HP Printer Paper Jam? Here’s How to Fix It Fast

HP printer paper jams usually happen when something blocks the paper path. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at why HP printers get jammed. We’ll also walk you through clear, step-by-step ways to fix the printer jam problem fast.

1. Common Causes of HP Printer Paper Jam

Like most Brother, Canon and Epson printers, HP printers can run into paper jam issues for several common reasons.

Misaligned or stacked paper:
Paper that isn’t loaded correctly can cause feeding problems, leading to a paper jam. Wrinkled or curled sheets make things worse. Also, in high-humidity environments, paper can stick together, and that often referred to as an HP printer paper jam.

Too much paper in the tray:
If the paper tray is overfilled, the printer may grab more than one sheet at a time. As a result, the paper gets stuck during feeding.

Incompatible paper type:
Paper that doesn’t meet HP’s specs can be an issue and cause a paper jam. This includes the wrong size, weight, or type. For example, thick paper can easily jam. If the paper is too large or too heavy, it may get stuck inside the printer.

Foreign objects inside the printer:
Small items like erasers, paper clips, or staples can fall into the printer by accident. When that happens, a paper jam error is very likely.

Dirty or worn rollers:
This doesn’t happen often, but dust and paper debris can build up over time and cause a printer paper jam. Worn rollers also make it harder for paper to move smoothly.

Damaged printer parts:
This is rare, but internal components can fail. Sensors, feed rollers, or the fuser unit may stop working properly and cause the printer keeps jamming paper.

2. How do I know if my HP printer is jammed?

In most cases, an HP printer will let you know right away. The indicator lights usually flash in a specific pattern. At the same time, an error message may appear on the screen to warn you about the jam. To prevent further damage, the jammed printer will stop printing.

Common error messages include:

• “Paper Jam”
  
• “Paper is jammed”
  
• “Check paper path”
  
• “Clear the jam, then press OK”

You may also see an error code, such as “13” (LaserJet) or “E4” (DeskJet), indicating a paper jammed printer.

3. How to Remove Paper Stuck in Printer

(1) Check the printer screen

If your printer doesn’t have a screen, you can skip this step. When a paper jam happens, an HP printer with a screen will usually show an error message or a prompt.

In many cases, the screen tells you where the paper is stuck. You may see a message like, “Paper is jammed in the rear or inside the printer. Remove the jammed paper.” Just follow the on-screen instructions to clear the error.

First, remove all visible paper. Then follow the prompts to clear the paper jammed area. After that, press the Start button. The printer will run a quick check and then resume printing.

(2) Check the indicator lights

Besides error messages, HP printers also use flashing lights to signal a paper jam. Look at the blinking lights or icons on the printer. They often point to the area where the printer stuck paper may be. If you’re not sure what the lights mean, it’s best to check the HP user manual.

Paper jam in printer can happen in different parts of the paper path. Common spots include the rear paper feeder, the paper tray, and the inside of the printer.

Gently pull out any stuck paper in printer from the rear feeder or tray. Next, open the printer cover and lift the scanner unit. If you see stuck paper, remove it carefully. Then lower the scanner, close the cover, and press the Copy button to resume printing.

(3) Check the full paper path

If the error message stays or the lights keep flashing, you should do a full check of the printer. The best way is to inspect the entire paper path step by step.

① Turn off the printer

First, cancel the print job on your computer. Then turn off the HP printer. This helps prevent sudden movement and protects internal parts.

② Access the jam areas

Now check all areas where paper might get stuck. The steps are a bit different depending on whether your HP printer has a screen.

HP printers with a screen:

• Automatic Document Feeder (ADF):
  
  • If your printer doesn’t have one, skip this part. The ADF sits on top of the printer.
    
  • Lift the ADF cover release lever and open the cover.
    
  • Check the feed rollers and guides.
    
  • Then lift the document cover. Jammed paper can hide here.
    
• Paper tray:
  
  • Pull out the paper tray carefully. Remove the tray cover if needed. Look for wrinkled, damp, or misaligned paper.
    

• Rear cover:
  
  • Open the rear cover and check for blockages or stuck paper.
    
• Inside the printer:
  
  • Lift the scanner unit and remove any jam paper in printer. Also check for scraps, foreign objects, or jammed paper in printer. 
    
  • Avoid touching the white cable.

HP printers without a screen:

• Rear paper feeder:
  
  • Lift the rear feeder cover and remove any jam paper in printer carefully. Then check for leftover paper or objects.
    
• Inside the printer:
  
  • Open the front cover and lift the scanner unit. Look for any remaining jammed paper.

③ Remove paper and debris

Here’s how to remove stuck paper from printer: Go through all the areas above and remove every piece of visible paper. Clear out jammed sheets, torn bits, and even small objects. When you’re done, make sure all covers and panels are closed firmly.

Always pull jammed paper out slowly and gently. Don’t force it. Pulling too hard can cause another jam. After that, check again for debris left inside the printer.

④ Power on and test

If you’re unsure how to remove stuck paper in printer, follow the steps above carefully. Turn the printer back on and reload the paper correctly. Finally, run a test print to confirm the paper jam issue is fully resolved.

Still confused? Watch the video below to solve your problems when fixing HP printer paper jam:

4. HP printer says “paper jam,” but there is no paper stuck

If your HP printer jammed with paper shows a paper jam message but you can’t find any jammed paper, don’t panic. This is a common issue, and there are a few practical ways to fix it.

(1) Check the printer again, very carefully

Even if everything looks clear, go over the entire paper path one more time. Take your time. Use a flashlight if needed. Tiny scraps of paper or small objects can trigger a false paper jam error, and they are easy to miss.

(2) Rotate the gears behind the ink cartridges

These gears connect to the paper feed rollers. Small paper bits or debris can get stuck inside and are hard to see.

• First, turn off the HP printer and lift the scanner unit.
  
• Push the ink cartridge holder to the right. Then rotate the left gear and slide the holder to the left.
  
• Next, rotate the right gear about 5–6 turns. If paper scraps are stuck there, they may come out.
  
• Turn the printer back on and rotate the right gear another 2–3 turns. The cartridge holder should return to its normal position.
  
• Close the printer cover and run a test print.

(3) Reset the HP printer

Try a simple reset. Turn off the printer and wait for about one minute. Then turn it back on. This quick reset can clear internal errors that cause the printer to keep showing a paper jam message.

(4) Check the paper feed rollers

Still seeing the paper jam warning? One of the printer parts may be the issue, especially the paper feed rollers. These rollers sit near the paper tray and help pull paper into the printer.

If the rollers look dirty, clean them with a lint-free cloth slightly dampened with water. If they look worn or smooth, replacement is the better option.

For other internal parts, such as paper sensors, professional repair is usually needed. If none of these steps work, it’s best to contact HP customer support or a certified technician for further help.

FAQs

❓ Should I pull the paper forward or backward?

In most cases, you should pull the paper slowly in the direction of the normal paper path.

Recommended approach:

• Turn off the printer and unplug it first
  
• Open all access doors (rear door, cartridge area, paper tray)
  
• If the paper is visible at the output tray, pull it forward gently
  
• If the paper is stuck inside the rear or input area, pull it backward only if forward removal is not possible

Important tips:

• Always use both hands and apply even pressure
  
• Pull the paper slowly to avoid tearing
  
• Never force the paper—small torn pieces can remain inside and cause repeated jams

If the paper tears, inspect the printer carefully with a flashlight to remove any remaining scraps.

❓ Why does my HP printer say “paper jam” when there is no paper?

A paper jammed printer may still show a false paper jam error, and it is more common than many users expect.

Common reasons include:

• Tiny paper fragments left inside from a previous jam
  
• Dust or debris blocking the paper path sensors
  
• Worn pickup rollers that fail to move paper correctly
  
• Incorrect paper size or type selected in the printer driver

How to check:

• Remove the paper tray and look inside the printer cavity
  
• Open the rear access panel and cartridge door
  
• Gently clean visible rollers and sensor areas with a lint-free cloth

If the error persists, restarting the printer or performing a basic printer reset often clears the false alert.

❓ How can I prevent paper jams in the future?

Preventing paper jams mainly comes down to proper paper handling and routine maintenance.

Follow these best practices:

• Fan the paper stack before loading to reduce static
  
• Do not overfill the paper tray
  
• Adjust paper guides so they are snug but not tight
  
• Store paper in a dry, flat place to prevent curling or moisture
  
• Use paper types recommended for your HP printer model

Maintenance tips:

• Clean pickup rollers periodically
  
• Remove dust and debris from the paper path
  
• Avoid mixing different paper types in one tray

These small habits significantly reduce the frequency of paper jams over time.

❓ When should I replace printer parts after frequent paper jams?

If your printer keeps jamming paper frequently despite correct paper loading and cleaning, worn parts may be the cause.

Signs parts may need replacement:

• Paper fails to feed consistently
  
• Printer pulls multiple sheets at once
  
• Paper skews or stops halfway during feeding
  
• False paper jam errors occur repeatedly

Parts commonly replaced:

• Pickup rollers
  
• Separation pads

Replacing worn feeding components can restore normal paper movement and help prevent recurring paper jams.

Conclusion & Next Steps

Most HP printer jam problems—nearly 90% of them—can be resolved by following the troubleshooting steps above. In many cases, the problem is caused by incorrect paper loading, minor debris inside the printer, or normal wear on feeding components.

If paper jams continue after proper cleaning and setup, it may be time to look beyond basic fixes. Worn consumables, incompatible cartridges, or low-quality supplies can affect how paper feeds through the printer and increase the risk of recurring jams.

To maintain smooth and reliable printing, consider using properly matched ink or toner cartridges and sourcing your supplies from a stable, compatible provider. Choosing the right consumables helps reduce printing errors, extend printer life, and improve overall print quality.

You can explore our selection of HP compatible ink and toner options on ProlineOffice’s website, such as Compatible HP 220, HP 219, HP 207, HP 953 and so on. All of them are designed to support consistent performance without unnecessary complexity.