You have probably encountered or are experiencing an awful HP printer paper jam. Indeed, an HP printer paper jam is one of the most frustrating and common issues that strike your print experience. Be it a home or busy office worker, an HP printer paper jam can halt production. However, the good news is that most of these paper jams are solvable using a few steps.
In this blog, we have taken you through the resolutions of HP printer paper jam problems and how you can prevent them from happening.
Why Is My HP Printer Showing Paper Jam?
Many is the reason that makes your HP printer display such paper jam messages. Knowing the real cause helps in solving the issue in no time.
Paper Path Obstruction: The most frequent cause of the HP printer’s paper jam comes from obstruction of the paper path. The broken pieces of paper or debris remaining in the pathway are the root cause of a repeated jam in the printer.
Incorrect paper loading: Overfilling the tray or just simply loading in the paper can cause HP paper jam problems to the printer. There are instances that when the papers are not put properly, they will cause your printer to be jammed up.
Low-quality paper: The paper that’s damp or is of very low quality would easily create a jam in HP. When paper curls, wrinkles, or gets too thick, it will likely feed not very well, thereby increasing the probability of having a jam.
Worn or Dirty Rollers: Rollers are inside the HP printer that help in pulling the paper through the machine. Over time, they could get dirty, wear out, or become damaged and may make your HP printer jam when printing.
Outdated Firmware or Drivers: Sometimes, the paper jam of the HP printer is due to outdated drivers or firmware in your printer, thus they fail to communicate well.
Step-by-Step Solution to End Perpetual HP Printer Paper Jam
If you have a recurring or persistent paper jam on your HP printer, this is how you can get it working again:
1. Shut Down and Unplug the Printer
As you begin to troubleshoot the paper jam on your HP printer, switch off the printer and unplug it. This will allow you to check the area for any obstructions without causing damage to some of its parts inadvertently.
2. Check the Paper Path
Look for paper input and output areas to look for a paper jam. A slightly torn paper that is just a little in size may cause a paper jam in HP printers. Pull out loose pieces of paper without forcing them and ensure that nothing is obstructing the paper path due to the paper.
Open the rear or front access door of your printer and inspect the paper in this section that might be jammed.
Both sides of the paper path must be checked so that all the paper is removed.
3. Clean the Rollers
The rollers are the heart of your HP printer, and dust, dirt, or ink buildup will lead to frequent paper jams. These rollers tend to wear out with time and may need cleaning or replacement.
Clean the rollers in your printer using a soft, lint-free cloth and water. Wipe the debris or buildup off the rollers.
Replace the rollers when they get damaged or are completely worn out. You can order these rollers through your manufacturer or at an authorized repair center.
4. Paper Loading Error
The most frequent error that triggers a paper jam in HP printers is the loading error. Simply check if the tray is perfectly aligned and filled only to an adequate extent by paper.
Overloading the paper tray will create a multiple-sheet grab, which, in most instances, results in an HP printer paper jam.
Use paper that is good in quality and smooth, perhaps even matching the specifications for the printer. Steer clear of wrinkled or curled paper since it may cause it to become stuck in the feed mechanism.
Make sure that the paper is loaded properly and that the paper guides fit snugly but not too tightly against the paper stack.
5. Print Reset
Sometimes, simply resetting the machine can solve any recurring HP paper jamming at the printer’s end. The printer reset will flush out all stored internal errors and even clean up a few minor bugs in the software.
Turn the printer off, and also remove it from its power source
Wait for 30 seconds. Now turn on the printer along with the mains.
6. Update Printer Drivers and Firmware
Outdated software or drivers can be the cause of paper jams in HP printers. The firmware and drivers for your printer should be updated.
Visit the HP support website and enter your printer model number to download the latest driver and firmware update for your HP printer.
According to the guidelines for installation, update the software and firmware of your printer.
7. Software or Error Codes
If the above troubleshooting steps you have performed still do not eradicate the paper jam of your HP printer, then look for any error code that is being displayed by the printer on its screen.
This might also display a paper jam if the HP printer detects one; it will post an error code for the same. Look into the user guide of the printer or the website of HP for support to locate the error code and troubleshoot the problem.
8. Utilize Good Quality Paper
Paper jams in HP printers are mainly caused by low-quality or damp paper. Always use the paper that meets the specifications of your printer. Avoid using old, damp, or textured papers, which may cause problems when feeding through the printer.
When to Call a Professional
If all of the above troubleshooting steps have been carried out and the HP printer paper jam has not been resolved, then it might be that the issue lies somewhere deeper, like the sensor malfunctioning or a more serious mechanical fault. It would then be best to get the professional technician’s advice.
You can seek professional help from PrinterNotWorking.com or even contact HP customer service to get further help. Professional repair services will be able to identify and fix the root cause of the paper jam on the printer.