Printer not printing test page correctly – need suggestions

[PrintPageHelper]

Hi everyone,

I'm currently facing an issue where my inkjet printer prints regular documents fine, but the test page either skips colors or prints unevenly. I’ve checked the cartridges and cleaned the heads, but the problem persists.

To test this further, I’ve been using this simple online tool I created: [https://printtestpagetool.com]
It helps generate basic and color test pages, and it's been helpful in diagnosing issues.

Has anyone else faced this kind of inconsistency with test page printing? Any suggestions for what else I can try?

Thanks in advance!

[Hawks_Eye · Accepted solution]

Hi @PrintPageHelper 

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

Thanks for sharing that—and kudos for building your own test page tool! That’s a clever way to isolate the issue. 

Since your printer handles regular documents fine but struggles with test pages (especially color consistency), it’s likely a calibration or ink distribution issue. 

Let’s walk through a few deeper steps to help restore clean, even output. 🖨️🎯

🧼 1. Run Built-In Printhead Cleaning & Alignment

Even if you’ve done this before:

• Go to Setup > Tools > Printer Maintenance on the printer’s control panel or HP Smart app.
• Run Clean Printhead and Align Printhead.
• Repeat cleaning up to 3 times if results don’t improve.

 

🧪 2. Perform Color Calibration (if available)

Some HP models offer Color Calibration:

• Navigate to Setup > Tools > Printer Maintenance > Color Calibration.
• This balances ink distribution and corrects color drift.

 

🔄 3. Reset the Printer

A full reset can clear firmware glitches:

• Turn off the printer and unplug it for 60 seconds.
• Plug it back in and power on.

 

📦 4. Update Printer Firmware

Outdated firmware can affect ink flow and calibration logic:

• Visit the HP Printer Firmware Page.
• Enter your printer model and install the latest firmware.

 

🧰 5. Use HP’s Diagnose & Fix Tool

• In the HP Smart app, click Printer Settings > Diagnose & Fix.
• Let it run a scan—it will automatically fix common connection issues.
  You can also access this tool on HP’s support page if needed.

🧠 6. Inspect for Ink Clogs or Air Bubbles

• Remove cartridges and inspect for dried ink or bubbles.
• Gently shake the cartridge (if allowed by HP) to redistribute ink.
• Clean copper contacts with a lint-free cloth and isopropyl alcohol.

🧪 7. Try a Different Test Page Format

• Use your custom test page tool to print solid color blocks and gradients.
• Compare results to HP’s built-in Print Quality Diagnostic Page for deeper insights.

Let me know how the next test page looks—or if you’d like help interpreting the results. You’re clearly proactive and resourceful, and we’ll get your printer back to perfection! 💪😊

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

[PrintPageHelper]

Hi @Hawks_Eye,

Thank you so much for the detailed guidance and kind words about my tool۔   really appreciated! 
I’ll go through the steps you suggested and share the test results soon.

Thanks again for the great support!

Best regards,
PrintPageHelper

[Hawks_Eye]

@PrintPageHelper 

You're very welcome!

I'm looking forward to hearing how it goes after you've tried the steps. If you run into anything unexpected or want to troubleshoot together live, I’ll be right here to assist.

Take your time, and feel free to reach out whenever you're ready.

Regards,

Hawks_Eye