Canon BCI-21 Ink Cartridges

Expected page output and replacement cycles

Canon BCI-21 black and tri-colour cartridges are standard-yield units designed for light everyday document printing. Output estimates are determined using standard ISO/IEC testing methods based on 5% page coverage across standard A4 pages.

What to know about compatible BCI-21 cartridges

Under Australian Consumer Law, using compatible cartridges does not void your printer warranty. Choosing compatible options for older desktop printers provides substantial savings while delivering clear text and clean everyday colour documents. Read our genuine vs compatible cartridges guide to learn how third-party alternatives match print reliability.

Stocking and delivery details

If you print mainly text documents, order black cartridge bundles to reduce cost per print. If you print photos or mixed graphics, keep spare colour cartridges on hand to prevent mid-job depletion. Compatible products come with a money-back guarantee under our comprehensive returns policy. Stock up on your Canon ink cartridges with fast dispatch from warehouses in Perth, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide. Free delivery applies on all orders over $99.

Pro Tip

Because older Canon printers use a semi-permanent printhead cradle that holds the BCI-21 cartridges, run a standard cleaning cycle before installing new cartridges if your printer has been idle for several weeks.

Match Your Printing Habits to the Right Canon BCI-21 Ink Cartridge Pack

Watching the budget? Compatible cartridges match the fit and yield of genuine ink at a lower price, from 3-pack BCI-21 for $20.68.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do BCI-21 black and colour cartridges clip into the same printhead carriage?

They fit side-by-side into the printhead unit; the black cartridge seats in the left slot and the tri-colour cartridge seats in the right slot.

Can I install a BCI-21 colour cartridge if I only want to print black text?

Yes, both cartridges must remain installed in the printer for the unit to operate, even if you set your driver preferences to grayscale or monochrome output.

Why does my print look faint after inserting a fresh BCI-21 cartridge?

In older Canon bubble-jet printers, air pockets can form in the printhead nozzles when changing cartridges. Running two deep cleaning cycles usually restores normal ink flow.

Is BCI-21 the same as BCI21?

Yes, BCI-21 and BCI21 refer to the exact same Canon cartridge series; the hyphen is simply formatting and both designations are used interchangeably.