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- HP Community
- Printers
- Printer Paper Jams & Feed Issues
- Paper jam - already manually cleaned rollers/3 levels of pri...

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03-31-2025 09:44 AM
The paper keeps jamming and print quality is not fully back to normal - I spent an hour manually cleaning the paper rollers with Q-tips and alcohol wipes, all the build up on the white plastic plate under the cover, took off the back plate and cleaned those rollers. Then I spent 40 minutes doing three levels of printhead cleaning using the HP Smart app. I waited 2 hours and ran the 3 levels of print head cleaning again. The print quality still has streaks, and the paper jams after about 3 pages.
04-02-2025 05:02 AM
Hi @sunsmoo
Welcome to the HP Support Community!
Thanks for posting your query! We're here to help you get back up and running.
It sounds like you've already put in a lot of effort to resolve the paper jamming and print quality issues with your HP OfficeJet Pro 8720.
Let’s try a few additional steps to tackle these problems:
1. Paper Jamming
- Inspect the Paper Path Thoroughly: Double-check for any tiny scraps of paper or debris in the paper path, including the input tray, output tray, and duplexer. Even small pieces can cause jams.
- Use High-Quality Paper: Ensure you're using paper that meets the printer's specifications. Avoid wrinkled or damp paper.
- Adjust Paper Guides: Make sure the paper guides in the tray are snug against the paper stack without bending it.
- Clean the Rollers Again: If you haven’t already, use a damp lint-free cloth to clean the rollers. Let them dry completely before using the printer.
2. Print Quality Issues
- Align the Printhead: Use the printer’s control panel or the HP Smart app to align the printhead. Misalignment can cause streaks.
- Check Ink Levels: Ensure all cartridges have sufficient ink. Low ink levels can affect print quality.
- Run a Diagnostic Report: Print a diagnostic page to identify specific print quality issues. This can help pinpoint whether the problem lies with the printhead or cartridges.
- Replace the Printhead (if necessary): If cleaning and alignment don’t resolve the streaks, the printhead might need replacement.
3. Firmware Update
- Visit the HP Support website to check for and install the latest firmware updates for your printer. Firmware updates can resolve bugs and improve performance.
4. Reset the Printer
- Turn off the printer, unplug it from the power source, and wait for about 60 seconds.
- Plug it back in, turn it on, and try printing again.
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Take care, and have an amazing day!
Regards,
Hawks_Eye
If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks!