LaserJet Pro MFP M283fdw Color Misalignment

[Robbieuk21]

I've been getting issues where the different color toner is showing as misaligned, even on the supplies screen.  It looks like the color toners are slightly offset from each other/black ones and therefore you get a blurry printout.

I can't find any menu option to realign or calibrate the colours.  I've even replaced some of the toner cartridges and it still doesn't fix it.

Help please.

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @Robbieuk21 

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

Thanks for explaining the issue—I'm really sorry your HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M283fdw is producing blurry prints due to color toner misalignment. It’s especially frustrating when even the supplies screen shows the offset and replacing cartridges hasn’t helped. 

This kind of problem usually points to a calibration fault, internal misregistration, or firmware-level drift in how the printer aligns cyan, magenta, yellow, and black layers.

Here’s a focused recovery path to help restore sharp, properly aligned output:

Step-by-Step Fix for Toner Misalignment on HP M283fdw

 

1. Run Color Calibration Manually

Although macOS doesn’t expose this directly, you can trigger calibration from the printer’s control panel:

• On the printer’s touchscreen:
  • Tap Setup (gear icon)
  • Go to System Setup > Print Quality
  • Select Color Calibration > Calibrate Now

This forces the printer to realign its color planes and correct internal drift.

 

2. Print a Diagnostic Page

• From the touchscreen:
  • Tap Reports > Print Quality Pages > Print Quality Diagnostic Page
• Review the alignment of color blocks and text

This helps confirm whether the issue is with toner placement or mechanical registration.

 

3. Update the firmware on an HP printer

• HP regularly releases new firmware versions for printer enhancements, app updates, or issue fixes. Update the firmware regularly to get the most out of your printer.
• Click on the link below for instructions on how to update the firmware of your printer.
  https://support.hp.com/in-en/document/ish_1776648-1643972-16

Firmware updates often include fixes for calibration and registration issues.

 

4. Check Paper Type and Tray Settings

• On the touchscreen:
  • Go to Paper Setup > Tray 1 or Tray 2
  • Confirm the paper type matches what you’re using (e.g., Plain, LaserJet, Glossy)

Incorrect paper type can cause toner to misfuse or shift during printing.

 

5. Reset the Printer

• Tap Setup > Service > Restore Defaults
• Confirm and restart the printer

This clears any lingering configuration errors that may affect alignment.

Let me know if the calibration improves the output or if the diagnostic page shows persistent misalignment—I’ll guide you further based on that. 

You’re doing everything right by catching this early—I’ll stay with you until it’s resolved.

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