on the used cartridge until it clicks. Then, carefully pull the cartridge straight out of the slot.
- Prepare the new cartridge: Take the new cartridge out of its packaging and remove the protective tape cautiously. Avoid touching the electrical contacts or the print head nozzle on the cartridge, as this can affect print quality.
- Installing the new cartridge: Hold the new cartridge at an angle and insert it into the correct slot (black or colour). Push the cartridge firmly until it clicks into place.
- Repeat steps 4-6 for the other cartridge (if needed).
- Close the top cover firmly.
- Print head alignment: Your printer might prompt you to perform a print head alignment after replacing the cartridges. This ensures optimal print quality. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the alignment process.
Important Tips to Remember
- Handle with care: Avoid touching the electrical contacts or print head nozzle on the cartridge, as this can affect print quality.
- Leave it closed: Don’t leave the printer open for extended periods (more than 10 minutes) to prevent errors.
- Dispose responsibly: When removing a cartridge, be careful not to stain yourself or your surroundings. Dispose of empty cartridges according to local regulations for ink consumables.
- Genuine Canon advantage: Consider using genuine Canon cartridges. They offer several benefits over generic brands, including:
- Security updates: Genuine cartridges ensure you receive the latest firmware updates to keep your printer secure from potential vulnerabilities.
- Superior print quality: Canon cartridges are designed to work seamlessly with your Canon printer, delivering crisp and vibrant prints.
- Optimal ink usage: Genuine cartridges are engineered to provide accurate ink usage, preventing unnecessary waste.
- Environmentally friendly: Canon offers recycling programs for their empty cartridges, allowing you to dispose of them responsibly.
Still unsure?
If you have any further questions about replacing your Canon ink cartridges or choosing the right cartridges for your printer, feel free to consult your printer’s user manual or contact Canon customer support.