Canon PIXMA MG2525: Setup, Drivers, Ink and Common Problems

Is the Canon PIXMA MG2525 right for you?

The MG2525 is the slightly older sibling of the MG2522, sold through the same mass-market channels and mechanically the same USB-only all-in-one. Many have reached the age where the ink absorber warning appears, and because the printer is so inexpensive a service reset is rarely worth it. In the UK and Europe the equivalent MG2550S uses different cartridges, so expatriates should not bring ink across the Atlantic.

Best for: Low-volume USB printing where replacement cost is not a concern

Setting up the Canon PIXMA MG2525

Install from the Canon support download before connecting USB; Windows Update's generic driver prints but will not scan. If the computer no longer sees the printer, try a different USB port and a cable under 2 metres, and avoid USB hubs. The E13 blink after a refilled cartridge can be cleared by holding the Stop button for five seconds.

1. Unbox and prepare. Remove every piece of shipping tape and packing material, install the ink cartridges, 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 PIXMA MG2525 uses the following consumables. Match the number exactly when you buy: the same printer family often uses several different cartridge numbers by region.

• PG-245 black
• CL-246 color
• UK: PG-545 / CL-546

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