Printer won't print, says it has paper jam, but doesn't

[Barrett95]

I try and print something and it says I have a printer jam (which I do not) sometimes it prints (rarely) and most times it does not. Any help? Thanks

[Sneha_01]

Hi @Barrett95 

Welcome to HP Support Community.

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

It sounds like your printer is displaying a paper jam error even though there’s no actual paper jam. This is a fairly common issue and can be caused by various factors, including misalignment, debris inside the printer, or issues with sensors. Here are some troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve the issue:

Step 1: Check for Paper Jam (Even if You Don't See One)

Even though you might not see a jam, paper can sometimes get stuck in hard-to-see areas. Follow these steps to thoroughly check for any paper that may have been partially fed or stuck:

1. Turn off the Printer and unplug it from the power source for safety.
2. Open the Printer's Access Panels:
   • Open the front cover or the rear access panel (depending on your printer model).
   • Carefully remove any paper that might be stuck in the paper path, even if it's not visible from the front. Check both the input tray and the output tray.
3. Check for Small Scraps of Paper: Look for any tiny bits of paper stuck near rollers or inside the printer, especially around the paper feed area or the rollers. These tiny scraps can sometimes trigger a "paper jam" error.
4. Re-seat the Paper Tray: Remove and reinsert the paper tray to make sure it's properly seated.

Step 2: Inspect the Paper Feed Rollers

The paper feed rollers are responsible for pulling the paper into the printer. Over time, they can become dirty or worn out, causing the printer to misfeed paper and think there's a jam.

1. Examine the Rollers: Look inside the printer to see the feed rollers. If you can, gently clean them with a soft cloth lightly dampened with water or a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol. Be careful not to press too hard.
2. Check for Wear: If the rollers appear to be worn or have indentations, they may need to be replaced.

Step 3: Check the Paper Tray

Sometimes the paper tray or paper type settings can cause misfeeds.

1. Ensure the Paper Tray is Aligned Properly:
   • Make sure the paper tray is loaded correctly, with the paper stacked neatly and aligned.
   • Ensure that the paper guides (the adjustable side and rear guides) are snug against the paper, but not too tight, as this can cause paper misfeeds.
2. Avoid Overloading the Tray: If the tray is overfilled, it may cause the printer to misfeed and incorrectly register a paper jam.

Step 4: Reset the Printer

Sometimes the error may be caused by a glitch in the printer’s software or internal sensors. Resetting the printer can help:

1. Turn off the Printer and unplug it from the power source for 1–2 minutes.
2. Plug it back in and turn the printer on again to reset the internal software.

Step 5: Check for Firmware Updates

Outdated firmware can sometimes cause erroneous error messages, including false paper jams.

1. Visit the HP Support website (or the website for your printer manufacturer if you have a different brand).
2. Search for your printer model and check if there are any available firmware updates.
3. Follow the instructions to update the printer’s firmware.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.

Rachel571

HP Support