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Guidelines
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Check some of the most frequent questions about Instant Ink: HP INSTANT INK, HP+ PLANS: INK AND TONER.


Check out our Black or Color Ink Not Printing, Other Print Quality Issues info about: Print quality and Cartridge Issues.

‎09-28-2025 03:43 PM

HP Recommended
Product: HP Smart Tank 7301 All-in-One
  • Blurred, fuzzy or smeared text
Reply
1 REPLY 1

‎10-01-2025 05:26 AM

HP Recommended

@7SANDRELLA1342, Welcome to the HP Support Community – it’s great to have you here!

I appreciate you taking the time to share your question. I'm more than happy to assist with this and provide a solution that works for you.

I understand you're experiencing blurred, fuzzy, or smeared text when printing with your HP Smart Tank 7301 All-in-One. Let's walk through some steps to help resolve this issue.

Check Paper Type and Quality

  • Use HP-recommended paper for best results.
  • Avoid damp, wrinkled, or curled paper.
  • Make sure the paper type selected in the print settings matches the paper loaded.

Clean the Printheads

Over time, ink residue can cause blurry or smeared prints. Use the built-in cleaning tool:

  • Open HP Smart app or printer control panel.
  • Go to Settings > Maintenance > Clean Printhead.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions.

Align the Printheads

Misalignment can cause fuzzy or distorted text.

  • From the printer control panel or HP Smart app, go to: Settings > Maintenance > Align Printhead
  • Follow the prompts to complete alignment.

Check Ink Levels

Low ink can lead to poor print quality.

  • On the printer display or HP Smart app, check ink levels.
  • Refill any tank that’s low using genuine HP ink.

Update Printer Firmware

Outdated firmware can affect performance.

  • Visit: Official HP® Support
  • Enter your printer model: HP Smart Tank 7301
  • Download and install the latest firmware.

Print a Diagnostic Page

This helps identify which colors or nozzles are affected.

  • From the control panel:
    Settings > Reports > Print Quality Report
  • Review the report for missing lines or smears.

You may refer to this document - HP Smart Tank 6000, 7000, 7300 Printers - Color or black ink not printing, other print quality issue...

 

I hope your issue is now resolved. If not, feel free to reply and we’ll continue helping until everything’s sorted!

 

If the post helped, please click “Accepted Solution” to help other users easily find it. And if you’d like to say thanks, just tap the “Yes” button!

 

Cheers,

Max3Aj

HP Support

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