Streaking Prints (Even After Cartilage Cleaning/Realignment)

[cvu24]

My print quality is bad after I’ve cleaned the cartilages 10 times and tried realignment 5 times. The streaks are still there, even though the print quality report says the ink shouldn’t cause issues and that the cartilages are genuine ink. Has anyone had similar problems?
 
I also had to use 8/10 of my prints to diagnose the issue (I feel like these shouldn’t count towards the monthly). I’m upset with the ring around you have to go through to try to get help (the virtual assistant is not helpful, and finding a way to talk to a live agent is even worse).

[Max3Aj]

Hi there @cvu24, and welcome to HP Support Community!

Thank you for reaching out with your concern. I'm glad to assist you today.

I’m really sorry to hear about the frustrating experience with your HP ENVY Pro 6455. I understand how disappointing it is to go through multiple cleanings and alignments only to still see streaks in your prints. especially when you're using genuine HP ink and the print quality report shows no obvious issues.

Let’s try a few deeper troubleshooting steps to help resolve this:

Run a Printhead Cleaning from HP Smart App

Even if you've done this via the printer panel, the HP Smart app sometimes performs a more thorough cleaning.

• Download or open the HP Smart app: HP Smart
• Go to Printer Settings > Tools > Clean Printhead
• After cleaning, print a Print Quality Diagnostic Page again.

Check for Ink Smearing or Streaks on Diagnostic Page

Use this guide to interpret the page:

• The Print Quality Diagnostic Report | HP® Support

If you see missing lines or streaks, especially in black or color blocks, it may indicate clogged nozzles or a failing cartridge.

Manually Clean the Printhead Contacts

Even if the cartridges are clean, the electrical contacts on the printhead may need attention.

• Turn off the printer and unplug it.
• Remove the cartridges.
• Use a lint-free cloth lightly dampened with distilled water to clean:
  • The copper-colored contacts on the cartridges.
  • The corresponding contacts inside the printer.
• Let everything dry for 5 minutes before reinserting.

Try a Different Cartridge (if available)

Even genuine HP cartridges can occasionally be defective. If you have a spare or recently replaced cartridge, try swapping it in to test. 

Firmware Update

Make sure your printer is running the latest firmware:

• Update the firmware on an HP printer | HP® Support

HP DeskJet, ENVY 6000, 6400 printers - No black ink, wrong colors, other print quality issues | HP® ...

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Take care and happy computing!

Best regards,

Max3Aj

HP Support