Canon printer inkjet refilling. AI perspective TS700 and others

[wilko]

Refilling Canon inkjet cartridges is far from dead; in fact, it is a "live project" for millions of users in 2026. However, it has evolved from a simple "top-up" into a sophisticated battle between consumer workarounds and manufacturer software.
The industry data for 2026 shows that refillable ink systems have seen a 49% growth in adoption recently. People aren't just refilling to save money anymore; they are doing it as a statement on the "Right to Repair."


Here is why the project is still very much alive:

1. The "Community Bypass" is Stronger Than Ever​

The reason you can still use a TS700 with refillable cartridges is that the community has perfected the workarounds. Even as Canon updates their firmware, the "live" status of refilling is maintained by:

• Auto-Reset Chips (ARC): These are still being manufactured and sold globally. They effectively "lie" to the printer, telling it the cartridge is new every time you cycle the power or reseat the tank.
• The "Stop" Button Hack: The 20-second hold of the "Stop/Reset" button remains the universal "backdoor" for almost all Canon Pixma printers to ignore empty chips and keep printing.

2. Market Resilience (2026 Data)​

Refilling is currently a $38 billion global market.

• Availability: Major e-commerce platforms still host thousands of listings for "PGI-580/CLI-581 refillable kits" and bulk ink bottles.
• Third-Party Manufacturers: Companies like Ninestar and Static Control continue to reverse-engineer Canon’s latest chips within weeks of a new printer release.

3. The "Eco" Pushback​

In 2026, the "project" has gained a moral high ground. With 54% of consumers now prioritizing eco-friendly products, refilling a permanent plastic shell is seen as the "green" choice compared to buying a new plastic cartridge every month. New EU and UK Right to Repair regulations (fully active as of July 2026) are actually making it harder for manufacturers to legally block "repairable" or "refillable" components.

4. Why it feels "Over" (The Friction)​

If it feels like it's "over," it's because Canon has moved the goalposts. They've made the physical process easy (MegaTank printers) but the third-party process annoying.

• The Nagging: You have to click through "Non-Genuine Ink" warnings.
• The Risks: As you noted, the lack of ink-level monitoring means you have to be the "sensor" yourself.

The Verdict:​

Canon inkjet refilling is not over, but it has moved from a "mainstream" activity to a "power user" activity.
If you are someone who prints a lot and doesn't mind a little mess or clicking "OK" on a warning screen, the project is alive, well, and more cost-effective than it's been in a decade. If you want a "set it and forget it" experience, the industry wants to nudge you toward their official (and more expensive) Tank printers.