Print quality troubleshooting
Try the solutions in this section to resolve print quality problems in your printout.
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Solution 1: Make sure you are using genuine HP ink cartridges
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Solution 2: Check the ink levels
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Solution 3: Check the paper loaded in the input tray
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Solution 4: Check the paper type
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Solution 5: Check the print settings
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Solution 6: Print and evaluate a print quality report
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Solution 7: Contact HP support
Solution 1: Make sure you are using genuine HP ink cartridges
Solution: Check to see if your ink cartridges are genuine HP ink cartridges.
HP recommends that you use genuine HP ink cartridges. Genuine HP ink
cartridges are designed and tested with HP printers to help you easily produce
great results, time after time.
NOTE: HP cannot guarantee the quality or reliability of non-HP supplies.
Printer service or repairs required as a result of using a non-HP supply are not
covered under warranty.
If you believe you purchased genuine HP ink cartridges, go to:
www.hp.com/go/anticounterfeit
Cause: Non-HP ink cartridges were being used.
If this did not solve the issue, try the next solution.
Solution 2: Check the ink levels
Solution: Check the estimated ink levels in the ink cartridges.
NOTE: Ink level alerts and indicators provide estimates for planning purposes
only. When you receive a low-ink alert, consider having a replacement cartridge
available to avoid possible printing delays. You do not need to replace the ink
cartridges until print quality becomes unacceptable.
CAUTION: Wait until you have a new ink cartridge available before removing
the old ink cartridge. Do not leave the ink cartridge outside of the printer for an
extended period of time. This can result in damage to both the printer and the
ink cartridge.
For more information, see:
Check the estimated ink levels
Print quality troubleshooting
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Cause: The ink cartridges might have insufficient ink.
If this did not solve the issue, try the next solution.
Solution 3: Check the paper loaded in the input tray
Solution: Make sure the paper is loaded correctly and that it is not wrinkled or
too thick.
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Load paper with the print side facing down. For example, if you are loading
glossy photo paper, load the paper with the glossy side down.
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Make sure the paper lays flat in the input tray and is not wrinkled. If the paper is
too close to the printhead during printing, the ink might be smeared. This can
happen if the paper is raised, wrinkled, or very thick, such as a mailing
envelope.
For more information, see:
Load media
Cause: The paper was loaded incorrectly, or it was wrinkled or too thick.
If this did not solve the issue, try the next solution.
Solution 4: Check the paper type
Solution: HP recommends that you use HP papers or any other paper type with
ColorLok technology that is appropriate for the printer. All papers with the ColorLok
logo are independently tested to meet high standards of reliability and print quality,
and produce documents with crisp, vivid color, bolder blacks and dry faster than
ordinary plain papers.
Always make sure the paper you are printing on is flat. For best results when
printing images, use HP Advanced Photo Paper.
Store specialty media in its original packaging inside a resealable plastic bag on a
flat surface in a cool, dry place. When you are ready to print, remove only the paper
you plan to use immediately. When you have finished printing, return any unused
photo paper to the plastic bag. This prevents the photo paper from curling.
For more information, see:
Select print media
Cause: The wrong kind of paper was loaded in the input tray.
If this did not solve the issue, try the next solution.
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Solve a problem
Solution 5: Check the print settings
Solution: Check the print settings.
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Check the print settings to see if the color settings are incorrect.
For example, check to see if the document is set to print in grayscale. Or, check
to see if advanced color settings such as saturation, brightness, or color tone,
are set to modify the appearance of colors.
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Check the print quality setting and make sure it matches the type of paper
loaded in the printer.
You might need to choose a lower print quality setting if colors are running into
each other. Or, choose a higher setting if you are printing a high-quality photo,
and then make sure photo paper such as HP Advanced Photo Paper is loaded
in the input tray.
NOTE: On some computer screens, colors might appear differently than they
do when printed on paper. In this case, there is nothing wrong with the printer,
print settings, or ink cartridges. No further troubleshooting is required.
For more information, see:
Select print media
Cause: The print settings were set incorrectly.
If this did not solve the issue, try the next solution.
Solution 6: Print and evaluate a print quality report
Solution: A Print Quality Diagnostic page can help you determine if the printing
system is working correctly. For more information, see Print and evaluate a print
quality report.
Cause: Print quality problems can have many causes: software settings, a poor
image file, or the printing system itself.
Solution 7: Contact HP support
Solution: Contact HP support for service.
Go to: www.hp.com/go/customercare. This website provides information and
utilities that can help you correct many common printer problems.
If prompted, choose your country/region, and then click Contact HP for information
on calling for technical support.
Cause: There was a problem with the printer.