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- HP Community
- Printers
- Printer Ink Cartridges & Print Quality
- Re: Streaks when printing

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02-12-2025 02:17 PM
Getting these streaks when printing in color. Updated drivers, powercycled computer and printer, ran diagnostics, it said everything was good, put in fresh cartridges. Printer is an hp office jet pro 6970.
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Accepted Solutions
02-16-2025 12:33 PM
Hi @Ethan123456789,
Welcome to the HP Support Community!
Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding print quality of your printer!
We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.
The streaks in your printed image could be caused by a few possible issues, even after replacing the ink cartridges and updating drivers. Here are some troubleshooting steps to resolve it:Run Printhead Cleaning
Since you've already updated drivers and replaced the cartridges, the next step is to clean the printhead:
- Go to Printer Settings on the control panel.
- Find Maintenance or Tools.
- Select Printhead Cleaning.
- Run the process a couple of times and print a test page.
Check Paper Type & Quality Settings
- Ensure you're using the correct paper type (plain, photo, glossy, etc.).
- Adjust print settings to Best Quality in the print dialog.
Manually Clean Printheads
If automatic cleaning doesn't help, you may need to manually clean the printheads:
- Remove the cartridges.
- Use a lint-free cloth dampened with distilled water to gently clean the copper contacts on the cartridges and inside the printer.
- Let them dry before reinserting.
Align the Printhead
- Go to Printer Settings > Maintenance > Align Printhead.
- Print an alignment page and follow the on-screen steps.
I'm an HP Employee.
If this reply helped resolve your issue, please select the Accept as Solution as it helps others in the community quickly find the answer they’re looking for.
And if you found this reply helpful, clicking Yes below is a great way to let us know we’re providing the support you need, as it encourages us to keep improving and sharing helpful guidance.
02-16-2025 12:33 PM
Hi @Ethan123456789,
Welcome to the HP Support Community!
Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding print quality of your printer!
We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.
The streaks in your printed image could be caused by a few possible issues, even after replacing the ink cartridges and updating drivers. Here are some troubleshooting steps to resolve it:Run Printhead Cleaning
Since you've already updated drivers and replaced the cartridges, the next step is to clean the printhead:
- Go to Printer Settings on the control panel.
- Find Maintenance or Tools.
- Select Printhead Cleaning.
- Run the process a couple of times and print a test page.
Check Paper Type & Quality Settings
- Ensure you're using the correct paper type (plain, photo, glossy, etc.).
- Adjust print settings to Best Quality in the print dialog.
Manually Clean Printheads
If automatic cleaning doesn't help, you may need to manually clean the printheads:
- Remove the cartridges.
- Use a lint-free cloth dampened with distilled water to gently clean the copper contacts on the cartridges and inside the printer.
- Let them dry before reinserting.
Align the Printhead
- Go to Printer Settings > Maintenance > Align Printhead.
- Print an alignment page and follow the on-screen steps.
I'm an HP Employee.
If this reply helped resolve your issue, please select the Accept as Solution as it helps others in the community quickly find the answer they’re looking for.
And if you found this reply helpful, clicking Yes below is a great way to let us know we’re providing the support you need, as it encourages us to keep improving and sharing helpful guidance.
02-16-2025 12:33 PM
Check for Clogged Nozzles
- Print a Nozzle Check Pattern from your printer settings.
- If you see gaps or broken lines, your printhead may still be clogged.
Try a Different Image or File
- If the issue only happens with specific files, try printing a test document (like a Word document with colored text).
- This will help determine if it's a file issue or a printer issue.
Let me know if you need further help! 😊
I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?"—your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 👍✨
Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 🚀
Best regards,
I'm an HP Employee.
If this reply helped resolve your issue, please select the Accept as Solution as it helps others in the community quickly find the answer they’re looking for.
And if you found this reply helpful, clicking Yes below is a great way to let us know we’re providing the support you need, as it encourages us to keep improving and sharing helpful guidance.