Dealing with Paper Jams? Here's What to Do

A paper jam is one of the most frustrating printer issues—and almost every printer user has faced it at some point. The good news is that in most cases, it’s easy to fix yourself at home without needing any outside help.

This guide walks you through why paper jams happen, how to clear them safely, and how to prevent them in the future.

What Is a Paper Jam?

A paper jam occurs when a sheet of paper gets stuck inside the printer’s rollers or feed path, stopping the printing process. The printer may display an error or make a beeping sound, and the job won’t complete until the jam is resolved.

Why Do Paper Jams Happen?

• Paper is not aligned properly in the tray
• Using the wrong paper size or type
• Overfilled paper tray
• Dirty rollers inside the printer
• Torn, curled, or wrinkled paper
• Obstructions inside the paper feed path

How to Fix a Paper Jam: Step-by-Step

1. Turn Off and Unplug the Printer

Always start by turning off the printer and unplugging it. This prevents any moving parts from causing damage while you’re working.

2. Open the Access Panels

Open the main paper tray, rear access door, and top lid to locate where the jammed paper is stuck.

3. Remove the Jammed Paper Gently

• Pull the paper out slowly and evenly to avoid tearing it.
• If it tears, check for any leftover pieces inside.
• Do not use force—try from a different direction if it resists.

4. Check the Rollers

Inspect the rollers inside the printer. If they look dirty or dusty, gently clean them with a lint-free cloth.

5. Reload Paper Properly

After removing the jam, make sure the remaining paper stack is aligned well and not overfilled. Adjust the side guides to fit the paper snugly.

6. Turn the Printer Back On

Plug the printer back in, turn it on, and try printing a test page to confirm the issue is resolved.

How to Avoid Paper Jams in the Future

• Always use smooth, clean, and undamaged paper.
• Don’t overfill the paper tray—check your printer’s capacity.
• Align paper properly before sliding the tray in.
• Store paper in a dry, flat area to prevent curling.
• Clean the rollers regularly, especially if you print often.

Not Just Paper Jams? We Cover More.

At Easy Solve Hub, we share reliable DIY guides to help you solve printer issues at home—from slow printing to connection errors. If you're facing a different issue, check out our blog for more step-by-step solutions.