Last Updated on May 13, 2022 by Carlo Dach
One of the frequent problems faced by HP users is that the Laserjet printer fails to pick up the paper. It might also be possible that the printer is picking up multiple papers from the printer tray. These problems might cause you great inconvenience if you are in the middle of some important work. Thus, it is essential to bear a few things in mind to fix this issue if it appears while you are working. Below are a few tips to troubleshoot the system yourself and fix the HP printer problems.
If the printer does not pick up the papers, you may try the following steps and try to make them work.
- Firstly, open the printer and eliminate the jammed sheets of paper if there are any. Make sure that there are no remains of torn paper in the tray or inside the printer.
- Load the tray with the exact size of the paper that is allowed.
- Check if the paper size and type are adjusted correctly on the control panel of the printer.
- Ensure that the paper guides in the tray are marked correctly for the paper’s size. Check and adjust the guides towards the right markings on the tray.
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Note
Make sure that you do not adjust the paper guides towards the paper stack. Always adjust them to the precise indentations on the tray.
Check again if the humidity conditions of the room follow the specified limits. It is important to keep the papers in a dry atmosphere to prevent them from being spoiled. They are usually sold in moisture-proof wrappings.
You also need to verify that the humidity in the room is within specifications for this printer and that paper is being stored in unopened packages. Most reams of paper are sold in a moisture-proof wrapping to keep paper dry. In case the paper is exposed to a certain level of humidity, it is possible that the papers absorb moisture. If this happens, you should remove the top 5 to 10 sheets of paper from the bundle of papers.
Paper Pickup Error
Furthermore, if the papers are placed in a low-humidity area, they are bound to build static electricity over time, causing them to stick together. If this happens, you have to remove the papers from the printer first. Then flex the stack by firmly holding them at both ends and bringing the ends upwards using your hands to form a U shape. Once you have done this, do it in the reverse direction, and make another U. Now, shift the sides and rotate the papers in your hands. Now the longer side is in your hand. Flex the sides upwards to form another U. Repeat the same in the reverse direction.
Other Actions to Follow
- See if the printer keeps going offline; ensure that it is online while you use it.
- Ensure that the printer control panel is displaying a prompt to feed the paper in manual mode. Then load the paper and continue.
- It is also possible that the rollers above the tray are contaminated. Clean this with preferably a lint-free cloth dipped in warm water. If possible, try to use distilled water for this purpose.
- There is a possibility that the tray rollers could be worn. Go ahead and inspect the rollers for the presence of smooth surface around the entire circumference. Sometimes, only one side is worn, so make sure you check it thoroughly.
- In case there are smooth areas, you should check the Supplies Status Page and see if the Fuser (Maintenance kit) is running low and whether it needs to be replaced. These rollers arrive with a kit.
- Replace the tray rollers if necessary.
If the printer picks up several sheets of paper, you have to run the following checks as well.
- Take out the stack of paper from the tray. Now flex and rotate it to about 180 degrees and flip it. Without fanning the paper, return the stack to the tray. Note that fanning the paper will give rise to static electricity build up. Instead of doing this, you can flex the stack of paper by holding it on either end to make a U shape and repeat the process as mentioned earlier.
- Make sure you always use paper that meets the HP specifications in this printer.
- Look into the state of the papers and make sure that they are not folded, wrinkled, or damaged. If need be, use another set of paper.
- Check if the tray is not overfilled. The stack-height markings shown in the tray will give you a fair idea about this. If it is overfilled, take the stack out, straighten the papers and return only a part of the papers to the tray.
If you need any further help with printer problems or if your printer keeps going offline despite having all the cords and wires connected properly, get in touch with our printer support team for a quick analysis.
