How to Fix a Paper Jam and Paper Feed Problems

1What this lesson covers

This lesson shows you how to fix paper jam problems safely, without damaging the printer or hurting yourself. You’ll switch off, remove the jammed sheet from the areas the manufacturer designed for jam clearing, look for small torn pieces, and then deal with the causes of jams and feed problems: curled paper, overfilled trays, the wrong paper type and loose guides.

2Before you start

Find your model’s jam-clearing section in the manual or on the manufacturer’s support site. It shows every door and tray you’re allowed to open, often with numbered pictures. Common areas are the input tray, the output area, a rear access door and the area under the front cover.

3Remove the jammed paper

1. Read the printer’s message. Many printers show where the jam is. You should see: an area name or picture. Note it before switching off.
2. Switch off and unplug the printer (check the manual for your model).
3. Pull out the paper tray and remove any loose or crumpled sheets.
4. Open the jam access doors in the order the manual shows. Look inside with a flashlight.
5. Hold the jammed sheet with both hands and pull it out slowly and steadily, in the direction paper normally travels if possible. Pulling quickly or at an angle tears it.
6. Check the sheet is whole. Lay it out and look for missing corners or strips. You should see: a complete sheet. If pieces are missing, look for them in the same area.
7. On inkjets, check the carriage path. With the printer off and the ink door open, look under and around the cartridge carriage for scraps. Don’t force the carriage.
8. Close every door and reload the tray, then plug in and switch on. You should see: the jam message clear.

4Stop pages jamming and misfeeding

1. Use good paper. Use plain paper of the type and weight the manual lists. Throw away curled, damp, creased or torn sheets.
2. Fan the stack. Before loading, hold the stack and flex it gently so sheets don’t stick together.
3. Don’t overfill. Keep the stack under the maximum line on the tray.
4. Set the guides. Slide the paper guides so they touch the stack without bending it.
5. Don’t mix paper. Use one type and size in the tray at a time.
6. Match the settings. Make sure the paper size and type in the print dialog and on the printer match what’s loaded. See print settings explained.
7. Use the right path for thick paper. Envelopes, card and labels often feed better through a rear or manual feed slot, if your printer has one.

5Check that it worked

Print a few pages, then a short double-sided job if your printer supports duplex (see how to print double-sided). You should see: each sheet feed straight and come out without wrinkles. If the jam happens again in exactly the same place, note where.

6Troubleshooting

• The printer pulls in several sheets at once. Fan the paper, load fewer sheets and check the paper isn’t damp.
• The printer doesn’t pick up paper at all. Check that the tray is pushed fully in and the guides aren’t too tight. Some manuals describe cleaning the pickup rollers; do it only as your model’s instructions show. Printer maintenance covers safe cleaning.
• Pages come out wrinkled. Paper may be damp or too thin. Try a fresh packet.
• Envelopes jam. Use the manual feed slot if available and set the paper type to Envelope.
• Jams only during double-sided printing. Print single-sided and contact the manufacturer if duplex keeps jamming.

7When to get more help

Stop and contact the manufacturer’s support or a qualified technician if paper is stuck where you can’t reach it from the doors the manual shows, a part broke off, the printer jams in the same place repeatedly, you hear grinding, or you smell burning. Don’t remove screws or covers to reach paper inside.

8FAQ

Can I pull the paper out while the printer is on?

Switch it off first unless your manual says otherwise. Moving parts and hot areas make it safer to clear jams with the power off.

Why does my printer say there’s a paper jam when there isn’t one?

A hidden scrap, a door not fully closed, or a sheet pushed too far into the tray can trigger the message. Check every jam area and door again.

Does the type of paper really matter?

Yes. Paper that’s too thin, too thick, curled or damp is one of the most common causes of jams. Use the types listed in your manual.

How do I find the jam access doors on my printer?

Your manual’s paper jam section shows them, often with pictures. Many printers also show an animation on the screen when a jam happens.