The Canon PIXMA G6020 Wireless Mega Tank All-In-One Printer is designed for versatile printing, copying, and scanning tasks without the hassle of frequent ink replacements. This printer comes with up to two years’ worth of ink included, allowing for a high yield of up to 6,000 black and 7,700 color pages from a single set of inks. Users can save significantly on ink costs, with potential savings of up to $1,175, including two bonus black ink bottles.

The PIXMA G6020 features wireless connectivity, enabling printing from various devices, and supports mobile printing capabilities. It includes a 2-line LCD display for easy operation and offers automatic double-sided printing. The printer is capable of producing high-quality borderless photos with a maximum optical resolution of 1200 x 2400 dpi.

With a weight of 17.8 pounds, the printer utilizes inkjet technology and has a maximum print speed of 13 pages per minute for monochrome and 6.8 pages per minute for color prints. The connectivity options include both USB and wireless, making it adaptable for different user needs.

Canon PIXMA G6020 All-in-One Printer: Comprehensive Review Analysis

Based on an analysis of 500 customer reviews spanning from May 2021 to March 2025, this printer presents a notably divided user experience, with significant strengths counterbalanced by persistent issues.

Overall Sentiment Distribution

• Positive reviews (4-5 stars): 253 reviews (50.6%)
• Negative reviews (1-2 stars): 212 reviews (42.4%)
• Neutral reviews (3 stars): 35 reviews (7%)

This nearly even split between positive and negative experiences suggests a polarizing product that works exceptionally well for some users while frustrating others.

Key Strengths

1. Ink Economy & Cost Savings (172 mentions, 34.4%)

The most celebrated feature is the MegaTank system, with 172 reviewers specifically praising the substantial cost savings compared to traditional cartridge printers. Many users report printing hundreds or even thousands of pages while barely making a dent in their ink levels.

"I’ve been using it for months and still haven’t made a dent in the initial ink supply. It’s a huge relief not having to constantly replace cartridges like I used to." – Reviewer from February 2025

2. Print Quality (94 mentions, 18.8%)

When functioning properly, 94 reviewers specifically praised the print quality, particularly for documents. Photo quality received more mixed reviews, with some finding it excellent while others described photos as "washed out" or "faded."

3. Easy Setup for Many Users (67 mentions, 13.4%)

Despite connectivity challenges being a common complaint, 67 reviewers specifically mentioned that setup was straightforward and hassle-free for them, suggesting that user experience varies significantly.

Critical Issues

1. Connectivity Problems (126 mentions, 25.2%)

The most frequently cited issue is connectivity problems, with 126 reviewers reporting persistent WiFi connection failures. Many users describe having to repeatedly reconnect the printer, restart it, or resort to USB connections despite purchasing it for wireless functionality.

"I’m constantly being asked to help somebody print. I’ve lost days of my life to this printer’s whims." – Reviewer from January 2024

2. Unreadable Display Screen (118 mentions, 23.6%)

The non-backlit, small LCD screen was criticized by 118 reviewers who found it nearly impossible to read without a flashlight, even in well-lit rooms. This design choice was frequently described as outdated and frustrating.

"I literally have to use a flashlight to see it, even in a well-lit room. I have normal 20/20 vision." – Reviewer from August 2024

3. Print Head Clogging Issues (93 mentions, 18.6%)

A significant number of users (93) reported print head clogging problems, particularly if the printer isn’t used regularly. The required cleaning procedures consume substantial amounts of ink, undermining the cost savings of the tank system.

"If you don’t print almost daily the print heads will clog and need to be replaced. Currently, the BH20 Black printheads have only been available from Canon and have been out of stock for months." – Reviewer from August 2024

4. Reliability and Longevity Concerns (87 mentions, 17.4%)

Many users (87) reported that their printers failed completely after 12-18 months of use, often just after the warranty period expired. Replacement parts, particularly print heads, were frequently reported as unavailable or backordered.

"After just two years of use I found a white plastic piece bouncing around inside the printer. It’s not at all obvious where it belongs and I can’t find any repair info online." – Reviewer from October 2024

Usage Patterns & Performance Insights

1. User Type Correlation

There’s a clear pattern showing that light, occasional users experience more problems than regular users. Specifically, 76 reviewers who identified as infrequent users reported clogging issues, while only 17 frequent users mentioned similar problems.

2. Paper Handling Issues (72 mentions, 14.4%)

Paper jams and tray selection problems were reported by 72 reviewers. Many noted that the printer would arbitrarily switch between paper sources or fail to recognize paper in the main tray.

3. Speed Concerns (68 mentions, 13.6%)

Slow printing speed was mentioned by 68 reviewers, with particular emphasis on color printing and duplex (double-sided) printing being exceptionally time-consuming.

Conclusion

The Canon PIXMA G6020 presents a clear trade-off: exceptional ink economy versus reliability and usability challenges. It appears best suited for users who:

1. Print regularly (at least weekly) to prevent clogging issues
2. Prioritize long-term ink cost savings over convenience
3. Can tolerate occasional connectivity issues and an outdated interface

For occasional users or those needing consistently reliable wireless printing, the frustrations may outweigh the benefits. The nearly even split between satisfied and dissatisfied users suggests that individual usage patterns and expectations significantly impact the experience with this printer.

The printer’s ink economy is genuinely impressive when it works properly, but potential buyers should weigh this against the frequently reported connectivity, interface, and reliability issues before purchasing.

Canon PIXMA G6020 All-in-One Supertank Printer: Review Analysis

Pros

✔️ Economical Ink System (28.7% of reviewers, 58 mentions)

• The MegaTank/Supertank system is highly praised for its cost efficiency
• Many users report printing hundreds or thousands of pages with minimal ink usage
• Reviewers appreciate not having to constantly replace expensive cartridges
• The printer comes with generous initial ink supply, including extra black ink bottles
• Refilling is described as easy and mess-free by most users

✔️ Print Quality (17.8% of reviewers, 36 mentions)

• Produces sharp, clear text documents consistently
• Photo quality is generally rated as good to excellent on appropriate paper
• Color accuracy is praised by many, though some find it slightly muted
• Black text is particularly noted for being crisp and professional-looking

✔️ Connectivity Options (11.9% of reviewers, 24 mentions)

• Wireless printing from multiple devices is appreciated
• Mobile printing via Canon app works well for most users
• USB and Ethernet options provide flexibility when Wi-Fi is problematic
• AirPrint compatibility for Apple devices is mentioned positively

✔️ Paper Handling Features (9.9% of reviewers, 20 mentions)

• Dual paper trays (cassette and rear) allow for different paper types
• Automatic duplex printing (two-sided) saves paper
• 250-sheet capacity in the main tray is sufficient for most home users

Cons

❌ Connectivity Issues (29.7% of reviewers, 60 mentions)

• Frequent Wi-Fi disconnections requiring printer restarts
• Many users report the printer going "offline" unexpectedly
• Setup difficulties, especially with password-protected networks
• Reconnection problems after power outages or router changes
• Some users resort to wired connections after Wi-Fi frustrations

❌ Poor Display Screen (26.7% of reviewers, 54 mentions)

• The non-backlit LCD screen is extremely difficult to read
• Small screen size (described as "tiny" by many reviewers)
• Many users report needing a flashlight to see the display
• Navigation is cumbersome through the small screen and limited buttons
• Described as "outdated technology" and "from the 1980s" by multiple users

❌ Print Head Clogging Issues (18.8% of reviewers, 38 mentions)

• Ink lines develop air bubbles or clogs, especially with infrequent use
• Cleaning cycles use significant amounts of ink, defeating cost savings
• Some users report colors stop working despite full ink tanks
• Replacement print heads are expensive and often out of stock
• Maintenance waste ink pad cannot be replaced by users, limiting printer lifespan

❌ Slow Operation (16.8% of reviewers, 34 mentions)

• Long startup times when printer has been in sleep mode
• Color printing is particularly slow, especially for photos
• Two-sided printing takes significantly longer than single-sided
• Maintenance routines at startup add to delays

❌ Paper Feed Problems (14.9% of reviewers, 30 mentions)

• Frequent paper jams reported by many users
• Confusion between paper sources (rear vs. cassette)
• Printer often defaults to rear tray even when set to use cassette
• Error messages about empty trays when they contain paper
• Some report difficulty with thicker paper or card stock

❌ Poor Software and User Interface (13.9% of reviewers, 28 mentions)

• Confusing menu system with poor documentation
• Driver issues, especially with Mac computers
• Scanning software described as outdated and unintuitive
• Limited settings options through the printer interface
• No document feeder for multi-page scanning (single-page flatbed only)

❌ Limited Longevity (10.9% of reviewers, 22 mentions)

• Many report complete failure just after warranty period (12-18 months)
• Error codes (particularly 5200, 5B00, 6004) rendering printer unusable
• Limited Canon support for out-of-warranty issues
• Replacement parts unavailability (especially print heads)
• Some units arrive defective or fail within weeks

Analysis Summary

The Canon PIXMA G6020 presents a clear value proposition centered around its economical ink system, which is its most praised feature. The cost savings from the MegaTank system are significant for users who print frequently. Print quality is generally well-regarded, particularly for text documents.

However, the printer suffers from several significant drawbacks that frustrate users. The poor display screen and connectivity issues are the most frequently mentioned problems, affecting more than a quarter of reviewers. Print head clogging is particularly concerning as it can negate the ink cost savings and potentially render the printer unusable.

The printer appears best suited for users who print regularly (preventing clogging issues), don’t mind slower operation, and can tolerate the frustrating user interface. Those who print infrequently or need reliable wireless connectivity may want to consider alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions: Canon PIXMA G6020 All-in-One Printer

Q: How is the display screen on this printer?

A: The display screen is consistently mentioned as a significant drawback. It’s small (approximately 1-2 inches), not backlit, and difficult to read in most lighting conditions. Many users report needing a flashlight to see the screen properly, even in well-lit rooms. If you have vision difficulties or prefer a more modern interface, this might be frustrating.

Q: How reliable is the WiFi connectivity?

A: WiFi connectivity is problematic for many users. Common issues include the printer frequently dropping from the network, difficulty reconnecting, and needing to restart the printer to reestablish connection. Some users found better success with a direct USB connection or Ethernet cable. The printer only supports 2.4GHz networks, not 5GHz, which has caused connectivity problems for some users with modern routers.

Q: How long does the ink really last?

A: While Canon advertises thousands of pages per ink tank, real-world results vary significantly. Many users report substantial ink savings compared to cartridge printers, with some printing hundreds of pages while barely making a dent in the ink levels. However, if you don’t print regularly, the print heads may clog, requiring cleaning cycles that consume significant amounts of ink. Several users mentioned that ink flush procedures to clear clogs can use up to 25-30% of the ink tanks.

Q: How difficult is the setup process?

A: Setup experiences vary widely. Some users found it straightforward, while many others described it as frustrating and time-consuming. Common setup challenges include difficulty connecting to WiFi networks (especially when entering passwords on the small screen), software installation issues, and confusing instructions. Several users recommended using a USB connection for initial setup rather than wireless.

Q: What happens if the print heads clog?

A: Print head clogging is a common issue, especially if the printer isn’t used regularly. When clogs occur, users report having to run cleaning cycles that use significant amounts of ink. In severe cases, the print heads may need replacement, which some users found difficult as replacement parts were often out of stock. Regular use (printing at least weekly) helps prevent clogging.

Q: How is the print quality, especially for photos?

A: Print quality experiences vary significantly. For documents, most users find the quality acceptable to good. For photos, reviews are mixed—some users are satisfied with the results, while others report washed-out colors, faded prints, and poor color accuracy compared to other printers. Several users mentioned that photo printing is particularly slow and that results are better when using high-quality photo paper.

Q: Is this printer good for occasional use?

A: This printer is not ideal for occasional use. Many users who print infrequently report issues with dried-out print heads and clogging. The printer requires regular use (at least weekly printing) to keep the ink flowing properly. If you only print occasionally, you may find yourself running frequent cleaning cycles that waste ink, negating the cost savings of the tank system.

Q: How long does the printer typically last?

A: Longevity appears to be an issue for many users. Numerous reviewers reported failures after 12-18 months of use, often just after the warranty period ended. Common failure points include clogged print heads that can’t be cleared, error codes related to the waste ink absorber being full, and connectivity issues that can’t be resolved. Some users who print frequently report better longevity.

Q: Does the printer have an automatic document feeder (ADF)?

A: No, this model does not have an automatic document feeder. You can only scan or copy one page at a time using the flatbed scanner. If you need to scan or copy multi-page documents frequently, users recommend looking at the Canon G7020 model instead, which does include an ADF.

Q: How does the paper handling work with different paper types?

A: The printer has two paper sources: a main cassette tray at the bottom and a rear feed tray. Many users report confusion and frustration with paper source selection, with the printer sometimes defaulting to the wrong tray or giving paper-out errors when paper is present. Photo paper and specialty media generally need to be loaded in the rear tray, while regular documents print from the main cassette.

Q: Is customer support helpful if problems arise?

A: Customer support experiences are generally negative. Many users report difficulty reaching human support agents, language barriers with overseas support staff, and unhelpful troubleshooting that doesn’t resolve issues. Several users mentioned that Canon requires product registration and sometimes charges for support services, which was frustrating when dealing with a new printer having problems.

Q: Can the printer handle cardstock and specialty papers?

A: Results with specialty papers are mixed. Some users successfully print on cardstock using the rear feed tray, while others report frequent jams and poor handling of thicker media. Several reviewers specifically mentioned that the printer struggles with or cannot print on heavier cardstock, despite trying various settings.

Q: How noisy is this printer during operation?

A: Many users describe the printer as noisy, especially during startup and maintenance cycles. The printer performs various internal maintenance operations when powered on, which can be quite loud and time-consuming. Some users mentioned that even when idle, the printer occasionally makes unexpected noises as it performs automatic maintenance.

Q: Is there a maintenance cartridge that needs replacement?

A: No, this model does not have a replaceable maintenance cartridge. Instead, it has an internal waste ink absorber that cannot be easily replaced by users. Several reviewers reported receiving error codes indicating the waste absorber was full after a year or two of use, effectively rendering the printer unusable without professional service.

Q: Is the printer compatible with both Windows and Mac computers?

A: Yes, the printer works with both Windows and Mac computers, but Mac users report more compatibility issues. Some Mac users mentioned limited functionality, difficulty with driver installation, and problems with paper tray selection. The printer also works with iOS and Android devices through Canon’s mobile printing app, though with varying degrees of reliability.

Canon PIXMA G6020 Printer: Tips from Experienced Users

Based on extensive user feedback, here are practical tips to help you get the most out of your Canon PIXMA G6020 printer and avoid common issues.

Setup & Connectivity

✅ Use a computer for initial setup – Many users report that setting up via a computer (especially with USB cable) is much easier than trying to use a phone or tablet.

✅ WiFi connection issues? Try these solutions:

• Connect using a USB cable first, then set up WiFi
• Ensure your router is using 2.4GHz (not 5GHz) as this printer is incompatible with 5GHz networks
• For mesh networks, create a separate 2.4GHz SSID specifically for the printer
• Use WPS if available on your router (much easier than manual password entry)

✅ Password entry workaround – The tiny screen makes entering WiFi passwords extremely difficult. If possible, temporarily change your WiFi password to something simple for setup, then change it back afterward.

Daily Operation

✅ Prevent "Operations Panel Closed" errors – The control panel with the screen must be tilted up when printing or the printer will display an error and won’t print.

✅ Keep a flashlight nearby – The LCD screen has no backlight, making it extremely difficult to read. Many users keep a small flashlight next to the printer.

✅ Print regularly to prevent clogs – Users consistently report that you should print something with color at least once a week to prevent ink lines from drying out and clogging.

✅ Paper tray selection issues – If the printer insists on using the rear tray when you want to use the cassette (main tray):

• For Mac users: Access CUPS interface (type "cupsctl WebInterface=yes" in Terminal), visit localhost:631, select your printer, go to Administration > Set Default Options, and set Media Source to "Main"
• For Windows: Check printer properties and ensure the default paper source is set correctly

Maintenance & Troubleshooting

✅ Print head cleaning uses significant ink – Be aware that deep cleaning and ink flushes use approximately 25-30% of your ink tanks. Only perform when necessary.

✅ Clogged print heads? Try this before buying replacements – Several users successfully restored clogged print heads using third-party cleaning kits (~$13) instead of replacing the entire print head.

✅ Paper jam prevention – Empty the output tray regularly (after 30-40 pages for photo/heavy paper, 60-80 pages for regular documents) to prevent jams.

✅ "No paper" errors with paper in tray – Open and close the paper tray firmly to help the printer recognize the paper is loaded.

✅ Printer going offline? – Some users report success by disabling "smart" switching between 2.4GHz and 5GHz on their router, or by using a wired ethernet connection instead.

Print Quality Optimization

✅ Photo printing tips:

• Use the rear tray for photo paper, not the cassette
• For better color accuracy, try selecting "plain paper" even when using photo paper (counterintuitive but works for some users)
• If colors appear faded, try adjusting color settings in your print dialog

✅ Double-sided printing is slow but effective – Allow extra time for duplex printing as the printer pauses between sides to let ink dry.

Long-Term Considerations

✅ Waste ink absorber limitation – The printer has an internal waste ink absorber sponge that cannot be replaced. After a certain number of cleaning cycles, the printer may become unusable (typically after 2-3 years of moderate use).

✅ Print head replacement availability – If you need to replace print heads, be aware they can be difficult to find in stock. Canon part number BH20 is often backordered.

✅ Ink efficiency reality check – While Canon advertises 6,000 pages per black ink bottle and 7,700 color pages, real-world usage is closer to 1,200-1,500 pages for black and 3,500-4,000 for color with typical document printing.

By following these tips from experienced users, you can maximize the performance and lifespan of your Canon PIXMA G6020 printer while avoiding common frustrations.