Color printing issues on Smart Tank 651

[drdrjcc7]

I do not get a color printing option in my print menu for my Smart Tank 651.

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @drdrjcc7 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

I can understand how frustrating it feels when you’re expecting full color output but only see monochrome options in the print menu. Thank you for already checking the basics—it shows real persistence. 

Let’s go step by step to bring back the color printing option on your Smart Tank 651.

 

Steps to Restore Color Printing Option

Check Printer Driver Installation

• On your Windows 11 computer, open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
• Select your Smart Tank 651.
• If you see multiple entries (such as “Smart Tank 651 series” and “Smart Tank 651 PCL”), remove them and reinstall the correct driver using the HP App.
• This ensures the full feature driver is installed, which includes color printing options.

Verify Print Preferences

• In the print dialog box, click Printer Properties or Preferences.
• Under the Color tab, make sure “Print in grayscale” is not selected.
• Choose Color as the default option.

Update Firmware and Drivers

• On the printer’s control panel, go to Setup > Printer Maintenance > Update Printer.
• On your PC, open the HP App, select your printer, and check for driver updates.
• Keeping both firmware and drivers current ensures proper communication for color printing.

Run Diagnose & Fix

• In the HP App, go to Printer Settings > Tools > Printer Maintenance.
• Select Diagnose & Fix.
• Follow the on‑screen instructions to automatically resolve missing color options.

Check Ink Levels

• On the printer’s control panel, view Estimated Ink Levels.
• Ensure cyan, magenta, and yellow tanks are not empty. If any are low, refill before testing.

The missing color option usually comes from the driver defaulting to grayscale or the printer not being added with the full feature driver. Once the correct driver is installed and preferences are set to color, the option should reappear.

Would you like me to also share how to print a test page directly from the printer’s control panel? It’s a quick way to confirm whether color output is restored before printing your actual documents.

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Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye