Printer Jam

[rayn10065]

The paper jams when it gets almost all the way in.  I clean it out but it doesn't clear the jam.  I haven't a clue what to do.

[Meghana_10]

Hello @rayn10065, Welcome to the HP Support Community.

We understand how concerning it is when the HP Smart Tank Plus 651 repeatedly jams when the paper is almost completely inside the printer, especially when you have already removed the visible paper and the jam error remains.
 

Because the paper is feeding most of the way before stopping, paper-feed rollers that are dirty or have reduced grip are worth checking first. A persistent jam message can also be a false paper-jam error that needs a printer reset.
 

1. Clean the paper-pick rollers

Dust, paper fibers, and debris can build up on the rollers and prevent the paper from feeding correctly.

• Turn off the printer and disconnect the power cord and any other cables.
• Raise the input tray and lift and hold the input-tray shield.
• Do not remove the input-tray shield. It helps prevent debris from entering the paper path.
• Look inside the open input tray and locate the gray paper-pick rollers.
• Lightly dampen a long cotton swab with distilled water and squeeze out any excess.
• Press the swab against the rollers and rotate the rollers upward with your fingers. Apply moderate pressure to remove dust or residue.
• Allow the rollers to dry for about 10 minutes.
• Reconnect the power cord and turn the printer on.
• Try printing again.

Important: Disconnect the printer from power before reaching inside it to reduce the risk of injury or electric shock.
 

2. Check for paper-path obstructions

• Since the paper is getting almost all the way into the printer, inspect the accessible paper path carefully for small torn pieces of paper, labels, or other debris. Even a small obstruction can cause the sheet to stop partway through the feed path.
• Do not force paper out if it is firmly stuck, as this can tear the sheet and leave small pieces behind.

3. Reset the printer

If the paper has been completely removed but the paper jam error remains, the printer may be reporting a false paper jam. A power reset can clear the stored error state.

• With the printer turned on, disconnect the power cord from the rear of the printer.
• Unplug the other end from the wall outlet.
• Wait 60 seconds.
• Plug the power cord directly into a wall outlet.
• Reconnect it to the printer.
• Turn the printer on and wait until it is ready.
• Try printing again.

HP recommends connecting the printer directly to a wall outlet rather than a surge protector or power strip during this troubleshooting step.
 

If the Smart Tank Plus 651 consistently stops feeding paper at almost the same point after the rollers are clean and the printer has been reset, this can help narrow down the cause.
 

Please let me know:

• Does the paper stop and remain straight, or does it become crooked before stopping?
• Do you hear the rollers/motor continuing to run after the paper stops?
• Does the printer show a specific paper jam location or error message on the display?

Those details can help determine whether the problem is primarily with paper pickup, the paper path, or the printer's jam detection.

Have a great day!

[rayn10065]

Thank you!  Will try and report back.  Because the machine doesn't open from the top, it is hard to see dust or paper fragments

[Meghana_10]

Thank you for the response. @rayn10065

Please take your time with the inspection and let us know what you find. If the jam message remains after the paper path has been thoroughly checked, we'll be happy to provide additional model-specific troubleshooting steps for the HP Smart Tank Plus 651.

We look forward to your update.

Have a great day!