hp envy 4520 printing black ink spots

[FrankZ4]

I have an HP Envy 4520 ink jet printer.  When I print I am getting heavy black spots on some of the black print.  I have tried cleaning the printer heads and the spots remain.

[Sneha_01]

Hi @FrankZ4 

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

If you're experiencing black ink spots when printing with your HP Envy 4520, here are some troubleshooting steps to help resolve the issue:

1. Check the Ink Cartridges

• Inspect for Damage: Ensure the black ink cartridge is not damaged or leaking.
• Check for Expiration: Make sure the cartridge is not expired, as old cartridges can cause printing issues.

2. Perform a Printhead Cleaning

• From the Printer Control Panel:
  1. Go to Settings > Tools.
  2. Select Clean Printhead.
• From the HP Smart App:
  1. Open the app and select your printer.
  2. Go to Print Quality Tools and run the printhead cleaning.

3. Run a Print Quality Diagnostic

• Use the printer’s built-in diagnostic tools:
  1. Go to Settings > Tools.
  2. Select Print Quality Report. This will help you identify if the printhead is clogged or if there are issues with the cartridges.

4. Check for Paper Issues

• Paper Quality: Ensure you’re using the correct type and quality of paper. Low-quality or incompatible paper can affect print quality.
• Paper Feeding: Make sure the paper is loaded correctly and that there are no obstructions in the paper path.

5. Clean the Printhead Manually

• If the automated cleaning doesn’t resolve the issue, you can clean the printhead manually:
  1. Turn off the printer and unplug it.
  2. Remove the ink cartridges.
  3. Use a lint-free cloth and a bit of distilled water to gently clean the printhead. Avoid touching the nozzles directly.
  4. Allow the printhead to dry completely before reinstalling the cartridges.

6. Perform a Factory Reset

• If the problem persists, consider performing a factory reset:
  1. Turn off the printer.
  2. Hold down the Cancel and Wi-Fi buttons simultaneously, then turn on the printer while holding the buttons.
  3. Release the buttons once the printer starts up.

7. Update Firmware

• Ensure your printer's firmware is up to date. Check for updates through the HP Smart app or the HP website.

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