How to fix the HP printer missing lines error?

 HP is one of the best brands that manufacture printers. Their printers are fast and can print your documents and images in HD quality. However, like any other machine, there are times when HP printer owners face errors while printing. One of the most commonly reported printing errors is the HP printer missing lines error. The primary reason for this error could be blocked nozzles. It is necessary to fix this printing error because your printer would not be of much use with such an error. 

 

In this blog, we have explained the troubleshooting steps that you can utilize to fix printer missing line errors. 

 

Why HP printer is missing lines?

 

Here are the possible reasons for the HP printer missing lines error:

1. Blocked ink nozzles restricting ink from flowing out properly
2. Out of ink or low ink level
3. Misaligned print head
4. The papers in the tray are of different thickness
5. Colour mixing due to nozzle plastic contact with the ink
6. Low print quality
7. Dried ink

 

Expert solutions to fix HP printer missing lines error

 

Try these solutions if your HP printer missing lines when printing:

 

Clean printer’s print head 

 

Steps to clean the print head using printer settings:

1. Open your printer’s Control Panel screen and go to the “Maintenance” settings.
2. In the settings, select “Clean Print head or Clean Cartridge” to run the cleaning cycle.
3. Repeat the process 7 to 8 times to clear the blocked nozzles.

 

Note: If your printer doesn’t have a screen, then go to the “Devices and Printers” setting on the PC and find the “Clean print head” option under “Printer properties.”

 

Steps to clean the print head manually:

1. Take out the cartridges by opening the printer access door.
2. Now, either take a solution of water and isopropyl alcohol or take distilled boiled water in a container deep enough to soak the print head.
3. Now, soak the cartridges for 2 to 3 minutes (if you are using isopropyl solution) to clear the residues. If you are using hot water, then soak for at least 10 minutes.
4. If your printer has a disposable print head, then put it in the solution in a way that only the print head part gets soaked. But if you are using a fixed print head, then detach the cartridges and then soak the print head. 
5. After taking it out of the solution, dry the print head with a paper towel or any soft cloth.

 

Clean the printer’s electrical contacts

 

Follow these steps to clean the contacts between the printer and the cartridge:

1. Take out the printer cord from the power outlet.
2. Then, take out the cartridges inside the printer by opening the access door.
3. Locate the contact on the cartridge that is copper-colored, and look for any defects.
4. Now, wipe the contacts using a dry and clean cloth (avoid wiping in the direction of the nozzles).
5. After cleaning them, locate the other electrical contacts on the printer and examine them for dirt and defects.
6. Handle the contacts gently with care because they can easily get damaged.
7. Replace the cartridges after finishing the cleaning process and close the access door of the printer.
8. Now, attach the printer cord to the power source and test print some pages.

 

Align the print head correctly

 

Follow these steps to align the print head properly:

1. Open the HP Smart app on your PC and tap on the HP printer.
2. Now, go to “Tools” and open “Advanced settings.”
3. After that, select “Print quality toolbox,” then click “Utility.”
4. Lastly, tap “Align print head” to start the alignment process. 
5. The printer will print some test pages, so ensure that the printer tray has enough paper.

 

Conclusion

 

Now, you know how to fix the HP printer skipping lines error. Other than these solutions, we advise you to check the paper quality and the print setting. Also, remove the seal tape from the print head cartridges.