Printer roller picking only corner of the paper

None133 · ‎09-08-2025

Hi, I have been recently dealing with this issue. Anytime I try to print something, my printer gets stuck and does not print. It seems as if the rollers are grabbing one side of the paper, but the other corner of the paper won't feed through. My printer is trying to print; however, it looks like it gets stuck. I have tried cleaning the print head, but since it does not print a report because it's not printing, it won't clean the print head. I have also tried alignment of the printer, and it does not print, so it never completes the alignment. I have tried factory resetting, turning it off and on, disconnecting, and reconnecting. I am running out of options. Please help. I tried printing a two-page paper, and only one came out, but the other paper was never printed because of this issue. It used to work before. This is a photo of it when I try to print. It slants the paper and gets stuck.

Hawks_Eye · ‎09-10-2025

Hi @None133

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

Thank you for sharing the image and details — I can see how frustrating this paper feed issue is, especially since your printer used to work fine. Based on your description and the visible slanting of the paper in the tray, it’s likely a mechanical feeding issue, commonly caused by dusty rollers, misaligned paper guides, or damaged/worn rollers.

Let’s walk through targeted steps to resolve it.

Steps to Resolve the Paper Feed Issue

1. Power Reset the Printer

Start fresh with a full power cycle:

Turn off the printer

Disconnect the power cable from the wall and printer

Wait 60 seconds

Plug it back in and turn it on

This resets the paper pickup system.

2. Clean the Paper Pickup Rollers

Dust and debris buildup on the rollers is a common cause of the printer grabbing only part of the page.

To clean the rollers:

Turn off and unplug the printer.

Remove all paper from the input tray.

Use a lint-free cloth (slightly damp with distilled water) to gently wipe the rollers visible inside the paper tray area.

Rotate the rollers manually (if accessible) and wipe the entire surface.

Allow them to dry completely before turning the printer back on.

Tip: Some HP models have a rear access panel or cartridge access door that gives better access to rollers. Check your printer's manual for detailed cleaning access points.

3. Check and Adjust the Paper Guides

From your image, it looks like the paper stack may be slightly tilted, which can cause misfeeds.

Make sure the paper guides are snug against the sides of the stack — but not too tight

Use only clean, flat, undamaged paper

Remove excess paper; try with just 10–20 sheets of plain paper

4. Fan and Reseat the Paper Stack

Paper can stick together slightly, which may cause uneven feeding.

Remove the paper and fan the stack

Check for any curled or bent corners

Reseat the paper neatly into the tray

5. Use the Printer's "Pick Roller Cleaning" Feature (if available)

Some HP models include a cleaning mode for the rollers:

Open the HP Smart app or Embedded Web Server

Look for a “Clean Paper Feed Rollers” option under Maintenance or Tools

If you see this option, run it — it may help reset the grip pattern.

6. Perform a Manual Alignment After Fix

Once the feed issue is resolved:

From the HP Smart app or printer control panel, initiate a Print Alignment Page

Complete the alignment process so future prints go smoothly

You’ve done the right things so far — resetting, cleaning the print head, checking alignment — the issue now points clearly to paper feed hardware, not software.

Most often, cleaning the rollers and adjusting the paper guides carefully will solve exactly what you’re seeing. If not, hardware servicing may be needed.

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! 😊

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards,

Hawks_Eye

I am an HP Employee.

None133 · ‎09-14-2025

Hi,

I have tried all of these options. It does not even do an alignment because it won't print properly. It ends up telling me the alignment has failed.

Hawks_Eye · ‎09-14-2025

We sincerely thank you for your patience and co-operation during this troubleshooting process.

I'm sending you a private message to guide you on the next steps.

To access it, click the private message icon in the upper-right corner of your HP Support Community profile, next to your name.

If this resolves your issue, kindly mark this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" if it was helpful.

Take care and have a great day!