Colour photo of document is smudged

[Amrithrao]

Hi 

the printer is printing black and white properly but the photos are coming smudged! 

any idea how to sort it out?

[Raj_05]

Hi @Amrithrao,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

Smudged photos from your HP Smart Tank 515 printer could be due to several reasons. Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and potentially resolve the issue.

• Check the Paper Type and Quality: Ensure you are using the correct type of photo paper recommended for your printer. Using incompatible or low-quality paper can lead to smudging.
• Inspect the Ink Cartridges: Make sure the ink cartridges are properly installed and have sufficient ink levels. Low ink levels or improperly installed cartridges can cause print quality issues.
• Run Printer Maintenance: Use the printer's maintenance functions to clean the printhead and align cartridges. These options are usually accessible through the printer's control panel or the HP Smart app on your computer or mobile device.
• Adjust Print Settings: When printing photos, use the recommended print settings for photo paper. Typically, this involves selecting the correct paper type (e.g., glossy photo paper) and print quality (e.g., high resolution).
• Allow Sufficient Drying Time: After printing, give the photos enough time to dry completely before handling them. Handling photos too soon after printing can cause smudging.
• Update Printer Firmware: Check if there are any firmware updates available for your printer. Sometimes, updates can improve print quality and address common issues.
• Clean the Printer Rollers: If the printer has rollers that feed the paper, clean them to ensure they are not dirty or causing improper paper feeding, which can lead to smudging.
• Check for Physical Obstructions: Inspect the printer for any loose paper scraps or debris that could be affecting the print quality.
• Perform a Print Quality Diagnostic: Many printers have a diagnostic or test page option that can help identify and troubleshoot print quality issues. Refer to your printer's manual for instructions on how to print a diagnostic page.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

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Alden4

HP Support