Just an HP printer paper jam is not a big issue in itself, it can be resolved quickly but not getting it fixed can damage your printer. Here are a few reasons why your HP printer keeps jamming and how to solve it.
Causes of HP Printer Paper Jam
1. Incorrect Paper Loading
- Overloaded Tray: Keeping too much paper in the paper tray is not recommended. Loading too much paper into the tray can cause jams.
- Misaligned Paper and Torn paper: Paper that is not properly aligned or papers that are torn or bent get stuck inside the printer causing HP printer paper jam.
2. Obstructions in the Printer
- Foreign Objects: Small stuff, like paper clips or split paper fragments, could restrict the paper flow resulting in HP printer paper jam
- Dust and Debris: Debris and airborne particles could trigger complications with the paper feed.
3. Worn or Dirty Rollers
If your HP printer keeps jamming, it might be because of worn or dirty rollers. Rollers are mechanical components, consequently, they may wear out over time and lose their hold on the paper. These cylindrical rollers likewise may acquire dust, limiting their ability to roll. I
How to Fix HP Printer Paper Jam
1. Clear the Jam
- Turn Off the Printer: Do not try to fix HP printer paper jam without turning off the printer. Turn off and unplug the printer from the power source to avoid any electrical issues.
- Open All Access Points: To look for a paper jam. You will need to open up your printer. Open the paper tray, rear access door, and every other additional door you see in your printer.
- Gently Remove Jammed Paper: The paper might become stuck anywhere in the printer, from where it enters and exits. Open any accessible locations where paper may become stuck, including the paper tray, rear access door, and output tray, and gently remove any jammed paper. Make sure to remove it gently and steadily to prevent shredding it and leaving little bits.
- Check Rollers: Inspect the rollers for any bits of paper or debris. Pull out the paper and clean the rollers with a little moist cloth. Cleaning the rollers will increase the grip of printer rollers reducing the chances of HP printer paper jam in the future.
2. Reload Paper Correctly
- Use the Right Paper: To prevent HP printer paper jams, use high-quality, manufacturer-recommended paper
- Align Paper Properly: Align the paper correctly in the tray, making sure it is not overfilled. Adjust the paper guides to ensure that they fit securely against the paper stack without bending it
- Avoid Overloading: Load an appropriate amount of paper into the tray. Overloading papers into the paper tray increases the chances of future HP printer paper jams.
3. Check for Obstructions
You need to check deep inside the printer for paper shreds. To access the paper route, open the printer’s main cover. Look for and remove any sticky paper. Also, ensure sure the printer carriage moves freely. If it is stuck, gently move it to release any trapped paper.
4. Maintain the Printer
- Clean Rollers: Regularly clean the rollers with a lint-free cloth dampened with water.
- Remove Dust and Debris: Use compressed air to blow away dirt and other particles out of your printer.
- Regular Maintenance: Perform periodic physical examinations as recommended in the printer’s guide.
5. Update Firmware and Drivers
Printer drivers can be updated both through updates and from the HP website. Follow the steps to update your printer driver
System Updates
- Go to “settings”
- Click on “Updates” and look for printer drivers from a list of updates available
- Download the updates and install it
HP website
- Go to the HP printer website
- Click on the “Support” section
- Download the latest printer from a list of device models. Make sure you download the exclusive update for your printer model.
Following this guide will make sure you are able to fix HP printer paper jams but there can be other mechanical issues for the issues. These issues need a technician to be fixed. Printer Touch is here to help you on such issues. If your HP printer paper keeps jamming even after the fix, you can call us directly or leave your contact details and our HP printer expert will get back to fix your printer.
