Canon PIXMA TS6420a: Setup, Drivers, Ink and Common Problems

Is the Canon PIXMA TS6420a right for you?

The TS6420a is the same printer as the TS6420 with a refreshed model suffix, which Canon uses when it updates firmware or packaging without changing the hardware. Drivers, cartridges and manuals are interchangeable with the non-a version, so do not buy separate ink. It is a dependable two-cartridge duplex all-in-one, but the small standard cartridges mean per-page costs are high for heavy users.

Best for: Budget duplex printing in homes that already use PG-260 / CL-261 ink

Setting up the Canon PIXMA TS6420a

Select the TS6400 series in Canon PRINT or on ij.start.canon; there is no separate TS6420a driver. If Windows installed it automatically through Mopria or WSD, remove that entry and reinstall with the Canon driver to restore duplex and scan options. Leave the printer powered on so it can park the cartridges between jobs and reduce drying.

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 TS6420a uses the following consumables. Match the number exactly when you buy: the same printer family often uses several different cartridge numbers by region.

• PG-260 black
• CL-261 color
• PG-260XL / CL-261XL

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