Why my HP Printer not printing in Color ?

In this blog, we’ll explore the reasons why your HP printer might not be printing in color and provide you with practical solutions to get your printer back on track.

To begin with, here are some methods to fix the issue of an HP printer not printing in color:

• Check Printer Settings: Ensure color printing is selected.
• Inspect Ink Cartridges: Verify ink levels and replace if necessary. Run Printer Troubleshooter: Use the built-in troubleshooter on your computer.
• Update Printer Drivers: Download the latest drivers from the HP website.
• Clean Printhead: Use maintenance tools to clean the printhead.
• Check Paper Type Settings: Ensure the correct paper type is selected.

As you continue reading the blog, keep in mind that this is just an overview of steps.

Further in the blog, we have mentioned more methods with their detailed step-by-step instructions to fix the issue of an HP printer not printing in color.

How to fix HP Printer not printing in color issue?

There are several steps here to try and solve the issue:

Check for the INK Level in Your Cartridge

This is the first step to follow and check on printer control panel, if the quality of your color prints have faded over time then you need to check the INK Levels of your Cartridge.

However, if INK Levels are fine and you are still facing issue check for further points.

Also Check : How to change INK in HP Printer ?

Check for Color Ink Cartridge in Particular

Make sure to always purchase the original toner cartridges from the HP Store and check documents on compatibility.

Additionally, follow the process to check the toner levels in your color printers and ensure that the correct paper type is being used.

Don’t forget to verify the color printing option in your printer settings and select the appropriate color mode to ensure optimal results. Always look for the option for color to avoid issues with your prints.

• Open the cover of your HP Printer and remove the color cartridge

• You need to make sure that correct cartridge has been installed i.e remove the tape from the cartridge nozzle.

• Now insert the cartridge back firmly in the carriage and close the latch.

• Close the printer door and try printing again.

Check the Settings

• Open the File menu of the Software application that you are using for print.

• Click on Print option.

• You need to check and make sure that your Printer Name is getting displayed under the Name box. In case it is necessary drop-down list to select your printer.

• Now click on the Properties button.

• Check the options on the Property Tab to make sure the appropriate color options are selected. Also check Printing Preferences in case.

• If you see the checkmark on the grayscale option “Print in Grayscale” click on the box to remove the checkmark and then click ok. We need to ensure that the grayscale option is not selected

Print using a different Software

• Open the same file that you want to print in color using a different software.

• Or you can create a new print in color using an alternate software.

• If the file gets printed in color, then the original software/file may be corrupted.

Re-install the current Printer driver

The issue you are facing may be due to a corrupted printer driver installed on your computer. To resolve this, we will need to check the print status and adjust the printer preference settings.

In the steps below, we will guide you through the process of reinstalling the print drivers to ensure your printer functions correctly.

• Open the website to download the latest printer driver of your HP Printer.

• Now click on the Printer Option and enter your HP Printer model number.

• Select your operating system.

• Now click on “Download” option and let the browser download the software.

• Open the downloaded file and click on next.

• After that follow the on-screen instruction in the window to install driver

• At last the install option appears select the option to install the driver.

• After few minutes your driver will be installed.

Once reinstalled you can check the driver name by opening drivers tab properties under Devices and Printers via run command( Windows +R) key combo.

Also a green tick will appear on the printer icon indicating that its is set as default and ready for use. If it is not set as default then kindly follow the next step to set your printer as default.

Set your HP Printer as ‘Default’

It is very important to make sure that your HP Printer is set as Default all the times. The same can be done by following below mentioned steps :

• Open the RUN (Windows Icon +R) dialog box and type “Control Panel” then click OK.

• Now click on “Devices and Printers” option.

• You will see the list of available devices, right click on your HP Printer and click “Set as default printer” option. After the same close the window of Devices and Printers.

• Now you can see a green tick will appear on your HP Printer icon indicating that the printer is set as default and ready to use.

These steps can resolve the issue HP Printer connected but not printing issue.

Customize the Color Theme & Color Options

This can be also one of the major reason why HP Printer is not printing in color majorly due to incorrect print settings. Follow the below mentioned steps to resolve the problem.

For HP Color Laser Printers (Windows)

Follow these initial two steps to configure your printer’s color theme and options:

• Select Print from the program menu.

• Select Properties or Preferences after selecting your printer.

1. Modifying the Color Theme

1.1 Locate the Color Themes drop-down list by clicking on “Advanced”

1.2 Choose from among available themes that are offered:

• None
• Photo (sRGB): Because of their increased saturation and depth of color, they are the best choices for printing images.
• Photo (Adobe RGB 1998): When printing digital images, this option is utilized to use AdobeRGB colors rather than sRGB. If you select this, your printer’s color management must be turned off.
• Default (sRGB):In raw device mode, this setting produces RGB colors on paper.
• Vivid (sRGB):Perfect for printing commercial graphics since it makes the midtones more saturated.

2. Configure Color Settings

• Go to Paper/Quality.

• From the Color field, select Color.

For HP Inkjet Printers

(a) On Windows OS

• Depending on your software program, select Properties, Preferences, Printer, Printer Setup, or Options from the Print window.
• Modify the Print Quality settings. To improve print quality, select Best, Normal, or Draft. Make sure you don’t have the grayscale option chosen.

(b) On macOS

• Choose Media & Quality or Paper Type/Quality from the Print window.
• The print quality can be raised using the Quality option.

What are the main reasons why HP Printer is not printing in color?

We have listed most of the possible reasons to as why an HP Printer is not printing in color:

• HP Printer INK Cartridges issues i.e they are empty or running on low levels

• Clogged Print Nozzles and dirty cartridges

• Incorrect Printer Settings

• Incorrect Print Settings

• Color Printing Disabled

• Corrupt Printer Software

Also Check – How to Clean HP Print Heads ?

Alternate methods to FIX HP Printer not printing in Color Issue

There are some of the alternate methods to try in case you are facing issues with your HP Printer

• Always Install and Use Genuine INK Cartridges

• Check the Paper : Many plain paper has printing and non-printing sides so make sure to check and place the correct side of the paper on the printer.

• Always check Print Settings : If you are facing any kind of issue recheck with the Print Settings, in case if you are using MAC or WINDOWS.

• Check the Remaining INK Levels

• Replace Low or near to empty INK Cartridge issues

• Print a Quality Diagnostic Page : This option will help you detect any kind of printing errors related to your printer easily.

• Check and clean the area thoroughly around ink nozzles

• Clean the INK Cartridges

• If you find any problematic INK Cartridge replace the same.

• Service the Printer : If your printer is under warranty you should always connect with HP for service otherwise you can just refer here and check your personal dashboard and documents on compatibility.

Once you perform above functions kindly review a plain paper for print quality report to check the test patters for missing colors, fading and white lines.

Conclusion

Following the article, you can bid farewell to black and white prints and embrace the rainbow of colors that your HP Printer was designed to produce.

We have tried to mention the most possible reasons and solutions for why someone may not be able to print in color with their HP Printer.

This includes checking the level of cleaning needed for the printhead, performing manual cleaning if necessary, and adjusting the printer preferences.

Additionally, we’ll cover how to access the maintenance menu for routine checks, as well as the importance of a firmware update to avoid compatibility issues that could affect color printing.

Alternatively you can also refer to HP Support Forums.

Frequently Asked Question’s (FAQ’s)