HP Sprocket Photobooth – Improving Print Quality  

This document is for the HP Sprocket Photobooth.

The quality of a printed photo is not as expected. Resolve the following print quality problems: 

• Dark, light, faded, or blurry areas
• Lines or streaks
• Individual color on the edges of the photos
• Paper jams
• Paper feeding failure
• Cooling down error

Step 1: Check the Photo Paper  

• Press down on the grooves of the door and slide the door to open it.
• 
• Remove the papers from the device.
• Check the papers for any quality issues.
  • Make sure the paper is compatible with the HP Sprocket Photobooth.
  •  Wipe the paper carefully with a microfiber cloth if the glossy side is dirty.
  • Remove any papers that are wrinkled, bent, or torn.
• Once the paper is checked, place the paper stack into the door pocket.
  • Make sure the glossy side of the paper is facing right and the barcode is facing left.
  • Insert either 1 full pack (10 sheets + corresponding blue calibration sheet) or 2 full packs (20 sheets + 2 corresponding blue calibration sheets) at a time.
• 
• Close the door pocket.

Note:   Only use HP Sprocket 3x4 Zink Photo Paper 20, 50, or 100 pack.

Handling Zink Photo Paper 

• Do not bend Zink paper.
• Hold the paper by its edges. Avoid touching the surface with your fingers.
• If Zink photo paper is over-exposed to humidity, it may begin to bend, causing printing issues such as paper jams. To avoid this:
  • When not in use, store your Zink paper in a cool, dry place, and avoid exposure to direct sunlight and heat.
  • The ideal temperature at which to store your photo paper is between 32 °F – 77 °F (0 °C – 25 °C) and 40% - 60% relative humidity).

Paper Jams

• Wait for the device to clear the paper jam itself. If it doesn’t go away, manually pull out the paper and clean out the feeder.

Paper Feeding Failure

• Remove and reload your Zink photo paper and check the quality. If the paper is very curled, try loading less paper at a time.

Step 2: Run a Calibration Sheet  

Run a blue calibration sheet through the printer.   

Step 3 : Make Sure the Device is Updated  

Updates automatically occur when the device is connected to Wi-Fi.   

• Click on the Wi-Fi icon in the upper right corner of the screen or select “Settings” from the home screen and click on “Network.”
• Make sure the bar next to “Enable Wi-Fi” is in the on position.
• To connect to your network, select your network name from the menu.  
• Enter your password, if applicable, and hit “connect.”  

Step 4: Cool the Photobooth Down  

Allow your device a few minutes to cool down between prints.  

Step 5: Other Things to Try  

• Make sure the lighting is sufficient when taking photos.
• Avoid touching the glossy side of the photo paper.
• Store the paper in a cool, dry place.
• If a Printer Cooling Down message appears after printing many consecutive photos, allow the device to cool down, and printing will automatically resume.