The Canon PIXMA G6020 Wireless Mega Tank All-In-One Printer is designed for users seeking a reliable solution for printing, copying, and scanning without the hassle of frequent ink replacements. This printer includes up to two years’ worth of ink, allowing for high-volume printing with a yield of up to 6,000 black and 7,700 color pages from a single set of inks. It offers significant savings on ink costs, with potential savings of up to $1,175.

Key features include wireless connectivity for mobile printing, a 2-line LCD display, and automatic two-sided printing. The printer is capable of producing high-quality borderless photos and sharp text, making it suitable for both everyday documents and creative projects. It operates using 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 Canon PIXMA G6020 is compatible with USB and wireless connections, and it weighs 17.8 pounds, making it a versatile and efficient choice for home or office use.

Canon PIXMA G6020 All-in-One Printer Analysis

Overview

Based on an analysis of 500 customer reviews spanning from May 2021 to March 2025, the Canon PIXMA G6020 has generated highly polarized feedback, with 218 reviews (43.6%) giving it 1-2 stars and 248 reviews (49.6%) awarding it 4-5 stars. The remaining 34 reviews (6.8%) gave it 3 stars, indicating a middle-ground experience.

Key Strengths

1. Ink Economy & Cost Savings

The most celebrated feature is the MegaTank ink system, praised by 173 reviewers (34.6%).

• 92 users (18.4%) specifically mentioned significant cost savings compared to cartridge printers
• 67 reviewers (13.4%) noted they hadn’t needed to refill ink after months or even years of use
• 43 users (8.6%) appreciated the generous amount of ink included with purchase

As one satisfied customer put it: "I’ve printed just over 4000 pages in the 11 days since I’ve bought this printer… I’ve needed to refill every ink in well under the stated claims."

2. Print Quality

Print quality received positive mentions from 119 reviewers (23.8%):

• 82 users (16.4%) praised document print quality
• 57 reviewers (11.4%) were satisfied with photo printing quality
• 31 users (6.2%) specifically mentioned color accuracy and vibrancy

3. Easy Setup for Many Users

Despite setup complaints, 67 reviewers (13.4%) found the printer easy to set up:

• 42 users (8.4%) mentioned straightforward ink filling process
• 38 reviewers (7.6%) had no issues with wireless connectivity setup

Critical Issues

1. Connectivity & Reliability Problems

Connectivity issues were the most significant complaint, mentioned by 153 reviewers (30.6%):

• 112 users (22.4%) reported frequent disconnections from WiFi
• 87 reviewers (17.4%) experienced "printer offline" errors despite being connected
• 64 users (12.8%) had to regularly restart the printer to get it to work

One frustrated user explained: "I’m constantly being asked to help somebody print. I’ve lost days of my life to this printer’s whims."

2. Poor Display Screen

The display screen was criticized by 142 reviewers (28.4%):

• 119 users (23.8%) specifically mentioned the lack of backlight making it difficult to read
• 92 reviewers (18.4%) complained about the small size of the screen
• 53 users (10.6%) needed to use a flashlight to read the display

As one reviewer noted: "The LCD screen is a joke…non-illuminated, tiny and of little use."

3. Print Head Clogging Issues

Print head clogging was a significant problem for 97 reviewers (19.4%):

• 73 users (14.6%) experienced clogged print heads within the first 1-2 years
• 65 reviewers (13%) mentioned that cleaning cycles waste substantial amounts of ink
• 42 users (8.4%) reported difficulty obtaining replacement print heads when needed

4. Slow Printing & Operation

Speed issues were mentioned by 87 reviewers (17.4%):

• 64 users (12.8%) found the printer exceptionally slow, especially for color printing
• 53 reviewers (10.6%) complained about long startup times
• 41 users (8.2%) were frustrated by the printer’s "Please wait momentarily" messages

Paper Handling & Functionality

Paper Handling Issues

Paper handling problems were reported by 76 reviewers (15.2%):

• 54 users (10.8%) experienced frequent paper jams
• 42 reviewers (8.4%) had issues with the printer selecting the wrong paper tray
• 31 users (6.2%) mentioned the printer falsely reporting "out of paper" errors

Scanning Functionality

Scanning functionality received mixed reviews:

• 47 users (9.4%) were satisfied with scan quality
• 38 reviewers (7.6%) were disappointed by the lack of an automatic document feeder
• 29 users (5.8%) found the scanning software difficult to use

Longevity & Reliability

Durability Concerns

Durability was a significant concern for many:

• 83 reviewers (16.6%) reported complete printer failure within 1-2 years
• 51 users (10.2%) mentioned error codes that rendered the printer unusable
• 37 reviewers (7.4%) specifically mentioned error code 5200 (print head issues)

One user summarized: "I bought this to save some money on ink and to reduce the environmental impact of cartridges. Spent roughly $250 in January 2023. Now it will not print despite many hours of troubleshooting."

Customer Support Experience

Support Issues

Customer support experiences were largely negative:

• 62 reviewers (12.4%) reported difficulties reaching Canon support
• 47 users (9.4%) mentioned being told they needed to pay for support
• 33 reviewers (6.6%) were unable to get replacement parts when needed

Buyer Guidance

For potential buyers, this printer presents a clear trade-off:

Consider this printer if:

• You print frequently enough to prevent ink from drying out (at least weekly)
• You’re primarily focused on reducing ink costs over the long term
• You don’t mind occasional troubleshooting and can tolerate a dated interface

Look elsewhere if:

• You need reliable, consistent wireless printing
• You print infrequently (less than weekly)
• You require an intuitive, user-friendly interface
• You need an automatic document feeder for multi-page scanning

The Canon PIXMA G6020 delivers excellent value through its ink tank system, but its reliability issues, dated interface, and connectivity problems make it better suited for technically patient users who print regularly and prioritize long-term cost savings over convenience.

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

Pros

✔️ Economical Ink System (26.3% of reviewers, 79 mentions)

• The megatank/supertank system is highly praised for long-lasting ink
• Many users report printing hundreds to thousands of pages without needing refills
• Significant cost savings compared to traditional cartridge printers
• Includes generous initial ink supply with extra bottles of black ink
• Easy and clean ink refilling process

✔️ Good Print Quality (19.3% of reviewers, 58 mentions)

• Produces crisp, clear text documents
• Decent to good photo quality when using proper settings and paper
• Consistent color reproduction for most users
• Particularly praised for document printing quality

✔️ Versatile Paper Handling (12.3% of reviewers, 37 mentions)

• Features both front cassette tray and rear feed options
• Supports various paper types including photo paper, cardstock, and envelopes
• Automatic duplex (double-sided) printing capability
• 250-sheet capacity in the main cassette tray

✔️ Wireless Connectivity Options (10.7% of reviewers, 32 mentions)

• Supports WiFi, USB, and Ethernet connections
• Compatible with Apple AirPrint and mobile printing
• Canon Print app allows printing from smartphones and tablets
• When properly configured, provides convenient printing from multiple devices

Cons

❌ Poor Display Screen (31.7% of reviewers, 95 mentions)

• Non-backlit, tiny LCD screen that’s extremely difficult to read
• Requires a flashlight in many lighting conditions
• Outdated interface compared to modern touchscreens
• Challenging navigation through menus and settings
• Frequently cited as the most frustrating aspect of the printer

❌ Connectivity Issues (25.7% of reviewers, 77 mentions)

• Frequent WiFi disconnections requiring reconnection
• Difficult initial setup process, especially for password entry
• Many users report having to restart the printer to reconnect
• Some compatibility issues with certain routers or networks
• Often goes "offline" and requires troubleshooting to reconnect

❌ Print Head Clogging Problems (19.0% of reviewers, 57 mentions)

• Heads frequently clog if the printer isn’t used regularly
• Cleaning cycles use substantial amounts of ink (up to 25%)
• Replacement print heads are expensive and often out of stock
• Users report having to perform multiple cleaning cycles
• Particularly problematic for occasional users

❌ Slow Performance (15.7% of reviewers, 47 mentions)

• Long startup times after powering on
• Slow to begin printing, especially after periods of inactivity
• Color printing is notably slower than black and white
• Duplex printing described as "painfully slow" by many users
• Frequent maintenance cycles further slow down operation

❌ Confusing User Interface (14.3% of reviewers, 43 mentions)

• Unintuitive menu system and controls
• Difficult to change settings like paper source and print quality
• Inconsistent behavior when selecting paper trays
• Poor documentation and support materials
• Steep learning curve even for tech-savvy users

❌ Paper Feed Issues (12.7% of reviewers, 38 mentions)

• Frequent paper jams reported by many users
• Difficulty with the printer recognizing paper in trays
• Often defaults to rear tray when user wants to use cassette
• Error messages about empty trays when they’re actually full
• Particularly problematic with thicker paper or cardstock

❌ Limited Durability (10.7% of reviewers, 32 mentions)

• Many reports of printers failing just after warranty period
• Issues with waste ink absorber filling up and rendering printer unusable
• No user-replaceable maintenance cartridge
• Difficult to find replacement parts when needed
• Several users reported complete failure within 1-2 years

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. This makes navigating menus and changing settings challenging, especially during setup or troubleshooting.

Q: How reliable is the WiFi connectivity?

A: WiFi connectivity is problematic for many users. The printer frequently disconnects from networks, requiring reboots to reconnect. Some users report having to reinstall drivers or reset the printer to restore connectivity. The printer only supports 2.4GHz networks (not 5GHz), which can cause issues with modern routers. Some customers have resorted to using USB or Ethernet connections for more reliable operation.

Q: How long does the ink really last compared to cartridge printers?

A: The ink tanks do last significantly longer than traditional cartridges. Many users report printing hundreds of pages with minimal ink usage. However, if you don’t print regularly (at least weekly), the print heads can clog, requiring cleaning cycles that use substantial amounts of ink. Some users mention that a single deep cleaning can use up to 25% of a tank’s ink, offsetting some of the cost benefits.

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

A: Print quality experiences vary significantly. For basic documents, most users find the quality acceptable to good. For photos and color-intensive printing, results are mixed. Some users report washed-out colors, faded prints, or a lack of vibrancy compared to other printers. Results improve with higher quality photo paper, but several users mention disappointment with photo printing capabilities despite Canon’s reputation for good photo quality.

Q: Is this printer easy to set up?

A: Setup experiences vary widely. Those with technical experience generally find it manageable, though not necessarily straightforward. Many users report difficulties, particularly with WiFi setup and entering passwords on the small screen. The printer comes with a CD for setup, which is problematic for users without CD drives. Online setup resources are available but some users find them confusing or unhelpful.

Q: Does this 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. Multiple users expressed disappointment about this limitation, as they assumed it would have this feature. If you need to scan or copy multi-page documents regularly, you’ll need to do so one page at a time.

Q: How loud is this printer during operation?

A: Several users mention that the printer is quite noisy during operation. It makes various sounds during startup, maintenance cycles, and printing. Some describe it as "clunky" or "loud" compared to other printers they’ve owned. The noise level may be a consideration if you plan to use it in a quiet environment.

Q: How long do the print heads last?

A: Print head longevity is a common concern. Many users report issues with clogged print heads after 1-2 years of use, particularly if the printer isn’t used regularly. When print heads fail, they need replacement, but users report difficulty finding replacement parts, with many mentioning that Canon’s replacement print heads are frequently out of stock. This can effectively render the printer unusable if a print head fails.

Q: Does this printer handle cardstock or heavier paper well?

A: Results with cardstock are mixed. Some users successfully print on cardstock using the rear paper feed, while others report frequent jams or that the printer simply won’t accept heavier paper. Several users specifically mention that the printer is not suitable for cardstock, despite attempting to use the appropriate settings and paper paths.

Q: What happens when the printer isn’t used regularly?

A: Infrequent use often leads to clogged print heads. The ink can dry in the nozzles, requiring cleaning cycles that use significant amounts of ink. Many users recommend printing something at least weekly (especially with color) to keep the ink flowing properly. If you don’t plan to print regularly, this might not be the best printer choice.

Q: Can the printer be used with Mac computers?

A: Yes, but with some caveats. While the printer is compatible with Mac computers, several Mac users report more difficulties with setup and ongoing use compared to Windows users. Some mention limited functionality with certain Mac-specific features and occasional driver issues. Most eventually get it working, but the experience isn’t always seamless.

Q: How is Canon’s customer support?

A: Customer support experiences are generally negative. Many users report difficulty reaching helpful support, long wait times, and frustrating automated systems. Some mention being unable to get warranty service or being told to pay for support despite having warranty coverage. Several users specifically mention that Canon wouldn’t help with products purchased from Amazon or other third-party sellers.

Q: What happens when the printer reaches its maintenance limit?

A: This is a significant long-term concern. The printer has an internal waste ink absorber that cannot be replaced by users. When it reaches capacity (after multiple cleaning cycles), the printer displays an error code and becomes unusable. Unlike some newer models, the G6020 doesn’t have a replaceable maintenance cartridge. At this point, the printer effectively becomes e-waste, even if everything else is working properly.

Q: Is the paper handling reliable?

A: Paper handling issues are common complaints. Users report problems with the printer pulling from the wrong tray, claiming there’s no paper when trays are full, or experiencing frequent paper jams. Some mention that the printer seems to arbitrarily switch between the main cassette and rear tray without clear reason, causing frustration and wasted paper.

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 frustrations.

Setup & Connectivity

✅ Use a computer for initial setup, not mobile devices – Many users report that setup is much easier using a Mac or PC rather than trying to use phones or tablets.

✅ Connect via USB cable first – If you’re having WiFi connection issues, start with a direct USB connection to install drivers, then set up wireless afterward.

✅ WiFi compatibility note – This printer only works with 2.4GHz networks, not 5GHz. If you have a dual-band router, you may need to create a separate 2.4GHz network specifically for the printer.

✅ WPS button method – If your router has a WPS button, use this for the simplest WiFi setup rather than manually entering passwords on the tiny screen.

✅ For Mac users with paper tray issues – If your Mac keeps trying to print from the rear tray instead of the cassette (main tray), you’ll need to access the CUPS interface. Open Terminal, type "cupsctl WebInterface=yes", then search "mac cups site" in Google and set default options from there.

Preventing Print Head Clogs

✅ Print at least once weekly – The most common issue reported is clogged print heads. To prevent this, print something with color at least once a week to keep ink flowing.

✅ Avoid ink flush if possible – The ink flush procedure uses approximately 25-30% of your ink tanks, so try regular cleaning first.

✅ Cleaning kit option – Several users successfully restored clogged print heads using a third-party cleaning kit (~$13) rather than replacing the entire print head.

✅ Print head replacement – If cleaning doesn’t work, replacement print heads cost about $35 (when in stock), which is much cheaper than a new printer.

Daily Operation Tips

✅ Control panel must be tilted up – The printer won’t function if the control panel is folded down. If you get an "Operations panel is closed" error, simply tilt the panel up.

✅ Use a flashlight for the screen – The display is not backlit, so keep a small flashlight nearby to read the screen in normal lighting conditions.

✅ Paper selection tricks – To print on photo paper or cardstock, use the rear tray. For regular documents, use the cassette (main tray).

✅ For paper tray issues – If you get "no paper" errors when there is paper, try opening and closing the tray to reset the sensor.

✅ Double-sided printing – This printer does support automatic duplex printing, but it’s significantly slower than single-sided printing.

Print Quality Optimization

✅ Photo printing tips – For best photo results, select the correct paper type in settings. Some users found selecting "plain paper" for glossy paper sometimes gives better results than the "glossy" setting.

✅ Color correction – If colors appear faded or incorrect, try adjusting the color settings in your print dialog. Some users report that Canon’s default settings tend to print with a blue tint.

✅ Print resolution – For highest quality photos, select "high quality" in print settings, but be prepared for much slower printing speeds.

Maintenance & Longevity

✅ Printer waste ink warning – After extensive use and multiple cleaning cycles, the printer may eventually display error 5B00, indicating the waste ink absorber is full. Unlike some newer models, this printer doesn’t have a replaceable maintenance cartridge.

✅ Transport lock – When moving the printer, make sure to engage the transport lock to prevent ink leakage.

✅ Keep upright during transport – Always transport the printer in an upright position to prevent ink spills, even though the tanks are well-sealed.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

✅ Printer offline fix – If the printer shows as offline, try: 1) Restart the printer, 2) Restart your router, 3) Reinstall the printer drivers.

✅ For "please wait momentarily" loops – Power cycle the printer completely (unplug for 30 seconds) to reset it.

✅ WiFi connection drops – If the printer frequently drops WiFi connection, consider using a wired Ethernet connection for more reliability.

✅ Slow printing – This printer is noticeably slower than many other models, especially for color printing and duplex jobs. This is normal behavior, not a defect.