-
×InformationNeed Windows 11 help?Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
Windows 11 Support Center. -
-
×InformationNeed Windows 11 help?Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
Windows 11 Support Center. -
- HP Community
- Printers
- Printer Ink Cartridges & Print Quality
- Faint ink print after cartridge change

Create an account on the HP Community to personalize your profile and ask a question
Your account also allows you to connect with HP support faster, access a personal dashboard to manage all of your devices in one place, view warranty information, case status and more.
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.
1 REPLY 1
06-09-2025 12:15 PM
Hi @LT07
Welcome to the HP Support Community!
Thanks for posting your query! We're here to help you get back up and running.
It’s frustrating when a new cartridge doesn’t deliver the expected print quality. Since you’ve already cleaned the printheads and aligned them, here are some additional steps to try:
1. Check Ink Levels
- Open the HP Smart app or Printer Control Panel.
- Navigate to Ink Levels and ensure the new cartridge has sufficient ink.
2. Perform a Second Printhead Cleaning
- Sometimes, a single cleaning cycle isn’t enough.
- Go to Setup > Printer Maintenance > Clean Printhead and run the process again.
3. Try a Print Quality Diagnostic Report
- Print a Print Quality Diagnostic Report from the printer menu.
- If colors appear faded or missing, another cleaning cycle may be needed.
4. Ensure the Cartridge Vent is Open
- Remove the cartridge and check for any protective tape that might still be covering the ink vent.
- If blocked, gently clean the vent with a lint-free cloth.
5. Use High-Quality Paper
- Low-quality or damp paper can affect print clarity.
- Try printing on HP-recommended paper to see if there’s an improvement.
Try these steps and let me know if the issue persists!
If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊
Take care, and have an amazing day!
Regards,
Hawks_Eye
I am an HP Employee.
If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks!
If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks!
Be alert for scammers posting fake support phone numbers and/or email addresses on the community.
If you think you have received a fake HP Support message, please report it to us by clicking on "Flag Post".
† The opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of the authors, not of HP. By using this site, you accept the Terms of Use and Rules of Participation.
Didn't find what you were looking for?
Ask the community
† The opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of the authors, not of HP. By using this site, you accept the <a href="https://www8.hp.com/us/en/terms-of-use.html" class="udrlinesmall">Terms of Use</a> and <a href="/t5/custom/page/page-id/hp.rulespage" class="udrlinesmall"> Rules of Participation</a>.