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- HP Community
- Printers
- Printer Ink Cartridges & Print Quality
- Printer colour problem

Create an account on the HP Community to personalize your profile and ask a question
08-06-2024 06:43 AM
Hi @Jen1302,
Welcome to HP Support Community.
Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.
Dull color printing can result from several factors, including ink issues, print settings, or printhead problems. Here are some steps to troubleshoot and resolve the issue.
Check Ink Levels
Ensure that your printer has enough ink in all color cartridges.
- Go to your printer's control panel or use the HP Smart app to check the ink levels.
Print Quality Diagnostic Page
Print a diagnostic page to determine if there are any issues with the print quality.
- For most HP printers, you can do this from the printer's control panel. Navigate to the "Setup" or "Tools" menu and look for "Print Quality Report" or "Print Diagnostic Page."
Clean the Printhead
If the diagnostic page shows issues, try cleaning the printhead.
- Most HP printers have a built-in printhead cleaning feature. Access this through the printer's control panel or the HP Smart app.
Align the Printhead
Aligning the printhead can improve print quality.
- This option is also available in the printer's control panel or the HP Smart app.
Use High-Quality Paper
Ensure you are using the appropriate type of paper for your printer.
- Some papers are designed for high-quality photo printing and can significantly affect print quality.
Check Print Settings
Adjust your print settings to ensure you are using the correct color profile.
- On your computer, go to "Print" settings and ensure you select "Best" or "High Quality" under print quality settings.
- Verify that the correct paper type is selected.
Update Printer Firmware and Drivers
Make sure your printer’s firmware and drivers are up to date.
- Visit the HP Support website, enter your printer model, and download the latest updates.
HP Support Community Moderator
08-06-2024 06:43 AM
Perform a Manual Printhead Cleaning (If Necessary)
If automated cleaning doesn’t work, you might need to clean the printhead manually.
- Follow the instructions in your printer's manual for manual printhead cleaning.
Replace Cartridges
If the ink cartridges are old or defective, replace them with new ones.
- Ensure you are using genuine HP ink cartridges for the best results.
Following these steps should help you identify and fix the issue with dull color printing on your HP printer.
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. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!
Alden4
HP Support
HP Support Community Moderator