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HP Printers - Alignment Errors

This document is for HP inkjet printers.

After trying to align the printheads or cartridges in your printer, an Alignment failed or Alignment Unsuccessful error message displays.

Step 1: Complete the alignment process again

Print a new alignment page.

Load plain white paper in the input tray.
Adjust the paper width guides until they rest against the edges of the paper.
Print an alignment page.
- Control panel (printers with menus): Open the Tools or Printer Maintenance menu, and then select the option to Align cartridges, Align printhead, or Print an Alignment Page.
- HP Smart app (Windows 10, macOS, Android, iOS): In the app, click your printer, click Print Quality Tools, and then select the option to align the printheads or cartridges.
- HP Printer Assistant (Windows): Click Maintain Your Printer, and then select the option to align the printheads or cartridges.
- HP Utility (Mac): Click the option to align the printheads or cartridges.
If your printer has a scanner, follow the directions on the alignment page to scan it and complete the alignment.

If these tips do not resolve the error, continue to the next step.

Step 2: Reset the printer

Turning the printer off, and then on again might resolve an Alignment failed error message.

With the printer turned on, disconnect the power cord from the printer.
Unplug the power cord from the power source.
Wait 60 seconds.
Reconnect the power cord to a wall outlet and to the printer.

note:
HP recommends plugging the printer directly into a wall outlet.

If resetting the printer does not resolve the issue, continue to the next step.

Step 3: Check estimated ink levels and replace any low or empty ink cartridges

Check estimated ink levels and replace any critically low or empty ink 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.

note:
For detailed instructions for your printer model, go to HP Customer Support. Type your printer model, then search for the document to "Replace Ink Cartridges".

If no ink cartridges are critically low or empty, or replacing any low or empty ink cartridges does not resolve the issue, continue to the next step.

Step 4: Clean the printhead or ink cartridge

Use a printhead or cartridge cleaning tool to help prevent streaks, smudges, or lines that can interfere with the alignment process.

Control panel (printers with menus): From the Settings, Setup, or Tools menu, look for an option to clean the printheads or cartridges.
HP Smart app (Windows 10, macOS, Android, iOS): In the app, click your printer, click Print Quality Tools, and then select the option to clean the printheads or cartridges.
HP Printer Assistant (Windows): Click Maintain Your Printer, and then select the option to clean the printheads or cartridges.
HP Utility (Mac): Click the option to clean the printheads or cartridges.

After the cleaning, evaluate the page that prints. You might need to clean the printheads or cartridges more than once.

If cleaning the printhead does not resolve the issue, continue to the next step.

Step 5: Check for and replace faulty printheads or cartridges

Alignment pages with defects or missing colors can cause the sensor inside the printer to misread the page and alignment to fail. Check the page for issues, and then replace any faulty printheads.

Check the page for defects such as missing colors or sections. See the examples below for sections of alignment pages without defects.

note:
Depending on your printer, the alignment page might have multiple colors or only black ink. Most alignment pages include a series of lines and blocks.
If you find any defects, replace the printhead or printheads. Search HP Customer Support for a 'Replacing Printheads' document for instructions.

If you do not find a 'Replacing Printheads' document, your printer does not have a replaceable printhead. The printer must be serviced.

If replacing the printhead does not resolve the issue, service the printer.

Step 6: 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.

note:
Keep a print sample that shows the problem. If the ink cartridges, printhead, or printer is replaced under warranty, the support agent will request the print sample. If the printer is returned to HP, the print sample must be returned with the printer. Place the sample in the output tray when you package your printer for shipping.

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