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Fix poor print quality on HP LaserJet MFP M139-M142 printers

The quality of a printed document is not as expected. Printouts are smeared, fuzzy, dark, or faded, or toner is loose, partially missing, or scattered.

Perform the following tasks in the order given. Use the printer after each task to see if the issue is resolved.

Check the paper

The quality and type of paper can affect the print job. Follow these guidelines to make sure that the paper is appropriate. If it is not, load an appropriate paper type.

Use paper that is designed for use in HP LaserJet printers. Do not use paper that is designed only for inkjet printers.
Do not use paper that is too rough. Smoother paper might result in better print quality.

Check the toner level and inspect the cartridge

Low toner or issues with the cartridge can cause poor print quality.

Check toner and cartridge type. HP recommends that you use genuine HP toner supplies. HP cannot guarantee the quality or reliability of non-HP or refilled cartridges. If you do not use genuine HP supplies, HP+ printers will not operate as expected (wireless models only) and the troubleshooting steps on the HP support site might not resolve the issue.

To check the authenticity of your cartridges, go to HP Anti Counterfeiting and Fraud Program (in English). You can purchase replacement cartridges and other supplies from the HP Store or local retailers.
Check the toner, and then replace a very low or empty cartridge.
- HP Smart app: Open the app, and then view the toner level next to the printer name or image.
- Configuration page: On the printer control panel, press the Cancel button to wake the printer. Press and hold the Start Copy/Resume button for five seconds, and then release it. The Ready light blinks. View the toner level on the printout.
If you are using genuine HP cartridges and the toner level is not very low or empty, continue with these steps to inspect the cartridges for damage.
Open the toner access door, and then remove the cartridge.
Examine the memory chip for damage. If the memory chip is damaged, replace the toner cartridge.
Examine the surface of the imaging drum. If you see any scratches, fingerprints, or other damage, replace the toner cartridge.

CAUTION:
Do not touch the imaging drum. Fingerprints can cause print quality problems.
Reinstall the cartridge, and then close the toner access door.

Check print settings

Print settings can affect print quality. Make sure the print settings are appropriate for your print job.

Check print settings using HP Smart

Adjust print settings to improve quality by printing a document or photo from the HP Smart app.

Open the HP Smart app, and then click Print Documents or Print Photos.
Browse to the document or photo, and then click Print.

The Print window opens.
Depending on your print job, modify the following settings to improve print quality:
- Media Type: Select the appropriate type of paper, such as photo paper, plain paper, or labels.
- Quality: Increase the print quality mode from Normal or Draft to Best.
- Paper Size: Select the correct paper size for your print job.
Click Print.

Check print settings in Windows

Check the print settings for your print job in Windows.

In the software application you are trying to print, click File > Print.

The Print window opens.
Open the Properties dialog box.

Depending on the software application, the button might be Properties, Options, Printer Setup, Printer, or Preferences.
Depending on your print job, modify the following settings to improve print quality:
- Paper Type: If you are printing on photo paper, select the type of photo paper you are attempting to print on.
- Quality: If you are dissatisfied with the quality of your printouts, increase the print quality. To print more quickly, decrease the print quality. These options typically include Best, Normal, and Draft modes.
- Paper Size: If you are printing on a different size of paper than you normally print on, select the correct paper size.
- Black and White: If you want to print in black and white only, select the grayscale option.
After selecting the print settings, click OK > Print.

Check print settings in macOS

Check the print settings for your print job in macOS.

Open a document or photo, and then click File > Print.

The Print window opens.
At the lower-left side, click Show Details.
Click the Preview drop-down list, and then select Media & Quality.
Depending on your print job, modify the following settings to improve print quality:
- Paper type: If one of the options matches your paper type exactly, select that option.
- Quality: If you are dissatisfied with the quality of your printouts, increase the print quality. To print more quickly, decrease the print quality.
To save your settings for future print jobs, select Save Current Settings as Preset in the Presets menu, and then name the new preset.

Clean the cartridge

Use Cartridge Cleaning Mode to clean dust from the paper rollers and improve print quality.

Open the Advanced settings, Printer Home Page, or HP Device Toolbox.
- HP Smart app (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android): Open the app, and then click your printer name or image. Select Printer Settings if necessary, and then select Advanced settings.
- HP Printer Assistant (Windows 7): Search for and open HP, and then open HP Printer Assistant. Select Print, and then click Printer Home Page (EWS) or HP Device Toolbox.
Click System > Service.
If prompted, enter the Username and Password.

Note:
If the password has not been changed, you can find the Username and PIN (password) underneath the toner access door.
Locate Cartridge Cleaning Mode, and then click Start.

The printer cleans the cartridge.

Print a cleaning page

Use Toner Cleaning Mode to clean dust from the paper rollers.

Make sure paper is loaded in the main tray, and then turn on the printer.
Open Advanced settings, Printer Home Page, or HP Device Toolbox.
- HP Smart app (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android): Open the app, and then click your printer name or image. Select Printer Settings if necessary, and then select Advanced settings.
- HP Printer Assistant (Windows 7): Search for and open HP, and then open HP Printer Assistant. Select Print, and then click Printer Home Page (EWS) or HP Device Toolbox.
Click System > Service.
If prompted, enter the Username and Password.

Note:
If the password has not been changed, you can find the Username and PIN (password) underneath the toner access door.
Locate Fuser Cleaning Mode, click Start, and then click OK.

The Attention light blinks on the printer control panel.
On the control panel, press the Resume/Cancel button .

The printer uses a single piece of paper to clean the fuser.
Discard the paper in the output bin.

Adjust the print density setting

Adjust the print density settings to help improve print quality issues.

Open the Advanced settings, Printer Home Page, or HP Device Toolbox.
- HP Smart app (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android): Open the app, and then click your printer name or image. Select Printer Settings if necessary, and then select Advanced Settings.
- HP Printer Assistant (Windows 7): Search for and open HP, and then open HP Printer Assistant. Select Print, and then click Printer Home Page (EWS) or HP Device Toolbox.
Click System > System Setup.
If prompted, enter the Username and Password.

Note:
You can find the Username and PIN (password) underneath the toner access door.
Increase the print density setting, and then click Apply.

Update the printer firmware

Check for and install any available printer firmware updates that include new features or resolve issues.

Update the printer firmware through the HP Smart app

Use the HP Smart app to check for and install firmware updates.

Open the HP Smart app, and then create an account or sign in. If you do not have HP Smart, download it from 123.hp.com or your app store.
If you are setting up HP Smart for the first time, you must create or sign in to an HP account to access all printer functions.
On the app home screen, select your printer name or image.
Under Advanced, select Advanced Settings or Printer Home Page (EWS).
Select Tools or Web Services.
If prompted, enter the printer administrator password or PIN from the printer label.
Click Printer Updates or Product Update, and then click Check Now. Any firmware updates automatically download and install onto your printer.

CAUTION:
Do not turn off the printer during a firmware update. This can permanently damage your printer.

Update the printer with the Firmware Update Utility (Windows, Mac)

Use the Firmware Update Utility to check for and install firmware updates.

On your computer, go to HP Software and Driver Downloads.
Follow the prompts to identify your printer.
On the software and drivers page, open the Firmware section.
Next to Firmware Update Utility, click Download, and then follow the prompts to install and open the software.
Check for and download any printer firmware updates.

Service the printer

Service or replace your HP printer if the issue persists after completing all the preceding steps.

Go to Contact HP Customer Support to schedule a product repair or replacement. If you are in Asia Pacific, you will be directed to a local service center in your area.

To confirm your warranty status, go to HP Product Warranty Check. Repair fees might apply for out-of-warranty products.

Note:

Keep a print sample that shows the problem. If the printer, ink or toner cartridges, or the imaging drum are replaced under warranty, the support agent might request the print sample.

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