# How to Install Canon PG-285 & CL-286 Ink Cartridges

> Step-by-step guide to installing and replacing Canon PG-285/CL-286 ink cartridges in the PIXMA TR7820, TS7720 & TS7722 — color left, black right.

Source: https://support.ldproducts.com/en_us/how-to-install-canon-pg-285-cl-286-ink-cartridges-Sk0XgKyWMg

Last updated: 2026-06-05T22:18:17.356Z

**Quick answer:** Power the printer on, open the scanning unit, lift the locking cover, drop the replacement cartridge into its slot — **color (CL-286/286XL) on the LEFT, black (PG-285/285XL) on the RIGHT** — close the cover until it clicks, and lower the scanning unit. The printer runs an automatic cleaning cycle. This procedure is the same on the PIXMA TR7820, TS7720, and TS7722.

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## Before you start

*   Have your replacement [PG-285/285XL black](https://www.ldproducts.com/remanufactured-canon-pg-285xl-hy-black-ink-cartridge) and/or [CL-286/286XL color](https://www.ldproducts.com/remanufactured-canon-cl-286xl-hy-color-ink-cartridge) cartridge on hand.
*   Leave the printer turned on — the cartridge holder only moves to the change position when powered.
*   Do not touch the gold electrical contacts or the print-head nozzles on the cartridge. On a FINE cartridge the print head is built in, and fingerprints can stop it printing.

## Step-by-step

1.  **Turn the printer on.** The cartridge holder needs power to move into the replacement position.
2.  **Open the scanning unit / cover.** Lift the entire top (scanner) section until it locks open. The cartridge holder slides to the center.
3.  **Remove the empty cartridge.** Pinch the ink cartridge locking cover to open it, then lift the old cartridge(s) straight out.
4.  **Unwrap the new cartridge.** Remove it from the package and peel off any protective tape. Do not touch the contacts or nozzles.
5.  **Insert the new cartridge.** Color CL-286 goes in the **LEFT** slot; black PG-285 goes in the **RIGHT** slot. Close the locking cover and press down until it clicks.
6.  **Close the scanning unit.** Lift it slightly to release the support, then lower it gently. The printer runs an automatic print-head cleaning cycle — wait for it to finish before printing.

## If the printer doesn't recognize the cartridge

The usual causes are leftover protective tape, fingerprints or dust on the gold contacts, or a locking cover that didn't fully click. Reopen the scanning unit, reseat the cartridge, and confirm the cover clicks shut. Full troubleshooting: see ["Cartridge Cannot Be Recognized" on a Canon PIXMA — How to Fix](https://ldproducts.kustomerapp.com/app/settings/kb/articles/6a220025956976b1606f3447/%5bHC2_URL%5d).

**Related articles**

*   [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)
*   [How to install Canon PIG-285 & CL-286 Ink Cartridges](https://support.ldproducts.com/en_us/how-to-install-canon-pg-285-cl-286-ink-cartridges-Sk0XgKyWMg)

_Looking for the full buying guide, page yields, and pricing? 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/) on the LD Products blog._