Printer jams repeatedly even after clearing paper

Symptoms

• Jams happen almost every print job or every few pages
• Paper feeds in crooked before jamming
• Printer pulls in multiple sheets at once before jamming
• Jam location changes each time

Likely causes

• CommonWorn or glazed pickup rollersRollers lose their grip over years of use, causing paper to slip and misfeed.
• CommonSmall torn paper scrap left in the path from an earlier jamA missed scrap can cause every subsequent sheet to catch on it.
• CommonPaper that's damp, curled, or the wrong weight for the printerPaper that isn't flat and dry feeds unevenly.
• PossiblePaper tray guides misaligned or looseLoose guides let the stack shift and feed at an angle.
• PossibleDust or debris buildup inside the paper pathAccumulated dust and paper dust can interfere with sensors and rollers.

What to do

1. With the printer off, shine a flashlight into the paper path from multiple angles and doors to check for any leftover scraps.
2. Fan the paper stack before loading it to separate sheets that may be sticking together.
3. Try a fresh ream of paper, ideally the weight and type recommended in the printer's manual, to rule out bad paper.
4. Adjust the paper tray guides so they sit snugly against the stack without pinching it.
5. Clean the pickup rollers with a lightly water-dampened lint-free cloth, rotating them by hand to clean the full surface.
6. Check the manufacturer's site for a roller replacement kit if the printer is a few years old and rollers look shiny or worn smooth.
7. Reduce how full the tray is, since overloading can cause the rollers to grab more than one sheet.

Tools and parts

• Flashlight
• Lint-free cloth
• Compressed air

When to call a pro

If cleaning and replacing paper doesn't stop the jams and the rollers look visibly worn or glazed smooth, a technician or a roller replacement kit matched to your model is the next step.

Safety