8 Common Causes of a Paper Jam in Your Printer & How to Address Them

Have you ever been sick of dealing with your printer paper jam issue every day?

A paper jam in a printer may seem like a trivial issue. But when it happens repeatedly, it can halt your progress, waste resources, and frustrate your team, especially when the workday is hectic. At the point that paper jams happen every time you need your printer to work properly, it may be a sign that you need to have your printer checked up and repaired. If you’ve asked, “Why does my HP printer keep saying ‘paper jam’?” or “Why is paper getting stuck in my office printer?” don’t worry! You are not alone. Printer Repairs is here to help pinpoint and address the common causes of a paper jam in your printer.

Detecting the reasons that cause paper jams and knowing how to fix them will save you time, frustration, and money in future printer repairs. Best of all, you can maintain optimal printing operations in your office, shop, or facility to support your overall business needs. Here’s what you need to know about the paper jam!

1. Different Paper Types or Sizes on the Same Tray 

Usually, an office printer can handle different paper types and sizes on its tray. However, having different types of paper in the same tray can confuse the printer’s feed system, potentially resulting in paper jams and so-on problems.

The most ultimate way to avoid this problem is to only load one type of paper in a tray for a single use to avoid messing with the printer’s detecting system. Or when you need to use a different paper type, use a separate tray or manually load it again so your printer works properly and smoothly.

2. Too Much Paper in Trays

Overloading the paper tray can be one of the reasons that leads to exposing the pile to excessive pressure, and eventually, the printer won’t be able to pull out sheets easily, and here you go again with the paper jam.

The advice from the expert is to fill the paper up to the maximum recommended capacity only so you’re not forcing your printer to overload and overwork at once. Remember to sweep the pile again before placing it into the tray to prevent the sheets from sticking together. With just a few minor steps, you can prevent your printer from paper jamming and save yourself a lot of time and effort!

3. Poor Quality or Paper Condition

Another major reason behind your printer paper jam is low-quality or damaged paper, which is also likely to curl, crumple, or create dust that jams the printer rollers and leads to persistent paper jam issues.

Here’s how to easily fix it:

• Use high-quality paper suitable for your printer model.
• Store paper in a dry and cool location to prevent curling due to moisture.
• Always checking the paper again after use to ensure next user’s printing paper quality

4. Incorrect Paper Loading

One of the most minor mistakes that not many people are aware of is the paper, if not loaded properly, may enter the printer at an angle, leading to a jam. Just a small improper loading process can lead to paper jam inside your printer and may cause you a lot of trouble eventually.

The best way to make sure your printer works smoothly is to ensure the paper is aligned with the guides perfectly, not too tight or loose, allowing the paper stack to be able to move freely without getting stuck. So, don’t push the paper too far into the tray, and always recheck if the paper fits correctly. 

5. Poor-quality Toner or Ink Cartridges

Have you switched to another brand of toner or ink cartridges? Non-OEM toner or ink cartridges may sometimes lead to improper paper feeding, resulting in jams.

Consider utilising toner and manufacturer-recommended ink cartridges to see what works best with your printer’s printing system. For the best printing outcome, you can perform routine checks for leaks or buildup in the printer regularly.

6. Dirty Printer Rollers

Printer rollers help guide the paper through the machine. When dusty and dirty, they lose their grip and become one of the common causes of a paper jam in a printer.

How to fix it:

• Clean the rollers with a lint-free cloth and isopropyl alcohol.
• Consult your printer manual for roller cleaning instructions.

7. Old or Damaged Printer Parts

As with any equipment, printers will wear out with age. Frayed rollers, broken gears, or faulty sensors can all contribute to frequent paper jams.

How to fix it:

• If your printer jams over and over, inspect it for frayed parts.
• Have a professional repair service fix it if you suspect mechanical issues.

8. Something Inside the Printer

What is another cause of a paper jam in a printer? It may be a foreign object inside the device. Staples, scraps of paper, or dust may block the paper path & cause jams. 

How to fix it:

• Look inside the printer for any object that does not belong.
• Use a soft, dry cloth or a vacuum cleaner to remove small junk safely. 

Don’t let paper jam be a hindrance!

Paper jams are common but preventable issues that can disrupt your workflow. By understanding what causes a paper jam in a printer and following proper inspection and maintenance steps, you can keep your device running smoothly. Cleaning your printer regularly, using high-quality paper, toner, and cartridges, and ensuring correct loading techniques can significantly reduce the chances of a recurring paper jam.

However, if you continue to suffer from frequent paper jams despite these measures, perhaps it is time to call the professionals. At Printer Repair Centre, we specialise in diagnosing and repairing printer issues—from simple paper feed problems to more complex mechanical faults. Our experienced technicians know what to do if your office printer says “paper jam,” even when no paper is visibly stuck on it. 

Contact us today for fast, efficient solutions and get your printer printing at peak performance.