HP explains that a jam can come from overloading the tray, loading different paper thicknesses together, using paper that is not right for the printer, or dust and paper fiber on the feed rollers, and false jams also happen when rollers are dirty. To clear one, turn the printer off first, then remove any loose or jammed paper you can reach from inside, pulling gently with both hands so the sheet does not tear and leave scraps behind. Check the paper path and output area for torn bits, open every access door and the rear cover where the model has one, and look for the sheet at the front and back.
HP's tip for cleaning the path is to run thicker photo paper through and send a blank print or copy, which pushes dust off the rollers.
The checks in more detail
Fan the stack before loading, keep it below the tray's limit, load one paper type and size and adjust the guides snugly. If jams recur on plain paper, the feed roller may be worn or dirty. On laser models let the fuser cool before you reach in, since it is hot. Reload paper, close doors and print a test page.
HP also has a Virtual Assistant that guides jam clearing for your model, and model-specific pages exist for OfficeJet Pro and DeskJet printers. Store paper flat in its wrapper, in a cool dry room, and load it fresh; paper that has sat out for weeks in a humid room curls and jams. If you print on labels, envelopes or card, use the rear feed where the model has one and set the paper type so the printer uses the right path.
Differential
Likely causes of “HP printers shows a paper jam or repeatedly jams”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
An overfilled tray
What separates it The paper jams on feeding because the tray is overfilled
How to confirm Load the paper below the limit mark, in the tray
- 2
Mixed paper
What separates it The paper skews or feeds double because mixed types are loaded together
How to confirm Load one type of paper only, and remove any mixed sheets
- 3
Dirty rollers
What separates it There are repeated false jams because the rollers are dirty
How to confirm Clean the paper path by running a thicker sheet through, and print a blank page
- 4
Torn scraps left inside
What separates it The jam persists because torn scraps are still left inside the printer
How to confirm Remove every fragment of paper from inside the printer, using a flashlight to look
- 5
Damp or curled paper
What separates it The paper wrinkles because it is damp or curled
How to confirm Store paper flat and dry, and use fresh sheets if it has curled
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Where in the printer the paper stopped
- The paper type and how full the tray was
- Whether the jam repeats after you clear it
- Any message that shows on the control panel
Try in this order
0 of 7 completedTurn it off
ReversibleTurn the printer off and unplug it, before you reach inside to clear a jam.
Remove visible paper
ReversibleRemove any visible paper, pulling it gently with both hands, so that it does not tear.
Check every door
ReversibleCheck every door and cover, including the front, the rear and the cartridge area, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Remove scraps
ReversibleRemove scraps of paper, so that no fragments are left in the paper path, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Clean the path
ReversibleClean the path with thicker paper, and print a blank page, to pick up any dust.
Reload correctly
ReversibleReload the paper correctly, using one type, and keeping the stack below the limit, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Print a test page
ReversiblePrint a test page, to confirm that the paper feeds properly again, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Inkjet and laser
- Inkjets clear jams around the carriage and rear door; lasers add a fuser that stays hot.
- ADF
- A jam in the document feeder is cleared from the feeder's own cover.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit models OfficeJet Pro 9125e, OfficeJet Pro 9015e, OfficeJet Pro 8025e, ENVY Inspire 7955e, ENVY 6455e, DeskJet 4155e, Color LaserJet Pro 4301fdw, LaserJet Pro 4101fdw, LaserJet M234sdwe, Smart Tank 7602, Smart Tank 5101.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If the jam message stays with no paper visible, check every door and the rear path
- !If jams repeat on fresh paper, the pickup rollers may need service
- !If the printer is under warranty, contact HP
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Clearing a jam on OfficeJet printers.
HP general paper jam help.
Installing the HP app and setting up.
Clean printhead, smears, vents and paper.
The company and its products.
Exact questions
Common questions
What causes paper jams?+
Overloading, mixed paper, wrong paper or dirty rollers.
Should I pull from one side?+
Pull the paper gently with both hands, so that it does not tear inside.
What is a false jam?+
A jam message with no paper, often from dirty rollers.
How do I clean the path?+
Run thicker paper and send a blank print.
Does HP have a guide?+
A Virtual Assistant and model pages.
Can wet paper jam?+
Yes, wet paper can jam, since it clings to the rollers and wrinkles.
Should I fan the stack?+
Yes, fan the stack before loading, to separate the sheets and avoid double feeds.
Can I use torn paper?+
No, do not use torn paper, since it can leave scraps that cause new jams.
How do I print a test page on an HP printer?+
Print it from the printer's Setup or Tools menu, or from the diagnostics in the HP app, to check the print quality.
Should I use genuine cartridges?+
HP and other makers say they cannot guarantee the quality of refilled or non original supplies, and these can trigger errors.
How long can a cartridge stay out of the printer?+
Not more than about thirty minutes, since the ink can dry in the nozzles once the cartridge is out of the printer.
Should I turn the printer off with the power button?+
Yes, always use the Power button, so that the printer can cap the print head and store its settings.
Where is the model number on the printer?+
It is on a label on the printer, usually near the back or under a lid, and it is also in the printer's settings.