Printer smudging ink or toner?
Smears that rub off point to drying, paper or the paper path. Smears that stay point to rollers or toner.
How do the smudges behave?
1 of 2Likely cause
Likely cause on an inkjet: too much ink for the paper, wrong paper type setting, or not enough drying time.
- 1Set the paper type in the print dialog to match the paper loaded.
- 2Use paper meant for inkjet and avoid heavy ink coverage on plain paper.
- 3Let prints dry before stacking or touching them.
Likely cause
Likely cause on a laser: the fuser is not bonding toner properly, or the paper type setting is too light for the paper.
- 1Set the paper type to match thicker or heavier paper if that is what you are using.
- 2Try a different, standard paper.
- 3If it still rubs off, the fuser may need service or replacement.
Likely cause
Likely cause: ink or toner on a roller or in the paper path is being transferred to each page.
- 1Power off and unplug the printer, then wipe visible roller or paper path dust with a dry lint-free cloth.
- 2Print a few plain pages to clear what is left.
- 3If marks repeat, the roller or drum may need replacing.
Likely cause
Likely cause: the print head is touching curled or wrinkled paper, or ink has collected near the edge.
- 1Use flat paper and replace anything curled or damp.
- 2Check margins and avoid printing right to the edge on plain paper.
- 3Run the alignment test to see whether edges are clipped.
Most likely causes
Too much ink for the paper (inkjet)
Plain paper cannot absorb heavy ink coverage. With photo mode or the wrong paper type setting, ink pools and smears.
Dirty rollers or paper path
Ink, toner or dust on a roller transfers to pages, often as marks at regular spacing.
Fuser not bonding toner (laser)
The fuser heats and presses toner into the paper. If it is failing, toner sits loosely on the page and rubs off.
Curled, damp or wrong paper
Paper that is curled can touch the print head, and damp paper absorbs ink unevenly. Both can cause smears.
What to try, in order
- 1Print the black-and-white test pageLook at the solid blocks and fine lines. Note whether smears appear in the same place on each page, and whether they rub off.
- 2Check paper and settingsUse flat, dry paper that suits the printer. Match the paper type setting to the paper, and avoid photo or heavy ink modes on plain paper.
- 3Clean the paper pathPower off, unplug, and wipe visible dust from rollers and the path with a dry lint-free cloth. Do not use liquids unless your manual says to.
- 4Reprint and test dry timePrint a few plain pages, then reprint the test page. Let it dry fully before touching. If smears persist in the same place, a part likely needs replacing.
Unplug the printer before cleaning inside it, and let a laser cool before touching internal parts. A laser fuser gets hot.
When to stop and replace
If smears appear in the same place on every page after cleaning, a roller, drum or cartridge may be leaking or worn. If toner still rubs off with the right paper type setting and a standard paper, the fuser needs service. On a low-cost printer, compare repair with replacement.
Inkjet or laser?
Inkjet printers
Inkjet smudges are usually ink that has not dried or has nowhere to go. Match the paper type setting, use suitable paper and give prints time to dry.
Print the black-and-white test pageLaser printers
If toner smears or rubs off, the fuser is the first suspect, then paper type setting and rollers. Do not touch internal parts until the printer has cooled.
Print the black-and-white test pageSmudges mean ink or toner is ending up where it should not. The first question is whether it rubs off. Wet or rubbing marks and fixed dirty marks have different causes.
Does it rub off?
On an inkjet, fresh prints can be wet to the touch for a short time, especially with heavy ink coverage or photos on plain paper. If the smear is wet, look at the paper type setting and the paper itself. Photo paper settings on plain paper put down more ink than the paper can absorb.
On a laser, toner that rubs off with a finger usually means it is not being fixed to the paper properly. That points to the paper type setting or the fuser. A fuser is hot while the printer runs, so let it cool before touching anything inside.
Use a test page to find the pattern
Print the black-and-white test page. Its solid blocks and fine line sets show smears clearly. Print it twice and compare. If a mark lands in the same place both times, it comes from the printer, usually a roller, drum or cartridge. If it is random, look at the paper and settings. Our result page helps you match what you see.
Check paper and the path
Curled or damp paper can touch the print head and drag ink. Use flat, dry paper meant for your printer. With the printer off and unplugged, wipe visible dust from rollers with a dry lint-free cloth. For the settings that control paper type, see our Windows and Mac guides.
Related problems
Thin lines rather than smears are covered in streaks or lines. Overall light prints are in faded print. If you also see doubled edges, see misaligned print.
Good questions
Why does my printer smear ink on the page?
Why does toner rub off my laser prints?
Can I clean the rollers myself?
How is smudging different from streaks?
Related problems
- Streaks or linesThin marks running across your page.
- Faded printText and images look pale or washed out.
- Misaligned printText or colors look doubled or shifted.
