# Canon "Cartridge Cannot Be Recognized" After Installing PG-285 / CL-286 — How to Fix

> Canon PIXMA TR7820/TS7720/TS7722 not recognizing a new PG-285 or CL-286? Fix the tape, contacts, and seating in minutes with these steps.

Source: https://support.ldproducts.com/en_us/canon-cartridge-cannot-be-recognized-after-installing-pg-285-cl-286-how-to-fix-Hy_UDFJWzg

Last updated: 2026-06-05T22:19:36.814Z

**Quick answer:** A "cartridge cannot be recognized," "incorrect cartridge" message on a PIXMA [TR7820](https://www.ldproducts.com/ink-and-toner/canon/pixma/tr7820), [TS7720](https://www.ldproducts.com/ink-and-toner/canon/pixma/pixma-ts7720), or [TS7722](https://www.ldproducts.com/ink-and-toner/canon/pixma/pixma-ts7722) almost always means leftover protective tape, dirty gold contacts, or a locking cover that didn't fully click. Remove the cartridge, wipe the contacts with a dry lint-free cloth, and reseat it firmly until the cover clicks.

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## Fix it in order

1.  **Check for protective tape.** Make sure any tape over the print head and contacts was fully removed from the new cartridge.
2.  **Reseat the cartridge.** Open the scanning unit, lift the locking cover, take the cartridge out, and reinsert it — color ([CL-286](https://www.ldproducts.com/remanufactured-canon-cl-286xl-hy-color-ink-cartridge)) on the LEFT, black ([PG-285](https://www.ldproducts.com/remanufactured-canon-pg-285xl-hy-black-ink-cartridge)) on the RIGHT. Press the cover down until it clicks.
3.  **Clean the contacts.** Gently wipe the gold electrical contacts with a dry, lint-free cloth. Never use water, alcohol, or a paper towel that sheds fibers.
4.  **Confirm the right cartridge.** The PIXMA TR7820 / TS7720 / TS7722 only accept PG-285/285XL black and CL-286/286XL color. A [PG-275](https://www.ldproducts.com/reman-canon-pg-275xl-hy-black-ink), [PG-260](https://www.ldproducts.com/remanufactured-canon-3706c001-black-ink-cartridge), or [PG-245](https://www.ldproducts.com/remanufactured-canon-8278b001aa-black-ink-cartridge) will not be recognized.
5.  **Power cycle.** Turn the printer off, wait 30 seconds, and turn it back on so it re-reads both cartridges.

## **Related articles**

*   [How to install Canon PG-285 and CL-286 ink cartridges](https://support.ldproducts.com/en_us/how-to-install-canon-pg-285-cl-286-ink-cartridges-Sk0XgKyWMg)
*   [Low-ink warning on a remanufactured Canon cartridge — is it normal?](https://support.ldproducts.com/en_us/low-ink-or-empty-warning-on-a-remanufactured-canon-pg-285-cl-286-is-it-normal-B1FuOtJbfx)
*   [Fixing streaks, faded, or missing colors on PG-285 / CL-286](https://support.ldproducts.com/en_us/streaky-faded-or-missing-colors-on-a-canon-pg-285-cl-286-how-to-fix-print-quality-r1txFKJbzg)

_Shopping for replacements or want the full series breakdown? See [Canon PG-285 / CL-286 Ink: Compatible Printers, Page Yields & Buying Guide](https://www.ldproducts.com/blog/canon-pg-285-cl-286-ink-series/)._