Self HelpBoise Computer Care

Printers

Printer prints blank or streaky pages

Printer printing blank, faded or streaky pages? Check ink and toner, reseat cartridges, clean the printhead, and prevent dried nozzles.

Difficulty
Easy
Time
15-30 min
Steps
6
Updated

Sounds like this?

  • Blank pages
  • Streaks or faded print
  • Missing colors
  • Lines through text

Step by step

  1. Check ink or toner levels in the printer menu or app.
  2. Remove and reseat cartridges. On new cartridges, remove all protective tape.
  3. Inkjet: run Clean printhead once or twice from the printer menu, then print a nozzle check page.
  4. Laser: take out the toner cartridge and gently rock it side to side to redistribute toner.
  5. If the printer sat unused for weeks, the inkjet nozzles may be dry. Print a test page weekly to prevent it.
  6. Make sure the paper type in the print settings matches what's loaded.

Related error codes & messages

Quick answers

When should I stop and get professional help with "Printer prints blank or streaky pages"?

Stop and get help if: Cleaning cycles don't fix it after 3 tries (printhead may be clogged or failed). The printer rejects cartridges as 'incompatible'. Toner is spilling inside the printer. Boise Computer Care can diagnose it for a $60 fee; call 208-996-3508.

How long does this fix take and how hard is it?

Plan on 15-30 min. Difficulty: Easy.

Is it safe to try this myself?

Mostly, if you follow these precautions: Ink can stain. Use a paper towel and wash hands after handling cartridges.

Which error messages or codes does this guide cover?

Cartridge problem, Incompatible cartridge, Printhead problem.

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