Printer will not print color

[Beth1194]

Printer will not print color

[Rachel571]

Hi @Beth1194 

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

If your printer is not printing in color, there are several possible reasons, ranging from software settings to hardware issues like ink cartridges or printhead problems. Below are steps to troubleshoot and resolve this issue:

1. Check Printer Settings

Sometimes, the printer settings may be set to print in black and white or grayscale. Ensure your printer is set to print in color.

Steps:

1. Open Printer Settings on your computer:
   • On Windows, go to Start → Settings → Devices → Printers & Scanners.
   • Select your printer and click Manage → Printing Preferences.
2. Check Color Settings:
   • Look for an option under the Color section and make sure it is set to Color or Color printing (not Black & White or Grayscale).
3. Save the settings and try printing again.

2. Check Ink or Toner Levels

If one of your color cartridges is empty or low on ink, the printer might not be able to print in color.

Steps:

1. Check the Ink Levels:
   • On your printer's control panel, navigate to the Ink or Cartridge Levels option (this may vary depending on the printer model).
   • Alternatively, check through the printer software on your computer (usually in the HP Printer Assistant or similar utility if you’re using an HP printer).
2. Replace Empty Cartridges:
   • If any of the color cartridges (cyan, magenta, or yellow) are empty, replace them with new ones.
3. Clean the Cartridges:
   • Some printers have a built-in feature to clean or check the ink cartridges. Use the printer’s maintenance menu to perform a cleaning or alignment process.

3. Check the Printhead (for Inkjet Printers)

If you're using an inkjet printer, the printhead (the part that dispenses ink) might be clogged, especially if the printer has not been used for a while.

Steps:

1. Run a Printhead Cleaning:
   • Most inkjet printers, including HP, have a cleaning function. This can be accessed from the printer’s menu or the printer software on your computer.
   • In Windows: Go to Devices and Printers → Right-click your printer → Printing Preferences → Maintenance or Tools → Select Clean Printhead.
2. Perform an Alignment:
   • After cleaning, you might also need to perform a printhead alignment to ensure that the colors print correctly.

4. Check for Software or Driver Issues

Sometimes, outdated or corrupted drivers can prevent proper printing. Make sure you have the latest printer drivers installed.

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

[Alden4]

Hi @Beth1194,

Thank you for your response, 

Here are some additional advanced troubleshooting steps you can follow.

Issue 1: Printer Not Printing in Color

If the previous steps did not resolve the issue, you can try the following:

Perform a Printhead Cleaning

• Even if you have cleaned the printhead via the software, it's worth trying a deeper cleaning process. For your HP OfficeJet 4650:
  • Using the printer control panel: Go to Setup → Printer Maintenance → Clean Printhead. Run the cleaning process 2-3 times.
  • Using HP Smart or Printer Assistant: Open the HP Smart or Printer Assistant software on your computer, go to Printer Maintenance, and select the Clean Printhead option.

Printhead Alignment

• After cleaning, align the printhead to ensure proper ink flow and color alignment.
  • From the printer control panel: Go to Setup → Printer Maintenance → Align Printhead.

Check for Ink Cartridge Issues

• Remove and reinsert the cartridges to make sure they are seated properly. Sometimes a loose cartridge can cause printing issues.
• If the cartridges are not genuine HP, this can also cause problems, so ensure you are using original cartridges.
• If the ink cartridges appear fine but the issue persists, you may need to try replacing the cartridges if they are old or dried out.

Reset the Printer

• Sometimes performing a factory reset can resolve persistent issues.
  • Turn off the printer.
  • Unplug the power cord and wait for 30 seconds.
  • Plug it back in and turn the printer back on.

Issue 2: Envelope Paper Size Error

Even though the envelope size appears correct on the screen, the printer may still detect a mismatch due to settings or paper path issues.

Check Paper Size in Printer Settings

• When printing from your computer, ensure the correct paper size is selected:
  • Windows: Open the print dialog → select Printer Properties or Preferences → verify that the paper size is set to the exact dimensions of the envelope (e.g., #10 or DL).
  • Mac: In the Print dialog, select the Paper Size option and ensure it matches the envelope size you’ve loaded.

[Alden4]

Check Paper Source

• Ensure the envelope is loaded correctly in the input tray:
  • Check if the envelope is placed properly in the printer tray and is aligned with the paper guides.
  • Make sure you are using the correct tray for envelopes, typically the main tray or the special media tray, depending on your printer’s design.

Printer's Paper Tray Settings

• Check if the printer's paper tray settings match the type of paper you're trying to print on.
• On the printer’s display screen, select Paper Size and ensure it is set to Custom or the correct envelope size.

Update Printer Firmware

• An outdated printer firmware can sometimes cause miscommunication between the printer and the settings on your computer. Check if a firmware update is available for your printer:
  • Go to HP Support and enter your printer model to check for firmware updates, or use the HP Smart app for automatic updates.

Use a Different Print Method

• If the regular method of printing envelopes doesn't work, you can try using the Manual Feed option:
  • When you go to the Print dialog, select Print on a Specific Paper or Manual Feed if available, and make sure you are manually feeding the envelope through the printer when prompted.

By following these advanced steps, you should be able to resolve the color printing issue and the envelope size error.

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