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- HP Community
- Printers
- Printer Ink Cartridges & Print Quality
- Ink in splotched, but is not low on ink

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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.
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1 REPLY 1
05-14-2024 03:02 PM
Hi @flowfamilychiro,
Welcome to The HP Support Community.
Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.
I understand the frustration of dealing with splotchy prints even with full ink cartridges on your HP OfficeJet Pro 8028.
Here are a few steps you can try to troubleshoot the issue:
- Cleaning and Calibration:
- Clean the Printhead: Most HP printers have a built-in cleaning utility. Consult your printer's manual or HP's website for specific instructions on how to access the cleaning function for your model (https://support.hp.com/us-en/printer). Running the cleaning cycle 1-2 times can often dislodge clogs and improve print quality.
- Clean the Cartridge Contacts: Carefully remove the cartridges and wipe the electrical contacts with a dry, lint-free cloth. You can also clean the contacts in the carriage where the cartridges sit.
- Printhead Alignment: A misaligned printhead can cause splotchiness. Check your printer's manual or HP's website for instructions on how to perform a printhead alignment for your model.
- Cartridge Issues:
- Check for Faulty Cartridges: Even if the ink levels seem full, there's a chance a particular cartridge might be faulty. Try replacing the cartridge(s) that seem to be causing the issue, even if they show full ink.
- Genuine vs. Refilled Cartridges: HP recommends using genuine HP ink cartridges. Refilled cartridges can sometimes cause printing problems.
- Reset and Power Cycle:
- Power Cycle: Turn off the printer completely, unplug it from the power source for 60 seconds, and then plug it back in and turn it on. This can sometimes clear up temporary glitches.
- Reset Printer: If a power cycle doesn't help, consult your printer's manual or HP's website for instructions on how to perform a hard reset for your model. Be aware that a hard reset might erase any custom settings you have made.
Refer to this document: HP OfficeJet Pro 8028 All-in-One Printer user manual
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.
A_Gayathri
HP Support Community Administrator.
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