Compatible Canon CC-821 ink cartridge: installation, compatibility and savings

The compatible Canon CC-821 ink cartridge is the budget-friendly alternative to the original consumable for a wide family of PIXMA printers. Here we explain which machines it works with, how to install it, what to do if your printer doesn't recognise it and what real savings you can expect compared with the original.

What the CC-821 is and which printers it works with

The CC-821 is an ink cartridge designed to replace the equivalent Canon consumable.

It is compatible with the following Canon models:

• PIXMA iP3680, iP4680, iP4760
• PIXMA MP545, MP558, MP568, MP628, MP638, MP648
• PIXMA MP988, MP996
• PIXMA MX868, MX876

If your machine appears in this list, the CC-821 is a direct replacement. Before buying, check the exact model on your printer's label to make sure.

How to install it and what to do if it "doesn't recognise the cartridge"

Installation is straightforward. Switch on the printer, open the front cover and wait for the cartridge carriage to move towards the centre. Remove the empty cartridge, take the new CC-821 out of its packaging, peel off the protective tape and seal, and push it in until you hear the fixing click. Close the cover.

If, after installing it, you see a cartridge not recognised warning or an unknown ink level message, don't worry: this is common behaviour with non-original consumables. It is usually resolved as follows:

• Press OK or hold down the Stop/Reset button for a few seconds when the printer asks you to, so you can carry on printing.
• If the warning persists, remove the cartridge, carefully clean the gold chip contacts with a dry cloth and put it back in.
• Switch the printer off and on again to force it to re-read the cartridge.

The ink monitor may stop showing the exact level: this is normal with compatible cartridges and does not affect print quality. You can check that everything works with our CMYK print test page.

Yield and savings compared with the original

The saving per unit multiplies if you print frequently, since the main expense of an inkjet printer is the ink, not the machine itself.

We put it to the test by printing the original and the compatible side by side; you can see the result in our article original vs compatible. And if you want to work out your real spend, it helps to read the real cost of printing.

Why buy it from Star Toner

Your Startoner consumable is covered by a three-year legal conformity guarantee. Printer coverage is governed by the manufacturer’s terms and may exclude damage caused by consumables. Using a compatible cartridge does not by itself establish the cause of a fault; keep your documentation and contact us if a problem occurs.

If you need more colour or higher yield for other PIXMA models, you also have the CC-581 XXL and the CC-571 XL available. Add the CC-821 to your basket and have it delivered to your home with fast shipping.

Frequently asked questions