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Fix Duplex Printing Issues – Printer Troubleshooting Guide | TroubleshootMyPrinter




How to Fix: Duplex Printing Issues

The printer’s automatic duplex (two-sided) printing feature malfunctions, producing misaligned pages, jams during flipping, or failing to print on the second side. Duplex issues can be hardware-related (duplexer unit) or software-related (driver settings). This guide walks you through the most common causes and step-by-step solutions to fix duplex printing issues on any printer, regardless of brand or model.

Common Causes

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

  • Duplex unit is not properly installed or has become dislodged
  • Paper type or weight is not compatible with automatic duplexing
  • Incorrect duplex settings in the printer driver (long edge vs. short edge binding)
  • Paper is curling during the duplex process due to heat or humidity
  • Duplex rollers are worn or contaminated, causing feed issues

Step-by-Step Solution

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

  1. Step 1: Verify duplex printing is enabled in the printer driver under Layout or Finishing options
  2. Step 2: Ensure the paper type and weight are within the duplex specifications (typically 60-105 gsm for most printers)
  3. Step 3: Check that the duplex unit is properly installed by removing and reseating it
  4. Step 4: Select the correct binding orientation: ‘Flip on Long Edge’ for portrait, ‘Flip on Short Edge’ for landscape
  5. Step 5: Clean the duplex rollers with a lint-free cloth dampened with distilled water
  6. Step 6: Update the printer driver, as duplex calibration issues are sometimes fixed in driver updates
  7. Step 7: Try printing a duplex test page from the printer’s built-in menu to verify hardware functionality

Brand-Specific Troubleshooting

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

Hp Printers

HP printers with automatic duplexing require the rear duplexer to be properly attached. Check under Printer Properties > Device Settings that the duplex unit is listed as ‘Installed.’ Some HP models require enabling duplex in the EWS (Embedded Web Server) before the driver option becomes available.

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

Canon Printers

Canon duplex printing alignment can be calibrated from the printer’s maintenance menu. If pages are misaligned in duplex mode, run ‘Print Head Alignment’ from the maintenance settings. Canon imageCLASS models may require setting the paper type to ‘Plain’ for duplex to work.

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

Brother Printers

Brother printers may display a ‘Jam Duplex’ error if the duplex tray is not fully closed. The duplex tray on Brother models slides out from the back — ensure it is pushed in fully until it clicks. Brother duplex printing supports paper up to 105 gsm only.

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

Xerox Printers

Xerox VersaLink and WorkCentre models have duplex settings in both the driver and the printer’s on-device menu. If duplex options are grayed out in the driver, check the printer’s configuration page to verify the duplexer is recognized. Xerox printers support duplex on heavier stock than most brands.

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

Related Problems

Users experiencing duplex printing issues often encounter these related issues:

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my duplex printing upside down on one side?

This happens when the wrong binding edge is selected. For standard portrait documents, use ‘Flip on Long Edge’ (left binding). For landscape documents, use ‘Flip on Short Edge.’ Change this in the printer driver under Layout settings. Some applications also have their own duplex settings that can override the driver.

Why does my printer jam only when duplex printing?

Duplex jams are often caused by paper that is too heavy, too thin, or curled from heat and humidity. Use standard 80 gsm paper for the most reliable duplex printing. Ensure the duplex unit is properly installed and its rollers are clean. Paper that has already been printed on one side can curl from fuser heat, making it prone to jamming during the flip.

Can all printers do automatic duplex printing?

No, automatic duplex printing requires a built-in or add-on duplexer unit. Check your printer’s specifications to verify duplex capability. Printers without auto-duplex can still print on both sides manually — print odd pages first, flip the stack, then print even pages. The driver usually has a ‘Manual Duplex’ option for this.

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.