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How do I fix bad print quality?

Follow the steps to fix streaked or faded prints. prints with incorrect colors, or other print quality problems.

Perform the following tasks in the order given. Use the printer after each task to see if the issue is resolved.

  1. Low ink levels can cause print quality issues. If any cartridges are very low or empty, replace them with new Instant Ink cartridges.

  2. Load plain white paper and run the cleaning tool.

    • Printers with a touchscreen or menus: On the printer, open the Settings or Setup menu, touch Tools or Printer Maintenance, and then touch Clean Printhead or Clean Cartridges.

    • Printers without a touchscreen or menus: Go to 123.hp.com or your app store to install the HP Smart app. Click the picture of your printer on the home screen to open Printer management options that include the cleaning tool.

  3. If the page that prints has defects, the printhead might be badly clogged. Run up to two more cleaning cycles.

    Note:

    The cleaning page does not count against your pages printed for the month.

  4. If you see blurry edges or jagged lines in your prints, try aligning the printhead.

    • Printers with a touchscreen or menus: On the printer, open the Settings or Setup menu, touch Tools or Printer Maintenance, and then touch Align Printer.

    • Printers without a touchscreen or menus: Go to 123.hp.com or your app store to install the HP Smart app. Click the picture of your printer on the home screen to open Printer management options. Select the option to align the printer.

  5. If you did not replace your cartridges before, replace them now with new Instant Ink cartridges.

  6. If you do not have new Instant Ink cartridges on hand, or if replacing cartridges did not help, contact HP Instant Ink support for assistance.