A paper jam in your HP printer can disrupt your workflow, whether you’re printing important documents at home or in the office. While it's a common issue, fixing a paper jam is often simple—if you know where to look and what to do. This guide will walk you through how to fix a  HP printer paper jam , from identifying the jam to safely removing stuck paper and preventing future issues.
Whether you’re using an HP DeskJet, LaserJet, ENVY, or OfficeJet model, the steps below will help you resolve paper jam problems quickly and easily.
Power off the printer and unplug it from the wall.
Let it sit for a few minutes to cool down if it's a laser printer.
Open the main paper tray, rear access door, and top cover.
Look for any pieces of paper stuck in the input, output, or carriage areas.
Grasp the paper with both hands and pull it slowly in the direction of paper movement.
Do not yank or tear the paper—it may leave fragments behind and cause future jams.
Move the ink cartridge carriage to the center manually (if it doesn't move automatically).
Remove any stuck paper or foreign objects around the carriage rail.
Open the rear door (if available) and check for any crumpled paper.
Clean rollers if needed with a lint-free cloth and distilled water.
Close all covers securely.
Plug the printer back in and turn it on.
Print a test page to ensure the issue is resolved.
Overfilled paper tray
Using wrinkled, curled, or damp paper
Incorrect paper size or type selected
Foreign objects like clips or torn paper inside the tray
Worn-out rollers causing misfeeds
Fan the paper stack before loading it.
Don’t overload the tray—stay below the max fill line.
Use the recommended paper type and quality for your printer model.
Store paper in a cool, dry place to prevent moisture damage.
Clean paper feed rollers regularly using HP’s cleaning tool or manually.
Q1: My HP printer says 'Paper Jam' but I see no paper. What should I do?
👉 Open all access doors, including the back, and look for tiny paper scraps. Use a flashlight if needed. Restart the printer after checking.
Q2: What if the paper is torn inside and hard to reach?
👉 Use tweezers gently to remove small bits. Never use sharp objects that may damage the printer’s interior.
Q3: Do I need to replace rollers if paper jams keep happening?
👉 If rollers are worn out or slick, they may need to be cleaned or replaced. Check HP’s support site for model-specific roller kits.
Q4: Can the HP Smart App help with paper jams?
👉 Yes. The HP Smart App can run diagnostics and guide you through basic jam fixes and roller cleaning.
Fixing a paper jam HP printer is often quick and straightforward with the right steps. By turning off the printer, removing paper carefully, inspecting all access points, and taking preventive measures, you can keep your HP printer running smoothly and avoid repeated interruptions.
Regular maintenance and correct paper handling are key to ensuring a jam-free experience. Follow this guide whenever you face a paper jam, and you’ll be back to printing in no time!