Is your printer producing faded, washed-out text? It usually points to low ink or toner, or a clogged print head, and both are quick fixes. Watch the video below, then follow the step-by-step fixes underneath.
4 Quick Fixes for Faded Print Quality
Fix 1: Check Ink or Toner Levels
Low ink or toner is the most common cause of faded output. Check your printer levels through its software or control panel and replace any cartridge that is running low. If black text is missing entirely rather than just faded, see our guide on fixing an HP printer that will not print black.
Fix 2: Run a Print Head Cleaning Cycle
Dried ink can clog the print head nozzles. Run the built-in cleaning cycle from your printer maintenance software to clear them out, or follow our step-by-step guide to cleaning printer ink cartridges for a deeper clean.
Fix 3: Check Your Print Quality Settings
If your print quality is set to Draft, switch it to Normal or Best. Draft mode uses less ink and produces noticeably lighter text.
Fix 4: Shake the Toner Cartridge
For laser printers, gently shake the toner cartridge side to side to redistribute the remaining toner evenly before reinserting it.
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Related Printer Fixes
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- How to Clean Printer Ink Cartridges: 4 Methods That Actually Work
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See the CastleScore rankings →▶ Prefer to watch? Why Is My Printer Printing Faded Text? — the video version of this guide.