HP printer paper jam? How to clear it (even when there's no paper stuck)

⚡ Fast fix

• Stop the presses. Hold the Cancel button down on your HP® printer to end the print job.
• Shut it down. Press the Power button to turn off the printer.
• Find the jam. Check the input tray, output tray, and feeder for stuck paper, and gently remove it.
• Clean the rollers. Use a damp, clean rag to remove built-up ink and oils from the printer rollers.

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For the fifth time today, you're trying to print out an important report. But things go awry around page 15. That's when your report gets stuck, and you have to start over from the beginning. Why does my printer keep jamming, you wonder?

Asurion Experts help people troubleshoot all kinds of tech issues daily just like this one. Here's what we'd recommend you do to clear up an HP printer paper jam.

How to safely remove stuck paper from your HP printer

The easiest way to fix a paper jam is to find its source. If the jam is in an accessible place, like a tray or feeder, you can simply remove the paper and restart the job. But knowing the right way to clear a paper jam on an HP printer is important, since moving too forcefully can make the issue worse. Here's what to do:

1. Make sure your printer is completely powered off.
2. Check the input tray, output tray, and feeder for jammed paper.
3. If you see stuck paper, gently pull it out. Avoid tearing the paper, since that can cause it to get stuck in a place where it's harder to remove.
4. Pop open the top and rear compartments to check for deeper jams.
5. Gently remove any remaining scraps, taking care not to tear them.

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Fix an HP printer paper jam error when no paper is stuck

You've removed what you thought was the culprit jam from your printer. But instead of being rewarded with a smooth print job, you get an error from your HP printer that says paper jam, but there is none. Now what?

It may be one of these issues:

• A hidden scrap: A tiny slip of torn paper may still be stuck. Have another look inside the trays, feeder, and compartments to make sure you removed everything.
• Dirty rollers: Printer rollers attract lots of grime from printing oils and ink. Cleaning them with a lint-free, damp cloth may help.
• Carriage obstruction: There may be a small bit of paper or other blockage behind the ink cartridge area. Try sliding it gently to one side, or plug in the printer so it moves automatically to the center.
• Sensor issues: The HP printer's sensors may be falsely detecting a jam. This one's harder to fix without professional help, since it may require replacement parts.

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Reset your HP printer after clearing a paper jam

If your HP printer is not printing despite clearing the jam, cleaning the rollers, and checking for other blockers, it's time to try another solution: an HP printer paper jam reset.

Since the process for resetting an HP printer varies by model, it's best to check your device's user manual for instructions. It will tell you which buttons to push to restore your device to its factory settings. Keep in mind a reset won't remove any remaining paper that's still stuck inside your printer, so be sure you've fully cleared it before moving on to a reset.

After resetting your printer, you'll need to reconnect it to your Wi-Fi network if you rely on a wireless connection. This will fix an offline HP printer that isn't responding to new jobs. Make sure to use the same Wi-Fi network as your computer. Otherwise, you may continue to have connection issues.

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FAQ

How do I reset my HP printer after a paper jam?

Unplug the HP printer from its power source and wait for at least one minute. Then, press the power button for 30 seconds before plugging it back in. This won't delete your settings, but it may clear the error message from the system.

Why does my HP printer say paper jam when there is none?

There may be a remaining scrap of paper still stuck in the machine. Open the top and rear access doors and look for torn paper that you haven't yet removed. You can also check the trays and document feeder.

Why does my HP printer keep jamming?

If your printer continues to jam despite removing the blockers, try cleaning the printer rollers with a damp cloth. Grimy rollers can cause paper to stick during each printing cycle, even after removing stuck paper. Wait until they're fully dry before trying to print again.