Photo print quality

[ValPal56]

Since day 1, this printer prints color photos only on plain paper. When using photo paper, the image is very dark and pixelated. I have tried changing the settings on my iMac from photo paper to plain paper and on the printer. Nothing has helped. I’m not positive that the OS is 12

[senan6806]

@ValPal56

A warm welcome to HP Community!

Power resetting the printer and then performing an automated/manual cleaning may resolve the issue. Let's try these steps:

Please ensure the printer is up-to-date with its firmware. If you are unsure, you can download and install the latest firmware update from here.

1) Make sure this printer is plugged into a direct wall, not a surge protector

2) Remove all of your ink cartridges from the printer and close the door

3) Remove the power cord from the back of the printer (Do no press the power button)

4) Clean the ink cartridges, refer to step 3 from this document.

5) Plug the power cord back into the printer

6) Wait for the printer to turn on completely, then install the ink cartridges.

7) On the printer control panel, swipe the display to the left, and then touch Setup.

😎 Touch Tools.

9) Swipe up on the display, and then touch Clean Page Smears.

10) On the printer control panel, swipe the display to the left, then touch Setup.

11) Touch Tools, then touch Clean Cartridges.

Let me know how it goes!

If the information I've provided was helpful, give us some reinforcement by clicking the Accepted Solution and Kudos buttons, that'll help us and others see that we've got the answers!
Have a great day!