A paper jam is one of the most common — and most frustrating — printer issues. Whether you’re printing important documents at home or running a busy office in Calgary, a jammed printer can slow everything down.
The good news? Most paper jams are easy to fix without needing to take the printer apart. In this guide, we’ll walk you through simple steps on how to fix a paper jam in a printer, plus what to avoid so the problem doesn’t happen again.
Why Paper Jams Happen
Paper jams occur for a few common reasons:
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Misaligned or overloaded paper trays
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Using curled, damp, or low-quality paper
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Dirty or worn-out rollers
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Foreign objects inside the printer
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Incorrect paper size settings
Understanding the cause helps prevent future issues.
How to Fix a Paper Jam in a Printer (Step-by-Step)
1. Turn Off and Unplug the Printer
Before touching anything, turn off the machine. This protects the printer’s internal parts and keeps your fingers safe.
2. Open All Accessible Panels
Depending on your printer, open:
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The main front cover
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Rear access panel
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Paper tray
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Duplexing (double-sided) cover
This helps you see where the jam is located.
3. Gently Pull Out the Jammed Paper
Always pull in the direction the paper feeds.
If you pull too hard or in the opposite direction, you risk:
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Tearing the sheet
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Damaging the rollers
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Misaligning gears
If the paper tears, remove all loose pieces so none remain inside.
4. Check the Rollers for Dirt or Debris
Dirt or toner buildup on rollers often causes repeated jams.
If needed:
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Use a lint-free cloth
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Slightly dampen with distilled water
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Wipe the rollers gently
Allow them to dry completely.
5. Reload Paper Properly
Before putting the paper back:
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Fan the sheets lightly
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Make sure they’re not stuck together
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Align them neatly
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Avoid overfilling the tray
Use high-quality paper to reduce friction and curling.
6. Run a Test Print
After closing all panels and powering the printer back on, print a test page to confirm everything works smoothly.
Still Getting Paper Jams?
If your printer continues to jam even after cleaning and reloading paper, you may have:
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Worn-out rollers
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A damaged pickup assembly
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Faulty sensors
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Internal hardware issues
This is where a professional repair service becomes essential.
Cal-Imaging: Calgary’s Trusted Printer Repair Specialists
If you’re tired of dealing with constant paper jams or don’t want to risk damaging your printer further, Cal-Imaging can help. We are Calgary’s premier HP-authorized dealer and repair service provider, offering:
✔ Affordable printer repair
✔ Fast diagnostics
✔ HP-certified technicians
✔ Support for printers, photocopiers, and office equipment
✔ On-site and in-shop repair options
Whether it’s a small home printer or a large office machine, we’ll get your equipment running smoothly again.
When to Call a Professional
If you notice:
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Repeated jams in the same area
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Loud noises while printing
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Error messages that won’t clear
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Slow or uneven feeding
…then it’s time for expert help. Fixing repeated jams early prevents bigger (and more expensive) damage later.
Knowing how to fix a paper jam in a printer can save time and reduce frustration. But if the issue keeps happening, professional servicing is the best solution.
Need reliable and affordable printer repair in Calgary?
Cal-Imaging is here to help — from troubleshooting to full repair services.