Prints orange instead of brown

[firstNameMcLast]

My printer will not print brown, instead it prints orange. I printed a diagnostic page and everything looked fine. I tried a level one clean and a level two clean of the printheads and that did not resolve the issue. I have tried switching out the color cartridge and that did not resolve the issue. I have tried printing other images with the color brown and that did not resolve the issue. I have tried updating the firmware and it is up to date.

[Sneha_01]

Hi @firstNameMcLast 

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

It sounds like you're dealing with a color calibration issue or a problem with the way the printer is interpreting colors. Since you've already done quite a bit of troubleshooting (cleaning the printheads, swapping out the cartridge, etc.), let’s go through a few other steps to narrow down the cause of the issue:

1. Color Calibration/Alignment:

• Printer Color Calibration: Even though the diagnostic page looked fine, it might be helpful to run a color calibration specifically for the brown tones. Some HP printers allow you to do a color calibration, which can adjust how the printer handles certain colors.
  • In your printer settings, look for an option for color calibration or color adjustment.
  • Alternatively, you can try printing a color test page that includes a range of colors and see if brown still prints incorrectly. The goal is to identify if the problem is with how the printer mixes colors.

2. Check for Color Profile Issues:

• If you’re printing from a computer, it’s worth checking your color profile settings. Sometimes, a color profile mismatch between your printer and computer can cause color inaccuracies like this.
  • Check the color settings in your printing software (e.g., Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Word, or whatever program you're using). Make sure the color settings are using the correct color profile for your printer.
  • If you're printing from a specific program, ensure that it's not overriding your printer settings with incorrect color profiles.

3. Cartridge and Ink Issues:

• Even though you’ve swapped out the color cartridge, there could be an issue with the ink itself, especially if it’s an older or third-party cartridge. While it’s unlikely, sometimes a cartridge can have a defect that results in incorrect color output.
  • Try installing a genuine HP cartridge if you haven’t already. It might be worth testing with a fresh set of ink to rule out an issue with the cartridge.

4. Software or Driver Issue:

• Since you've updated the firmware, it’s good to make sure the printer drivers are also updated. Sometimes the issue can be on the software end, where the printer isn’t interpreting the color data properly.
  • Go to HP's website, download the latest drivers for your printer model, and reinstall them (even if the firmware is up to date, sometimes a driver update can fix this type of issue).

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

[firstNameMcLast]

This is borderline insulting. That is not the printer model I linked and that is not even close to the issue I said I was having. You read nothing I wrote. You said you'd be glad to help me and then put in zero effort. 

[Sneha_01]

Hi @firstNameMcLast,

I have shared the steps. please check.

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