A canon printer paper jam is one of the most common printing issues for Canon printers, but fortunately, it’s also one of the easiest to fix. Whether you own an inkjet, laser, or all-in-one Canon printer, the steps for clearing a jam are mostly the same. This guide walks you through how to safely remove stuck paper, prevent damage to your printer, and stop future jams from happening.
The very first thing you should do is stop all printing activity. Press Cancel, turn the printer off, and unplug it from the power outlet. This prevents the rollers from moving while you’re working, which protects both you and the printer. Allow the printer to sit for at least 30 seconds so all mechanical parts come to a complete stop.
Before you start searching for the jammed page, remove any loose sheets sitting in the input tray or output tray. Avoid pulling on anything that feels stuck, as this can tear the paper and make the jam harder to clear.
Most Canon printers allow you to open a front panel to access the internal rollers. Gently lift the cover and look for any sheet that appears crumpled or stuck inside.
Hold the paper firmly with both hands.
Pull slowly and in the direction of the paper path.
Avoid tugging upward or sideways—this can tear the sheet or damage the rollers.
If the paper tears, remove the remaining pieces carefully. Even tiny scraps can cause future jams, so inspect the area closely.
Many Canon printers have a rear access panel that allows you to reach the rollers from the back of the machine. Look for a release tab or button to open it.
Inside, you may find:
Folded paper
Torn pieces stuck around the rollers
Paper wrapped around the fuser (more common in laser printers)
Gently remove any stuck sheets. If a roller won’t release the paper, rotate it manually in the direction of normal paper movement.
If your canon printer stopped printing halfway through a page, part of the sheet may be stuck in the output area. Carefully pull the paper forward (never backward). If tugging feels difficult, check for other jam points inside the printer before forcing it.
Some Canon models use a lower paper cassette. Remove the tray completely and inspect the entry area where the paper feeds into the canon printer. Sometimes paper becomes misaligned in the tray and gets stuck before entering the rollers.
Straighten the paper stack and make sure:
Edges are even
Paper is not curled, wrinkled, or damp
The paper guides are snug but not tight
Reinsert the tray securely.
(For All-in-One Printers)
If you were scanning or copying, the ADF may also experience jams. Lift the ADF cover and gently remove any stuck documents. Clean the rollers if you notice dust buildup, as this can cause feeding issues.
Once all canon jammed paper has been removed and the printer is reassembled, plug it back in and turn it on. Many Canon printers will run a brief internal check. If the screen still shows a paper jam message, recheck all access points—especially the back cover and the paper cassette.
Before resuming regular printing, test with one clean sheet of paper. If the canon printer feeds and prints correctly, the issue is resolved.
If it jams again, the cause may be related to:
Damaged rollers
Incorrect paper type
Overfilled paper tray
A small scrap of paper still stuck inside
Canon printers are designed for specific weight and thickness ranges. Avoid:
Damp or wrinkled paper
Cheap, thin paper
Thick cardstock (unless the printer supports it)
Fan the stack before inserting it
Align edges evenly
Don’t overload the tray
Adjust side guides so the paper fits snugly
Dusty rollers cause frequent jams. Clean them gently with a lint-free cloth and warm water (never alcohol, which can dry out the rubber).
Humidity can warp or curl sheets, causing feed problems. Always store paper in a dry, cool place.
Canon Printer Paper Jams can be frustrating, but with a few careful steps, you can clear them safely and prevent long-term damage to your Canon printer. Most jams happen due to misaligned paper or debris inside the machine—and both issues are easy to fix. If jams continue even after cleaning and checking all areas, the rollers or internal sensors may need servicing.