Compatible Canon CC-551 cartridge: installation, compatibility and savings

In this guide we explain which printers it works with, how to install it, what to do if your machine doesn't recognise it and how much you can save compared with the branded consumable.

What it is and which printers it works with

It's a compatible ink cartridge designed for the inkjet machines in Canon's PIXMA range that use the CLI-551 format. It's tested to work in these models:

• Canon PIXMA iP7250, iP8750 and iX6850
• Canon PIXMA MG5450, MG5550, MG5650 and MG5655
• Canon PIXMA MG6350, MG6450 and MG6650
• Canon PIXMA MG7150 and MG7550
• Canon PIXMA MX725 and MX925

If your printer uses several separate colours, you can combine it with other cartridges from the same family, such as the compatible Canon CC-571 or the compatible XXL-yield Canon CC-581 to complete the ink set.

How to install it and what to do if "the cartridge isn't recognised"

Browse the available products and check compatibility, declared yield and price on each product page.

• Switch on the printer and open the lid so the cartridge carriage moves to the centre.
• Remove the used cartridge by pressing the locking tab.
• Peel the protective tape off the new cartridge without touching the chip or the ink outlet area.
• Slot it into its colour position until you hear a click and close the lid.

If a message such as "cartridge not recognised" or "cartridge not detected" appears, it isn't a fault with the product: it's usually the printer's detection system. Try switching the machine off and on, removing the cartridge and gently cleaning the chip contacts with a dry cloth, then reinserting it firmly. On many PIXMA models, the "non-original ink" warning is dismissed by holding down the Stop/Reset button for a few seconds until the printer carries on. It's an informational message and doesn't affect your machine's warranty.

Yield and savings compared with the original

The compatible CC-551 is designed to deliver colour density and print fluidity equivalent to those of the original cartridge on documents and home photography. The difference is in the price: compatible consumables considerably reduce the cost per page, which is especially noticeable if you print in colour frequently. If you want to work out how much you actually spend, we explain it in our article on the real cost of printing, and if you have doubts about the quality, take a look at our comparison of original vs compatible toner printed side by side.

Why buy it from Star Toner

We sell the compatible Canon CC-551 cartridge for €1.99, with certified ISO 9001 manufacturing manufacturing and fast delivery. Buying compatible ink is entirely legal and doesn't void your printer's warranty: we set it out in detail in our guide on the legal warranty for compatible cartridges in Spain. Before printing an important job, you can check that all the colours come out properly with our CMYK print test page.

Frequently asked questions