Most paper jams clear once you check every access point, not just the input tray. The safest approach is to pull paper gently in the direction it was feeding and remove every torn scrap before restarting.
Does this affect you?
Use this for HP, Canon, Epson, Brother, and other inkjet or laser printers showing a paper jam message or jam light.
Clear the jam step by step
Work slowly so the paper does not tear.
- Turn the printer off before reaching inside.
- If it is a laser printer, let it sit briefly because the fuser area can be hot after printing.
- Open the main front or top cover and remove visible paper.
- Remove the paper tray and check the back of the tray slot.
- Open the rear access door if the printer has one.
- For duplex printers, check the duplexer panel or drawer.
- Use a flashlight to find and remove torn scraps with your fingers rather than sharp tools.
- Close every panel fully, turn the printer on, and print a test page.
More control
Fan the paper stack
Fresh sheets can stick together. Fan the stack before loading so rollers grab one page at a time.
Do not overfill the tray
Stay below the tray fill line. Overfilled trays make double-feeds and jams more likely.
Set paper guides correctly
Guides should touch the paper edges without bending or pinching the stack.
Repeated jams may be worn rollers
If the printer jams in the same place over and over, pickup rollers may be worn smooth and need cleaning or replacement.
Sources
- HP Support – Clear Paper Jams (2025)
- Canon Support – Paper Jams Inside the Printer (2025)
- Brother Support – Paper Jam Error (2025)
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