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HP LaserJet M207-M212 printers - Fix poor print quality issues

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.

Inspect the toner cartridge

Check the toner cartridge for damage.

Open the cartridge access door.
Remove the toner cartridge.
Examine the memory chip (e-label) for damage.

If the memory chip is damaged, replace the toner cartridge.
Check the toner cartridge for any other damage.
Install the cartridge.
Close the cartridge access door.

Check the toner level

Check the toner level from the HP Smart app or HP Printer Assistant, Embedded Web Server (EWS), or Information Page.

Note:

The toner supply level and the percentage of toner cartridge life remaining provide estimates for planning purposes only. When the toner level is low, consider having a replacement toner cartridge available. You do not need to replace toner cartridges until the print quality becomes unacceptable.

Check toner level using HP Smart (for Windows 10, macOS, iOS, and Android)

Check the estimated toner level in the HP Smart app.

Open the HP Smart app, and then check Estimated supply levels.
Click Estimated supply levels.

Check toner level using HP Printer Assistant (for Windows 7)

Check the estimated toner level in HP Printer Assistant.

USB connection

Check the estimated toner level in HP Printer Assistant for USB printers.

Search the computer for your printer name, and then click the printer in the list of results.
Click Print > HP Device Toolbox.

The Supplies Status page opens.

Network connection

Check the estimated toner level in HP Printer Assistant.

Search the computer for your printer name, and then click the printer in the list of results.
Click Print > Printer Home Page (EWS).

The Supplies Status page opens.

Check the toner level in printer reports

Check the estimated toner level in the Information Page.

For USB models, press and hold the Resume button for three seconds to print a Configuration Report.
For Wireless models, press the Information button to print an Information Report.

Refer the report to check the supplies status, such as Normal, Low, or Very Low.

Replace a low or empty toner cartridge

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

Open the cartridge access door.
Remove the toner cartridge.
Recycle the old cartridge.
Remove the toner cartridge from the packaging.

CAUTION:
Hold the cartridge at each end to prevent damage. Do not touch the protective cover or roller surface.
Grasp both sides of the cartridge, and then gently rock to distribute the toner evenly inside the cartridge.
Remove the cover from the cartridge.
Install the new cartridge.
Close the cartridge access door.

Check the print settings

Sometimes the print settings can affect print quality. Check print settings to make sure that they 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, 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.
- Paper 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, you might consider modifying the following settings:
- 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 toner cartridge

During the printing process, the toner cartridges might be contaminated by paper dust resulting in background issues, vertical dark bands, or repetitive horizontal banding. The cartridge might need to be cleaned to resolve these issues.

Open HP Smart and select your printer.
Click Advanced settings.

Note:
For Windows 7 and 8, open HP Printer Assistant, select Print, and then click Printer Home Page (EWS).
On the System tab, click Service.
To begin the cleaning process, in the Cartridge Cleaning mode area, click Start.

The cleaning process begins.

Print a cleaning page

During the printing process paper, toner, and dust particles can accumulate inside the printer and can cause print quality issues, such as toner specks or spatter, smears, streaks, lines, or repeating marks. The printing mechanism and printing path inside the printer might need to be cleaned to resolve these issues.

Open HP Smart and select your printer.
Click Advanced settings.

Note:
For Windows 7 and 8, open HP Printer Assistant, select Print, and then click Printer Home Page (EWS).
On the System tab, click Service.
To print a cleaning page, in the Fuser Cleaning mode area, click Start.

A cleaning page prints.

Adjust the print density

Check and adjust the print density to improve print quality issues.

Open HP Smart and select your printer.
Click Advanced settings.

Note:
For Windows 7 and 8, open HP Printer Assistant, select Print, and then click Printer Home Page (EWS).
Click the System tab, and then from the left navigation pane, select System Setup.
Select the correct density settings.

Replace the toner cartridge

Replace the toner cartridge.

Even if the toner cartridge is not low on toner, follow the steps in this document to replace it with a new, genuine HP toner cartridge.

Note:
If you have a defective cartridge or printhead, it might be under warranty. To check the warranty on your ink or toner supplies, go to Printer and Page Yield Overview and then review the limited warranty information for your supplies.

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.

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