• ×
    Information
    Need Windows 11 help?
    Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
    Windows 11 Support Center.
  • post a message
  • ×
    Information
    Need Windows 11 help?
    Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
    Windows 11 Support Center.
  • post a message
Guidelines
If you're having print quality issues Click here for more tips!
Check some of the most frequent questions about Instant Ink: HP INSTANT INK, HP+ PLANS: INK AND TONER.


Check out our Black or Color Ink Not Printing, Other Print Quality Issues info about: Print quality and Cartridge Issues.
HP Recommended
HP Deskjet 3522 e-All-in-One Printer
Microsoft Windows 11

Installed new 564XL black cartridge on 4/30/25. Installed 3 new color cartridges (M, C, and Y) on 5/7/25. Prior to 5/7/25 printer was printing fine including black text. After installation of 3 new color cartridges the black cartridge began to print poorly with occasional or multiple partial letters or numbers, top or bottom of words missing. then normal printing until it reoccurred.

 

Ran tests. Diagnostic report 4 times. Each time same problem but black text improved. By 4 report it was 99% normal. But next attempt at printing had poor printing again. Next attempt results same with 4th diag report much better. Except after 8 reports and several print head cleanings, new color cartridges are greatly depleted. All in the last 11 days.

 

I'm trying to contact HP re: warranty replacement of new 564XL Black cartridge (warranty ends 1/1/26). But the virtual assistant sent me here after stating I would connect with live help. I still have the test pages and reports. I assume the problem is either the printer or the black cartridge. Not sure why it changed immediately after install of color cartridges. Thanks.

1 REPLY 1
HP Recommended

Hi @Jallen418,

 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! 

 

Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding your printer!

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.

 

Try these steps:

1. Run Print Quality Diagnostic:

  • Load plain white paper into the input tray.
  • Open the HP Toolbox from the printer software on your computer.
  • From the Device Services tab, click Print Quality Report.
  • Review the report to identify any print quality issues.

2. Perform Printer Cleaning:

  • Open HP Toolbox from the printer software on your computer.
  • Go to the Device Services tab.
  • Click Clean Printhead and follow the on-screen instructions.
  • Perform the cleaning process up to three times if necessary to improve print quality.

3. Align the Printhead:

  • Open HP Toolbox from the printer software on your computer.
  • Go to the Device Services tab.
  • Click Align Printhead and follow the on-screen instructions.

4. Check Ink Levels:

  • Verify that the black ink cartridge is properly installed and has sufficient ink.
  • Make sure the protective tape on the ink cartridge has been removed.

5. Use Genuine HP Cartridges:

  • Ensure you are using genuine HP 564XL cartridges. Non-HP cartridges can sometimes cause print quality issues.

6. Update Printer Firmware:

  • Ensure your printer's firmware is up-to-date.

7. Perform Manual Cleaning:

  • Power off the printer and unplug it from the power source.
  • Open the printer and locate the printhead.
  • Remove the black ink cartridge.
  • Gently clean the printhead using a lint-free cloth slightly dampened with distilled water.
  • Avoid touching the nozzles and electrical contacts directly.
  • Allow the printhead to dry for a few minutes before reinserting the cartridge.

8. Check Paper Quality and Settings:

  • Ensure you are using the recommended paper type for your printer.
  • Adjust the paper settings in your printer software to match the type of paper you are using.

9. Test Print:

  • Print a test page to see if the issue has been resolved. You can do this from the printer software or using the printer control panel.

I hope this helps.

 

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,

Kuroi_Kenshi
I am an HP Employee

† The opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of the authors, not of HP. By using this site, you accept the <a href="https://www8.hp.com/us/en/terms-of-use.html" class="udrlinesmall">Terms of Use</a> and <a href="/t5/custom/page/page-id/hp.rulespage" class="udrlinesmall"> Rules of Participation</a>.