How to fix paper jam in HP printer

If your HP printer jams, it stops printing and displays an error. However, you can often get the problem under control with a few little tricks. Also read out How do you remove pen ink from hands?

How to clear a paper jam

In many cases, fixing a paper jam is not a problem and can be done quickly.

If jammed paper is the cause of the error message, do not switch off the printer, but open the flap while it is active. The printer will move the cartridge to the side so you can change it. Behind it you can see whether a paper has jammed. If this is the case, pull it out slowly and straight.
Alternatively, you can open the removable flap and remove the paper jam there. This method is the safest, especially when several papers are the cause of the jam.
If the rollers are dirty, you must have them cleaned so that your print jobs can be printed in the usual quality.
Even if the paper is not loaded in the center, a paper jam may occur. Always make sure that the paper is loaded correctly in the printer.
Not every paper can be used with every HP printer. If you use unsuitable paper, for example because it is too heavy, this can be the cause of the paper jam.

If you cannot get out the jammed paper

You may not be able to clear the paper jam through the front door. However, all HP printers have a removable inspection panel on the back. If you open this, you will get to the place where the paper jam usually occurs. From there you can usually remove the paper without any problems.

Do not forget subsequent printer maintenance!

After clearing the paper jam in your HP printer, close the device again. Now print out a test page to check the print quality.

Sometimes a paper jam causes the guide rollers in the HP printer to become dirty. This can be eliminated quickly with automatic printhead cleaning via the menu or the HP printing software.

A software problem can also cause a paper jam

HP printers frequently update their software without you noticing. Nevertheless, this process usually requires a restart of the device. If this does not happen, the error message “Paper Jam” can occur although there is none.

Clear a paper jam in the HP printer

If a paper jam occurs in the printer, the printer automatically stops its work. Do not switch off the device under any circumstances.
Instead, open the door on your printer so you can access the cartridges. The printer now moves the cartridges to the side so that you can theoretically change them.
Now the way to the paper jam is clear. If you can see the paper inside the printer, gently try to pull it out. Pull the paper out as slowly and straight as possible.

Paper jam in HP printer cannot be cleared

If you don’t make any progress at all or only very slowly, there is another possible solution: Every HP printer has a removable flap on the back or inside (see picture).
This gives you better access to the area where paper jams typically occur. There you can remove the paper much more easily.

Printer maintenance after paper jam in HP printer

Once you have cleared the paper jam, you can close the HP printer again. Then print any page to check the print quality.
In some cases, the paper jam causes the rollers to become dirty. With the associated software or on the printer itself, you can start cleaning the HP printer.
In the next practical tip we will show you what you can print faster with your printer.

Clear a paper jam in the HP printer

If a paper jam occurs in the printer, the printer automatically stops its work. Do not switch off the device under any circumstances.
Instead, open the door on your printer so you can access the cartridges. The printer now moves the cartridges to the side so that you can theoretically change them.
Now the way to the paper jam is clear. If you can see the paper inside the printer, gently try to pull it out. Pull the paper out as slowly and straight as possible.