How to Clear a Paper Jam in a Laser Printer

A paper jam in a laser printer can frustrate anyone. You can only clear it manually, and it can be difficult to find where the paper is stuck. However, with patience and diligence, you can clear the jam. Follow these steps.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Laser printer
• Printer paper

1. Open the front panel of the printer. Look to see if the paper jam is visible.

2. Gently tug the paper out, so that you don't damage the machine.

3. If there's still paper jammed, open the next panel, usually below the open panel. Pull out the paper if you see it.

4. Should that not solve your problem, open the panel toward the back of the printer. Pull out the paper if you see it. Continue to hunt for jams in any remaining panels.

5. Remove the toner cartridge and all other removable parts. If you still cannot find the paper, replace everything. Turn off the printer, let it cool down and then restart the device.

6. Print your document again.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember to tug gingerly when removing a paper from a jam. Otherwise it may rip, and you'll have less leverage when you try pulling again.
• Do not yank any panels open. Panels may break if you use too much force.
• Unplug the printer before you start removing the panels.