Dull print

[Ramu15]

I resumed my insta ink subscription and my prints are very dull in spite of good ink levels

[Pallipurath · Accepted solution]

Hi @Ramu15,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.

Thank you for posting your query.

I am sorry to hear that you're experiencing dull prints even after ensuring that your ink levels are good, you might need to perform some checks and I would request you to please follow the steps:

Verify Print Settings

• On your computer, go to Printer Properties → Printing Preferences.
• Ensure Print Quality is set to Best or High Quality, not Draft.
• Check that Color Printing is enabled (not grayscale).
• For photos, select HP Photo Paper if applicable.

Clean Printhead

• On the printer: Setup → Printer Maintenance → Clean Printhead.
• Run the cleaning cycle.
• Print a diagnostic page.
• Repeat up to 3 times if colors are still dull.

Align Printhead

• On the printer: Setup → Printer Maintenance → Align Printhead.
• This ensures colors line up correctly and improves sharpness.

Update Firmware & Drivers

• On the printer: Setup → Printer Maintenance → Update Printer.
• On your computer, reinstall or update the printer driver via HP Smart or HP Easy Start.
• Outdated firmware/drivers can cause poor color management.

Calibrate Color: If your printer has a color calibration option, use it to recalibrate your colors.

Take care and have an amazing day!

Did we resolve the issue? If yes, please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!

Regards

Pallipurath.

[Ramu15]

Thanks for the response and helpful context. I tried all these and still facing issue, what should be my next step to get this fixed?

[Pallipurath]

Hi @Ramu15,

Thank you for responding.

I am sorry to hear that you have tried the standard cleaning, reseating, and alignment steps but prints are still dull, that points to either ink delivery problems, paper/media mismatch, or failing printhead hardware.

Check Paper Type & Settings

• Make sure you’re using HP‑recommended paper (plain inkjet paper or photo paper).
• In the print dialog, confirm the paper type matches what’s loaded.
• Wrong settings (e.g., “Draft mode” or “Plain paper” when using glossy) will cause dull output.

Run Extended Printhead Cleaning

• On the printer menu: Setup → Tools → Clean Printhead.
• Run the cleaning cycle up to 3 times.
• After each cycle, print a diagnostic page.
• If colors remain faded, proceed to the next step.

Check Ink Cartridges

• Verify cartridges are genuine HP.
• Expired or refilled cartridges often produce dull colors.
• Inspect vent holes on cartridges (tiny circular holes on top).
• If clogged, gently clear with a pin.
• Replace any cartridge that feels unusually light or shows streaks on the diagnostic page.

Update Firmware & Drivers

• Go to HP’s support site → download the latest firmware update for your printer model.
• Update drivers on your PC/Mac.
• Firmware updates often fix ink delivery calibration issues.

Perform Semi‑Full Reset

• Power off printer.
• Hold # + 9 while plugging in power.
• Release when display lights up.
• This clears non‑volatile memory (NVM) and forces hardware re‑initialization.
• Reconfigure Wi‑Fi and preferences afterward.

Hope this helps, Please revert if the issue persists.

Take care and have an amazing day!

Did we resolve the issue? If yes, please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!

Regards

Pallipurath.

[peterrobert1261]

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@Ramu15 wrote:

I resumed my insta ink subscription and my prints are very dull in spite of good ink levels

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Try changing print quality to high and use the right paper type. Also run a printhead cleaning from printer settings to get better results.