Third-party status
UnknownNo lockout reports found; Canon lets you print past 'empty'
We found no firmware lockout reports for the TS6420a, and Canon documents an override for cartridges that read empty. We found no dated proof that third-party PG-260/CL-261 work, so: Unknown.
What to do now
What to buy instead
- Genuine Canon PG-260 / CL-261. Always recognized, with ink levels.
- Remanufactured XL cartridges. Pick a seller with a return policy.
- Account required
- No
- Cartridges
- Canon PG-260 / CL-261 (XL sizes)
- Blocking firmware
- None reported
- Last checked
Also applies to: Other PIXMA TS6400 series models (same cartridges, same manual).
Third-party and remanufactured cartridges
- Canon lists PG-260, PG-260XL, CL-261 and CL-261XL for the TS6400 series and recommends genuine ink.[1]
- Canon says that when ink is reported as run out, holding Stop for at least 5 seconds turns off ink-level detection so printing can continue.[2][3]
Canon account and subscriptions
- We found no Canon requirement for an account or subscription to print. Canon's error steps are local button presses.[2]
Firmware that blocked cartridges
- We found no source tying a TS6420a firmware update to a cartridge block.[2]
To see your version, print a printer status report or open the printer's web page. Compare it with the firmware list.
Workarounds that sources back up
- If a refilled or remanufactured cartridge reads empty, hold Stop for 5 seconds or more to turn off ink-level detection.[2][3] Ink levels are no longer shown for that cartridge. Print quality may suffer.
What does not reliably work
- The override is for cartridges reported empty. Canon's manual does not offer it for a cartridge that cannot be recognized.[2]
What to buy instead
- Genuine Canon PG-260 / CL-261. Always recognized, with ink levels. Shop
- Remanufactured XL cartridges. Pick a seller with a return policy. Shop
These are plain store links. We earn nothing from them today. Disclosure.
What we could not verify
- A dated owner or press report of third-party cartridges working in the TS6420a.
- Whether any firmware update changed cartridge detection on this model.
- How remanufactured chips read on this model.
Know something we missed? Dated sources beat opinions. Corrections go on the page with a date.
Get an email when the Canon PIXMA TS6420a's status changes
One short email when a firmware update blocks cartridges, or a block gets lifted. No spam, no daily digest.
The email list is not live yet. Nothing you type here is sent anywhere.
Sources
- Canon online manual (TS6400 series): ink numbers (read Oct 21, 2026)
- Canon online manual (TS6400 series): support code 1688 (read Oct 21, 2026)
- Canon online manual (TS6400 series): support code 1686 (read Oct 21, 2026)