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

A paper jam in a printer may seem a trivial issue. But if it happens repeatedly, it can halt your progress, waste resources, and frustrate your team, especially when the work day is hectic. 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. We’re here to help pinpoint and address the common causes of a paper jam in your printer.  

Finding out the reasons behind paper jams and 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.

1. Different Paper Types or Sizes on the Same Tray 

Normally, an office printer can handle different paper types and sizes. However, having different types of paper in the same tray can create issues for the printer’s feed system, potentially resulting in paper jams.

How to fix it:

• Only load one type of paper in a tray.
• When using a different paper type, use a separate tray or manually load it.

2. Too Much Paper in Trays

Overloading the paper tray can expose the pile to excessive pressure, and the printer won’t be able to pull out sheets easily.

How to fix it:

• Fill the paper up to the maximum recommended capacity.
• Sweep the pile before placing it into the tray to prevent the sheets from sticking together.

3. Poor Quality or Paper Condition

Low-quality or damaged paper is also likely to curl, crumple, or create dust that jams the printer rollers and leads to persistent paper jam issues.

How to 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.

4. Incorrect Paper Loading

The paper, if not loaded properly, may enter the printer at an angle, leading to a jam.

How to fix it:

• Make sure the paper is aligned with the guides—not too tight or loose.
• The paper stack should be able to move freely without getting stuck. So, don’t push the paper too far into the tray. 

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.

How to fix it:

• Utilise toner and manufacturer-recommended ink cartridges.
• Perform routine checks for leaks or buildup in the printer.

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. 

Final Thoughts

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.