HP Envy 6020 not printing documents properly

[Raylene2]

Documents aren't being printed properly.  Some lines are missing on both sides of the paper even with new cartridges.  Any advice appreciated.  

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @Raylene2 

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

Thank you for sharing the details and for already replacing the cartridges—it really helps narrow things down. I completely understand how frustrating it feels when documents come out with missing lines, especially when you expect crisp, complete prints. 

Let’s walk through a few thorough steps together to bring the print quality back to life:

 

Step 1: Run the Print Quality Diagnostic

1. On your printer’s control panel, press and hold the Information button until a page prints.
2. This will generate a Print Quality Report.
3. Look closely at the color blocks and alignment patterns—if you see streaks, gaps, or faded areas, it confirms an issue with ink flow or alignment.

 

Step 2: Clean the Printhead

1. Open the HP App on your Windows computer.
2. Go to Printer Settings → Maintenance → Clean Printhead.
3. Allow the cleaning cycle to complete, then print another test page.
   • If the issue persists, repeat the cleaning up to two more times. Each cycle pushes fresh ink through the nozzles.

 

Step 3: Align the Printhead

1. In the HP App, select Printer Settings → Maintenance → Align Printhead.
2. The printer will print an alignment sheet.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to scan the sheet and finalize alignment.
   • This ensures the ink is placed precisely on the page, preventing those missing lines.

 

Step 4: Check Paper and Settings

• Make sure you’re using plain, good-quality paper—not damp or curled sheets.
• In the print dialog on your computer, confirm that the paper type matches what’s loaded. Incorrect settings can cause uneven ink distribution.

 

Step 5: Inspect Cartridges and Venting

1. Remove the cartridges and check the protective tape—ensure it’s fully removed.
2. Look at the small vent on top of each cartridge. If clogged, gently clear it with a pin.
3. Reinstall the cartridges firmly until they click into place.

After these steps, print another document to see if the lines are restored. Often, a combination of cleaning and alignment brings the print quality back to sharp, consistent output.

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Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye