What this means
Your printer is applying too little toner or ink, leaving text and images washed out, pale, or faint.
Do not assume the cartridge is empty. Software level indicators are inaccurate, and the cartridge itself often has plenty of supply left.
Instead, look for a physical roadblock or a bad setting. Economy mode might be turned on, cutting your supply usage by up to fifty percent. Laser printer optics gather dust that blocks the light path. Inkjet nozzles partially clog if you have not used the machine in a while. Even damp paper causes this problem by absorbing the ink poorly.
Common causes
- Toner save or economy print mode is enabled
- Print density setting is set too low
- Dirty printhead nozzles in inkjet printers
- Dust or toner film on the laser scanner glass or LED heads
- Using damp or incorrect paper types
- Expired or failing ink or toner cartridges
- Improper paper weight settings in the driver
What to check first
- 1Check if Economy Mode or Draft Mode is turned on in your print settings
- 2Verify that plain paper is selected in the print driver if you are using standard copy paper
Step-by-step fix
- 1
Disable Draft or Economy Mode
Open your printer settings on your computer before printing. Locate the print quality options and change from draft, eco, or fast mode to standard or high quality.
Printing in high quality will use more ink or toner and run slower.
- 2
Run a Print Quality Diagnostic
Access the printer control panel or software utility. Run a printhead cleaning cycle for inkjet printers or a calibration routine for laser printers to clear blocked nozzles or align optics.
- 3
Reseat and Shake the Toner Cartridge
Open the printer and remove the toner cartridge. Gently rock it from side to side a few times to redistribute the remaining toner powder evenly inside, then reinstall it.
Do not touch the green or shiny roller on the cartridge to avoid skin oils damaging it.
- 4
Adjust Print Density Settings
Open the printer properties on your computer. Navigate to the device settings or print quality tab and increase the toner density or darkness setting by one or two levels.
- 5
Clean the Printhead or Scanner Glass
For inkjet printers, run an automated deep cleaning cycle. For laser printers, wipe the LED printhead or scanner glass inside the machine with a dry, lint-free cloth.
- 6
Replace the Cartridge
If the cartridge is old or has been refilled with third party ink, install a fresh, genuine manufacturer cartridge to rule out media failure.
When to contact a professional
If you replaced the cartridges, cleaned the accessible optics, and ran all diagnostic cleaning cycles without changing the print density, call a professional technician. This points to a failing high voltage power supply or a worn main logic board. Stop here. You must avoid touching internal high voltage components, and you should never attempt to service the power supply board yourself. Check your warranty before seeking outside service.