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Fix a printer that jams

We'll power off safely, remove jammed paper, check paper loading and rollers, clean the paper path—or tell you when to call a pro.

Troubleshooting · Home electronics
10–20 min
What you'll need
  • Lint-free cloth (for cleaning rollers)
  • Flashlight (optional, to inspect paper path)
  • Printer manual (for cover locations and part numbers)
Step 1 of 8

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Steps

Goal: Power off safely, remove jammed paper, check loading and rollers, then test.

  • Power off the printer and unplug it before touching paper. Pulling paper while the printer is on can damage the rollers.
  • Open all accessible covers. Locate the jam—check the tray, feed area, and output. See Remove jammed paper.

Remove jammed paper

Goal: Clear all jammed paper and debris from the paper path.

  • Pull paper gently in the direction of paper flow—do not pull backward. If paper tears, remove all fragments.
  • Open rear or side panels per your model if paper is stuck deep inside. Check your manual or search “[brand] [model] paper jam.”
  • Inspect the paper path for debris—torn paper, labels, or foreign objects. Remove with tweezers or by gently pulling.
  • Good: No paper or fragments left. Proceed to Paper loading and rollers.
  • Bad: Paper still stuck—do not force; open additional panels per your model.

Paper loading and rollers

Goal: Correct paper loading and clean rollers to prevent repeat jams.

  • Check paper size matches the tray setting. Confirm the guides are snug against the stack.
  • Do not overfill—most trays hold 100–250 sheets; use 100–150 if jams occur. Fan the stack before loading.
  • Dampen a lint-free cloth with water. Wipe the feed roller with a gentle rotating motion. Let dry completely.
  • If rollers feel smooth, cracked, or glazed, they may be worn. Some models allow separation pad or pickup roller replacement—check your manual.
  • Good: Paper aligned, rollers clean. Plug in and test.
  • Bad: Rollers worn and you cannot replace—call a technician.

When to get help

Call a technician when:

  • Jams persist after clearing paper, correcting loading, and cleaning rollers.
  • Rollers are worn and replacement exceeds your comfort level.
  • The printer makes grinding noises or jams repeatedly with correct paper.

Do not force paper or disassemble beyond what the manual allows.

Verification

  • No paper or fragments left in the printer.
  • Paper loads correctly—size, orientation, and amount.
  • Test page prints successfully.
  • No jam error on the display after printing.

Escalation ladder

Work from the device outward. Stop when the problem is fixed.

  1. Power off Turn off and unplug before touching paper.
  2. Remove jammed paper Open covers and pull paper in direction of flow.
  3. Paper loading Check size, orientation, amount; fan the stack.
  4. Clean rollers Wipe rollers with damp lint-free cloth.
  5. Call a pro Jams persist—call a technician.

What to capture if you need help

Before calling support or posting for help, have these ready. It speeds everything up.

  • Printer model
  • Where paper was stuck
  • Whether paper loading was corrected
  • Whether rollers were cleaned
  • Steps already tried

Is there a jam error or paper stuck?

The printer may show a jam icon, error code, or paper may be visible in the tray or output.

Check for a jam error on the display or control panel. Look for paper stuck in the tray, feed area, or output. Good: you see a jam—proceed to remove it. Bad: no jam but printer will not print—different problem; see fix-printer-will-not-print.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Different problem

No jam—the printer may have a different issue. See fix-printer-will-not-print for power, connection, driver, or other faults.

Done

Is the printer powered off?

Pulling paper while the printer is on can damage rollers.

Turn off the printer and unplug it. Confirm the power LED is off. Good: printer is off. Bad: do not pull paper until power is off.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Have you removed all jammed paper?

Pull paper in the direction of paper flow. Remove any torn fragments.

Open all accessible covers. Pull paper gently in the direction of paper flow. Remove torn pieces. Check the paper path for debris. Good: no paper or fragments left. Bad: paper still stuck—open rear or side panels per your model.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Is paper loaded correctly?

Wrong size, orientation, or overfilling causes jams.

Check paper size matches the tray setting. Confirm guides are snug. Do not overfill—use 100–150 sheets if jams occur. Fan the stack before loading. Good: paper aligned and not overfilled. Bad: fix loading before testing.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Have you cleaned the rollers?

Dirty rollers cause repeated jams.

Dampen a lint-free cloth with water. Wipe the feed roller with a gentle rotating motion. Let dry. Good: rollers clean. Bad: rollers smooth or cracked—may need replacement; call a pro if unsure.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Does the test print work?

Plug in, turn on, and print a test page.

Plug the printer back in and turn it on. Print a test page. Good: test prints—jam cleared. Bad: jams again—check separation pad and rollers for wear, or call a pro.
Question

Does the test print work?

Continue

You can change your answer later.

Call a technician

Call a technician when: no jam but printer will not print (different problem); jams persist after clearing, correcting loading, and cleaning rollers; or rollers are worn and you cannot replace them. Do not force paper or disassemble beyond the manual.

Done

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why does my printer keep jamming?
Common causes: paper misloaded (wrong size, orientation, or too many sheets), wrinkled or damaged paper, dirty or worn rollers, debris in the paper path, or wrong paper type. Check loading first, then clean rollers.
Can I fix a printer jam myself?
Yes. Power off, open covers, and pull jammed paper gently in the direction of paper flow. Check paper loading and clean rollers. Do not force paper—you can damage the printer.
When should I call a technician for printer jams?
Call a technician when jams persist after you have cleared paper, corrected loading, and cleaned rollers. Worn rollers or internal mechanism faults need a pro.

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