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- HP Community
- Printers
- Printer Ink Cartridges & Print Quality
- I have black lines when I print photos

Create an account on the HP Community to personalize your profile and ask a question
12-20-2023 05:11 PM
Hi @Tagalong73 ,
Welcome to HP Support Community.
Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.
If you're experiencing black lines on your printed photos with the HP ENVY 5549 All-In-One Printer, there could be several reasons for this issue. Here are steps you can take to troubleshoot and potentially resolve the problem:
Check the Ink Cartridges:
- Ensure that the ink cartridges are properly installed and have sufficient ink levels.
- If a cartridge is low on ink or empty, replace it with a new one.
Print Head Alignment:
- Perform a print head alignment to ensure that the print heads are properly aligned.
- Check your printer's manual or HP's official website for instructions on how to perform a print head alignment.
Clean the Print Heads:
- Use the printer's software or control panel to run a print head cleaning utility.
- This can help remove any dried ink or debris that may be causing the lines.
Use Genuine HP Ink Cartridges:
- Ensure that you are using genuine HP ink cartridges. Non-genuine cartridges may cause printing issues.
Check for Paper or Debris:
- Make sure there is no paper or debris stuck in the paper path or around the print heads.
- Inspect the paper path and remove any obstructions.
Adjust Print Quality Settings:
- Check the print quality settings in your printer software. Higher-quality settings may produce better results.
- Experiment with different settings to see if it makes a difference.
Update Printer Drivers:
- Ensure that you have the latest printer drivers installed. Visit the HP website to download and install the latest drivers for your printer model.
Check for Firmware Updates:
- Update your printer's firmware if there are any available updates. This can be done through the printer's control panel or the HP website.
Inspect the Photo Paper:
- If you're using photo paper, make sure it is compatible with your printer. Also, check for any defects on the paper itself.
I hope this helps.
Take care and have a good day.-
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A_Gayathri
HP Support Community Administrator.