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Check out our Black or Color Ink Not Printing, Other Print Quality Issues info about: Print quality and Cartridge Issues.
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‎06-18-2026 06:17 AM

HP Recommended

Colors are streaking 

Category:
1 REPLY 1

‎06-19-2026 08:55 AM

HP Recommended

Hi @Patrick0920441,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

Thank you for posting your query. I will be glad to help you.

If the colors are streaking, faded, or showing lines, this is typically related to print quality and can often be resolved with a few maintenance steps.
 

Please try the following:

  1. Make sure you are using genuine HP ink cartridges or HP ink bottles.
  2. Print a Print Quality Diagnostic Report from the printer.
  3. Run the Printhead Cleaning utility from the printer menu or HP software.
  4. After the cleaning is complete, print another test page and compare the results.
  5. If the streaking remains, run a second cleaning cycle and then perform a Printhead Alignment.
  6. Check that the paper being used is appropriate for the print job and is loaded correctly.
     

To help us provide the correct troubleshooting steps, could you please let us know:

  • The exact HP printer model.
  • Whether the streaking affects all colors or only a specific color.
  • Are you using original HP supplies or third-party/refilled cartridges?
  • Did the issue start after replacing ink, refilling tanks, or after the printer sat unused for some time?

Once we have the printer model and a few more details, we can provide more specific guidance.

 

I hope this helps.

 

Take care and have an amazing day!

I'm an HP Employee.


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