Print quality is faint

[Tom5258]

Printer output is faint

[Sneha_01]

Hi @Tom5258,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

If your printer's output is faint, it usually means the print quality is compromised. This issue can be caused by several factors, including low ink levels, clogged printheads, incorrect printer settings, or poor paper quality. Here’s a detailed guide to troubleshoot and improve the print quality:

1. Check Ink Levels:

• Open the HP Smart app or the printer’s control panel.
• Check the ink levels for all cartridges. If any cartridge is low, replace it with a new one.

2. Perform Printhead Cleaning:

1. Open the HP Smart app or the printer’s software on your computer.Navigate to the maintenance or tools section.
2. Select the option to clean the printhead and follow the on-screen instructions.
3. Turn off the printer and unplug it.
4. Open the printer’s access door and remove the ink cartridges.Gently clean the printhead with a lint-free cloth lightly moistened with distilled water or isopropyl alcohol.Reinstall the cartridges and close the access door.

3. Align the Printhead

1. Access the alignment option in the HP Smart app or printer settings.Follow the instructions to align the printhead.

• Print a test page to verify that the alignment is correct.

4. Check and Adjust Printer Settings:

1. Open the print settings on your computer before printing.
2. Ensure that the print quality setting is set to ‘Best’ or ‘High’ rather than ‘Draft’ or ‘Normal’.

• Make sure you’ve selected the correct paper type in the printer settings for the paper you are using.

5. Inspect and Replace Ink Cartridges:

1. Remove the ink cartridges and check for any visible damage or leakage.
2. Make sure the protective tape (if any) has been removed from the cartridges before installation.

• If the cartridges are old or have been used extensively, replacing them with new, genuine HP cartridges can help improve print quality.

6. Use Quality Paper:

• Ensure you are using good quality paper that is appropriate for your printer. Poor quality or incorrect paper can affect print output.

7. Perform a Printer Reset

1. Turn off the printer and unplug it from the power source.Wait for at least 60 seconds.
2. Plug the printer back in and turn it on.

8. Run Printer Diagnostics:

• Use the diagnostic tools available in the HP Smart app or printer settings to run a diagnostic check. This may help identify any issues with the printer.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.

Rachel571

HP Support