Printer paper jam: how do you clear it without damaging it?

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Printer paper jam: this message blocks printing until whatever is stuck comes out, so first look for a trapped sheet or a small torn piece left along the paper path. On a laser printer, allow time for it to cool down too.

Common symptoms and causes

A paper jam means a sheet has stopped somewhere along its path through the printer. Signs and leads to check:

• A jam message, with a sheet half fed or no sheet in sight.
• Paper that is creased, damp, the wrong type or the wrong weight (paper weight is measured in grams per square meter).
• Too many sheets in the tray, paper loaded badly, paper guides set wrong.
• Torn pieces left on the paper path.
• Dirty feed rollers, a lead Canon mentions.
• A false jam with no paper present: HP forums discuss it, with no official confirmation.

Before you start

Note your printer’s brand and exact series, and keep its manual within reach. The cover, rear access, duplex unit and fuser unit differ from one model to another.

Warning: unplug the device from the wall outlet before opening it; never work on a plugged-in device; the capacitors in some devices (TVs, microwaves, power supplies) stay charged after unplugging, so do not touch them.

Warning: opening the device may void the warranty, so check the warranty end date first. Forcing it, using a metal object or taking the fuser unit apart can also damage the machine.

Warning: switching the printer off clears the print job in progress. Keep the document handy so you can send it again once you are done.

Warning: on a laser printer, the fuser unit (the part that heats up to fix toner onto the sheet) stays hot after shutdown. HP allows about 30 minutes of cooling on the P4010 and P4510 before opening them, according to a summary of its documentation.

Keep the printer flat: Epson advises against tilting it or turning it over, because ink can leak. And always pull gently. Excessive force damages internal parts.

Also check the paper loading before you open any cover: solution 5 works as a first check.

Solution 1: remove the stuck sheet

Use this solution when you can see the sheet sticking out. Switching off in steps 2 and 3 clears the current job, so send it again at the end.

1. Cancel the current print job: press RESUME/CANCEL on a Canon iP110, STOP on a Canon TS5000.
2. Turn the printer off.
3. Unplug it from the wall outlet.
4. Find where the sheet sticks out: output slot, rear tray or front feed.
5. Remove any creased or curled paper first.
6. Hold the stuck sheet with both hands.
7. Pull it slowly in the direction of the paper path. On a Canon iP110, pull at about 45 degrees so it does not tear.
8. If it tears, remove the pieces left inside.
9. Plug the printer back in and turn it on.
10. On a Canon TS5000, reload the paper, then press OK on the screen.
11. Send the document again.

Printing should resume without any message. If the sheet will not budge, do not force it and move on to solution 2.

Good to know: the best way out depends on the model. Canon points to the output slot or the rear tray on the TS5000, Epson to the path from the front feed.

Solution 2: open the covers and internal access points

Keep the printer off and unplugged. Follow the section for your brand, then put every cover back before plugging in again.

Epson inkjet

1. Remove the rear cover if your model has a rear tray.
2. Clear the paper underneath.
3. Raise the control panel if your model requires it.
4. Lift the scanner unit until it clicks.
5. Remove the paper without touching the white flat cable or the translucent film.
6. Close the scanner unit in two stages.
7. Put all the covers back.

On some older models, the screen shows “Paper jam XXX”: follow the zone it indicates. If the error persists, remove the duplex unit (the module that flips the sheet) and check the opening at the bottom rear.

These two points come from a summary of Epson’s documentation. They are not confirmed.

Canon iP110 inkjet

Closing the cover at step 4 cancels the pending jobs, so you will have to send them again.

1. Lift the print head cover.
2. If paper sits under the head holder, slide it slowly to the left or right with your fingertips.
3. Leave the head locking lever in place.
4. Close the cover.

HP laser

This route comes from a summary of the documentation for an M856, a business model, and depends on the machine. On a home laser printer, follow its manual. The code 13.xx shows the jam zone on models that display it.

1. Wait for the printer to cool down.
2. Remove the fuser unit by its handles or levers, without tilting it.
3. Open the access door.
4. Pull the sheet out gently.
5. Remove every fragment, without sharp or metal tools.
6. Reinstall the unit until it clicks.

Once the paper is out and the covers are back, plug in and power on. The message should disappear. If it comes back, a fragment is still inside.

Solution 3: printer paper jam but no paper in sight

On a Canon iP110, a message that returns when you resume printing points to a fragment left in the machine. According to Epson, small pieces also cause repeated jams. Keep the printer off and unplugged while you search.

1. Look under the carriage, the moving part that carries the print head.
2. Check the small internal gaps.
3. Check the side gaps, left and right.
4. Remove every piece you find.
5. Close the covers.
6. Plug the printer back in and turn it on.
7. Send the print job again.

The message should not come back.

Tip: lay the pieces you removed on the table and piece the sheet back together. If a corner is missing, it is still inside the machine.

Good to know: with Epson, switching off and unplugging also clears the error held in memory. The printer will not restart while the obstacle is still in place, though.

Another problem can show up once the paper is out: see our guides for a printer that is offline or a printer that does not print black.

Solution 4: clean the feed rollers

The feed rollers grab the sheet and move it forward. Canon says a dirty roller, or one covered in paper dust, feeds poorly, according to a summary of its manual.

The procedure varies by model. Cleaning also wears the rollers, so only run it when needed.

1. Empty the rear tray.
2. Run the roller cleaning function from the maintenance or setup menu, if your model offers one.

If your manual describes a manual cleaning, follow this method:

1. Turn the printer off.
2. Unplug it from the wall outlet.
3. Wet a cloth, then wring it out well.
4. Turn the rollers by hand against the cloth, without touching them with your fingers.

Paper should now feed again without jamming. The Epson FAQ we checked does not mention this cleaning: with that brand, rely on your model’s manual.

Solution 5: constant paper jams, load the paper properly

Does the paper jam every time you print? Check the loading. This solution also gets you going again after each of the previous ones.

1. Check that the printer supports the paper type and weight.
2. Set aside sheets that are wavy, torn or damp.
3. Fan the sheets before loading them.
4. Load fewer sheets, especially with thin paper.
5. Load the paper straight, without exceeding the tray capacity.
6. Align the paper against the guides.
7. Store the rest of the ream flat and dry.

The printer should pick up sheets one at a time, with no new message.

Tip: on a Canon TS5000, avoid A5 size for photos and graphics, because it curls and jams.

To get off to a good start, here is an all-purpose 80 g paper suited to home printers.

Navigator Universal A4 80 g paper, box of 5 reams

White multipurpose paper for inkjet and laser printers. Consistent paper helps avoid jams and keeps the printer in good shape.

• AmazonSee at Amazon

If nothing works

Stop if the paper cannot be removed, if it tore inside, or if the error persists after a full removal. Do not take anything else apart.

Contact the manufacturer’s service center, or an authorized provider and HP customer support. For Brother, start from your model’s manual. Check the warranty too.

Have this information ready:

• the exact model and serial number;
• the error code shown;
• the jam zone.

If the repair costs more than the machine is worth, here are three reliable printers to compare.

If the printer restarts but refuses to print under Windows with a message about the driver, read our guide on the unavailable driver.

Take better care of your printer: our toolbox

Suitable paper, a soft cloth and original supplies help keep the paper path clean.

Frequently asked questions

Why does my printer say there is a paper jam when there isn’t one?

A small piece of paper can stay inside, out of sight. On a Canon iP110, a message that returns when you resume printing points to this case: look under the carriage and in the side gaps. HP forums also mention false jams, with no official confirmation.

How do I clear a paper jam without damaging the printer?

Switch off, unplug, then pull the sheet slowly with both hands. Use no sharp or metal tools. Keep the printer flat, and wait for it to cool down on a laser.

Why does the paper jam every time I print?

Pieces left inside cause repeated jams. Then check the paper: it should be flat, dry, compatible and loaded straight against the guides. Avoid overfilling the tray.

Do I need to clean a printer’s rollers?

Yes, but only when needed, because cleaning wears the rollers. Canon links a dirty roller to poor feeding. Use the maintenance function if your model has one, or a well-wrung damp cloth if the manual calls for it.