Why Does My HP Printer Say Paper Jam When There is No Paper Jam?

When paper is stuck in the printer and does not get ejected it is called Paper Jam. And, the printer shows an error. But, there are times when your HP Printer says jam but no jam actually exists. Let us now see Why the error occurs and how it can be resolved.

 

Causes of HP Printer showing Paper Jam when there is no Paper JAM:

The guides on the paper tray are the main reason that the printer shows a paper jam even when it is not there. Whenever your printer shows an issue of paper jam make sure you check for the paper tray that holds the paper. Usually, the guides that hold the paper into place might be a little off or out of place. The guides in the paper tray are designed so as to keep the stack of the paper in place. So, every time the guides are off by even an inch it means paper jam.

Resolve the False Paper Jam Issue:

1. Make sure that the paper is put together.
2. Adjust the guides in a very compact manner. 
3. It should not move when you move or shake the paper tray.
4. After that ensure there is actually no paper stuck inside the printers or the rollers near the tray.

 

Steps to Resolve an Actual Paper Jam:

Step 1: Clear jammed paper from the input tray, output tray, ink cartridges access area, and underneath the printer.

Step 2: Ensure that the carriage is able to move freely.

• Switch on the printer, in case it is off.
• Next, open the ink cartridge access door.
• Wait for the carriage to be silent and idle.
• Ensuring the printer remains on, disconnect the power wire.
• Remove any paper or objects that might restrict the carriage.
• Manually move the carriage by reaching from the ink cartridge access door.
• Get rid of any loose paper.
• Push the carriage to the left or right side to see there are no obstructions.
• Now, open the ink cartridge access door.
• Switch on the printer by reconnecting the power wire.

Step 3: Rollers inside the printer need to be cleaned as dust, paper fiber, and other debris might accumulate on it causing the paper jam.

• Switch off the printer by removing the power cord.
• Pick up the input tray.
• Look for the gray paper pick rollers by opening the input tray. 
• Slightly dampen a lint-free cloth and then get rid of any excess liquid from it.
• Clean the rollers by pressing the cloth against them and rotating them upward with your fingers.
• Let the rollers dry properly. 
• Switch on the printer by reconnecting the power cord.

Step 4: Clean the paper feed rollers by;

• Make sure you remove any paper from the input tray.
• Hit the down arrow to choose Settings, then press OK.
• Press the down arrow to select Tools, then press OK.
• Hit the down arrow to select Clean Paper Feed, then press OK.
• The printer might make some noise for a minute.
• Wait for the printer to stop completely before continuing.

Step 5: By cleaning the ink smears, the paper jam error can be resolved and print quality can be optimized.

• Load the paper in the input tray.
• Press the down arrow to opt for Settings, then press OK.
• Hit the down arrow to select Tools, then press OK.
• Press the down arrow to choose Clean Ink Smears, then press OK.
• The printer makes some noise for about a minute and feeds a page. 
• Before continuing, wait for the page to be ejected. 

Step 6: Reset the paper to clear and false paper jam.

Step 7: If the issue still persists after all these tries, consider replacing the printer or getting it serviced. 

No Jam!

The times when your HP Printer says jam but no jam actually exists are gone because now you know the solution. All the steps are discussed in detail so that there is no confusion and you can start printing again.