Symptoms
- Error like 'Load Letter Paper' or 'Paper Size Mismatch'
- Printer pauses mid-job waiting for the correct size
- Error persists even after loading the requested size
- Different trays hold different paper sizes
Likely causes
- CommonPrint job requesting a different paper size than what's loadedThe document or print settings specify one size, like Legal, while the tray has another, like Letter.
- CommonPaper tray's size guides set incorrectlySome printers detect paper size based on the physical position of adjustable guides in the tray.
- PossibleWrong tray selected in the print job for multi-tray printersOn printers with multiple trays, the job might be pulling from a tray with a different size loaded.
What to do
- Check the print dialog's paper size setting and confirm it matches the paper physically loaded in the tray.
- Adjust the paper tray's width and length guides to snugly match the actual paper size loaded, since misaligned guides can cause incorrect size detection.
- If your printer has multiple trays, confirm the print job is set to pull from the tray containing the correct size.
- Reload the requested paper size if you want to proceed with the original settings.
- Alternatively, change the print job's paper size setting to match what's already loaded if that's more convenient.
- Restart the print job after correcting either the settings or the paper to clear the mismatch error.
Tools and parts
- None
When to call a pro
This is a settings/loading issue rather than a hardware fault; if the error persists despite correctly loaded paper and matching settings, the tray's size-sensing mechanism may need professional inspection.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.