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

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

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. Open the toner access door, and then remove the cartridge.

   

4. Examine the memory chip for damage. If the memory chip is damaged, replace the toner cartridge.

   

5. 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.

   

6. Reinstall the cartridge, and then close the toner access door.

   

Make sure your print job is set up for optimal print quality results.

1. Check paper type and condition. Make sure the paper is appropriate for the print job and in good condition.

   • Use paper designed for HP LaserJet printers, which is designed to handle the additional heat produced during the printing process.

     CAUTION:

     Do not use paper designed only for inkjet printers. For example, inkjet glossy photo paper can blister during the print job, which might damage the printer.

   • Some paper might not absorb toner as well as others, causing faded or smeared prints.

   • Use clean, wrinkle-free paper. Wrinkled or curled paper can cause dark, horizontal defects.

   • Do not use paper that is too rough. Smoother paper can result in better print quality.

2. Loading paper according to the print side: Typically, the smoother or glossy side is the print side, and it is loaded with the print side facing up in the input tray.

3. Loading paper according to the print side. Load paper into the paper tray with the print-side facing up. Typically, the smoother or glossy side is the print side.

4. Check the print job settings: From the application you are printing from, click File > Print, and then click Options, Printer Setup, or Preferences, or open the Paper Type/Quality or Media & Quality menu.

   Make sure the color, paper type, paper size, and quality settings are correct for your print job.

5. Check the quality of the photo or document: Use editing tools to improve colors, brightness, contrast, and any other appearance settings. Higher resolution photographs and graphics result in clearer prints with more accurate colors.

Use Advanced Settings in the HP Smart app to clean the toner cartridge and resolve any print quality issues including vertical dark band or repetitive horizontal banding.

1. Open the HP Smart app, and then click the image of your printer to open the settings and management tools.

2. Under Advanced or Settings, click Advanced Settings to open the printer Embedded Web Server (EWS).

3. From the EWS home page, click the System tab, and then click Service.

4. If prompted to log in, type admin for the username, enter the PIN from the printer label, and then click Submit. This label is typically inside the cartridge access area.

   

5. Under Cartridge Cleaning Mode, click Start.

   A Cartridge cleaning has begun message displays in the EWS. The printer might take up to 3 minutes to complete the cleaning.

   

Use Advanced Settings in the HP Smart app to print a fuser cleaning page and resolve any print quality issues including toner specks or spatter, smears, streaks, lines, or repeating marks.

1. Make sure paper is loaded into the input tray, and then turn on the printer.

2. Open the HP Smart app, and then click the image of your printer to open the settings and management tools.

3. Under Advanced or Settings, click Advanced Settings to open the printer Embedded Web Server (EWS).

4. From the EWS home page, click the System tab, and then click Service.

5. When prompted to log in, type admin for the username, enter the PIN from the printer label, and then click Submit. This label is typically inside the cartridge access area.

   

6. Under Fuser Cleaning Mode, click Start.

   The Attention light on the control panel blinks.

   

7. On the control panel, press the Start Copy/Resume button to start the fuser cleaning.

   The printer uses a single piece of paper to clean the fuser. The printer might take up to 3 minutes to complete the cleaning.

Use Advanced Settings in the HP Smart app to change the print density settings and resolve any print quality issues.

1. Open the HP Smart app, and then click the image of your printer to open the settings and management tools.

2. Under Advanced or Settings, click Advanced Settings to open the printer Embedded Web Server (EWS).

3. From the EWS home page, click the System tab, and then click System Setup.

4. If prompted to log in, type admin for the username, enter the PIN from the printer label, and then click Submit. This label is typically located inside the cartridge access area or printer door.

   

5. Next to Print Density, select a higher density value to increase how much toner is used when printing, which can improve print quality.

   

6. When you are done, click Apply.

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

1. Open the HP Smart app, and then click the image of your printer to open the settings and management tools.

2. Under Advanced or Settings, click Advanced Settings to open the printer Embedded Web Server (EWS).

3. From the EWS home page, click the System tab, and then click Administration.

4. If prompted to log in, type admin for the username, enter the PIN from the printer label, and then click Submit. This label is typically located inside the cartridge access area or printer door.

   

5. Under Printer Updates, click Check Now. Any new updates install automatically.

   CAUTION:

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