To clear a paper jam, switch the printer off, unplug it, open the access doors and pull the stuck sheet out slowly in the direction the paper normally travels. Pulling gently and evenly keeps the page in one piece. Follow your manual for door locations, since they differ between models.
Clear the Jam Step by Step
- Cancel the print job on your computer so the printer does not try to continue.
- Turn the printer off and unplug it. Some parts inside can be hot, so wait a few minutes if it was printing.
- Remove the paper tray and any rear panel, and open the top or front cover as the guide shows.
- Look for the edge of the sheet. Grip it with both hands where you can.
- Pull slowly and straight, in the paper’s normal direction. A sudden tug tears pages.
- If a piece tears off, find it with a flashlight and remove it, because small scraps cause the next jam.
- Check the tray area and the rear for more sheets.
- Close every door and cover firmly, plug in and switch on.
- Print a single test page.
Do not use tools that can scratch rollers or other parts, and do not reach into areas the manual marks as hot or off limits.
Why Jams Happen
| Cause | What you may notice | Habit that helps |
|---|---|---|
| Overfilled tray | Two sheets pulled in together | Load below the fill mark |
| Damp or curled paper | Sheet bends as it enters | Keep paper flat and dry |
| Loose guides | Crooked feeding | Fit guides snug against the stack |
| Wrong paper type | Frequent sticking | Follow the weights in the manual |
| Dusty rollers | Sheet slips or stalls | Clean rollers as the guide describes |
After the Jam
- Fan the stack and square the edges before reloading.
- Remove labels, envelopes or thick items unless the manual allows them in that tray.
- Use a fresh, undamaged sheet for the first page.
- If jams repeat in the same spot, look for a stray bit of paper or a worn roller.
If the printer has a rear access door or a removable back panel, use it only as the manual describes. Some models also have a lever that releases the paper path, and pressing it can free a sheet that is gripped by the rollers. Keep your fingers away from gears and sharp metal edges, and ask the maker for help if a sheet will not come out.
FAQ
Why does the printer still show a jam after I removed the paper?
A door may not be fully closed, or a small scrap may remain. Reopen the doors, check again and close them until they click.
Can I use the same sheet again?
No. A wrinkled or creased sheet is likely to jam again, so discard it.
The Short Version
Power off, unplug, open the doors and pull the page out slowly in the paper’s direction. Then fix the cause, such as overfilling or damp paper, to prevent a repeat.