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Fix Paper Jam – Printer Troubleshooting Guide | TroubleshootMyPrinter




How to Fix: Paper Jam

A paper jam occurs when paper gets stuck inside the printer during the printing process, halting all print operations. Paper jams can happen in the input tray, output tray, fuser area, or duplex unit and are often caused by improper paper loading or worn feed rollers. This guide walks you through the most common causes and step-by-step solutions to fix paper jam on any printer, regardless of brand or model.

Common Causes

This problem is most often caused by one or more of the following:

  • Paper loaded incorrectly or not aligned properly in the tray
  • Using wrinkled, damp, or incompatible paper stock
  • Worn or dirty paper feed rollers failing to grip paper properly
  • Overfilling the paper tray beyond its maximum capacity
  • Small pieces of torn paper remaining inside the printer from previous jams

Step-by-Step Solution

Follow these steps to diagnose and fix the issue. Test your printer after each step.

  1. Step 1: Turn off the printer and unplug it from the power source before attempting to clear the jam
  2. Step 2: Open all accessible panels and doors, including the rear access panel and duplex unit
  3. Step 3: Gently pull the jammed paper in the direction of the paper path — never pull against the direction of travel
  4. Step 4: Check for small torn pieces of paper that may remain lodged in rollers or sensors
  5. Step 5: Clean the paper feed rollers with a lint-free cloth dampened with distilled water
  6. Step 6: Fan the paper stack and reload it properly, ensuring the paper guides are snug but not too tight
  7. Step 7: Close all panels, plug the printer back in, power on, and print a test page to verify the jam is cleared

Brand-Specific Troubleshooting

Some printer brands require slightly different troubleshooting approaches. See the brand-specific guidance below.

Hp Printers

HP LaserJet models often have jams in the fuser area. Open the rear door to access the fuser. On HP OfficeJet models, check the document feeder as well. HP’s automated jam recovery feature will attempt to reprint jammed pages automatically on most newer models.

For more Hp-specific troubleshooting, visit our Hp Printer Troubleshooting hub.

Canon Printers

Canon PIXMA models commonly jam at the rear tray. Remove the rear cover by pressing the release tab. For imageCLASS models, the fuser area is accessible from the rear panel. Canon’s support code 1300 specifically indicates a paper jam.

For more Canon-specific troubleshooting, visit our Canon Printer Troubleshooting hub.

Brother Printers

Brother laser printers often jam near the fuser or drum unit. Remove the toner cartridge and drum unit assembly to access jammed paper. The ‘Jam Inside’ and ‘Jam Rear’ messages indicate specific jam locations on Brother models.

For more Brother-specific troubleshooting, visit our Brother Printer Troubleshooting hub.

Xerox Printers

Xerox VersaLink and WorkCentre models have detailed jam location indicators on the control panel display. Follow the on-screen animations to locate and clear the jam. Xerox printers commonly jam in areas 1 (tray), 2 (fuser), or 3 (output).

For more Xerox-specific troubleshooting, visit our Xerox Printer Troubleshooting hub.

Related Problems

Users experiencing paper jam often encounter these related issues:

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my printer keep jamming even with new paper?

Persistent paper jams often indicate worn pickup or feed rollers that need replacement. Rollers wear out over time and lose their ability to grip paper reliably. Additionally, ensure you are using the correct paper weight and type for your printer, and that environmental humidity is not causing paper to stick together.

How do I clear a paper jam if I can’t see the paper?

If you cannot see the jammed paper, it may be caught in the fuser area or behind an internal panel. Open all doors and panels, including the rear access door. On laser printers, remove the toner cartridge and drum unit for better visibility. Use a flashlight to inspect for small torn pieces. If the jam message persists with no visible paper, a sensor may need cleaning.

Can paper jams damage my printer permanently?

Occasional paper jams generally do not cause permanent damage. However, forcing paper out in the wrong direction can damage feed rollers, fuser assemblies, or sensors. Frequent jams can wear out components faster. If you experience constant jams, it typically indicates a mechanical issue that should be serviced to prevent further damage.

Need brand-specific help?

This guide covers the general fix. For model-specific instructions, find your printer brand below and navigate to your exact model for tailored troubleshooting steps.