What is a paper jam? Why does it occur? As the name says, when paper gets stuck inside the printer or the paper tray, a jam occurs, and this problem is called a paper jam. This issue occurs due to several reasons, and because of this, the printer stops printing. A small bit of paper is sufficient to create the HP printer paper jam issue. It is essential to clear out the jammed paper from the printer to make the printer work and resume printing.
However, it is a common printer problem. Almost every printer faces it while giving a print command. This common printer issue can also be easily resolved using the proper troubleshooting methods. This issue can be frustrating if you do not know how to fix it. It wastes the paper when it gets jammed inside the printer. If you are facing a similar problem, understand the reasons behind it.
Causes of HP Printer Paper Jam Problem
If you know what causes it, you can even avoid it from happening again easily. Some of the causes of this error are:
Using poor-quality or improper paper quality: A low-quality paper creates shreds and flasks, leaving behind paper dust. Over time, dust accumulates, creating problems for the printer. An incompatible page also makes paper jams, so using suitable paper for the printer is always recommended.
The poor-quality cartridge is installed: Using a low-quality cartridge can result in a paper jam. Poor cartridge leaves behind the toner powder or stray ink, slowly accumulating inside the printer, causing such an error. It would be best to use a genuine cartridge for the printer; it would be best to use a cartridge of the same brand.
Paper not appropriately inserted or overloaded: The incorrect placement of the page on the tray also causes this issue. It would be best to put the pages correctly in the tray. You must also not overload the paper tray; always load the recommended paper quality on the tray.
Many more causes can create a paper jam problem. Now, let's understand what can be the solution to overcome this printer issue. Let's learn how to clear paper jams when it gets jammed inside or outside the printer.
Solutions For HP Printer Paper Jam Issue
Solution 1: Remove Jammed Paper From the Input Tray
Clear out all the jammed and loose paper from the printer's input tray. After that, pull out the paper tray and check for the paper jam. If any jammed paper or other object is found in the input paper tray area, remove it. Ensure not to tear the paper; to avoid tearing, use both hands to pull the paper. Also, make sure not to remove the input tray shield. When you press the Cancel button on the printer, the paper jam gets automatically cleared.
Solution 2: Pull Out Jammed Paper From the Output Tray
Remove all the paper from the printer's output tray that is accessible, including both loose and jammed. Remove the output tray and look for the paper jam in the output paper tray area. Take out all jammed paper or any other object you find. Pull out the paper using both hands to avoid tearing of paper.
Solution 3: Take Out Jammed Paper From the Cartridge Access Area
- Open the access door of the ink cartridge area and wait till the ink cartridge becomes idle and silent.
- With the printer switched on, remove the power cable or any other USB cable from the rear part of the printer.
- Check for the jammed paper inside the printer's cartridge access area and remove it.
- Push the ink cartridge towards the right and remove the jammed paper or object from the cartridge path.
- Close the ink cartridge's access door and reconnect the power cable or all other USB cables.
- Finally, switch on the printer and check if the HP printer paper jam issue has been resolved or not.
Solution 4: Reset the HP Printer to Fix the Problem
- Switch on the printer and wait till it gets wholly turned On.
- With the printer On, remove the power cable from the rear part of the printer.
- Wait for some seconds and reinsert the power cable to the rear part of the printer.
- Switch on the printer if it does not turn On automatically and wait till it becomes idle and silent.
- Try printing the document and check if the HP printer paper jam error has been fixed or not.
Solution 5: Manually clean the roller of the paper feed
- Switch on the printer and remove the power cable and the other USB cables from the printer.
- Lift the printer's input paper tray and raise the input tray extender.
- After that, raise and hold the input paper tray shield and ensure not to remove it.
- Look into the inside area of the open input tray and search for the gray color paper pick rollers. You may require a flashlight to see the place.
- Take a cotton swab and lightly dampen it with water. Squeeze the excess amount of water from the cotton swab.
- Release the input paper tray shield and let the rollers get completely dry. Wait for at least 10 minutes.
- Reinsert the power and USB cables, and then switch on the printer.
