PIXMA TS6420a prints blurry photos

[Lilypad95]

 I have a fairly new Canon PIXMA TS6420a (bought in 2022) that was previously working but when I tried to print photos today they would all come out blurry. Still prints documents just fine but unable to figure out why I can’t print photos.

Things that did not help:

• Turning printer off/on again
• Unplugging and re-plugging printer from the wall
• Nozzle check
• Deep cleaning the nozzle
• Print Head re-alignment
• Photo quality (same result with high resolution photos and low resolution images and simple internet images)
• Changing computers I printed from
• Printing from mobile device
• Printing on Matte Photo paper (canon brand)
• Printing on Glossy photo paper plus II (canon brand)
• Assuring I am printing on the correct side of the paper
• Making sure both printer and the computer have the same settings (e.g. paper size, paper type, etc)
• Assuring Printer firmware update
• Assuring computer software updated

Thing that kind of helped:

• Printing on Matte paper with “plain paper” computer setting. Image is not longer blurry BUT the photo is significantly less colored, looks washed out/faded and significantly less vibrant.

[Danny]

Thanks for joining the conversation, Lilypad95!

So that the Community can help you better, we need to know exactly which Canon printer model you're using.  In your subject line, you mentioned the PIXMA TS6420a but in the body of your message, you mentioned the PIXMA TS6450a. That, and any other details you'd like to give will help the Community better understand your issue!

If this is a time-sensitive matter, click HERE search our knowledge base or find additional support options HERE.

Thanks and have a great day!

[Lilypad95]

Sorry that was a typo, it’s the TS6420a, I adjusted it! 

[Patrick]

Hi Lilypad95,

Blurry printing from your PIXMA TS6420a can be caused by a smudge on the encoder/timing strip.

Please follow the steps in this Knowledgebase Article to clean the encoder/timing strip:

Cleaning the Encoder Film - TS6420a

Once complete, please load plain paper into the cassette and follow these steps:

1.  Press OK one time on your PIXMA TS6420a.

2.  Use the down arrow to select Maintenance and press OK.

3.  Press OK on Nozzle Check.

4.  Select Yes and press OK.

A test page will print.  Please take a picture of the page that just printed and then please attach that image to your reply of this message.

Also, what version of Windows are you using?
If you are using a Mac, what version of the macOS is installed?

Did this answer your question? If so, please click the Accept as Solution button below so that others may find the answer as well.