Streaks in Prints
HP Printer
Severity:What Does This Error Mean?
Streaks in HP inkjet prints are almost always caused by clogged print head nozzles. Run a print head cleaning cycle from the HP printer software to clear the blockage.
Affected Models
- HP OfficeJet
- HP DeskJet
- HP ENVY
- HP Photosmart
- HP LaserJet
- HP OfficeJet Pro
Common Causes
- Clogged print head nozzles — most common on inkjet printers left idle
- Low or empty ink cartridge producing faded output
- Dirty drum or transfer roller on laser printers
- Low toner on laser printers causing light or streaky output
- Damaged cartridge or drum unit
How to Fix It
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Run a print head cleaning cycle (inkjet printers).
Open the HP printer software → Printer Toolbox → Clean Print Heads. Run a standard cleaning and print a nozzle check pattern. If streaks persist, run the cleaning cycle a second time — do not run more than two without letting the printer rest for an hour.
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Print a nozzle check pattern.
From the HP printer software, print a diagnostic nozzle check. The pattern shows which colour channels are blocked — horizontal gaps in a row mean those nozzles are clogged. Focus cleaning on the affected colour.
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Check ink and toner levels.
Low ink produces faded streaks; empty ink produces a complete missing colour stripe. Replace any cartridge that is low or empty. On laser printers, shake the toner cartridge gently side-to-side to redistribute toner before replacing.
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Clean the drum or glass strip (laser printers).
On HP laser printers, streaks can be caused by a dirty scanner glass strip or transfer roller. Remove the toner cartridge and use a dry lint-free cloth to wipe the glass strip inside the printer and the roller surface. Do not touch the green drum surface.
When to Call a Professional
If multiple cleaning cycles do not resolve streaking on an inkjet printer, the print head has permanently dried out and needs replacement. On laser printers, persistent streaks after replacing the toner cartridge indicate a worn drum unit.