← All guides
Easy · 5 minInk & print quality

Replace ink cartridges & clear warnings

Cartridge errors after a refill or swap usually come from a missed click, leftover tape, or the ink counter needing a reset.

01 · Identify — does this match what you see?

  • “Ink cartridge not recognized” after replacement
  • Alarm lamp flashes after a refill
  • Ink level shows empty on a new cartridge

02 · Resolve — follow in order

  1. 1

    Power the printer on and open the cover; wait for the carrier to stop moving.

  2. 2

    Press the cartridge down until it pops up, then remove it.

  3. 3

    On the new cartridge, peel off all orange tape and the protective cap — even a small strip blocks the contacts.

  4. 4

    Insert at a slight angle and push up until you hear a firm click.

  5. 5

    If the ink-level warning stays on a refilled cartridge, hold the Stop/Reset button for 5 seconds to resume printing.

Pro tip

Canon labels cartridges PG (black) and CL (color). Swapping the slots triggers “not recognized” errors even with genuine ink.

03 · Applies to

PIXMA MG2522PIXMA TS3522PIXMA TR4720PIXMA TS6420

Related fixes