not printing alignment page after installing new hp ink in HP OfficeJet 3830 All-in-One Printer

[TJet11]

I have installed hp inkjet cartridges sent to me via my hp ink account. (A query message appeared on the digital screen re the validity of ink installed -- which I did not write down or snap -- but since ink was received from hp I kept going.) The following happened -- 

1. Alignment page is not printing completely. it appears that the cyan and magenta print, but nothing else.

So, when it is scanned, the printer says it is not "seen". 

2. I have gone to the HP OfficeJet 3830 All-in-One Printer Series embedded web server page and tried the following:

Diagnostic Report: Print quality report -- nothing prints.

Optimize and Improve: Align printer -- see line #2 above. 

Clean Up: Clean Printhead -- doesn't seem to help either. 

3. I've also tried unplugging printer for 5 min and restarting computer. No change.

Frustrated, I opened a pdf that I am needing to print today and tried printing a few pages. (has full color photos and type) Lo & behold -- it prints! -- but the photo colors are not complete.

Any advice? Thanks & appreciation in advance.

--tjet

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @TJet11

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

That sounds incredibly frustrating—especially when you’ve done everything right and the printer still refuses to cooperate. Let’s walk through a few steps to help restore full color printing and get that alignment process working properly.

🛠️ Steps to Fix Incomplete Alignment and Color Printing on HP OfficeJet 3830

1. Check Ink Levels and Cartridge Recognition

Even if the cartridges came directly from HP, it’s worth confirming:

Open the HP Smart app or printer’s embedded web server.
Check if all cartridges (black, cyan, magenta, yellow) are showing as installed and have ink.
If any show as missing or low, try reseating them.

2. Manually Clean the Cartridge Contacts

Power off the printer and unplug it.
Remove all cartridges.
Use a lint-free cloth slightly dampened with distilled water to gently clean:

The copper-colored contacts on each cartridge.
The contacts inside the printer where cartridges connect.
Let everything dry completely before reinserting.

3. Run a Printhead Cleaning Cycle Multiple Times

Go to Settings > Printer Maintenance > Clean Printhead.
Run the cleaning cycle 2–3 times, even if the first attempt doesn’t help.
This can help unclog dried ink or clear blocked nozzles.

4. Try a Test Print from a Different App

Open a simple document in TextEdit or Preview and print a page with black and colored text.
This helps confirm whether the issue is with the printer or the app you're printing from.

5. Update Printer Firmware

Visit the HP OfficeJet 3830 support page.
Download and install the latest firmware using your Mac.
Firmware updates can resolve ink recognition and alignment issues.

6. Try Aligning via HP Smart App

Open the HP Smart app.
Go to Printer Settings > Print Quality Tools > Align Printer.
 

This method sometimes bypasses issues that occur when aligning directly from the printer.

If the alignment page still won’t print fully, it may point to a deeper printhead issue. Let me know how far you get with these steps, and I’ll help you explore the next move—whether it’s a deeper reset or a replacement path. 

You’ve been incredibly patient, and we’ll get this sorted together! 💪🖨️

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards,

Hawks_Eye