Printer is printing streaks, bands, or lines

Dirty or blocked nozzles, low supplies, damaged imaging parts, alignment trouble, unsuitable paper, or debris in the paper path can create repeated lines.

Reviewed Jul 17, 20264 minute guidePrinter

Quick answer

Dirty or blocked nozzles, low supplies, damaged imaging parts, alignment trouble, unsuitable paper, or debris in the paper path can create repeated lines.

Start here: Print an internal quality test. The pattern direction and color help identify the subsystem.

Guided check

Match the symptom, then work through the safe checks.

0/3 checked

1. What best matches what you observe?

2. Complete only the checks that are safe for you.

Print an internal quality testThe pattern direction and color help identify the subsystem.SafeCheck supply level and media settingUse dry supported paper and the matching media type.SafeRun one cleaning or calibration procedureFollow the model menu and allow completion.Caution

Do not touch drums, belts, or printhead surfacesFingerprints and scratches can permanently damage imaging parts.Professional

3 user-level checks are available in this guide.Stop immediately if any warning condition applies.

Show stop conditions

Toner spills or internal parts are hot
A drum, transfer belt, or printhead surface is visibly damaged

Likely causes

Inkjet nozzles are blocked or misaligned
Toner, drum, transfer, or fuser components are worn or dirty
Paper is damp, coated incorrectly, or set to the wrong media type
Debris or ink is marking the paper path

Quick checks, in order

Print an internal quality test

The pattern direction and color help identify the subsystem.

safe

Check supply level and media setting

Use dry supported paper and the matching media type.

safe

Run one cleaning or calibration procedure

Follow the model menu and allow completion.

caution

Do not touch drums, belts, or printhead surfaces

Fingerprints and scratches can permanently damage imaging parts.

Professional

What pattern do the lines follow?

Same place on every page

A roller, drum, belt, or fixed nozzle area is likely.

Only one color is affected

Focus on that cartridge, channel, or printhead color.

Lines appear only from one app

Check scaling, driver, and the source document.

Stop and get qualified help when

Do not continue troubleshooting if any of these apply:

Toner spills or internal parts are hot
A drum, transfer belt, or printhead surface is visibly damaged

Official support and model manuals

Use the full model number from the rating label. The manufacturer manual is the deciding reference when codes differ by region or product family.

Microsoft: Fix printer connection and printing problems

Frequently asked questions

Will alignment fix missing lines?

Alignment corrects placement; it does not usually restore blocked nozzles or damaged imaging parts.

Why do marks repeat at equal distances?

A rotating roller or drum defect often repeats once per circumference.

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