How to Fix the Printer if it's Printing Dots on Paper

Dealing with a printer that leaves dots on your paper can be incredibly frustrating, and it’s usually because the printer drum has ink residue or debris. A cartridge leakage may also cause this problem. Nevertheless, here’s how to solve this problem.

What do I do if the printer is printing dots on paper?

1. Clean the drum unit

1. Always start by turning off and unplugging your printer. This prevents potential electric shocks and allows safe handling of internal components.
2. Gently open the front or top cover of the printer to access the drum unit and toner cartridge.
3. Carefully pull out the drum unit and toner cartridge assembly. You might need to remove the toner cartridge from the drum unit by pressing a lock lever.
4. Look for any obvious debris or toner build-up on the drum surface.
5. Use a clean, lint-free cloth or a cotton swab moistened with isopropyl alcohol to gently clean the drum surface. Avoid touching the drum with bare hands as oils from your skin can damage it.
6. Inspect the drum for any scratches or marks. If you find any, the drum may need to be replaced.
7. Once cleaned, reinsert the toner cartridge into the drum unit and then place the assembly back into the printer.
8. Power on the printer and from the printer’s menu, navigate to the maintenance or cleaning option and run a cleaning cycle.

This solution helps because debris or toner build-up on the drum can transfer to paper as dots. Cleaning the drum can remove these particles, improving print quality.

2. Replace the toner cartridge

1. Start by ensuring the printer is off and unplugged to safely handle the internal components.
2. Access the toner cartridge by opening the front or top cover of the printer.
3. Carefully pull out the toner cartridge.
4. Look for any signs of leakage or damage. If you see any toner leaking or the cartridge looks damaged, it likely needs replacing.
5. Ensure you shake the new toner cartridge gently to distribute the toner evenly before installing it.
6. Insert the new toner cartridge into the printer.
7. Close the cover properly and plug in and power on the printer.
8. Print a test page to check if the dots have disappeared.

Replacing the toner cartridge is essential if the current one is defective or worn out. A damaged cartridge may leak toner, causing dots on the paper.

3. Clean the transfer belt

1. Safety first by ensuring the printer is turned off and unplugged.
2. Access the internal components by opening the printer cover.
3. Refer to your printer’s manual to locate the transfer belt.
4. Use a clean, dry, lint-free cloth to carefully wipe any toner or debris from the belt surface.
5. Access the printer’s maintenance menu and select the option to clean the transfer belt (if it’s available for your printer.
6. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the cleaning process.
7. Ensure the cover is securely closed, plug in the printer, and turn it back on.
8. Print a page to verify if the issue is resolved.

The transfer belt plays a crucial role in transferring toner to paper. Cleaning it can remove any accumulated debris that might cause dots.

4. Use the correct paper type

1. Check the type of paper you’re using. Ensure it matches what the printer supports.
2. Access your printer’s settings from your computer.
3. Navigate to the print settings menu and select the correct paper type (plain, glossy, thick, etc.).
4. Use the bypass tray for thicker or specialty paper.
5. Ensure the paper is loaded correctly and is not wrinkled or damaged.
6. Print a test page to see if the dots issue is resolved.

Using the incorrect paper type can cause various print issues, including dots or smudging. Ensuring the correct paper type is used helps the printer optimize the printing process.

5. Reset the printer to factory settings

1. From the printer’s menu, navigate to the settings or setup option.
2. Look for an option to reset the printer to factory settings. This is usually found under maintenance or setup menus.
3. Select the factory reset option and confirm your choice.
4. After resetting, you’ll need to set up the printer again, including reconnecting to your network and configuring print settings.
5. Print a test page to ensure the dots issue has been fixed.

Resetting the printer can clear any software-related issues causing the dots, restoring its functionality to how it was when first purchased.

6. Use a professional maintenance service

1. If all else fails, contact the customer support service of your printer’s manufacturer.
2. Arrange for a professional maintenance service. Explain the issue and the troubleshooting steps you’ve already taken.
3. Let the technician inspect and repair the printer. They may clean, repair, or replace components as needed.

When internal components are damaged or heavily soiled, professional service ensures your printer is fixed with specialized tools and expertise.

By following these comprehensive steps, you should be able to troubleshoot and resolve issues causing dots on your printed pages. To prevent future problems, regularly clean your printer and use the recommended paper and toner cartridges.

If the printer can’t print at all, click the highlighted link for the right solutions to fix it. In case you need to replace it, here’s our list of the best printers for a medium office.

Did you manage to get rid of the printer printing dots issue? Let us know in the comments below.