My Hp envy photo printer is only printing documents and photos are smeared and blurry in quality.

[MAA88]

My printer is not printing photos properly. The quality is unusable and the ink comes out wet and smeared. Color & Black and white Documents are printing fine. Has anyone experienced this issue?

[Alden4]

Hi @MAA88,

Welcome to HP Support Community.  

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

If your HP Envy Photo printer is only printing documents properly but producing smeared and blurry photos, there are a few potential causes for this issue. Here are some troubleshooting steps you can try.

• Check the ink levels: Ensure that your printer has enough ink in all the cartridges. Low ink levels can affect print quality, especially when it comes to photos. If any of the ink cartridges are low, consider replacing them.
• Clean the printhead: Over time, the printhead can become clogged or dirty, leading to poor print quality. Most printers have a built-in printhead cleaning utility in the settings menu. Run the printhead cleaning process to clear any blockages or debris.
• Adjust print settings: Make sure you have selected the appropriate print settings for photos. In your print dialog or printer settings, choose the highest print quality and the correct paper type for your photo. You may also have an option for "Photo Enhance" or similar, which can improve the print quality.
• Use photo paper: Ensure that you are using the appropriate photo paper for printing photos. Regular paper may not be able to absorb the ink properly, leading to smearing and blurring. Check the recommended paper type for your printer and use that for optimal results.
• Update printer drivers: Outdated printer drivers can sometimes cause print quality issues. Visit the HP website and download the latest drivers for your specific printer model. Install the updated drivers on your computer and see if it improves the print quality.
• Check the print settings on your computer: Make sure that the print settings on your computer are properly configured. Ensure that the paper size, orientation, and other settings match your requirements. Also, verify that the correct printer is selected.
• Perform a printer reset: Sometimes, performing a reset on your printer can resolve various issues. Refer to your printer's manual or the HP website for instructions on how to reset your specific model.

I hope this helps. 
 

Take care and have a good day.

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Alden4
HP Support