HP Printer Printing Lines When Copying [Solved]

To fix your HP printer printing lines when copying problems, we advise that you read this article carefully.

HP Printer Printing Lines when Copying [Reason]

If your HP printer is printing lines when copying or scanning from the Automatic Document Feeder (ADF), this issue is usually a result of debris (dust, toner dust, adhesive note residue, correction tape or fluid, fingerprints, ink, etc.) on the Automatic Document Feeder glass.  

HP Printer Printing Lines when Copying [Solution]

Follow the instructions below to solve the problem if your HP printer is printing lines when copying:

Step 1. Find out if the Problem Happens when the Flatbed Glass or the ADF Glass is Used – HP Printer Printing Lines when Copying

To find out if the problem happens when the flatbed glass or the ADF glass is used, follow the steps below:

Step 1: With the aid of the ADF, create a blank copy. Mark this copy as “ADF.”

Step 2: With the aid of the flatbed scanner, create a blank. Mark this copy as “flatbed.”

  • If the lines appear on the “ADF” copy, check out Step 2: Clean the Automatic Document Feeder Glass & Scanner Lid White Strip
  • If the lines appear on the “flatbed” copy, clean the flatbed scanner glass as well as the lid backing with a soft, fluff-free fabric that is moistened with clean water. 

Note: You can moisten the fabric with a nonabrasive glass cleaner or lens cleaner if there is a need for a stronger cleaning liquid. Do not apply the liquid or water directly to the glass or your printer. Avoid using acetone, abrasives, benzene, carbon tetrachloride, or ethyl alcohol on the scanner glass. Such liquids can damage the glass or leave behind residue that might affect the scan and copy quality.

Read this article: HP Printer Printing Lines [Problems & Proven Solutions] to learn how to fix the problem if your HP printer starts to print lines.

Step 2: Clean the Automatic Document Feeder Glass & Scanner Lid White Strip – HP Printer Printing Lines when Copying

To clean the Automatic Document Feeder glass and scanner lid white strip, do the following steps:

Step 1: Open your HP printer’s scanner lid.

Step 2: Look for the glass strip that is at the left of the flatbed glass.

Step 3: Moisten a soft fluff-free fabric with water.

Step 4: Clean the Automatic Document Feeder glass with the moistened fabric. 

If your HP printer model has an upper Automatic Document Feeder glass that looks like the lower one, then you need to clean both glasses.

Note: You can moisten the fabric with a nonabrasive glass cleaner or lens cleaner if there is a need for a stronger cleaning liquid. Do not apply the liquid or water directly to the glass or your printer. Avoid using acetone, abrasives, benzene, carbon tetrachloride, or ethyl alcohol on the scanner glass. Such liquids can damage the glass or leave behind residue that might affect the scan and copy quality.

Step 5: Check the scanner lid’s underside which is just above the Automatic Document Feeder glass strip.

Step 6: Clean that underside with a moistened soft, fluff-free fabric.

Caution: Don’t scrub the glass or clean the surface with a paper-based wipe.

Step 7: In case the white strip doesn’t get clean, you can use moisten the fabric with isopropyl alcohol. Use the fabric to clean the surface again. After that, get a damp cloth and clean the surface to get rid of any alcohol that might have been left behind.

Step 8: Use a soft, dry lint-free cloth to clean the Automatic Document Feeder Glass as well as the upper strip. This action will prevent spotting.

Step 9: Try to scan or copy.

If the problem is unresolved, do the next step.

Step 3: Isolate the Debris Location on the Automatic Document Feeder Glass – HP Printer Printing Lines when Copying

To isolate the debris location on the Automatic Document Feeder Glass, do the following steps:

Step 1: Load your printer’s ADF with a sheet of paper.

Mark the bottom corner of this paper with an “X.”

Step 2: Press your printer’s “Start” button.

This action will copy the page.

Step 3: Place the paper on your printer’s flatbed glass.

Note: Ensure that the paper’s top left confer and the top left corner of the glass is aligned.

Step 4: Check the line on the paper and then follow it to the area of the Automatic Document Feeder glass responsible for the problem.

Step 5: Loosen the debris in that area with your fingernail.

Warning: Do not use any other sharp object apart from your fingernail to prevent scratching the glass.

Step 6: Clean that area on the ADF glass again.

Step 7: Dry the area with a soft, fluff-free cloth.

Step 8: Try to scan or copy.

If you still encounter the problem, try the following advanced Troubleshooting.

Advanced Troubleshooting – HP Printer Printing Lines when Copying

Do the following if the above steps failed to fix the problem:

1. Power Cycle your HP Printer – HP Printer Printing Lines when Copying

To power cycle your HP printer, click this link: How to Run a Power Cycle on your HP Printer – HP Printer Error 59.70, and then follow the steps we shared.

2. Clean your Printer’s Pick-Up Rollers – HP Printer Printing Lines when Copying

To clean your printer’s pick-up rollers, click this link: Clean your HP Printer Rollers – HP Printer Printing Black Lines, and then follow the steps we shared.

You can also consult your HP printer user guide to learn how to do this cleanup.

If the issue persists after performing the advanced troubleshooting, we advise that you contact HP Customer Support for further assistance.

Tips for Maintaining Scan and Copy Quality – HP Printer Printing Lines when Copying

i. Avoid using third-[arty scanning software.

ii. Always update your HP printer firmware.