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- HP Community
- Printers
- Printer Ink Cartridges & Print Quality
- Cyan ink not printing

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08-29-2024 07:39 AM
I have an HP OfficeJet 8020 Series printer. For several months now I have been unable to print cyan ink. I've checked ink levels, cleaned print heads, with no resolution. I even replaced the Cyan ink thinking perhaps the ink level it was listing was inaccurate. I need the printer for more than just color projects, so thankfully I still have been able to print black/white, but I need to be able to print in color as well. Today I again, have completed printhead cleans, in addition to printing the status report proving there is ink in the cartridge, and I have also completed the "hard reset" advice I read on another person's post regarding Cyan ink. I have tried the virtual assistant and they have been unhelpful as well. I am about ready to toss this printer! Does anyone have any other ideas or recommendations? Thank you!
08-30-2024 03:30 PM
Hi @CSchmoll,
Welcome to HP Support Community.
Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.
If your HP OfficeJet 8020 Series printer isn’t printing cyan ink despite following standard troubleshooting steps, here are some additional steps you can try to resolve the issue:
1. Perform a Thorough Printhead Cleaning
Run Printhead Cleaning Cycle:
- Go to Printer Settings on your printer’s control panel.
- Navigate to Tools or Maintenance and select Clean Printhead.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to perform the cleaning.
Print a Test Page:
- After the cleaning cycle, print a test page to check if the cyan ink is now printing.
2. Check and Align the Printheads
Printhead Alignment:
- Go to Printer Settings on your printer’s control panel.
- Navigate to Tools or Maintenance and select Align Printheads.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the alignment process.
Print a Calibration Page:
- Printing a calibration page can sometimes resolve alignment issues.
3. Inspect the Printhead
Remove and Inspect the Printhead:
- Turn off the printer and open the cartridge access door.
- Remove the printhead and inspect it for any visible clogs or debris.
- Clean the printhead contacts gently with a lint-free cloth moistened with distilled water.
Reinstall the Printhead:
- After cleaning, reinstall the printhead and ensure it is properly seated.
4. Check Ink Cartridges
Ensure Cartridges are Installed Correctly:
- Verify that the cyan cartridge is installed correctly and seated properly in its slot.
Inspect Cartridge Contacts:
- Check the electrical contacts on the cartridge and the printer for any signs of damage or blockage.
5. Use the HP Smart App
Open HP Smart App:
- Use the HP Smart app on your computer or mobile device to access printer diagnostics and troubleshooting tools.
Run Printer Diagnostics:
- Follow the app’s prompts to run diagnostics and resolve any identified issues.
6. Check for Firmware Updates
Update Printer Firmware:
- Visit the HP Support website and search for your printer model.
- Check for any available firmware updates and install them.
Install Updates:
- Follow the instructions on the HP Support website to update your printer’s firmware.
7. Perform a Factory Reset
- Factory Reset:
- As a last resort, you can perform a factory reset on your printer. This will restore the printer to its original settings and may resolve persistent issues.
- Refer to your printer’s manual or the HP Support website for instructions on performing a factory reset.
I hope this helps.
Take care and have a good day.
Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.
Rachel571
HP Support
Sneha_01- HP support