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- HP Community
- Printers
- Printer Ink Cartridges & Print Quality
- Streaky pages

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02-05-2025 02:57 PM
Hi! I was wondering if you guys would be able to help me. Every time I try to print something my pages come out all streaky and faded like my printer is running out of ink, but my printer is still showing full ink cartridges. I tried to clean and realign the print head several times through the HP Smart app and nothing is working. I don’t know of any software/driver changes and it’s a wireless connection. Is there anything else I can do?
02-10-2025 01:55 PM
@sydneyhoov, Welcome to the HP Support Community!
Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding streaky pages!
We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.
Let’s go through a few troubleshooting steps to resolve this issue:
Manually Clean the Printhead
- Since you’ve already tried cleaning through the HP Smart app, let’s try a manual cleaning.
- Remove the ink cartridges and gently wipe the copper-colored contacts on both the cartridges and the printhead using a lint-free cloth slightly dampened with distilled water.
- Let everything dry completely before reinserting the cartridges.
Check for Clogged Nozzles
- Sometimes dried ink can block the nozzles. You can try printing a nozzle check pattern (available in printer settings) to see if the issue persists.
Use Genuine HP Cartridges
- If you're using third-party or refilled cartridges, they might not provide optimal print quality. Using genuine HP ink can help avoid streaking and fading issues.
Print a Diagnostic Page
- Try printing a diagnostic page (this can be done through the printer settings) to check if there are any inconsistencies in ink flow.
Check Paper Type and Settings
- Ensure you are using the correct paper type and print quality settings in the HP Smart app or print dialog box.
Update Printer Firmware and Drivers
- Even though you haven’t noticed any changes, it’s worth checking for firmware or driver updates. You can do this through the HP Smart app or HP’s support website.
Perform a Hard Reset
- Unplug the printer while it’s on, wait for about a minute, and then plug it back in. This can sometimes refresh internal settings and clear minor issues.
Let me know how it goes, and I’d be happy to assist further!
Take care, and have an amazing day!
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Regards,
ZOEY7886
I am an HP Employee