Canon MAXIFY GX1020: Setup, Drivers, Ink and Common Problems

Is the Canon MAXIFY GX1020 right for you?

The GX1020 is the least expensive MAXIFY MegaTank, a single-function printer with all-pigment ink for smudge-proof, highlighter-safe documents, automatic duplex and Ethernet. It is built for small businesses that print invoices and forms all day and already have a scanner. Photo output is not its purpose, and the pigment inks demand the printer be used regularly to avoid nozzle clogs.

Best for: Small businesses wanting a cheap pigment MegaTank for documents

Setting up the Canon MAXIFY GX1020

Fill the four tanks with GI-26 bottles, install the printhead and allow the initial charge, then connect Ethernet or use the LCD to join Wi-Fi. Install the GX1000 series driver from ij.start.canon and set duplex as default. Use the rear tray for envelopes and the cassette for plain paper.

1. Unbox and prepare. Remove every piece of shipping tape and packing material, install the ink bottles (fill each tank to the upper line), and load paper in the tray.
2. Join your Wi-Fi. Keep the printer close to the router for setup. Most printers only connect to the 2.4GHz band, so if your router broadcasts one merged network name you may need to split the bands temporarily. See our Wi-Fi guide if it will not join.
3. Install the setup app. Use Canon's official app rather than a driver you found on a search result — third-party driver sites are the most common source of printer malware.
4. Add the printer. On Windows 11: Settings › Bluetooth & devices › Printers & scanners › Add device. On macOS: System Settings › Printers & Scanners › Add Printer.
5. Print a test page and run a scan if this is an all-in-one, so you find any problem now rather than when you are in a hurry.

Ink, toner and supplies

The Canon MAXIFY GX1020 uses the following consumables. Match the number exactly when you buy: the same printer family often uses several different cartridge numbers by region.

• GI-26 Black / C / M / Y (GI-56 in UK/EU)
• MC-G02 maintenance cartridge

High-yield (XL) versions almost always cost less per page if you print regularly. On third-party ink and toner, read our honest assessment first, and note that some manufacturers push firmware that rejects non-original chips.

Full specifications