How to fix a paper jam in a printer

When working with any printer, it's inevitable that you'll encounter a paper jam, alternatively called a misfeed. The following is a general guide for troubleshooting and removing paper stuck in one or more locations. Although most modern printers are similar in design, you may have to make slight adjustments to these steps, depending on the printer brand and model.

Locate and remove any paper stuck in the loading tray

1. Remove any loose paper in the loading tray.
2. Press the Resume button on the front of the printer.

3. Carefully remove stuck paper one sheet at a time, starting in the middle.
4. Check for any remaining bits of paper inside the printer.

Clearing the jam from the rear of the printer

If you can't get to the paper jam from the loading tray, follow the instructions to clear the paper from the rear of the printer. Usually, the back of the printer has either a rear access panel or a two-sided printing accessory.

Removing a rear access panel

1. Locate the knob or access tab on the back of the printer by or on the panel itself. If it's a knob, move it to the Unlocked position.
2. Remove the panel and carefully pull out the jammed paper.
3. Locate and clear away any small bits of paper that remain.
4. Replace and secure the rear panel.

Remove the two-sided printing accessory to clear the paper jam

1. Press both release buttons on either end of the module at the same time and remove it.
2. Remove the panel and carefully pull out the jammed paper.
3. Locate and clear away any small bits of paper that remain.
4. Push the module back on and snap it into place.

5. Press the button on top of the module and open the door.
6. Remove the panel and carefully pull out the jammed paper.
7. Locate and clear away any small bits of paper that remain.
8. Close the rear module door.

Pulling the paper out from under the front cover

If all the previous steps have failed, you may attempt to remove the jammed paper by pulling it out from under the front cover carefully and slowly. Remember, as stated above, this step is generally not recommended and should only be a last resort, as it could cause damage to the printer.

Ensure the printer carriage can move freely

1. Disconnect the printer from power by unplugging the power cord from the power outlet.
2. Watch the carriage to see if it moves fully to the right side of the printer and out of sight. Do not force the carriage to move if it's stuck, as this may damage your printer.

3. Carefully remove the ink cartridge(s).
4. Without removing the drawer, remove any paper in the loading tray.
5. Remove the two-sided printing accessory (module) or rear access door.
6. With your fingers, rotate the rollers toward the top of the printer for three full rotations.
7. Replace the two-sided printing accessory (module) or rear access door.
8. Replace the ink cartridges.
9. Plug in and turn on your printer.

Reloading and testing the printer

Once you've removed the jam, cleared away any remaining bits of paper, and ensured the print carriage can move without issue, test your printer.

1. Put some inkjet paper into the loading tray and slide it into place.
2. Print a test page by performing a self-test. Usually, a self-test can be initiated by pressing and holding the Resume button until the printer starts printing.

Continued problems? Possible printer hardware problems

If the printer claims there is still a paper jam after going through the steps above, your printer may have a hardware problem. A malfunctioning roller or parts in the paper feed mechanism can make a printer think it has a paper jam.

In the case of a hardware problem, it may be possible to have the printer repaired. However, due to the low costs of printers today, it is often cheaper to buy a new printer instead of having a printer repaired.

Preventing a printer paper jam

As mentioned earlier, paper jams are an inevitability over the life of your printer. However, if you're encountering frequent paper jams, the following steps may help prevent them.

1. If your printer has a paper tray, do not fill the tray. Overfilling the paper tray is frequently causes paper jams.
2. Many printers have sliding mechanisms that allow different types and sizes of paper to be fed into the printer. If the slider is not correctly positioned, it can cause a paper jam.
3. Use standard office paper. Folded, labeled, and specialty paper can often cause jams because they have irregular dimensions. If you're uncertain which types of paper your printer accepts, consult the printer documentation.
4. If you're using photo transfer paper, make sure you're using the correct paper for your type of printer. There are different types of transfer paper for both laserjet and inkjet. Failure to use the proper type of paper can cause damage to the printer.
5. If you are printing multiple pages, do not mix the paper sizes.
6. Make sure your printer paper is correctly seated into the slot or tray.
7. Examine the printer for any debris before printing. Previous paper jams, torn paper, printing labels, or other foreign objects in the printer can cause reoccurring jams.