Use the information below to troubleshoot print-quality, color-quality, and image-quality problems on HP Color LaserJet Enterprise and Managed printers.
For mono (black and white) HP LaserJet Enterprise printers, see HP LaserJet Enterprise, HP LaserJet Managed - Resolving mono print quality problems.
The troubleshooting steps can help resolve the following defects:
Blank pages
Black pages
Colors that do not align
Curled paper
Dark or light bands
Dark or light streaks
Fuzzy print
Gray background or dark print
Light print
Loose toner
Missing toner
Scattered dots of toner
Skewed images
Smears
Streaks
To resolve print-quality issues, try these steps in the order presented.
To troubleshoot specific image defects, refer to the Troubleshoot Image Defects section further down in this document.
Try upgrading the printer firmware.
For instructions, go to HP LaserJet Enterprise, HP PageWide Enterprise, HP Managed - Update the printer firmware.
Try printing from a different software program. If the page prints correctly, the problem is with the software program from which you were printing.
Check the paper type setting if printing from a software program and the printed pages have smears, fuzzy or dark print, curled paper, scattered dots of toner, loose toner, or small areas of missing toner.
Follow these steps to check the paper type setting on the printer control panel.
Open and close the paper tray.
Follow the control panel prompts to confirm or modify the paper type and size settings for the tray.
Make sure the paper loaded meets specifications.
Follow these steps to adjust the humidity and resistance settings on the printer control panel to match the environment:
Open the following menus:
Settings
Print quality
Adjust paper type
Select the paper type that matches the type loaded in the tray.
Use the arrows to increase or decrease the humidity and resistance settings.
If the printer is in an environment with high humidity, change the Humidity Mode setting to High.
The Resistance Mode setting is linked to paper types, and changing this setting can alter how the toner is transferred onto the paper. Try adjusting the setting up or down to see if it makes a difference in print quality.
It might take a couple of tries to find the appropriate settings.
Make sure the driver settings match the printer control panel settings.
The print driver settings will override any control panel settings.
Follow these steps to check the paper type setting in Windows.
The print driver settings will override any control panel settings.
From the software program, select the Print option.
Select the printer, and then click the Properties or Preferences button.
Click the Paper/Quality tab.
From the Paper Type drop-down list, click the More... option.
Expand the list of Type is: options.
Expand the category of paper types that best describes your paper.
Select the option for the type of paper you are using, and click the OK button.
Click the OK button to close the Document Properties dialog box.
In the Print dialog box, click the OK button to print the job.
Follow these steps to check the paper type setting in macOS.
Click the File menu, and then click the Print option.
In the Printer menu, select the printer.
By default, the print driver displays the Copies & Pages menu. Open the menu's drop-down list, and then click the Finishing menu.
Select a type from the Media Type drop-down list.
Click the Print button.
Follow these steps to check the estimated life remaining in the toner cartridges, and if applicable, the status of other replaceable maintenance parts.
Follow these steps to print a Supplies Status Page from the printer control panel.
From the Home screen on the printer control panel, select the Reports menu.
Select the Configuration/Status Pages menu.
Select Supplies Status Page, and then select Print to print the page.
Follow these steps to check the status of the toner cartridge(s), and other replaceable maintenance parts (if applicable).
Look at the Supplies Status Page to check the percent of life remaining for the toner cartridge(s), and, if applicable, the status of other replaceable maintenance parts.
Print quality problems can occur when using a toner cartridge that is at its estimated end of life. The supplies status page indicates when a supply level is very low. After an HP supply has reached the very low threshold, HP's premium protection warranty on that supply has ended.
The toner cartridge does not need to be replaced now unless the print quality is no longer acceptable. Consider having a replacement available to install when print quality is no longer acceptable.
If you determine that you need to replace a toner cartridge or other replaceable maintenance parts, the Supplies Status Page lists the genuine HP part numbers.
Check to see if you are using a genuine HP cartridge.
A genuine HP toner cartridge has the word "HP" on it, or it has the HP logo.
For more information on identifying HP cartridges, go to learn-about-supplies.ext.hp.com.
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.
Follow these steps to clean the printer's paper path.
From the Home screen on the printer control panel, select the Support Tools menu.
Select the following menus:
Maintenance
Calibration/Cleaning
Cleaning Page
Select Print to print the page.
A Cleaning... message displays on the printer control panel. The cleaning process takes a few minutes to complete. Do not turn the printer off until the cleaning process has finished. When it is finished, discard the printed page.
Follow these steps to inspect each toner cartridge.
Remove the toner cartridge from the printer, and verify that the sealing tape has been removed.
Check the memory chip for damage.
Examine the surface of the green imaging drum.
Do not touch the imaging drum. Fingerprints on the imaging drum can cause print-quality problems.
If you see any scratches, fingerprints, or other damage on the imaging drum, replace the toner cartridge.
Reinstall the toner cartridge. Repeat these steps for additional toner cartridges (if applicable).
Print a few pages to see if the problem has resolved.
Follow these steps to make sure that you are using paper that meets HP's specifications, and that the printer is in a proper printing environment.
Some print-quality problems arise from using paper that does not meet HP specifications.
Always use a paper type and weight that this printer supports.
Use paper that is of good quality and free of cuts, nicks, tears, spots, loose particles, dust, wrinkles, voids, staples, and curled or bent edges.
Use paper that has not been previously printed on.
Use paper that does not contain metallic material, such as glitter.
Use paper that is designed for use in laser printers. Do not use paper that is designed for use in Inkjet printers only.
Use paper that is not too rough. Using smoother paper generally results in better print quality.
The environment can directly affect print quality and is a common cause for print-quality or paper-feeding issues.
Try the following solutions:
Move the printer away from drafty locations, such as open windows or doors, or air-conditioning vents.
Make sure the printer is not exposed to temperatures or humidity outside of printer specifications.
Do not place the printer in a confined space, such as a cabinet.
Place the printer on a sturdy, level surface.
Remove anything that is blocking the vents on the printer. The printer requires good air flow on all sides, including the top.
Protect the printer from airborne debris, dust, steam, grease, or other elements that can leave residue inside the printer.
Follow these steps when text or images are not centered or aligned correctly on the printed page when printing from specific trays.
From the Home screen on the printer control panel, select the Settings menu.
Select the following menus:
Copy/Print or Print
Print Quality
Image Registration
Select Tray, and then select the tray to adjust.
Select Print Test Page, and then follow the instructions on the printed pages.
Select Print Test Page again to verify the results, and then make further adjustments if necessary.
Select Done to save the new settings.
Try a different print driver when printing from a software program and the printed pages have unexpected lines in graphics, missing text, missing graphics, incorrect formatting, or substituted fonts.
Download a new driver from HP's Customer Support website using the following steps:
Go to support.hp.com, type the printer model in the text field, and then click Submit.
On the HP product support page, scroll to and click Software, Drivers, and Firmware.
A list of drivers available for the printer will display.
Select a driver from the list, and then click Download.
Follow the on-screen prompts to download the driver and install it.
Driver type |
Description |
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HP PCL 6 print driver |
The HP PCL 6 print driver is the default print driver. The HP PCL 6 print driver has the following characteristics:
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HP Smart Universal Printing Driver (Smart UPD) |
The HP Smart Universal Print Driver (Smart UPD) for Windows eliminates the need for separate print drivers and dramatically simplifies printing management. HP Smart UPD provides a general-purpose printing driver. For more information about the HP Smart UPD, go to support.hp.com/us-en/help/smartupd.
Note:
The option to download the HP Smart UPD is also available via this link. |
To resolve color-quality issues, follow the steps below to calibrate the printer.
Calibration is a printer function that optimizes print quality.
Follow these steps to resolve color-quality issues, such as misaligned color, colored shadows, blurry graphics, or other print-quality issues.
From the Home screen on the printer control panel, select the Support Tools menu.
Select the following menus:
Maintenance
Calibration/Cleaning
Full Calibration
Select Start to start the calibration process.
A Calibrating message will display on the printer control panel. The calibration process takes a few minutes to complete. Do not turn off the printer until the calibration process has finished.
After calibration is complete, try printing again.
Review examples of image defects and steps to resolve these defects.
Sample defect |
Sample defect |
Sample defect |
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Color plane registration defects (color models only) |
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Image defects, no matter the cause, can often be resolved using the same steps. Use the following steps as a starting point for solving image defect issues.
Reprint the document. Print quality defects can be intermittent in nature or can go away completely with continued printing.
Check the condition of the cartridge or cartridges. If a cartridge is in a Very Low state (it has passed the rated life), replace the cartridge.
Make sure that the driver and tray print mode settings match the media that is loaded in the tray. Try using a different ream of media or a different tray. Try using a different print mode.
Make sure that the printer is within the supported operating temperature/humidity range.
Make sure that the paper type, size, and weight are supported by the printer. Supported paper types and sizes vary by printer model. To find the paper that is compatible with the printer, use these steps to navigate to the HP product support page for the printer and view the How To section.
Go to support.hp.com, type the printer model in the text field, and then click Submit.
Scroll to and click How To.
In the Select a topic drop-down menu, click Compatibility, and then click Supported paper sizes and types.
The term "fusing" refers to the part of the printing process where toner is affixed to paper.
The following examples depict letter-size paper that has passed through the printer short-edge first.
Sample |
Description |
Possible solutions |
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Dark or light lines which repeat down the length of the page, and are wide-pitch and/or impulse bands. They might be sharp or soft in nature. The defect displays only in areas of fill, not in text or sections with no printed content. |
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Sample |
Description |
Possible solutions |
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The entire printed page is black. |
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Sample |
Description |
Possible solutions |
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The page is completely blank and contains no printed content. |
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Sample |
Description |
Possible solutions |
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One or more color plane(s) is not aligned with the other color planes. This registration error will typically occur with yellow. |
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Sample |
Description |
Possible solutions |
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Slight shadows or offsets of the image are repeated down the page. The repeated image might fade with each recurrence. |
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Toner rubs off along either edge of the page. This defect is more common at the edges of high-coverage jobs, and on light media types, but can occur anywhere on the page. |
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Toner is missing on sections of the printer page. This defect is excessive heat in the fuser causing toner to stick to the sleeve. This occurs mostly on the edges of the page, or in high coverage areas. |
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Sample |
Description |
Possible solutions |
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The image or text is darker than expected and/or the background is gray. |
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Sample |
Description |
Possible solutions |
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The image is not centered, or is skewed on the page. The defect occurs when the paper is not positioned properly as it is pulled from the tray and moves through the paper path. |
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Sample |
Description |
Possible solutions |
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The printed content is light or faded on the entire page. |
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Sample |
Description |
Possible solutions |
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Printed pages have curled edges. The curled edge can be along the short or long side of the paper. Two types of curl are possible:
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The paper does not stack well in the output tray. The stack might be uneven, skewed, or the pages might be pushed out of the tray and onto the floor. Any of the following conditions can cause this defect:
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Sample |
Description |
Possible solutions |
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Light vertical streaks that usually span the length of the page. The defect displays only in areas of fill, not in text or sections with no printed content. |
Note:
Both light and dark vertical streaks can occur when the printing environment is outside the specified range for temperature or humidity. Refer to your printer's environmental specifications for allowable temperature and humidity levels. |
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Dark vertical lines which occur down the length of the page. The defect might occur anywhere on the page, in areas of fill or in sections with no printed content. On color models, these lines or streaks will also be visible on the ITB cleaning page. |
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To find additional support and troubleshooting information for the printer, use the following steps to go to the HP product support page for the specific printer model.
Go to support.hp.com, enter the printer model in the text field, and then click Submit.
The product support page displays.
Click a category (such as Troubleshooting, How to, or Product Information), and then use the drop-down menus to further narrow down the search to find support content on various topics.
If the information in this document did not help to resolve the issue, go to HP Customer Support to view the support options that are available, including a link to check the warranty status of the printer, or an option to sign-in if you have already registered for an HP account.
To contact customer support, start by clicking Printer in the list of product types, and then enter the printer's serial number for a list of contact options.