CYAN NOT PRINTING

[Mike12057]

Cyan not printing. Have installed new cartridges. Will not print on Print Quality Diagnostic

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @Mike12057 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

If your HP ENVY Photo 6230 isn’t printing cyan even with a new cartridge, it usually points to one of three issues — air/clog in the cartridge, blocked printhead, or electrical contact problems.
 

Here’s a step-by-step fix process:

Check the Cartridge & Packaging

Make sure the cyan cartridge is an HP 303/303XL genuine cartridge.

Remove the cartridge and check:

Protective orange tape fully removed.

No debris or dry ink on the copper contacts.

Reinsert firmly into the correct slot.

Run the Printer’s Cleaning Tool

On the printer’s touchscreen:

Setup (gear icon) → Printer Maintenance

Select Clean Printhead.

Print the test page — check if cyan returns.

If still missing, run Clean Printhead a second time (HP recommends up to 3 cycles).

Try the “Deep Clean” (Second Level Cleaning)

In Printer Maintenance, look for Clean Printhead – Level 2 or Clean Ink Smears.

This uses more ink but can clear stubborn clogs.

Check the Nozzle Pattern

From Printer Maintenance → Print Quality Report, examine the cyan section:

If missing or streaky → printhead still clogged.

If present but faded → could be ink flow issue.

Manual Printhead Cleaning (Advanced)

If cleaning cycles fail:

Remove all cartridges.

Remove the printhead (if your model allows — HP 6230 uses a semi-fixed head, so be gentle).

Use a lint-free cloth with warm distilled water to wipe the bottom (nozzle area) and electrical contacts.

Let it air-dry 10 minutes before reinstalling.

Firmware & Driver Refresh

Update printer firmware:
HP ENVY Photo 6230 Firmware Download

Remove & reinstall printer driver in Windows Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners.

If Still Not Working

If cyan still won’t print after deep cleaning, the cyan ink channel in the printhead may be damaged.
Unfortunately on this model, that means either:

Replacing the printhead assembly (costly), or

Contacting HP Support for warranty or trade-in options.

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Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye