HP OfficeJet 8720 jams every time I print double-sided

[gp914]

Hello-- my printer has suddenly stopped functioning as a duplex printer. It prints single-sided just fine, but it jams on the first page every time I select duplex. The same thing happens every time: I get a "paper jam" error, I remove the jammed paper from the duplex tray, then the printer jams again (in the same place) and the process repeats. Is there a new duplex driver that I need to download or reinstall? There is nothing jammed anywhere else, I'm not sure how to troubleshoot this issue. Thanks.

[Dragon-Fur]

@gp914 

Welcome to the HP Community --

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Printer - Jams and Feed Issues

The printer might benefit from a good cleaning.

Instructions to clear and clean the printer are included in the Troubleshooting document:

HP OfficeJet 8700 printers - Paper Jam error

Jamming is a concern because it might be related to a hardware failure, might be a sensor failure (which might, in turn, circle back around to a hardware failure), or might be due to a previous incident.  The Reset step in the Troubleshooting document should take care of the last one (previous error / instance).

Less common - worth checking...

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Printer - Duplex Feature

Duplex feature installed? (Model Dependent)

Control Panel > icon view > Devices and Printers

Right-Click Printer > Printer Properties > Tab Device Settings

OR

Windows 11

Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners

Select Printer > Printer Properties > Tab Device Settings

OR

Next,

Under Installable Options > Automatic Duplexing Unit > Select / Verify Installed > OK

Reminder:  Check Tray # = Installed

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Duplex unit attached to the printer? (Model Dependent)

If there is a Duplexer unit attached to the back of the printer, consider re-seating (removing/replacing) the Duplexer box. If you do remove the duplexer, take a moment to check inside the printer cavity for tiny stuck paper bits – while stuck paper would normally result in a “paper jam” error, the condition might generate problems with printing duplex.

What else?

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Printer - Tray and Paper

Less likely for a printer that you know, have used, and understand...

Takes a minute to check...

It's possible that the Tray and Paper settings for paper size and type are not correct and need to be adjusted.

Reminder

Not all paper sizes / types support Duplex Printing.

EWS > HP Document / How-to

Use the HP printer Embedded Web Server (EWS)

EWS – Browser – Tray and Paper Management

Open your Browser > Type / enter the Printer IP address into URL / Address bar

Tab Settings > Preferences > Tray and Paper (Management)

Select / Adjust settings for Paper Size / Type

Model Dependent:  Advanced section

Click Apply to save changes

Tray and Paper – Paper Size / Paper Type / Paper Weight

Reminder

HP Smart Mobile requires that paper size / type is adjusted before the content is opened to be printed.

Paper Size, Type, and Weight loaded in the printer tray must be supported for use in that tray.

EWS provides access and control to check / adjust Tray and Paper Settings.

Note

Depending on the printer model, the Printer Control Panel might provide access to Paper Size / Type settings immediately after the paper is (re)loaded into the appropriate printer intake tray.

Custom size?

If EWS does not allow setting the paper size or size “Custom”, look for the setting to do so in the Printer Control Panel after (re)loading the paper to be used

What? 

Paper Size, Type, and Weight must be appropriate for the tray in which that paper is to be used.

Depending on the printer model, Tray 1 might be used for Custom media. 

In this scenario, Tray 2 might only support Plain paper.

OR

If the "Custom Paper Tray" is Tray 2, then Tray 1 might only support Plain paper.

Printers that include a Photo Tray generally place limitations on the size and type of paper that the Photo Tray supports.  Example:  Depending on the printer model, the Photo Tray might support only 4x6 inch photo paper.

Example - EWS - Tray and Paper

EWS_9025_Preferences_Tray_and_Paper_Management_All_10

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Printer - Printing Preferences

Less likely for a printer that you know, have used, and understand...

Takes a minute to check...

Not all paper can be printed Duplex - Check your selected Shortcut / Printing Preferences settings.

When called from within printing programs / software / applications, Printing Preferences might be called "Printer Properties" / "Shortcuts" / “More Settings” / “Properties” / "Printer Setup" / "Presets" or similar.

No Size?  If the size of the Paper Size is not included in the Drop-down list, consider / try:  Create a Custom Paper Size Form.  Reference:  HP Printers - Creating Custom Paper Sizes

NOTE >> Word > Mailings > Envelopes - Preferences and Envelopes 

Select / leave Printing Preferences Shortcut to "Everyday Printing" or something equally benign. 

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Printing Preferences – Shortcuts / Selections

Windows 11 > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers and scanners

Left-Click on (your) Printer > Printing Preferences

Windows 10 > Settings > Devices > Printers and scanners

Left-Click on (your) Printer > Manage > Printing Preferences

Next

Tab Printing Shortcuts

Click / Highlight your preferred Shortcut

Click Apply > Click OK to exit

Optional - Additional Setup / Information

Make changes to a Shortcut (Model Dependent)

Select your Shortcut (locked / template or custom) >

Adjust the settings for paper, source (tray), other settings

Check all sub-menus in all Tabs

Click OK to save / leave sub menu

Custom Shortcut

On the main Preferences menu,

Save the edited shortcut or use “Save As” or “Create Custom Shortcut” to save as a new / different file name

Click OK to save the setup

Side Bar: Scan Menu for HP Scan

Open section More >

Check / adjust settings in each sub-section

Click OK to save sub-menu changes

Example - Windows - Printing Preferences

9025_Printing_Preferences_Everyday_7

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Printer - Printer Software

Less common...

The Printer Software might benefit from being reloaded.

Uninstall the full driver printer software from Programs and Features

Restart computer and Sign in

Install a new copy of the Full Feature Software

Restart computer and Sign in

Important

Embedded OCR software was removed from some printer software installation packages in mid-2022.

Other printer software has never had OCR.

Possible reasons (not verified) might include:  Compatibility issues, licensing limitations, changes elsewhere in the printer software that required the older embedded OCR to be removed.

If you have a slightly older version of the Web Pack Installation package saved in your system (check your Downloads folder) or in one of your backups, install that version.

Details Page - Driver - For your Printer

>>> Full Feature Software - Web Pack Installation Package - Information - Download / Save / Install  <<<

HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 All-in-One Print and Scan Driver and Accessories 

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References / Resources

HP Printer Home Page - References and Resources

Learn about your Printer - Solve Problems

“Things that are your printer”

When the website support page opens, Select (as available) a Category > Topic > Subtopic

NOTE: Content depends on device type and Operating System

Categories: Alerts, Troubleshooting, Ink & Paper, HP Software / Drivers / Firmware Updates , Setup & User Guides, Product Specifications, Account & Registration, Warranty & Repair

Open

HP OfficeJet Pro 8725 All-in-One Printer  

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