Frequent jams are usually caused by worn feed rollers, paper that's the wrong weight, or a tray that's overfilled.

Quick Answer

Clean the feed rollers, don't overfill the paper tray, and make sure the paper weight matches your printer's specifications.

On This Page
  1. Common Reasons This Happens
  2. Quick Checks Before Troubleshooting
  3. 1. Clean the Feed Rollers
  4. 2. Reduce the Paper Stack
  5. 3. Fan the Paper Before Loading
  6. 4. Switch to Recommended Paper
  7. 5. Store Paper Properly
  8. What If It's Still Not Fixed?
  9. Frequently Asked Questions

Common Reasons my printer keep jamming

Worn or dirty feed rollers

Rollers lose grip over time or collect dust, causing paper to slip or misfeed.

An overfilled tray

Too much paper in the tray increases friction and the chance of multiple sheets feeding together.

Incorrect paper weight

Paper thicker or thinner than your printer supports is more prone to jamming.

Humidity affecting the paper

Paper stored in humid conditions can curl or stick together, increasing jam frequency.

Quick Checks Before Troubleshooting

Before you start:
  • Check the tray isn't filled above the maximum line.
  • Fan the paper stack before loading to separate sheets.
  • Confirm the paper weight matches your printer's supported range.

1. Clean the Feed Rollers

1

Wipe rollers with a lightly dampened, lint-free cloth to restore grip.

2. Reduce the Paper Stack

2

Load fewer sheets at a time and keep the stack well below the tray's maximum line.

3. Fan the Paper Before Loading

3

Flex and fan the stack to separate any sheets that may be sticking together.

4. Switch to Recommended Paper

4

Use paper within your printer's specified weight range, typically 20lb/75gsm for standard printers.

5. Store Paper Properly

5

Keep unused paper sealed and away from humidity to prevent curling.

What If It's Still Not Fixed?

If you've worked through every step above and the problem continues, it's worth checking a nearby cause rather than repeating the same steps. The guides below cover the most common related issues.

Still stuck? Try describing the problem in your own words using the search bar — different symptoms of the same root cause are often covered on a related page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, paper exposed to air for long periods can absorb moisture and curl slightly, making it more likely to jam.

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Related Guides

Why Is My Printer Not Feeding Paper? Why Does My Printer Grab Multiple Pages at Once? Why Does My Printer Say Paper Jam When There Is No Paper?