Colours not printing

[Bek18]

I have recently changed my ink cartridges and only the yellow and black seem to print. Magenta and Cyan are not working. I am using HP products. Any help?

[A_Gayathri · Accepted solution]

Hi @Bek18,

Welcome to The HP Support Community.  

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

I understand you are facing an issue with your HP OfficeJet Pro 8020e printer where the magenta and cyan colors are not printing. Follow these steps:

Check Ink Cartridges:

• Ensure that the magenta and cyan ink cartridges are properly installed.
• Verify that the cartridges are genuine HP products and not expired.
• Remove and reinsert the magenta and cyan cartridges to ensure they are seated correctly.

Clean Printhead:

• On your printer, go to the setup menu.
• Navigate to "Printer Maintenance" or "Tools".
• Select the option to clean the printhead. This may need to be done several times to clear any clogs.

Printhead Alignment:

• From the printer's control panel, access the setup menu.
• Select "Printer Maintenance" or "Tools".
• Choose the option to align the printhead.

Print a Test Page:

• Print a test page to see if all colors are being printed.
• If magenta and cyan are still missing, proceed to the next steps.

Check for Firmware Updates: Update the firmware on an HP printer

• Ensure your printer's firmware is up to date. Sometimes, updates can resolve printing issues.
• Check the HP website or use the HP Smart app to update the firmware.

Software Troubleshooting:

• Restart your computer and printer.
• Reinstall the printer drivers. Go to the HP website, download the latest drivers for your printer model, and install them.

Check Printer Settings:

• Ensure the printer settings on your computer are correct. Sometimes, the print settings might be set to grayscale or black and white.

HP Print and Scan Doctor: HP Print and Scan Doctor

• Download and run the HP Print and Scan Doctor tool from the HP website. This tool can diagnose and fix many printing and scanning issues.

Manual Cleaning:

• If the automated cleaning doesn't work, you might need to manually clean the printhead. Refer to the printer’s user manual for instructions on how to safely do this.

Here's a more detailed approach for some of these steps:

Cleaning the Printhead Manually

1. Turn off the printer and unplug it from the power source.
2. Open the printer cover and remove the printhead.
3. Using a lint-free cloth and distilled water, gently clean the copper contacts on the printhead and the carriage.
4. Allow the printhead to dry completely before reinstalling it.

Updating Firmware Update the firmware on an HP printer

1. Visit the HP Support page.
2. Enter your printer model and go to the software and drivers section.
3. Download and install any available firmware updates.

Refer to this document: HP OfficeJet Pro 8020e All-in-One Printer User manual 

HP OfficeJet 6900, 8010, 8020, 8030 printers - No black ink, wrong colors, other print quality issue...

I hope this helps. 

Take care and have a good day.

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.