Canon 5/8, 520/521, 525/526 genuine ink tanks - How to refill

Genuine Canon PGI-5, PGI-520, PGI-525 & CLI-8, CLI-521, CLI-526 ink tanks/cartridges are easy and very economical to refill - if you know how and have the correct ink and tools. Find all the info and bits & pieces you need on this page...

Note: If your Canon printer uses PGI650, PGI670, PGI680, CLI651, CLI671 or CLI681, you can find the correct instructions here.

Refilling steps:

1) Remove empty ink tank from printer and seal the ink outlet. If you've kept the original Canon outlet clips, rubber band one back on like this...

If you haven't saved the clips, get some! This type (below) works well. You get a set of two if you buy a refill kit here, or you can order the clips separately.

It is important to seal the outlet - to prevent any ink leaking out, while you're putting it in. Don't try refilling - without sealing the ink outlet first!

2) Find the original ink/fill hole - located under the top label. Feel for a round indentation under the label, just ahead of the 'push' circle. When you find it, use something sharp (eg Stanley knife) to scrape some of the label off to expose the original fill plug (small plastic ball) underneath.

3) Remove the plug - using a plug tool like this. It works like a cork screw. Screw the tip into the plug until it feels tight, then pull on the tool and the plug should come out with it. Take care, when screwing the tool in, as to not damage the sides of the hole. If damaged, the plug may not seal properly and the tank is likely to leak.

Congratulations! You're halfway there.
 

4) Slowly fill the ink reservoir through the hole - using a syringe/needle combo. Don't rush this step - or you'll make a mess. Because you can't see inside the CLI-526 and PGI-525 tanks, the only indication you get that the tank is full is the ink rising up around the needle.

Tip: Holding a corner of folded up tissue paper or paper towel against the needle is a good way to catch any excess ink - before it overflows and makes a mess.

5) Wait 20-30 seconds for the ink level to drop, then inject some more ink - until full. Don't wait any longer than that, or try to top the ink up again. If you do, you're risking overfilling the tank.

6) Plug the ink hole.

 

If you don't have a proper plug, you might be able to reuse the original ball you removed earlier. Alternatively, you can use hot glue, silicone sealant or something like that. Whatever you use must be air tight, secure and protrude as little as possible.

7) Check the ink tank for leaks. Remove it from the outlet clip and place in upright position over something it can drip into. Few drops is fine, but if ink keeps dripping out, there is a problem - more than likely with the plug seal. Don't install a leaking tank!

8) Reset the chip (if you have a chip resetter), install cartridge back in printer and test print.

Tip: If after reading this page you don't feel confident enough to refill genuine Canon ink tanks (fair enough) or if you need a new set anyway - consider investing in a set of refillable tanks. They can make refiling even easier.

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