How to Clear a Paper Jam Safely

Quick answer

To clear a printer paper jam safely, turn the printer off, unplug it, and gently pull the stuck sheet out in the direction the paper normally travels, using both hands. On a laser printer, wait for the inside to cool first, because some parts get very hot. This guide is for anyone with a home or office printer who wants to remove jammed paper without damaging the printer or getting hurt.

Before you start

Safety comes first. A printer has moving rollers, sharp metal edges and, in laser printers, a heated part that can burn your skin.

• Cancel the print job on your computer so the printer doesn’t start again while your hands are inside.
• Turn the printer off with its power button, then unplug the power cord.
• If you have a laser printer, let it cool before reaching inside, for as long as the manual recommends (allow several minutes at the very least). The fuser (the part that melts toner onto the paper, usually near the paper exit) can stay hot well after printing stops. Most printers have a warning label near it.
• Take off rings, watches and loose bracelets, and tie back long hair or loose sleeves.
• Never use scissors, knives, tweezers or other metal tools inside the printer. They can scratch rollers or damage sensors.
• Find your printer’s manual or look up your model on the manufacturer’s support site. Most manuals have pictures showing every door and cover that opens for jam removal, and these differ by model.

Remove the jammed paper step by step

1. Look at the printer’s screen or lights. Many printers show roughly where the jam is, such as the input tray, the inside or the back.
2. With the printer off and unplugged, open the cover or door nearest the jam. Only open parts the manual says can be opened. Don’t remove screws or force panels.
3. Shine a light inside to see the sheet clearly.
4. Hold the paper with both hands, as wide apart as you can, so the pull is even.
5. Pull slowly and steadily in the same direction the paper normally moves through the printer. Pulling backward against the rollers can tear the sheet or bend parts.
6. If the paper won’t move with gentle pressure, stop. Try reaching it from another door, such as the rear access panel or the paper tray opening.
7. Check that the whole sheet came out. Lay it flat and look for missing corners or strips.
8. Close every door and cover firmly. Many printers won’t work if a cover is not fully latched.
9. Plug the printer back in, turn it on and print one test page.

If the sheet tears

A torn sheet is the most common reason a jam message keeps coming back. Small scraps can sit on a sensor and make the printer think paper is still stuck.

1. Turn the printer off and unplug it again.
2. Use a light to check every access area the manual shows, including the back panel and under the paper tray.
3. Remove scraps with your fingers only. If a scrap is out of reach, leave it and contact the manufacturer’s support rather than poking with tools.

Where jams usually hide

• Input tray: pull the tray out fully and look into the slot where it sits.
• Rear access door or duplex unit: many printers have a removable back panel used for two-sided printing.
• Inside the front cover: on laser printers, you may need to lift out the toner or drum unit to see the paper. Follow the manual, and avoid touching the shiny drum surface, which marks easily.
• Output area: paper sometimes jams right as it leaves the printer.

On inkjet printers, don’t move the print head carriage by hand unless the manual says you can, and don’t touch the thin white ribbon cable or the clear plastic strip that runs along it.

Stop paper jams from coming back

Most jams are caused by the paper or how it is loaded. These habits help prevent them:

• Fan the stack before loading it, so the sheets don’t stick together.
• Don’t overfill the tray. Stay below the fill line marked on the tray.
• Slide the paper guides so they touch the edges of the stack without bending it.
• Use paper that is flat, dry and not curled. Store paper in its wrapper away from damp places.
• Use paper that your printer supports. Very thick card stock, glossy photo paper and labels often need a special tray or setting. Check the manual for supported paper types and weights.
• Don’t mix different paper sizes or types in one tray.
• Don’t add paper while the printer is printing.

If this does not work

If the jam message stays or paper keeps jamming, try these steps, from easiest to hardest:

• Turn the printer off and on again after removing the paper. Some printers need a restart to clear the jam message.
• Check again for small scraps, especially in the rear door and under the tray.
• Try a fresh pack of paper. Old or damp paper jams more often.
• Clean the paper pickup rollers, if your manual explains how. Usually this means wiping them gently with a lint-free cloth lightly dampened with water, with the printer unplugged.
• Look up any jam-related message or code on the manufacturer’s official support site, not on random forums.
• Install firmware updates (the built-in software inside the printer), using the manufacturer’s app or the printer’s own menu. Steps vary by model.

If the printer also stops printing correctly after a jam, see our guides on what to do when your printer won’t print and how to fix faded, streaky or blank prints.

When to get professional help

Stop and contact the printer manufacturer’s support, or a qualified technician, if:

• The paper is stuck somewhere you can’t reach without removing screws or panels.
• A part looks broken, bent or loose, or you hear grinding when the printer starts.
• You see smoke, smell burning, or a laser printer’s fuser area looks damaged.
• The printer reports a jam every time, even with no paper inside and after checking for scraps.
• The printer is under warranty. Opening it beyond normal access doors may affect your coverage.

FAQ

Why does my printer say there’s a paper jam when there’s no paper?

A small torn scrap, a bit of label or a foreign object such as a paper clip may be blocking a sensor. Check every access door with a light. If you find nothing, restart the printer, and if the message stays, contact the manufacturer’s support.

Can I pull the paper out while the printer is on?

It’s safer not to. Turning the printer off and unplugging it stops the rollers from moving and lowers the risk of injury or damage. Laser printers also need time to cool down.

Which way should I pull jammed paper?

Pull it the same way the paper normally travels through the printer, slowly and with both hands. If it resists, stop and try reaching it from another access door instead of pulling harder.

Why does my printer jam on thick or glossy paper?

Many printers have limits on paper thickness and type. Check the manual for supported paper, use the recommended tray, and choose the matching paper type in the print settings.

I got toner on my hands while clearing a jam. What should I do?

Brush off loose toner and wash your hands with cold water and soap. Warm water can make toner harder to remove from skin and clothes.