Paper Jammed Again? Here’s What You’re Missing
You load the paper, hit print, and suddenly the printer makes that crunching sound or it stops midway, flashing a paper jam warning. Sound familiar? Paper jams are one of the most frequent issues printer users face, and they can happen even when things look perfectly fine on the outside.
Before you open every panel in frustration, take a moment. There are a few often-overlooked reasons why your printer keeps jamming, and most of them are easy to avoid once you know what to check.
What Causes Paper Jams in the First Place?
A paper jam doesn’t always mean paper is literally stuck. It could also mean the printer thinks there’s a jam due to improper feeding or misalignment.
- Misaligned paper guides inside the tray
- Overfilled or underfilled paper tray
- Using curled, damp, or torn sheets
- Obstructions inside the rollers or paper path
- Worn rollers that no longer grip properly
- Tray not fully inserted or detected correctly
- Mixing different paper types or sizes together
Even a tiny scrap of leftover paper from a previous jam can block the next sheet from moving through correctly.
Step-by-Step: What You Should Check
Follow these steps in order for the best chance of catching what’s going wrong:
- Power Off and Let It Cool
Always turn off your printer before checking inside. If your printer was mid-job, wait a few seconds to allow moving parts to settle and cool down before you reach in. - Open all access points carefully.
Open the front and rear access panels to check the entire paper path. Look for any visible paper stuck inside; even small bits can cause repeated errors.
Avoid using sharp tools or pulling paper aggressively. Gently remove it in the direction of natural paper movement to avoid tearing it. - Check the Paper Tray Setup
Make sure: - The tray is properly inserted
- The paper stack is not above the fill line
- All sheets are flat and aligned
- The paper guides are snug against the stack but not too tight
- A loose paper guide is one of the most overlooked causes of jams.
- Inspect the Rollers
Rollers are the rubber parts that grip and pull the paper. If they’re dusty or worn out, paper may not feed correctly and get stuck. Wipe them gently with a lint-free cloth. Avoid using any liquid unless recommended by the printer manufacturer. - Avoid Mixing Paper Types
Don’t load different paper types or sizes together. Stick to one kind of sheet at a time. Mixed textures or weights can confuse the rollers, causing misfeeds or jams. - Use Fresh, Flat Sheets
Paper that’s been exposed to moisture, bent, or curled is more likely to jam. Always use dry, smooth sheets—and store your paper in a cool, dry place to avoid curling. - Reinsert the Paper Tray Properly
Once everything is checked, load the paper again and ensure the tray clicks fully into place. Some printers won't function if the tray isn't properly aligned—even if it looks like it's in.
Final Words
Paper jams can be frustrating, but they’re usually tied to small setup details that are easy to overlook. Taking a few minutes to realign your tray, clean the rollers, or switch out the paper can save you from repeat issues.
If you're still dealing with constant jams even after checking everything, don’t stress. Just contact us, and we’ll help walk you through it step by step—in simple, clear terms.