paper keeps pulling to one side

[aprildurr10]

I cannot get paper to feed straight  i have cleaned and done all trouble shooting to clean and clear and am just wasting trees and paper  please help very frustrated!!!

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @aprildurr10 

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

I hear you—when your printer turns into a paper-wasting machine despite all your efforts, it’s beyond frustrating. 

Let’s dig deeper and try a few targeted fixes that go beyond the usual cleaning routine:

🧭 1. Realign the printer cartridges
Misaligned cartridges can cause skewed feeding even if the rollers are clean:

• Load plain white paper into the tray.
• On the printer’s control panel or via the HP Smart app, go to Tools > Print Quality Tools > Align Printer.
• Follow the prompts to print and scan the alignment page.

🧼 2. Deep-clean the paper feed rollers
Even after a basic cleaning, residue can linger:

• Turn off and unplug the printer.
• Open the rear access door or paper path cover.
• Use a lint-free cloth slightly dampened with distilled water to clean the rollers thoroughly.
• Rotate the rollers manually to clean all sides.
• Let everything dry completely before powering back on.

📐 3. Adjust paper guides precisely
Paper guides that are too loose or tight can cause crooked feeding:

• Remove all paper and reload a fresh stack.
• Slide the guides so they gently touch the edges of the paper—not squeezing it, just snug enough to hold it steady.

🧾 4. Check the paper/media.
Wrinkled or curled sheets can throw off alignment:

• Try using a new pack of standard 75–90 gsm paper.
• Avoid glossy, recycled, or damp sheets during troubleshooting.

🔄 5. Reset the printer firmware
Sometimes internal settings get stuck:

• Unplug the printer for 60 seconds.
• Press and hold the power button for 30 seconds while unplugged.
• Plug it back in directly to a wall outlet and turn it on.

If the issue persists, it might be a mechanical fault with the feed mechanism. You’ve been incredibly patient—let’s get your printer feeding paper like it’s supposed to! 💪🖨️

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