HP printers - Improve fax quality
Sent or received faxes have vertical or horizontal lines, bands, or poor resolution.
Note:
Fax is a secure method of sending documents, but might not be the best choice if you want to send or receive high quality images. If the quality of faxes is consistently poor, consider scanning instead.
You can use the printer software to scan with your printer, or the HP Smart app to scan with your printer or mobile device camera, and then send the scan via email. If you do not have HP Smart, download it from 123.hp.com or your app store.
Improve the quality of received faxes
Troubleshoot fax settings and update the printer firmware when the quality of received faxes is unsatisfactory.
Note:
If the same issue occurs when you copy or send a print job, the issue is not fax-related. Go to HP Customer Support, type your printer model, and then search for a Fixing Poor Print Quality document for steps to resolve the issue.
Perform the following tasks in the order given. Test fax transmission after each task to see if the issue is resolved. You can send a test fax to the HP Fax Test Service at 1-888-HPFaxme (1-888-473-2963). This free service sends a return fax within 5 to 7 minutes when fax is working properly. Your fax number must match the number you entered in the fax header to receive the return fax.
Reduce fax transmission speed
Reduce fax transmission speed to increase the likelihood of a successful fax and to improve fax quality, at the cost of longer transmission times.
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On the printer control panel, open the Basic Fax Settings, Advanced Fax Settings, or Preferences menu.
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Select Speed, and then select Slow.
Turn on Error Correction Mode
Error Correction Mode (ECM) detects transmission errors and automatically requests retransmission of erroneous data. Depending on the quality of the phone lines, ECM can improve fax quality. Make sure ECM is on.
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On the printer control panel, open the Basic Fax Settings, Advanced Fax Settings, or Preferences menu.
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Select Error Correction Mode, and then make sure the setting is turned On.
Update the printer firmware
HP regularly releases new firmware versions with printer enhancements or issue fixes. Update firmware on a regular basis to make sure you are getting the most out of your printer.
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Update from the printer control panel: Many HP printers with touchscreens or menus can connect directly to HP to find and install updates. Make sure the printer is on a network with an active Internet connection. If the printer is connected with a USB cable, use one of the other options.
On the printer, locate the Product Update or Check for Updates menu by pressing the HP ePrint icon or button (
or
). Or open the Setup, Service, or Settings menu, select Preferences, Printer Maintenance, or Tools, and then select Web Services, Printer Update, or LaserJet Update.
Service the printer
Service or replace your HP product if the issue persists after completing all the preceding steps.
Go to Contact HP Customer Support to schedule a product repair or replacement. If you are in Asia Pacific, you will be directed to a local service center in your area.
To confirm your warranty status, go to HP Product Warranty Check. Repair fees might apply for out-of-warranty products.
Improve the quality of sent faxes
Clean the scanner, troubleshoot fax settings, update the printer firmware when the quality of sent faxes is unsatisfactory.
Perform the following tasks in the order given. Test fax transmission after each task, and then check with the fax recipient to find out if the issue is resolved.
Clean the scanner glass and parts
Fingerprints, smudges, dust, or debris on the scanner glass, under the scanner lid, or in the document feed slot can cause lines and color bands. Clean these parts with a soft, lint-free cloth sprayed with glass cleaner.
|
Callout |
Description |
|---|---|
|
1. |
Printer with flatbed scanner glass and lid |
|
2. |
Printer with a document scan feeder |
Clean a flatbed scanner
Clean the scanner glass and underside of the scanner lid with a soft, lint-free cloth sprayed with glass cleaner.
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Spray a soft, lint-free cloth with glass cleaner, and then wipe the scanner glass, glass strip (if present), the white backing under the scanner lid, and the white strip under the lid (if present) until clean, dry, and streak-free.
CAUTION:To protect the interior printer parts, do not spray the cleaner directly on the glass or on the underside of the lid.
Callout
Description
1.
White scanner lid backing
2.
White ADF scanner lid strip (if present)
3.
Glass ADF scanner strip (if present)
4.
Main scanner glass
Reset the printer
Reset the printer to recover from printer errors or failures.
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If your printer has a rechargeable battery, remove it.
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Press the power button to turn off the printer. If the printer does not turn off, disconnect the power cord from the printer.
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Unplug the power cord from the power source.
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Wait 60 seconds.
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Connect the power cord directly to a wall outlet and to the printer.
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Turn on the printer to complete the reset.
Reduce fax transmission speed
Reduce fax transmission speed to increase the likelihood of a successful fax and to improve fax quality, at the cost of longer transmission times.
-
On the printer control panel, open the Basic Fax Settings, Advanced Fax Settings, or Preferences menu.
-
Select Speed, and then select Slow.
Turn on Error Correction Mode
Error Correction Mode (ECM) detects transmission errors and automatically requests retransmission of erroneous data. Depending on the quality of the phone lines, ECM can improve fax quality. Make sure ECM is on.
-
On the printer control panel, open the Basic Fax Settings, Advanced Fax Settings, or Preferences menu.
-
Select Error Correction Mode, and then make sure the setting is turned On.
Update the printer firmware
HP regularly releases new firmware versions with printer enhancements or issue fixes. Update firmware on a regular basis to make sure you are getting the most out of your printer.
-
Update from the printer control panel: Many HP printers with touchscreens or menus can connect directly to HP to find and install updates. Make sure the printer is on a network with an active Internet connection. If the printer is connected with a USB cable, use one of the other options.
On the printer, locate the Product Update or Check for Updates menu by pressing the HP ePrint icon or button (
Service the printer
Service or replace your HP product if the issue persists after completing all the preceding steps.
Go to Contact HP Customer Support to schedule a product repair or replacement. If you are in Asia Pacific, you will be directed to a local service center in your area.
To confirm your warranty status, go to HP Product Warranty Check. Repair fees might apply for out-of-warranty products.
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