Symptoms
- Printer displays 'Out of Paper' or 'Load Paper' with a full tray
- Error persists after removing and reloading the paper
- Sensor area at the back of the tray looks dusty
- Tray isn't fully pushed in
Likely causes
- CommonPaper tray not fully insertedA tray that's slightly out of position won't trigger the paper-present sensor correctly.
- CommonDust or paper dust covering the paper sensorThe small sensor that detects paper presence can get covered in fine dust over time.
- CommonPaper stack not sitting flat or squared in the trayCurled, uneven, or crooked paper can fail to trigger the sensor even though paper is present.
- PossibleFaulty paper sensorOn older printers, the sensor itself can wear out or fail.
What to do
- Remove the paper tray completely, then reinsert it firmly until it clicks or seats fully.
- Take the paper out, square the stack by tapping it on a flat surface, and reload it evenly against the tray's guides.
- Look for the small paper-sensing lever or sensor (usually a small plastic flag near the back of the tray) and gently clean around it with a dry cloth or compressed air.
- Try loading a smaller stack of paper to see if a very full tray is somehow preventing the sensor from engaging.
- Test with a different ream of paper in case the current paper is unusually curled or thin.
- Power cycle the printer after reloading paper to force a fresh sensor read.
Tools and parts
- Compressed air
- Soft cloth
When to call a pro
If the tray is properly loaded and the sensor area is clean but the error persists, the paper sensor itself may have failed and needs professional repair.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.