Printer paper jam or will not print after a new cartridge: how to fix it
A paper jam or a printer that stops printing right after a cartridge change is usually a scrap of paper, leftover protective tape, or a cartridge that is not seated. It is rarely a dead printer. Work through these steps in order for inkjet and laser models from HP, Brother, Epson and Canon. Stop as soon as a test page prints. Never yank paper against the rollers, and never call a support number from a popup or search ad.
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Steps
Turn the printer off with its power button, then open every cover you can reach, including the front, top and rear access doors if your model has them. Wait until moving parts stop before you reach inside.
Look for stuck paper in the paper path. Gently pull the paper in the same direction it normally travels through the printer. Do not yank against the rollers. If it tears, keep going and remove every scrap you can see.
Check under and around the cartridge carriage. On many inkjets a scrap of paper hides under the ink carriage or behind the ink door. Move the carriage only if the manual says it is safe, or wait until it parks, then lift out any scrap.
Check the paper tray and the rear feed. Fan the stack, straighten the edges, and do not overfill the tray. Reload plain paper that matches the size your printer expects, then close every cover firmly until it clicks.
Turn the printer back on and wait until it is fully ready. Many printers clear the jam message only after a full restart with all covers closed.
If you just installed a new ink or toner cartridge and it will not print, open the ink or toner door again. Take the cartridge out, peel off every bit of protective tape or plastic tab (especially over nozzles, contacts or the toner seal), then push it back in until it clicks. Close the door.
Reseat the cartridge once more if the printer still will not print. Color goes in the color slot and black in the black slot. Wipe copper contacts gently with a dry lint free cloth if your model uses them, then try again.
Run alignment or a print quality / test page from the printer screen or the brand app (HP Smart, Epson Smart Panel, Canon PRINT, Brother Mobile Connect). A test page confirms the jam is clear and the new cartridge is working.
Clear the print queue on your computer. On Windows open Settings, then Bluetooth and devices, then Printers and scanners, open your printer, open the queue and cancel stuck jobs. On a Mac open System Settings, then Printers and Scanners, open the queue and delete stuck jobs. Then print one test page again.
If Windows still shows the printer as Offline, open the same Printers and scanners page, open your printer, and turn off Use Printer Offline if you see it. More offline fixes are in /help/printer-offline-windows/.
If it still will not print, remove the printer and add it again over USB or Wi-Fi. Prefer the maker support site you type yourself (support.hp.com, support.brother.com, epson.com/support, or canon.com) over any random driver download site. Wi-Fi join tips are in /help/printer-wont-connect-to-wifi/.
Never call a phone number from a popup, search ad or email that says your printer is jammed, blocked or needs a paid remote fix. Never give remote access with AnyDesk or TeamViewer to a stranger. Real HP, Brother, Epson and Canon support will not ask for gift cards.
Common questions
Why does my printer jam right after I change the cartridge?
Changing a cartridge opens covers and moves the carriage, which can free a hidden scrap or leave tape on a new cartridge. Clear every scrap, reseat the cartridge with all tape removed, then print a test page.
I pulled the paper and it tore. What now?
Keep looking for the leftover scrap under the carriage, in the rear path and in the tray. Tiny scraps are what keep the jam light on. Do not force rollers with tools.
The jam light is off but nothing prints after new ink or toner. Why?
Leftover protective tape, a cartridge not clicked in, or a print queue full of old jobs are the usual causes. Reseat the cartridge, clear the queue, and print a test page. For a blinking HP ink light after a cartridge change, see /help/hp-printer-light-flashing-after-new-ink-cartridge/.
Do I need a new printer?
Almost never. If the printer powers on, moves its carriage or rollers, and feeds paper after you clear scraps, it is usually fine.
Can Ellis help me with this?
Yes. Ellis can talk you through each step by phone while you stand at the printer, and will never ask for your passwords or bank details. Ellis is an AI assistant, and it will tell you so.
Free human help is at capacity right now. If you want help while you fix this, Ellis, our AI assistant, can help you by phone now. The first 5 minutes are free when you call (928) 272-0355. If you want more time, phone help is $19 one time for up to 30 minutes, used over 14 days. No subscription. Ellis is an AI and can make mistakes.