HP LaserJet Tank 1020, 1500, 2500 printers - Fixing poor print quality

Low toner can cause poor print quality. Check the toner level and refill if required.

1. Check the Toner Level Indicator status.

   Toner Level Indicator status	Action
   Three level indicator lights are lit	Toner is full. You do not need to take any action.
   Two level indicator lights are lit	Toner is partly depleted. You do not need to take any immediate action.
   One level indicator light is lit and the status indicator light is amber	Toner is low. Reload toner.
   One level indicator light is lit and the status indicator light blinks	Toner is very low. Reload toner.

2. If toner is low, add more toner using at least one Toner Reload kit.

   Note:

   The port indicator only displays the Unlock icon when a toner refill is possible.

   

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 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.