Top 7 Reasons Your Printer Keeps Jamming and How to Fix Them

Melissa Barrasso
Jan 26
16 min read

Few things derail a busy workday faster than a printer that jams every other page. You’ve got deadlines, documents piling up, and a machine that seems determined to crumple, skew, or swallow every sheet you feed it.

The good news? Most paper jams aren’t caused by catastrophic hardware failure. They stem from a handful of preventable issues—problems you can diagnose and fix yourself in minutes. This guide walks you through the top 7 reasons your printer keeps jamming and provides step by step instructions to fix each one for good.

Introduction to Common Printing Issues

Paper jams are one of the most common—and most frustrating—printer issues faced by both home users and busy offices. Whether you’re printing a single page or a large batch of documents, a sudden printer jam can bring your workflow to a halt. Understanding why these paper jams happen is the first step toward preventing them and keeping your printer running smoothly.

Most printer jams are caused by a handful of familiar culprits: problems with the printer paper itself, issues along the paper path, worn or dirty feed rollers, and incorrect paper loading. Even something as simple as a misaligned stack or using the wrong type of paper can trigger a jammed paper error. Inside every printer, a series of feed rollers and guides work together to move each sheet through the printing process. If any part of this system is disrupted—by damaged paper, debris, or improper loading—a paper jam occurs.

Knowing how to clear a jam safely and understanding the internal components, like the paper path and feed rollers, can save you time and prevent damage to your printer. This guide breaks down the most common reasons for printer jams and offers step-by-step solutions, so you can tackle issues confidently and avoid future disruptions. Whether you’re dealing with a stubborn home inkjet or a high-volume office copier, these tips will help you keep your printer—and your day—on track.

Quick Answer: The 7 Most Common Jam Causes & Fast Fixes

Why does your printer keep jamming? In most cases, the culprit is one of seven issues: bad or damp paper, incorrect loading, overfilled trays, mixed paper sizes, dirty rollers, debris stuck inside, or sensor and hardware faults.

Here’s a quick rundown of each cause and what to do right now:

Bad or damp paper – Remove the stack, discard wavy or curled sheets, and reload with fresh paper from a sealed ream.
Incorrect loading / misaligned guides – Take out the paper stack, fan it, tap edges square on a flat surface, adjust the side and rear guides snugly, and reload.
Overfilled trays – Check the MAX line inside the paper tray, remove excess sheets, and store the rest in the original wrapper.
Wrong size or mixed paper – Verify that all sheets in the tray are the same size and type, then confirm settings on both the printer control panel and your computer’s print dialog.
Dirty or worn rollers – Power off, unplug, and gently wipe accessible feed rollers with a lint free cloth dampened with water or isopropyl alcohol.
Debris or torn scraps inside – Turn the printer off, open all access doors, use a flashlight to inspect, and gently remove any jammed paper or foreign objects.
Hardware or sensor faults – Power cycle the machine, clear stalled print jobs from the queue, and check for error messages. If problems persist, consult a technician.

After addressing these issues, double check your printer settings, including making sure the default printer is set correctly, and always follow proper steps for clearing jams. Check for any visible obstructions and consult your printer's manual for troubleshooting steps if jams persist.

Regular maintenance is vital for preventing printer issues and ensuring efficient operation.

Now let’s dig into each reason so you can identify exactly what’s causing your frequent paper jams—and fix it once and for all.

Reason #1: Poor Paper Quality, Moisture, and Humidity

Paper condition is one of the top reasons printers jam in home and office environments. Cheap, curled, damp, or overly dry paper behaves unpredictably as it travels through the printing process, leading to crumpled pages and frustrating error messages. As paper travels through the printer, moisture or static can disrupt the paper feed and cause jams, especially if the paper is not properly conditioned.

How humidity affects your paper:

High humidity—common in summer months, basements, or coastal regions—causes paper to absorb moisture, making sheets wavy and swollen. When this dampened paper enters the fuser unit (which runs at 170–200°C in laser printers), the moisture flash-evaporates and the sheet buckles or curls unpredictably.
Very dry winter air and heating systems create the opposite problem: static electricity builds up, causing multiple sheets to stick together and double-feed through the pickup rollers.
Damp paper can expand and stick together, leading to double-feeds, while dry paper can create static causing sticking, both of which disrupt the paper feed and increase the risk of jams.

The problem with low quality paper:

Cheap or poor quality paper sheds dust and loose fibers under heat and friction. Over weeks or months, this paper dust accumulates on your printer rollers and sensors, reducing grip and causing more frequent jams. Low-quality paper can shed "paper dust," which reduces roller traction and can cause jams.
Inconsistent thickness in budget paper means some sheets bend or compress differently than others, leading to buckles in tight curves of the paper path.

Storage matters more than you think:

Keep reams sealed in their original packaging until you’re ready to use them. Storing paper in a cool, dry place and keeping it sealed until use helps prevent moisture absorption and related jams.
Store paper off the floor in a cool, dry room away from windows, radiators, and HVAC vents
Avoid leaving partially used reams open on shelves where they can absorb moisture overnight
Use older stock first to prevent long-term humidity absorption

Action steps:

Switch to 20–24 lb (75–90 gsm) high quality paper that matches your printer’s specifications. Using high-quality paper minimizes dust, curling, and reduces the occurrence of jams.
Discard any visibly curled, wrinkled, or damaged paper before loading
Test with a fresh, sealed ream to see if the jams stop
If you work in a humid environment, consider a small dehumidifier near your printer area
Inkjet printers are particularly sensitive to paper quality and humidity, as their paper feed mechanisms can be more easily disrupted by curled or damp sheets. Ensuring proper paper storage and using high-quality paper is especially important for inkjet printer users.

Reason #2: Incorrect Paper Loading and Misaligned Guides

Rushed loading is a daily cause of jams. Stacks dropped in crooked, guides left unadjusted, or paper shoved too far into the tray all create conditions for the printer paper jam error you’re dreading.

When a stack is incorrectly loaded, the top sheets enter the paper path at an angle. This causes the page to hit internal guides or the registration roller off-center, resulting in diagonal “skew jams” and crumpled corners. Skewed paper can also trigger sensors at the wrong time, making the printer think a jam has occurred even when paper is still moving.

The role of guide rails:

Side and end guide rails must be set snugly against the paper size marks (Letter, Legal, A4, etc.) without bowing or pinching the stack
The adjustable plastic sliders in the paper tray must fit snugly against the paper stack to prevent skew or pinching.
Guides that are too loose allow paper to wander sideways, causing crooked paths
Guides that are too tight pinch the stack so rollers struggle to grab one sheet at a time

Common loading mistakes:

Shoving paper under the front stop or past the rear stop
Loading above the max fill line, which creates feeding resistance
Dropping a full ream straight into the tray without preparation

Quick fix procedure:

Remove the entire paper stack from the tray
Fan the pages to separate them and reduce static
Tap all four edges on a flat surface to square the stack
Adjust the side and rear guides so they just touch the paper edges without bending the stack
Reload the paper and verify it sits flat and aligned correctly
Print a test page to confirm the issue is resolved

Most popular brands—HP OfficeJet, Brother MFC, Canon imageCLASS—have printed size icons on the tray bottom. Visually confirm your paper aligns with these markings before closing the tray.

Proper paper feed management is key to preventing jams.

Fanning and Squaring the Stack

Fanning separates individual sheets and reduces static buildup so multiple pages don’t feed together. This simple step prevents double-feeds that cause jams at the pickup rollers.

How to fan correctly:

Hold the stack at each short end
Gently bend the stack in the middle to let air flow between sheets
Fan both sides of the stack
Tap all four edges on a desk or table to square the sheets perfectly

When to fan:

Any time you open a new pack of paper
If the stack has been sitting in a humid room overnight
When using thick stocks like cardstock or photo paper
After removing a stack that’s been sitting unused in the tray for days

Never drop an entire unopened ream straight into a tray without fanning first—especially in dry offices where static is a constant problem.

Getting Guide Rails Just Right

Guide rails seem like a minor detail, but incorrect positioning is responsible for a surprising number of feeding issues.

Rails too loose:

Paper wanders sideways during pickup
Sheets enter the paper path at an angle
Jams occur near the entrance rollers or registration area

Rails too tight:

The stack is pinched so rollers can’t grab one sheet cleanly
The printer may report “no paper” errors even with a full tray
Pages feed with creased or bent edges

Best practice:

Slide the guides until they just touch the paper edges—snug but not bending or bowing the stack
After loading, try to wiggle the stack gently; it should have minimal play but not be pinched
Check all trays (main tray, bypass/manual feed, any extra paper cassette) after every paper size change
When switching between Letter and Legal or A4, physically reposition the guides rather than forcing the stack to fit

Reason #3: Too Much Paper in the Tray (Overfilling)

Overfilling is a classic office problem. Staff pack trays “for the whole day,” exceeding capacity and causing jams from the very first pull.

When you overload a tray:

Excess weight and pressure make it difficult for pickup rollers to separate the top sheet cleanly
The rubber rollers may grab two or three sheets at once, causing multiple-sheet feeds that jam downstream
The top sheet can scrape against the tray ceiling, bending its leading edge before it even enters the paper path

The MAX line exists for a reason:

Most trays have a molded or printed MAX line on the inside wall
This line represents the maximum stack height the feed mechanism is designed to handle
Loading above this line virtually guarantees feeding problems

Corrective steps:

Remove the entire stack from the tray
Check the MAX line and estimate half to two-thirds capacity as a safe target
Reload only up to (not beyond) the max line
Store the remaining paper in its original wrapper to keep it protected from humidity
Combine this with fanning and alignment to fix several causes at once

For high-volume offices:

Use high-capacity trays or additional cassettes if your printer model supports them
Schedule more frequent, smaller refills rather than one massive overload
Consider a printer with larger standard tray capacity if your current machine can’t keep up with demand

Reason #4: Wrong Paper Size, Type, or Mixed Media

Size or type mismatch between what’s physically in the tray and what’s configured in the printer is a major trigger for repeated jams.

What happens with mismatched settings:

The printer expects paper of a certain dimension; when actual sheets don’t match, sensors trigger at wrong times
The fuser temperature and speed are optimized for the configured paper type—heavy cardstock fed as “plain paper” may not fuse properly and can stick to hot rollers
Mixed media in one tray means unpredictable thickness, stiffness, and behavior

Common office missteps:

Loading envelopes or labels into a standard tray without changing settings
Mixing Letter (8.5×11 in) and A4 (210×297 mm) sheets in the same stack
Feeding thick cardstock or glossy photo paper through a curved path designed for standard 20 lb copy paper
Forgetting to update the print dialog after switching paper types

Action steps:

Verify tray settings on the printer’s touchscreen or control panel menu
Ensure your computer’s print dialog (Windows or macOS) matches the same size and paper type
Remove any mixed stacks and dedicate each tray to one paper at a time
For heavy stocks, labels, and envelopes, use the manual or bypass tray—these provide a straighter path and often slower feed speeds
Select “Thick Paper” or “Cardstock” in your print settings when using heavier media

A note on labels:

Only use labels rated for your printer type. Labels not designed for laser printer fuser temperatures can melt, ooze adhesive onto rollers, and cause persistent jams that require professional cleaning.

Reason #5: Dirty or Worn Feed Rollers

Feed rollers are the rubber components that grab and move paper through your printer. Over time, they collect paper dust, toner residue, and skin oils. Eventually, they wear smooth and lose the grip they need to function properly. Roller issues are a common cause of printer jams and require regular attention to keep your printer running smoothly.

Symptoms of roller problems:

The printer tries to pull paper but fails, cycling repeatedly before displaying a jam error
Multiple sheets feed at once, causing jams early in the paper path
Jams occur at the same spot repeatedly, usually right after paper pickup
You hear clicking or whirring sounds as rollers slip against paper

Basic cleaning procedure:

Power off the printer and unplug the power cord
Open access panels to expose the feed rollers (check your printer’s manual for locations)
Gently wipe exposed rubber rollers with a lint free cloth lightly dampened with water or rubbing alcohol. Cleaning the rollers with a soft, lint-free cloth can help restore their grip and improve paper feeding.
Rotate the rollers manually (if accessible) to clean their full circumference
Let rollers dry completely before closing covers
Plug in and power on, then run a test print

What to avoid:

Don’t use abrasive cleaners or solvents not recommended by the manufacturer
Never spray cleaning solutions directly onto rollers or internal components
Avoid touching rollers with bare, oily fingers after cleaning

Maintenance schedules:

Many business-class models from HP, Brother, Kyocera, and Canon have on-screen maintenance prompts at set page counts. Follow these recommendations—they exist because manufacturers know when components typically need attention.

Regular cleaning and maintenance of your printer's rollers can help prevent feeding issues and jams. Regular maintenance, including cleaning rollers and inspecting for debris, can prevent future jams.

Recognizing When Rollers Need Replacement, Not Just Cleaning

Sometimes cleaning isn’t enough. Worn feed rollers need replacement, not another wipe-down.

Visual signs of end-of-life:

Rollers look shiny and glazed instead of matte
Visible cracks, flat spots, or hardened areas on the rubber surface
Rollers feel hard and plasticky rather than slightly tacky

Behavioral clues:

Jams return within days of thorough cleaning
Pages consistently misfeed from the same tray despite fresh paper and correct loading
The printer frequently reports “no paper” errors with a full tray

When to replace:

Check your device’s page count in settings or on a configuration page
Compare this to the manufacturer’s rated duty cycle for rollers (often 50,000–200,000 pages depending on model)
If you’re near or past that number and experiencing chronic jams, replacement is likely overdue

For users uncomfortable with DIY roller replacement, contact a local printer technician or the manufacturer’s service line. Roller kits are usually affordable, and installation is straightforward for professionals.

Reason #6: Debris, Torn Paper, and Hidden Obstructions Inside

Leftover scraps from previous jams, staples, paper clips, or even small office objects can block the paper path and cause recurring jams. One tiny piece of torn paper over an optical sensor is enough to trigger constant jam errors. A paper jam inside the printer often requires opening the appropriate access point, such as the toner or ink cartridge area, to locate and remove the obstruction. Small foreign objects like staples or tiny scraps of paper can obstruct the paper path, causing jams.

Common hiding spots:

Beneath the toner or ink cartridges (access point)
Under the fuser exit area
Inside rear access doors
Along the duplex (two-sided printing) path
In the automatic document feeder (ADF) on all-in-one devices

Safe clearing steps:

When a jam occurs, turn off your printer and gently remove the jammed paper.
Turn the printer off and unplug it from power
Open all accessible covers—front, back, and ADF cover if applicable—to reach the access point and check for a paper jam inside.
Use a flashlight to inspect the full paper path carefully
Look for torn scraps, paper clips, staples, or any foreign objects
If a sheet tears, you must find the missing piece as even a scrap can cause the next job to jam.
Gently remove any jammed paper in the direction of normal paper travel (with the path, not against it)
Use a dry cloth or compressed air to remove loose paper dust from accessible areas
Check that all doors and covers close firmly—a slightly open cover often keeps error messages displayed

Safety warnings:

Never use sharp objects, knives, or metal tools near the drum or fuser
The fuser can remain hot for several minutes after printing—allow cooling time before reaching inside
Don’t force stuck paper; if it won’t come out with gentle pressure, check if you’re pulling in the correct direction

Don’t forget the ADF:

If you have an all-in-one printer with a document feeder, it has its own set of rollers and paper path. Lift the ADF cover and check for small scraps that may have separated from originals during scanning or copying.

Reason #7: Firmware Errors, Sensors, and When It’s a Hardware Problem

If jams recur at the same spot after you’ve addressed loading, paper quality, cleaning, and debris—the underlying issue may be sensors or internal mechanics.

What can go wrong:

Paper path sensors can become blocked by dust or damaged during severe jams
A blocked or malfunctioning sensor makes the printer think paper is jammed even when the path is clear
Worn gears, bent guides, or damaged fuser components cause mechanical failures that no amount of cleaning will fix

Basic resets to try:

Power off the printer completely
Unplug from the wall for at least two minutes
Restart both the printer and your computer
Open the print queue and clear any stalled print jobs
Power the machine back on and attempt a single test print

Check for error codes:

Look at the display panel for specific error codes (e.g., 13.xx on many laser printers indicates jam-related issues)
Consult your printer’s manual or the manufacturer’s support site for exact meanings
Write down the code before calling support—it helps technicians diagnose remotely

Warning signs of serious hardware problems:

Repeated grinding or clicking noises during operation
Burning smells when printing
Identical error codes appearing after multiple clears
Visible damage to internal components

At this point, continuing to troubleshoot may waste more time than it saves. Evaluate the age and duty cycle of your printer. If it’s older, heavily used, and out of warranty, replacement may be more cost-effective than major repair.

When to Call a Professional (and What to Tell Them)

Some printer issues exceed DIY territory. Knowing when to call for help—and what information to provide—can significantly reduce your downtime. If troubleshooting persistent printer jams or complex issues, you can also contact customer support via e mail for assistance.

Call a technician when:

Jams occur every few pages despite following all steps in this guide
The error light stays on even after clearing visible obstructions
You see visible damage to rollers, gears, or internal guides
The same issue persists across different paper types and trays

Information to gather before calling:

Detail	Why It Matters
Printer brand and model	Determines parts compatibility and common issues
Approximate age and page count	Helps assess whether components are near end-of-life
Specific error codes or messages	Guides diagnosis before the technician arrives
Where paper stops (tray, mid-path, fuser, exit)	Narrows down which component is failing

Sharing these details helps technicians bring the right parts on the first visit and reduces the chance of repeat callouts.

For businesses with multiple devices:

Consider a maintenance contract or managed print service. Regular inspections and preventative repairs catch problems before they cause downtime—and often cost less than emergency service calls. Ensuring a proper work environment and correct network configuration for all printers and computers can also help minimize printer issues and reduce downtime.

Step-by-Step: Safely Clearing a Paper Jam Without Damaging the Printer

Improper jam clearing—yanking paper, pulling backwards, using sharp objects—can tear sheets, bend fuser parts, and create chronic jam conditions. Proper clearing jams procedures are essential to avoid damaging your printer and to ensure smooth operation. Here’s how to clear a jam safely.

Safe clearing sequence:

Stop the print job – Cancel from your computer or press the cancel button on the printer
Turn the printer off and unplug it – This prevents injury and protects components
Locate the jam – Check the screen or lid sticker for a diagram showing where paper is stuck inside the printer
Open covers in order – Follow the sequence shown in your printer’s manual (usually front panel first, then rear access)
Pull paper in the right direction – Always pull in the direction of normal paper travel to avoid ripping
Use two hands and slow pressure – Grip the sheet firmly and pull evenly; rushing causes tears
Check for remnants – If a sheet tears, go back and carefully remove any remaining pieces with a dry cloth or your fingers
Inspect the full path – Use a flashlight to verify nothing is left behind. Using compressed air can also help clear debris causing jams.
Close all doors firmly – A partially closed cover will keep error lights on
Reload paper correctly – Fan, square, adjust guides, and load below the max line
Print a test page – Confirm normal operation before resuming your full print jobs

Remember: One careless jam clearing can damage sensors or bend guides, turning a one-time jam into a recurring nightmare. Take your time. After clearing jams, cleaning the paper feed rollers can help resolve persistent printing issues.

Advanced Troubleshooting: When Jams Just Won’t Quit

If you’ve tried all the basic fixes and your printer still suffers from frequent paper jams, it’s time to dig deeper with advanced troubleshooting. Persistent jams often point to underlying issues like worn feed rollers, blockages deep in the paper path, or problems with the print head or pickup rollers.

Start by giving your printer a thorough inspection. Power off the machine and unplug it, then open all access points to check for hidden scraps of paper or debris inside the paper path. Use a lint free cloth lightly dampened with isopropyl alcohol to clean the feed rollers—these rubber components can accumulate paper dust and lose their grip over time, leading to repeated jams. Rotate the rollers manually to ensure you clean the entire surface, and let them dry completely before closing the printer.

If cleaning doesn’t resolve the issue, consult your printer’s manual for model-specific troubleshooting steps. Many printers have maintenance menus or diagnostic tools that can help you pinpoint the source of the problem. Online support forums and manufacturer websites are also valuable resources for troubleshooting stubborn printer issues.

Sometimes, the only solution is to replace worn rollers or other components like the pickup rollers or print head. These parts can develop flat spots or lose their tackiness after thousands of print jobs, making it impossible for the printer to feed paper correctly. Replacement kits are available for most printer models, and regular maintenance—such as cleaning the interior and checking for obstructions—can extend the life of these parts and prevent future jams.

Don’t overlook the importance of using high quality paper and storing it properly. Poor paper quality or paper that’s been exposed to humidity can cause feeding issues and increase the risk of jams. Always store paper in a cool, dry place and keep it sealed until you’re ready to load it into the tray.

By following these advanced troubleshooting steps and committing to regular maintenance, you can minimize downtime, reduce the risk of future jams, and keep your printer working efficiently—no matter how demanding your print jobs may be.

Preventing Future Jams: Simple Habits That Keep Your Printer Running

Prevention is cheaper and faster than recurring fixes, especially in busy offices with tight deadlines. Building a few simple habits into your routine can significantly reduce future jams.

Paper handling habits:

Store paper in its original sealed wrapper until ready to use
Keep reams off the floor in a cool, dry location
Use the right paper weight and quality for your printer model
Never mix sizes or types in one tray
Fan and align new stacks before loading
Load to the max line—never above it

Maintenance habits:

Clean printer rollers and accessible areas every few months or at manufacturer-recommended page counts
Keep the printer area dust-controlled; avoid placing machines near open windows or high-traffic dusty zones
Run built-in cleaning cycles when prompted
Schedule annual professional check-ups for high-volume devices
Replace worn rollers proactively rather than waiting for failure

For shared office printers:

Create a simple, one-page “How to Load Paper and Clear Jams” guide and post it near the machine. This reduces user mistakes and ensures everyone follows the same correct procedures.

Track your jam frequency:

If issues persist after following this guide, keep a simple log of when jams occur, which tray they affect, and any error codes displayed. This data helps technicians diagnose problems faster—and helps you decide when it’s time for a hardware upgrade rather than another repair.

Your printer should work for you, not against you. With the right paper, proper loading, regular cleaning, and attention to warning signs, you can keep your machine running smoothly and reclaim the time you’ve been losing to frustrating jams