Nothing kills productivity faster than a paper jam. You’re printing an important document, the machine grinds to a halt, and that dreaded red light starts flashing.
The good news: paper jams are one of the most common printer issues, and also one of the easiest to fix.
Below, we’ll walk you through how to clear a jam safely, what causes them, and how to stop them from happening again.
How to Fix a Paper Jam Safely
If your printer is jammed right now, start here. The key is patience. Pulling too hard or skipping steps can make the issue worse.
Step-by-Step: Clearing a Paper Jam
- Stop the printer completely. Don’t keep trying to print.
- Follow on-screen prompts or use the printer’s control panel to locate the jam.
- Open the recommended access panels (usually front or back) to reach the jammed paper.
- Gently pull the paper out in the direction it normally feeds. Avoid yanking backward. That can tear the sheet and leave scraps inside.
- Inspect for torn pieces or stray scraps near rollers and sensors.
- Close all doors securely before restarting the printer.
- Run a test print to confirm the problem is resolved.
If jams keep occurring in the same spot, it could point to a worn roller, dirty sensor, or an issue with the paper type being used.
What Actually Causes Paper Jams
Once you’ve cleared the jam, it’s worth understanding why it happened, so you can keep it from happening again.
Here are the most common culprits:
1. Low-Quality or Damaged Paper
Curled, torn, or damp paper is a jam waiting to happen. Cheap paper can also shed fibers that build up inside the printer and block sensors.
Pro Tip: Store your paper flat, sealed, and away from humidity.
2. Incorrect Paper Type or Size
Feeding heavy stock, labels, or glossy paper through the wrong tray or setting can cause misfeeds. Always match the printer’s tray setting to the paper type.
3. Overfilled or Misaligned Paper Trays
If the paper guides aren’t snug, or the tray is filled past the line, sheets may feed unevenly. This is one of the easiest mistakes to fix.
4. Worn or Dirty Feed Rollers
The rubber rollers that grab and feed paper lose grip over time. Frequent jams are a telltale sign they need cleaning or replacement.
5. Improper Removal of a Previous Jam
If someone previously yanked a sheet out too fast, small scraps can remain inside the paper path, leading to recurring jams.
6. Environmental Factors
Humidity, dust, or heat can cause paper to curl or stick. Even small changes in the office environment can affect feed performance.
How to Prevent Paper Jams Before They Happen
Keeping your printer jam-free is mostly about good habits and simple maintenance.
1. Fan and Align Paper Before Loading
This reduces static and prevents multiple sheets from feeding at once.
2. Don’t Overfill the Tray
Always load paper below the max fill line. Overfilling is one of the top causes of jams.
3. Match Paper Settings
Choose the correct paper size and weight in your printer settings, especially if you switch between types like envelopes, labels, or glossy media.
4. Keep the Printer Clean
Dust and toner buildup cause rollers to slip. Wipe down trays and feed paths periodically or schedule regular maintenance.
5. Store Paper Properly
Keep reams sealed until use, and store them flat in a dry, cool area.
6. Schedule Professional Maintenance
For high-use printers, have them professionally cleaned or serviced every 6–12 months.
When to Call for Professional Printer Service
If jams happen regularly, especially in the same area, the issue may be mechanical.
A technician can help with:
- Replacing feed rollers or pads
- Cleaning or realigning sensors
- Updating firmware
- Inspecting for worn parts or buildup
Professional servicing can often prevent a costly breakdown later.
Consider Managed Print Services (MPS)
If your team constantly battles jams, toner issues, or maintenance delays, Managed Print Services might be the answer.
An MPS provider monitors your printers remotely, delivers toner automatically, and performs preventive maintenance before problems happen. That means fewer jams, less downtime, and predictable monthly costs.
Emerald Document Imaging provides MPS solutions to businesses across Long Island, NYC, and the greater New York metro area, helping offices keep their printers running smoothly and efficiently.
Paper jams might be one of the oldest office annoyances, but they don’t have to be a regular part of your workday.
By using quality paper, following proper loading practices, and scheduling regular maintenance, you can keep your multifunction printer or copier performing like new.
And if it’s time for an upgrade or a smarter print strategy, we’re here to help.
Contact us today for a free print assessment or service quote →
