To check ink levels on a Canon printer in Windows 10, open the printer’s Printing Preferences, select the Maintenance tab, and click View Printer Status. The Canon IJ Status Monitor opens and shows the estimated level of each ink tank or cartridge. This works with Canon PIXMA and MAXIFY inkjet printers that use Canon’s full Windows driver. You can also check from the printer’s own screen or the Canon PRINT app on your phone.
Method 1: Use the Canon IJ Status Monitor
- Make sure the printer is turned on and connected by USB or Wi-Fi.
- Open Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners, select your Canon printer, and choose Manage.
- Select Printing preferences.
- Open the Maintenance tab.
- Click View Printer Status. The Canon IJ Status Monitor shows each ink color with its estimated level, plus any warnings.
You can reach the same window from almost any program: choose File > Print, select the Canon printer, click Preferences or Properties, and open the Maintenance tab. In Control Panel, you can also go to Devices and Printers, right-click the printer, and choose Printing preferences.
Read the ink indicators
- A full or partly filled icon means there is ink left.
- A yellow warning icon means the ink is low; have a replacement ready.
- A red or X icon means the ink has run out or the level cannot be detected, and printing may stop.
The levels are estimates. On models with refillable tanks (MegaTank / G series), check the tanks visually as well, because the printer cannot always measure refilled ink precisely.
Method 2: Check on the Printer
Most Canon printers with a display show ink levels directly. Look for an ink drop icon on the Home screen, or go to Setup or Maintenance and select Estimated ink levels or Remaining ink level. The exact menu name varies by model. Some models also print a status or nozzle check page that shows ink condition.
Method 3: Use the Canon PRINT App or Remote UI
- Canon PRINT app: on an iPhone or Android phone on the same Wi-Fi network, open the app, select your printer, and view the ink levels on the main screen.
- Remote UI: for network models, type the printer’s IP address into a web browser on your PC to open its built-in web page, which shows ink and status information. The printer can print a network configuration page that lists its IP address.
Why Ink Levels Are Not Showing
The Maintenance tab or View Printer Status is missing
Windows installed a basic driver instead of Canon’s full driver. Download the full driver for your exact model from Canon’s support website and install it, then try again. See how to install or update printer drivers in Windows 10.
The Status Monitor says the printer is offline
Check that the printer is on and connected, then set it back online. See how to get a printer back online in Windows 10.
The levels show a question mark or “unknown”
The cartridge may be refilled or third-party, so the printer cannot detect its level. Printing usually continues, but the warnings will not be accurate.
The printer does not appear at all
Add it again under Printers & scanners > Add a printer or scanner. See how to add a printer in Windows 10.
Tips to Make Ink Last Longer
- Use draft or economy quality for everyday documents in Printing preferences.
- Print in grayscale when color is not needed; some models still use a little color ink for maintenance.
- Turn the printer off with its power button, not at the outlet, so it can cap the print head and avoid drying.
- Avoid running print-head cleaning unless print quality is poor; it uses a lot of ink.
- Adjust defaults in your printer settings so every job uses the cheaper options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I check Canon ink levels without a computer?
Yes. Use the printer’s display or the Canon PRINT app on your phone.
Are the ink levels accurate?
They are estimates. Most printers warn early, so you can usually print a while after the first low-ink warning.
Does this work on Windows 11?
Yes, the Maintenance tab method is the same. See how to check printer ink levels in Windows 11.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.