HP LaserJet Pro P1102-P1109, M12 printers - Fix poor print quality

This document is for HP LaserJet Pro M12a, M12w, P1102, P1102s, P1102w, P1106, P1108, P1109, and P1109w printers.

The quality of a printed document is not as expected. The procedures in this document should help with print quality problems such as smeared, fuzzy, dark, or faded print, and loose, partially missing, or scattered toner.

Step 1: Use genuine HP toner cartridges

HP recommends that you use genuine HP ink or toner supplies. HP cannot guarantee the quality or reliability of non-HP or refilled cartridges. If you do not use genuine HP cartridges, the steps in this document might not resolve the issue. To check the authenticity of your cartridges, go to the HP anti-counterfeit webpage (in English).

Purchase replacement cartridges and other supplies from the HP Store or local retailers.

Print another page. If using genuine HP toner cartridges did not resolve the issue, continue to the next step.

Step 2: Check the paper

The quality and type of paper can affect the print job. Make sure you are using an appropriate paper for your print job.

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.

After loading the appropriate paper in the tray, try to print. If the issue persists, continue to the next step

Step 3: Check the EconoMode settings

If the entire page is too dark or too light, check the EconoMode settings. HP does not recommend the full-time use of EconoMode. If EconoMode is used full time, the toner supply might outlast the mechanical parts in the toner cartridge.

note:
This feature is available with the PCL 6 print driver for Windows. If you are not using that driver, enable the feature in the HP Embedded Web Server.

In the program you are trying to print from, select the Print option.
Right-click your printer, and then depending on the software program, the button might be Properties, Options, Printer Setup, Printer, or Preferences.
Click the Paper/Quality tab, and then locate the Print Quality area.
If the entire page is too dark, use these settings:
- Select the 600 dpi option.
- Select the EconoMode check box to enable it.
If the entire page is too light, use these settings:
- Select the FastRes 1200 option.
- Clear the EconoMode check box to disable it.
Click OK, and then click OK to print the job.

If changing the EonoMode settings did not resolve the issue, continue to the next step.

Step 4: Check print settings

Sometimes the print settings can affect the print quality. Check the print settings to make sure they are appropriate for your print job.

Check print settings in Windows

Check print settings in Windows.

In the software application you are trying to print from, click File, and then click 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, you might consider modifying the following settings:
- Paper Type: If you are printing on photo paper, select the type of photo paper you are attempting to print on.
- Print 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 to apply the settings, and then click Print.

Check print settings on a Mac

Check the print settings on your Mac.

Open a document, click File, click Print, and then click Show Details.
Click the name of the program, and then select the Paper Type/Quality or Media & Quality menu.
Review the following options, and then make any necessary changes:
- 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.

note:
To save these settings for future print jobs, choose Save in the Presets menu, and then name the new preset. If multiple printers are installed, open System Preferences, and then click Printers & Scanners or Print & Scan (depending on your operating system). Set the Default Printer to Last Printer Used.

If changing the print settings did not resolve the issue, continue to the next step.

Step 5: Check the toner level

You can check the toner level by printing a Supplies Status page, or by checking the Supplies Status on the Embedded Web Server (EWS) if your model includes this feature.

Check the toner level in Windows

To check the toner level, print a Supplies Status page from Windows.

Load plain, white paper in the input tray.
Make sure the ready light is on.
Search Windows for devices, and click Devices and Printers in the list of results.
Right-click your printer, and then depending on the software program, the button might be Properties, Options, Printer Setup, Printer, or Preferences.
Click the Services tab.
Select Supplies Status Page from the Print Information Pages drop-down menu.
Click Print.

The Supplies Status page prints.

Figure : Example of the Supplies Status page

Check the toner level on a Mac

To check the toner level, print a Supplies Status page on your Mac.

Search the Mac for Print, and then click Print & Scan or Printers & Scanners.
In the Printers section, click the name of your printer, and then click Options & Supplies.

Figure : Selecting Options & Supplies
Click Utility, and then click Open Printer Utility.

Figure : Clicking Open Printer Utility
Click OK.

The Utility Window opens.
Select the check box next to Print Information Pages, then select Supply Status Page.

Figure : Selecting the Supply Status Page
Click OK.

The Supply Status Page prints.

Figure : Example of the Supplies Status page

Check the toner level in the EWS (HP LaserJet Pro M12w, P1102w, P1109w printers)

Check the toner level from the Embedded Web Server (EWS). These steps work for any printer connected to a wireless network, regardless of operating system.

Print a Self Test/Device Configuration page to find the printer IP address to use for the EWS.
Press and hold the Cancel button until the Ready light blinks.
Release the Cancel button .

The Self Test/Device Configuration page prints.
Find the IP address of your printer on the Self Test/Device Configuration page.

Figure : Example of the printer IP address
Type the IP address into the address bar of an Internet browser, and then press Enter.

The EWS opens in the browser.

Figure : Example of an IP address in a browser address bar
In the EWS, click the Information tab, and then select Supplies Status.

Figure : Example of the Supplies Status page on the EWS

If the toner cartridge is low or empty, continue to the next step to replace the toner cartridge.
If the toner cartridge is not low or empty, skip to the step to clean the printer.
.

Step 6: Replace a low or empty toner cartridge

If the toner cartridge is low or empty, replace it.

Open the toner cartridge door, and then remove the old toner cartridge.

Figure : Removing the toner cartridge
Remove the new toner cartridge from the packaging. Place the used toner cartridge in the bag and box for recycling.

caution:
To prevent damage to the toner cartridge, hold the toner cartridge at each end. Do not touch the cartridge shutter or the roller surface.

Figure : Replacing the new toner cartridge
Grasp both sides of the toner cartridge and gently rock the toner cartridge to distribute the toner evenly inside the cartridge.

Figure : Rocking the toner cartridge
Bend the tab on the left side of the toner cartridge until the tab breaks loose, and then pull the tab until all the tape is removed from the toner cartridge. Place the tab and tape in the toner cartridge box to return for recycling.

Figure : Removing the sealing tape
Insert the toner cartridge in the product, and then close the toner cartridge door.

Figure : Inserting the toner cartridge

If replacing the toner cartridge did not resolve the issue, continue to the next step.

Step 7: Print a cleaning page

During the printing process, paper, toner, and dust particles can accumulate inside the printer. Over time, this buildup can cause print quality issues such as toner specks, smears, or marks. The printer has a cleaning mode that can correct and prevent print quality problems.

note:
The cleaning process takes about 2 minutes. The cleaning page stops periodically during the cleaning process. Do not turn the printer off until the cleaning process has finished. You might need to repeat the cleaning process several times to thoroughly clean the printer.

Clean the printer in Windows

Open Devices and Printers, and then print a cleaning page in Windows.

Turn on the printer.
Load plain, white paper in the input tray.
Search Windows for devices, and then click Devices and Printers in the list of results.
Right-click your printer, and then click Printing Preferences or Properties.

The printer Properties dialog box opens.
Click the Device Settings tab, and then click Cleaning Page.

The Cleaning Page prints.

Clean the printer on a Mac

Open Printer Utility, and then print a cleaning page on your Mac.

Turn on the printer.
Load plain, white paper in the input tray.
Search the Mac for Print, and then click Print & Scan or Printers & Scanners.
In the Printers section, click the name of your printer, and then click Options & Supplies.
Click Options and Supplies, and then click the Utility tab.
Click Utility, and then click Open Printer Utility.
Click OK.

The Utility Window opens.
Select the check box next to Print Information Pages, then select Cleaning Page, and then click OK.

The Cleaning Page prints.

If cleaning the printer did not resolve the issue, continue to the next step.

Step 8: Inspect the toner cartridge for damage

If there are issues like toner smears on the printed pages, check the toner cartridge for damage.

Remove the toner cartridge from the printer, and make sure the sealing tape has been removed.
Grasp both ends of the toner cartridge, and then gently rock the cartridge back and forth to distribute the toner.

Figure : Rocking the toner cartridge
Check the memory chip for damage.
Slide back the toner cartridge cover to expose the imaging drum.

caution:
Do not touch the roller (imaging drum) on the toner cartridge. Fingerprints on the imaging drum can cause print quality problems.

Figure : Sliding back the cartridge cover
Examine the surface of the imaging drum on the toner cartridge.
- If you see any scratches, fingerprints, or other damage on the imaging drum, replace the toner cartridge.
- If the imaging drum does not appear to be damaged, close the cover, and then reinstall the toner cartridge in the printer.

If you were unable to find any damage to the toner cartridge, continue to the next step.

Step 9: Service the printer

If you have completed the steps above and your printer is still experiencing print quality issues, contact HP, and then service the printer.

Service or replace your HP product 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.