A paper jam is one of the most common printer problems. Pulling paper out the wrong way can damage the rollers and sensors, making the problem worse. Follow this universal method to safely clear any paper jam from any inkjet printer brand.
Before You Start
- Do NOT pull paper backward through the rollers — this can tear the paper and leave fragments inside.
- Turn off the printer first — this resets the print head to a safe position.
- Work in good lighting — you need to see any small paper fragments inside.
- Have tweezers ready — useful for grabbing small torn pieces.
Step-by-Step: Clearing a Paper Jam
Step 1: Turn off the printer. Press the power button and wait for all movement to stop completely. Unplug the power cord for safety.
Step 2: Check the paper tray. Open the paper input tray and look for any jammed paper. If you see paper stuck, gently pull it straight out in the direction the paper normally feeds (toward the output tray).
Step 3: Open the rear access panel. Most inkjet printers have a rear access door or panel. Open it and check for jammed paper from the back. Gently pull any stuck paper out slowly and evenly — both sides at once if possible.
Step 4: Open the front cover. Lift the front cover to expose the print head area. The print head should move to a visible position. Look for any paper wrapped around the rollers or stuck beneath the print head.
Step 5: Remove all paper fragments. Use tweezers to carefully remove any small torn pieces. Even a tiny fragment can cause repeated jams or sensor errors.
Step 6: Inspect the rollers. Check both the pickup rollers (in the paper tray area) and the output rollers. Wipe them with a slightly damp lint-free cloth to remove any dust or paper residue.
Step 7: Reassemble and test. Close all covers and panels. Plug the printer back in, power it on, and print a test page to verify the jam is fully cleared.
Preventing Paper Jams
- Use the right paper: Make sure the paper matches your printer's specifications (usually 20 lb bond, 8.5" x 11").
- Don't overload the tray: Check the maximum paper capacity marked on the tray — overfilling is the #1 cause of jams.
- Fan the paper before loading: Separate sheets can stick together from static. Fan the stack before placing it in the tray.
- Store paper properly: Keep paper in a dry, flat location. Moisture causes paper to curl and stick.
- Remove bent or wrinkled sheets: Don't load paper that's been bent, wrinkled, or folded.
Recurring jams? If you're experiencing frequent paper jams, the pickup rollers may be worn out and need replacement. This is a common maintenance item after 50,000+ pages. Check our All Guides page for model-specific maintenance guides.