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Why Is My Printer Printing Pink? 4 Quick Fixes for Color Cast

Is your printer producing pages with a pink or reddish tint that should not be there? This color cast almost always comes down to ink levels or a clogged nozzle, and both are easy to fix. Watch the video below, then follow the step-by-step fixes underneath.

4 Quick Fixes for a Pink Color Cast

Fix 1: Check Your Cyan Ink Level

When cyan ink runs low or out, magenta and yellow blend together and create a pink or reddish cast across your prints. Check your cyan level first.

Fix 2: Run a Nozzle Check and Cleaning Cycle

A clogged nozzle can throw off your color balance. Run a nozzle check pattern, then a print head cleaning cycle if any colors look weak or streaky. For a more thorough approach, see our guide to cleaning printer ink cartridges.

Fix 3: Check Color Settings in Printer Properties

Open your printer properties and confirm color correction and color balance settings have not been accidentally shifted toward red or magenta.

Fix 4: Replace Old or Separated Ink Cartridges

Ink that has sat unused for a long time can separate, throwing off color output. Replace any old or low cartridges with fresh ones. Low ink can also cause faded, washed-out text, so check all cartridge levels while you are at it.

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Written and reviewed by — Founder of Castle Ink, 20+ years in the printer & imaging supplies industry.