TWO INK SYSTEMS · TWO REPLACEMENT METHODS

How to Replace Canon FINE Cartridges & Individual Ink Tanks

Identify your printer’s ink system, then follow the matching replacement method. The examples below cover the MX490 and MX920 series; use your exact model’s manual for its covers, locks and supplies.

FINE: two cartridges ↓Individual ink tanks ↓

Which ink system do you have?

TWO CARTRIDGES

FINE: black + tri-colour

Canon PG-245 Original Black Ink Cartridge

Canon CL-246 Original Colour Ink Cartridge

One black cartridge and one tri-colour cartridge containing cyan, magenta and yellow together.
The print-head nozzles are part of the cartridge assembly. The black and tri-colour cartridges are separate replacements.
If one colour in the tri-colour cartridge runs out, that complete cartridge is replaced—not a separate cyan, magenta or yellow tank.
Example: MX492, in the MX490 series.

SEPARATE INK SUPPLIES

Individual ink tanks

Each ink supply has its own tank. The print head stays in the printer during normal tank replacement.
Replace the depleted tank in its matching slot. Different printers have different tank counts and colour sets.
MX920-series printers use five tanks: pigment black, dye black, cyan, magenta and yellow. The two blacks have different roles and are not interchangeable.
Example: MX922, in the MX920 series.

The pictured PG-245 / CL-246 and PGI-250 / CLI-251 supplies are examples for these printer families. FINE describes a cartridge system—not one universal cartridge number. Always match your model.

METHOD 1 · MX490-SERIES EXAMPLE

How to replace a Canon FINE cartridge

Use this method for the two-cartridge MX490-style mechanism. Some other FINE printers use a locking cover instead of the same push-down release.

Open and wait

Switch the printer on. Open the front cover and paper-output cover. Let the holder stop completely; never slide it by hand.

Remove the old cartridge

On the MX490 series, press the cartridge down until it releases, then take it out.

Remove the protective tape

Unpack the replacement and gently peel off its protective tape. Keep fingers away from contacts and nozzles.

Insert, then lift to lock

Place the cartridge in its slot at an angle, then push it in and up until it clicks. On MX490, colour goes left and black right.

Close and finish

Keep both cartridges installed. Close the output cover, allow automatic cleaning to finish, and follow any alignment prompt.

Canon MX490 illustration of removing protective tape from a FINE cartridge — Remove protective tape from the FINE cartridge.

Canon MX490 illustration showing a FINE cartridge pushed inward and upward into position — MX490 mechanism: push the cartridge in and up to secure it.

Illustrations: Canon MX490 manual. See Canon’s complete illustrated procedure ↗

METHOD 2 · MX920-SERIES EXAMPLE

How to replace individual Canon ink tanks

A tank does not use the FINE cartridge’s upward locking action. Follow the label on each slot and change tanks one at a time.

Open the ink access area

With power on, open the output tray, document cover and ink cover as directed for MX920. Wait until the holder stops.

Press the tab and lift out

Release the indicated tank’s tab, then lift out that tank only. Avoid touching other internal parts.

Prepare the new tank

Remove the tape and film fully, then gently remove the orange cap following its instructions. Do not squeeze the tank or touch its open ink port.

Insert the front, then press down

Match the slot label. Insert the tank’s front at an angle, then press its top until secure. Check its ink lamp.

Close and let cleaning finish

All required tanks must be installed. Close the ink and document covers; wait for any automatic cleaning to complete.

Canon MX920 illustration showing the tank tab pressed and tank lifted out — MX920 mechanism: press the tab, then lift out the individual tank.

Canon MX920 illustration showing the front of an ink tank inserted at an angle — Insert the tank’s front first; then press its top down to lock.

Illustrations: Canon MX920 manual. See Canon’s complete illustrated procedure ↗

The key difference in one glance

Question	FINE example: MX490	Individual tanks: MX920
What is replaced?	Black or complete tri-colour cartridge	The individual depleted tank
How is it released?	Press cartridge down	Press the tank tab; lift tank out
How is it secured?	Push in and up	Insert front; press top down
What stays installed?	Both cartridge positions must remain filled	Print head and all required tank positions

Replacement questions

Can I swap a FINE cartridge for an individual tank?

No. They fit different printer mechanisms. Match the cartridge or tank number to your exact printer.

Are XL cartridges installed differently?

A supported XL version normally uses the same replacement mechanism as its standard-capacity counterpart. Verify model compatibility before buying; XL is not a universal fit.

Why does a replaced cartridge still show an ink warning?

Read the exact error code and consult that printer’s manual. A remaining-ink warning, an unrecognised cartridge and a printer hardware fault require different actions.
Do not repeatedly reset an error or force the holder. Use the troubleshooting links on the MX series page.