Printer Help Guide • United States + Canada
Paper jam? Remove paper in the direction recommended for the printer.
A visible jam can be simple; repeated jams suggest damaged paper, overloaded trays, debris, worn rollers or a paper-path problem. Forcing paper backward can make a small jam expensive.
Direct answer
Problem
A visible jam can be simple; repeated jams suggest damaged paper, overloaded trays, debris, worn rollers or a paper-path problem. Forcing paper backward can make a small jam expensive.
Most common causes
- Paper is curled, damp, mixed-size or loaded above the tray limit
- A torn scrap remains in the paper path
- Guides are too tight or too loose
- Pickup or feed rollers are worn or contaminated
Quick fix
- Turn the printer off if the manual recommends power-off for jam removal
- Open only user-accessible doors and trays
- Pull paper slowly in the documented feed direction
- Inspect for torn scraps without using sharp tools
Advanced fix
- Reload a small stack of clean paper and test; repeated jams need model-specific service guidance
Likely causes
What commonly causes this?
- Paper is curled, damp, mixed-size or loaded above the tray limit
- A torn scrap remains in the paper path
- Guides are too tight or too loose
- Pickup or feed rollers are worn or contaminated
Safe troubleshooting
What to try, in order
- Turn the printer off if the manual recommends power-off for jam removal
- Open only user-accessible doors and trays
- Pull paper slowly in the documented feed direction
- Inspect for torn scraps without using sharp tools
- Reload a small stack of clean paper and test; repeated jams need model-specific service guidance
Before changing advanced settings
Keep the printer model, operating-system version and exact error message available. Do not share passwords, payment-card details, router-admin credentials or remote-access codes in support chat. Avoid firmware downgrades, router factory resets and hardware disassembly unless the printer manufacturer's instructions for your exact model specifically require them.
Windows users can also use Microsoft's current printer troubleshooting guidance. macOS, iPhone/iPad and Android users should use the operating system's built-in printer/scanner controls plus the manufacturer's official app or support documentation where the model requires it.
Related help
Continue troubleshooting
Related technical routes
Model-specific guides
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