HP ink issue

[AltinTam]

Hi, I have an issue with my printer HP Officejet Pro 8028, I have purchased smart HP ink cartridges but somehow for the last couple of months I don't get the actual quality printouts. 

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @AltinTam 

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

Thank you for sharing that—and I’m really sorry you’ve been dealing with disappointing print quality, especially after investing in smart HP ink cartridges. When a printer that’s meant to deliver sharp, professional results starts producing subpar output, it can feel incredibly frustrating.

Let’s walk through a few focused steps that can help restore the clarity and vibrancy you expect from your HP OfficeJet Pro 8028:

 

1. Run a Print Quality Diagnostic Report

This built-in tool helps identify which colors or nozzles are misfiring.

• On the printer’s touchscreen, go to Settings > Tools > Print Quality Report.
• Review the printed page for missing blocks, streaks, or faded areas.

If you need guidance, HP provides a detailed walkthrough:
Print Quality Diagnostic Page – HP OfficeJet Pro 8020 Series

 

2. Clean the Printhead

Ink residue or dried nozzles can cause dull or uneven prints. Use the printer’s internal cleaning utility:

• Navigate to Settings > Tools > Clean Printhead.
• Run the cleaning cycle and, if needed, repeat it up to three times with short pauses in between.

This process can often revive color vibrancy and sharpness.

 

3. Check Paper Type and Print Settings

Using the wrong paper setting can lead to ink misapplication, even with high-quality cartridges.

• In your print dialog, select the correct paper type (e.g., HP Premium Paper, Glossy, or Plain).
• Set the print quality to Best or High for detailed output.

For help adjusting these settings:
Change Print Settings in Windows

 

4. Inspect Ink Levels and Cartridge Seating

Even smart cartridges can misreport levels or sit slightly off in the carriage.

• Open the cartridge access door and gently press each cartridge to ensure it’s fully seated.
• Check ink levels via the touchscreen or HP Smart app.

 

5. Update Firmware

Outdated firmware can affect ink delivery and color calibration. Make sure your printer is running the latest version.

You can find updates on the official HP page:
HP OfficeJet Pro 8028 Drivers and Firmware

If you’d like help reviewing a sample print or walking through any of these steps in real time, I’m here to assist. 

You deserve crisp, reliable output—and we’ll work together to get your printer performing the way it should.

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