Print paper jam but no paper stuck: 7 fixes for a false paper jam error

Sometimes your printer will give you a print paper jam but no paper stuck error message. This is usually because there are some small bits of paper that are still in there, your rollers are dirty or there is an issue with your paper sensor. Sometimes it can also be because your printer isn’t detecting the paper moving. To try to fix this, look inside your printer and clean your rollers. Adjust your paper tray and then restart your printer.

Why Does My Printer Show a Print Paper Jam But No Paper Stuck?

Sometimes your printer will show you a print paper jam but no paper stuck, even though there isn’t one. This is usually because there is a minor blockage, mechanical issue, or sensor issue in the printer.

Common causes of a print paper jam but no paper stuck error include

1. Small Paper Fragments

While printing, a sheet of paper could tear, and small bits of paper could become stuck either around the rollers or within the paper path. These can be very hard to spot but can cause the printer to show a paper jam.

2. Dirty Rollers

The paper feed rollers can become dirty with dust, paper fibres and dirt over time. This can cause problems feeding your paper through and result in there being a paper jam error.

3. Paper Was Not Loaded Correctly

If your paper isn’t loaded evenly or if the tray is too full, it can cause issues feeding your paper. If the paper guides aren’t set correctly and fully, this can also cause issues with the printer picking up paper.

4. Paper Jam Sensor Issue

Printers have sensors to pick up if there is paper going through different parts of the printer. If these sensors become blocked, dirty or damaged, your printer will show a paper jam error.

5. Temporary Error

Sometimes your printer will show an old error message. This can happen if there is a temporary error within the printer or a partial reset has occurred, so it doesn’t realise there isn’t any paper in the paper path.

How to Fix a Print Paper Jam But No Paper Stuck Error?

Try the fixes below to resolve the print paper jam but no paper stuck issue

Power Off The Printer and Check

  1. Sometimes there can be small bits of paper inside the printer. Hidden scraps are a top cause of a print paper jam but no paper stuck error.
  2. Turn off the printer and unplug the power cable.
  3. Remove any paper from the input and output trays.
  4. Open up any access doors and check along the paper feed path.
  5. Check the back of the printer if there is an access point.
  6. Look to see if there are any torn pieces of paper around the rollers.
  7. Gently remove this debris. Don’t force any parts of the printer.
  8. Use a torch to check any hard-to-reach areas. Don’t use anything sharp so you don’t damage any parts.

Clean The Paper Feed Rollers

The paper feed rollers can accumulate dust and paper fibre. Cleaning these may help.

  1. Turn off and unplug the printer.
  2. Find the paper feed rollers.
  3. Dampen a clean, lint-free cloth with some water.
  4. Wipe the rollers.
  5. Allow it to dry and then turn the printer back on.

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and don’t oversaturate the rollers. Dirty rollers are a common reason for a print paper jam but no paper stuck message.

Reset The Paper Tray

Incorrect loading of the paper could cause the paper feed to stop working and give a paper jam warning.

  1. Remove the paper tray and remove the paper.
  2. Check there are no folded, curled or damaged papers.
  3. Fan the pages gently.
  4. Place the paper into the tray evenly.
  5. Adjust the guides so they aren’t causing any bending.
  6. Don’t overload the paper tray.
  7. Ensure the paper tray is correctly inserted.

Also check that the paper size is set to the size of paper you are using. A wrong setting can trigger a print paper jam but no paper stuck error.

Check Behind The Printer

Sometimes paper can become trapped behind the printer or inside the duplexer.

  1. Turn off and unplug the printer.
  2. Open up the back of the printer or duplexer.
  3. Check for any paper scraps or any obstructions.
  4. Remove any debris you can.
  5. Replace and ensure it is fully closed.
  6. Ensure that all access doors are closed.

Check The Paper Jam Sensor

If this is blocked or damaged, the printer could give a false print paper jam but no paper stuck error.

  1. Turn off and unplug the printer.
  2. Check that there is no dust or debris in the paper feed.
  3. If you can see the paper jam sensor, check that the flags are not obviously moved or blocked.
  4. Remove any loose debris. Don’t touch any sensitive parts.
  5. Close up the access door and turn the printer back on.

Do not dismantle the printer to try and reach any internal sensors. If the sensor seems damaged, then contact technical support.

Restart The Printer

There could be a temporary issue stopping the printer from detecting that there is no paper jam.

  1. Cancel any print jobs.
  2. Turn off and unplug the printer.
  3. Wait for around 60 seconds.
  4. Plug it back in and turn the printer back on.
  5. Check to see if the print paper jam but no paper stuck error has gone.
  6. If the printer is working correctly, then print a test page.

Update Printer Driver/Firmware

Sometimes a print paper jam but no paper stuck error can be a problem with the printer software

  1. Open up the printer settings on your computer.
  2. Ensure that the right drivers are installed.
  3. Go to the official support website of the manufacturer.
  4. Download the latest suitable driver.
  5. Check for any firmware updates.
  6. Install the updates and restart the devices.
  7. Don’t interfere with the firmware whilst it is updating.

Often a paper jam error can be resolved by checking the paper route, cleaning the rollers and rebooting the printer. If this does not work then have a technician look at the printer.

How To Avoid False Paper Jams?

By ensuring that you regularly service your printer and are using the paper correctly, you can avoid any further paper jam errors. To help keep your paper feeding system in good condition, do the following:

  1. Use only paper supported by your printer. Make sure that you are using paper of the correct size and thickness.
  2. Do not overload the paper tray.
  3. Clean the rollers with a cloth occasionally.
  4. Before printing, ensure that the printer lid and paper tray are correctly closed.
  5. Store paper correctly. Keep any unused paper flat and dry to prevent any curling or wrinkling.
  6. Avoid too much printed paper. Don’t let too much printed paper build up in the tray.
  7. Be careful with the paper. Don’t use torn, folded, or damaged paper.

This will ensure a steady feed of paper and reduce any unnecessary interruptions to your printing.

When To Contact A Printer Technician?

If you have checked that there is nothing wrong with your paper path, cleaned the rollers and restarted the printer, but the problem still exists then there may be a problem inside the printer.

Contact a technician if:

  1. The paper jam message appears every time you start up your printer.
  2. The rollers are not turning or moving correctly.
  3. There are unusual grinding/clicking noises coming from the printer.
  4. Something inside looks like it has been damaged or moved.
  5. The paper jam error still appears even when the printer is empty.

Don’t force the printer to print multiple times or move any delicate internal parts. A technician will be able to check the paper sensing system and other internal parts to help find the cause of the problem.

Conclusion 

If your printer is showing a paper jam error but there is no paper in the printer, then there may be some debris that can’t be seen or dirty rollers. Check where the paper would go through and clean any parts you can. Once you have done this, if the problem still exists, then you should contact technical support so they can help you find out what the issue is.

FAQs

Why is there a paper jam error showing when there is no paper?

It could be because of some small pieces of paper or dust blocking the rollers. It could also be an issue with the paper sensor.

Is it possible to fix a false paper jam error?

Yes, try clearing out the paper feed, making sure there are no pieces of paper left, and clean the rollers. Make sure not to open any parts that you cannot reach.

Why is there still a paper jam error after restarting?

The paper jam error may still be present due to there still being a blockage or there being an issue with the sensor. Try checking any accessible paper feed and make sure all of the covers are shut.

Could it be because of poor quality paper?

Yes, this could be an issue. Using damaged, wet or incorrect paper. Ensure you use the right size and type of paper as advised by your printer.

What should I do if the error is still displayed?

If after trying the basic fixes there is still an issue, then it may be that the sensor is damaged or the rollers are worn. You may want to take it to a technician to get it checked over.