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- HP Community
- Printers
- Printer Ink Cartridges & Print Quality
- HP SMART TANK 516 not providing colour print out properly.Co...

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09-15-2023 09:54 PM
Hi @Avik3,
Welcome to HP Support Community.
Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.
If your HP Smart Tank 516 printer is not providing proper color printouts and the colors are not matching as expected, you can try several troubleshooting steps to resolve the issue. Here's a step-by-step guide.
Check Ink Levels:
- Ensure that you have sufficient ink levels in all color cartridges. If any of the cartridges are low or empty, replace them with genuine HP ink cartridges.
Use Genuine HP Ink Cartridges:
- Using third-party or refilled ink cartridges can result in color mismatch and print quality issues. Make sure you are using genuine HP ink cartridges.
Print Quality Diagnostic Page:
- Most HP printers have a built-in diagnostic tool to print a test page. Refer to your printer's user manual for instructions on how to print a test page or a diagnostic page. This page can help identify if there are any issues with the printhead or ink cartridges.
Calibrate the Printer:
- Some HP printers have a calibration or alignment feature that can help improve color accuracy. Check your printer's manual for instructions on how to calibrate the printer.
Clean the Printhead:
- Over time, the printhead can become clogged with dried ink, which can affect print quality. Refer to your printer's manual for instructions on how to clean the printhead.
Update Printer Drivers:
- Ensure that you have the latest printer drivers installed on your computer. Visit the HP website to download and install the most up-to-date drivers for your printer model.
Check Paper Type and Quality:
- Ensure that you are using the correct type and quality of paper recommended for your printer. Using the wrong paper can result in poor print quality and color mismatch.
Color Settings in Software:
- When printing from a computer, check the color settings in the printing software. Make sure the color settings match your intended output, such as color mode, saturation, and brightness.
Check for Software Updates:
- Ensure that your printer's firmware is up to date. Sometimes, firmware updates can address printing issues.
Perform a Factory Reset (if necessary):
- As a last resort, you can perform a factory reset on your printer to restore it to its default settings. This should only be done if all other troubleshooting steps fail, as it will erase any custom settings.
If you've tried all of these steps and are still experiencing color mismatch and print quality issues, it may be a hardware problem with the printer, such as a faulty printhead or sensor.
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. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!
Alden4
HP Support
HP Support Community Moderator