How to Find the Right Ink Cartridge for Your Printer

Your printer has run out of ink, you go to order more, and suddenly you're looking at codes like 305XL, PG-545, LC421 and 3YM62AE. It's easy to end up with a cartridge that looks right but won't fit.

The good news is that you don't need to know any cartridge codes. If you know your printer model, you can find the right ink or toner in under a minute. This guide shows you how to do that on MyInkToner, how to find your printer's model number, and what to check so you get the right cartridge first time.

Quick answer: which ink cartridge does my printer need?

The quickest and most reliable way is to search by your printer model, not by brand or by cartridge code.

  1. Find the model name on your printer, for example HP DeskJet 2710 or Canon PIXMA TS3350.
  2. Type it into the search box at the top of any page on MyInkToner.
  3. Pick your printer from the list. You'll see every cartridge that fits it: single cartridges, high capacity XL versions and multipacks.
  4. Choose the one you want and add it to your basket.

Order before 4pm, Monday to Friday, and it arrives the next working day with free tracked delivery.

1. Find your cartridges by printer model (the best way)

Every printer page on our site lists only the cartridges that fit that printer. That's why searching by printer model is the safest way to buy ink or toner. You don't have to work out which cartridge range your printer uses, because we've already matched them for you. There are three ways to get to your printer's page.

Option 1: Type your printer model into the search box

The search box sits at the top of every page and says "Search your printer model or cartridge". Start typing your model, such as "DeskJet 2710" or "TS3350", and your printer appears in the list as you type. Click it to see all the cartridges that fit.

Tip: you don't need to type the full name. "2710" or "J1050" is usually enough, and you can pick the exact model from the suggestions.

Option 2: Use the 3-step printer finder

Not sure how to spell your model? On our homepage you'll find "Or find your printer in 3 steps":

  1. Manufacturer: choose HP, Canon, Brother and so on.
  2. Series: choose the range, such as DeskJet, ENVY, PIXMA or DCP.
  3. Printer model: choose your exact model, then press Show cartridges.

This works well if the name on your printer is worn or you're not sure which series it belongs to.

Option 3: Browse by brand

Use Shop by Brand in the menu, or open our A-Z of all brands, then pick your printer from that brand's list. You can also start from Ink Cartridges or Toner Cartridges.

What you'll see on your printer's page

Here are a few examples of printer pages on our site:

Each page shows the cartridges that fit, including black, colour, high capacity and multipack options, so you can compare them side by side.

Double-check on the product page

Every product page has a See compatible printers link with the full list of printers that cartridge fits. If you landed on a product from Google or a friend's link, it takes a few seconds to check your printer is on the list.

Save your printer so you never order the wrong one

If you buy for the same printer again and again, add it to My Printer Hub. Once your printer is saved:

  • you can see every cartridge that fits it in one place
  • you can reorder your usual cartridges in one tap
  • Printer Match warns you if you open a product that doesn't fit your saved printers

It's handy for offices with several printers too. You can name each one, such as "Front desk" or "Home office", and sign in to see your list on any device.

2. How to find your printer's model number

To search by printer model, you first need the exact model name. Here's where to look.

  • Front or top of the printer: most HP, Canon, Epson and Brother printers show the model near the control panel or on the lid, for example "DeskJet 2710" or "PIXMA TS3350".
  • Label on the back or underneath: look for a sticker with the model and serial number. On some HP printers this is inside the cartridge door.
  • The printer's screen or settings menu: printers with a display usually show the model under Settings, Setup or Printer Information.
  • Your computer: on Windows, go to Settings, then Bluetooth & devices, then Printers & scanners. On a Mac, go to System Settings, then Printers & Scanners. Your printer is listed by model name.
  • The box, manual or receipt: the full model is always printed on the packaging.

Why the letters at the end matter

Always use the full model name, including any letters at the end. Printers in the same range can look almost identical but take different cartridges. Some common examples:

  • "e" on HP printers (such as the HP ENVY 6030e or DeskJet 2710e) means the printer was sold with HP+. See section 7 below, as this affects which cartridges it accepts.
  • "DW", "CDW" or "DN" on Brother and other laser printers describe features like wireless or double-sided printing, and the cartridge can change between models.
  • Different numbers in the same series, such as an HP DeskJet 2710 and a DeskJet 3760, can use completely different cartridges.

3. Already know your cartridge number? Search for that instead

If you still have the old cartridge, the code on its label works just as well. You can type either into the same search box.

Cartridge codes come in two forms:

  • The short name, such as HP 305XL, Canon PG-545XL or Brother LC421XL
  • The manufacturer part number, such as 3YM62AE (HP 305XL black) or 8286B001 (Canon PG-545XL)

Our product titles include both, so either one will find it. Here are some popular cartridge ranges we stock:

Brand Example cartridge ranges Example printers
HP 302XL, 304XL, 305XL DeskJet, ENVY and OfficeJet
Canon PG-545XL, CL-546XL PIXMA TS and MG series
Brother (ink) LC421XL DCP-J1050DW, MFC-J1010DW
Brother (toner) TN-2420 HL-L2350DW, MFC-L2710DW

One word of caution: the cartridge already in your printer is only a good guide if it was the right one to begin with. If a previous cartridge never worked properly, search by your printer model instead.

When you're swapping a cartridge, turn the printer on and wait for the carriage to stop moving before you take the old one out. Our installation guides in the Help Centre walk you through it.

4. Ink or toner? Check which your printer uses

Not every printer uses ink cartridges, and this is one of the most common reasons people order the wrong thing.

  • Inkjet printers use liquid ink cartridges. They're the most common printers at home and are good for photos and everyday documents.
  • Laser printers use toner cartridges filled with fine powder. They're common in offices and better for printing lots of text quickly. Some laser printers also need a separate drum unit.
  • Ink tank printers, such as Epson EcoTank or Canon MegaTank, are refilled from ink bottles rather than cartridges. We don't currently sell refill bottles for these printers.

If you're not sure which type you have, search for your printer model. Its page shows ink or toner, whichever it needs. To compare the two types, read our guide to inkjet vs laser printers.

5. Standard, XL or multipack: which should you buy?

Cartridges can come in standard and high capacity (XL) sizes, and as multipacks. On your printer's page you'll see all the options we stock together.

Standard XL (high capacity) Multipack
Price to buy Lowest Higher Highest, but cheaper than buying singly
Pages printed Fewer More per cartridge Covers every colour at once
Cost per page Usually highest Usually lower Usually lowest
Best for Occasional printing Regular printing Replacing all colours together

Every product page shows the page yield and the cost per page. For example, our compatible HP 302XL black prints around 480 pages at about 4.6p per page. Comparing cost per page is the fairest way to judge value, because a cheaper cartridge that prints fewer pages can cost you more in the long run.

Most of our ink cartridges are high capacity XL versions, so you get more pages for your money and change cartridges less often. XL cartridges fit the same printers as the standard size in the same range. You can check the compatible printers list on any product to be sure.

6. Original vs compatible cartridges

Original cartridges (sometimes called OEM) are made and sold by your printer's brand, such as HP or Canon. They're usually the most expensive way to print.

Compatible cartridges are new cartridges made by independent manufacturers to fit specific printers. At MyInkToner we only sell compatible ink and toner, and here's what that means for you:

  • Save up to 60% compared with original cartridges
  • 1 year warranty on every cartridge, with a free replacement if one is faulty
  • Same printers, same page yields: each cartridge is matched to the original it replaces
  • Your printer warranty is safe: under UK consumer law, a printer manufacturer can't refuse a repair just because you used a compatible cartridge, unless that cartridge caused the fault

For more on how the different types compare, read original, compatible and remanufactured cartridges explained or see why buy compatibles.

7. HP+, Instant Ink and printer updates

A few printers have settings that limit which cartridges they accept. It's worth checking before you buy.

  • HP+ printers: HP printers with an "e" at the end of the model (for example ENVY 6030e or DeskJet 2710e) are sold with HP+. If HP+ was switched on when the printer was set up, it's designed to work only with original HP cartridges.
  • HP Instant Ink: if you're on HP's ink subscription, the printer uses HP's subscription cartridges. Cancel the subscription before switching to cartridges you buy yourself.
  • Firmware updates: printer brands sometimes release software updates that change which cartridges a printer recognises. If your printer suddenly rejects a cartridge after an update, contact us and we'll help.

8. Common mistakes to avoid

  • Searching by brand only. "HP ink" brings up hundreds of cartridges. "HP DeskJet 2710" shows only the ones that fit.
  • Going by looks. Two cartridges can look the same but have different chips or shapes. Trust the model and the compatible printer list, not the photo.
  • Missing the letters at the end of the model. An "e", "DW" or "CDW" can change the cartridge you need.
  • Mixing up ink and toner. Check whether you have an inkjet or a laser printer first. Watch out for similar numbers too: HP 305XL is an ink cartridge for DeskJet printers, but HP 305A is a toner cartridge for LaserJet printers.
  • Using a cartridge from abroad. Some brands use different cartridge numbers in different countries. If your printer was bought outside the UK, contact us with the model and we'll check.
  • Forgetting subscriptions. Cancel HP Instant Ink before switching to cartridges you buy yourself.

9. "Cartridge not recognised"? Try this first

If your printer shows a message like "cartridge not recognised", "incompatible cartridge" or "cartridge problem", it's often a fitting issue rather than the wrong cartridge. Try these steps:

  1. Check you've removed all the protective tape and any plastic clip from the new cartridge.
  2. Take the cartridge out and push it back in firmly until it clicks.
  3. Gently wipe the copper contacts on the cartridge with a dry, lint-free cloth.
  4. Turn the printer off at the wall, wait 30 seconds and turn it back on.
  5. Make sure the cartridge's compatible printer list includes your exact model.

Still not working? Email us at help@myinktoner.co.uk with your printer model and the message it shows. Every cartridge has a 1 year warranty, and if it's faulty we'll replace it free.

10. How to save money on printer ink

  • Switch to compatible cartridges and save up to 60% compared with original cartridges.
  • Choose XL if you print regularly. You get a lower cost per page and change cartridges less often.
  • Buy a multipack when your colours run low at the same time. It costs less than buying each cartridge on its own.
  • Compare cost per page, not just the price. You'll find it on every product page.
  • Look out for offers. You can see current deals on our promotions page.
  • Get it right first time. Search by your printer model so you don't have to send anything back.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know which ink cartridge fits my printer?

Search for your exact printer model in the search box at the top of MyInkToner, or use the 3-step printer finder on the homepage. Your printer's page lists every cartridge that fits it.

Where is the model number on my printer?

It's usually on the front or top of the printer near the control panel. You can also find it on a label on the back or underneath, inside the cartridge door, in the printer's settings menu, or in your computer's printer list.

Can I search by cartridge number instead?

Yes. Type the code from your old cartridge, such as "305XL" or "PG-545XL", or the part number, such as "3YM62AE", into the same search box.

Will a compatible cartridge work in my printer?

Our compatible cartridges are made to fit the printers listed on each product page. The exceptions are printers that are locked to original cartridges, such as HP+ printers with HP+ switched on.

Will compatible ink void my printer warranty?

No. Under UK consumer law, a manufacturer can't refuse a warranty repair just because you used a compatible cartridge, unless the cartridge caused the fault. Every cartridge we sell also comes with our own 1 year warranty.

What does XL mean on an ink cartridge?

XL means high capacity. An XL cartridge holds more ink and prints more pages than the standard version, so it usually works out cheaper per page.

Do all HP (or Canon, or Brother) printers use the same ink?

No. Each brand makes many different cartridge ranges, and even printers in the same series can need different cartridges. That's why it's best to search by your exact printer model.

Why does my printer say the cartridge isn't recognised?

Usually it's leftover protective tape, a cartridge that isn't fully clicked in, or dirty contacts. Try the steps in section 9 above. If that doesn't fix it, email help@myinktoner.co.uk and we'll sort it out.

How fast is delivery?

Order before 4pm, Monday to Friday, and your cartridges are sent the same day with free tracked next-day delivery to England, Wales and mainland Scotland. See our delivery policy for other areas.

Find the right cartridges for your printer

The easiest way to get the right ink or toner is to start with your printer model. Type it into the search box at the top of MyInkToner, or use the 3-step printer finder, and you'll see every cartridge that fits.

Find cartridges for my printer

Can't find your printer? Email help@myinktoner.co.uk with your printer model and our team will find the right cartridge for you. We're here Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

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