Paper jams are one of the most common copier and printer issues. Many jams can be cleared without a service call, but it is important to remove the paper carefully to avoid damaging the machine.
If the jam does not clear easily, if paper tears inside the machine, or if the same jam keeps coming back, contact MCC for service.
Step 1: Read the Message on the Screen
Start by checking the copier or printer display.
Most machines will show where the jam occurred, such as:
- Paper tray
- Bypass tray
- Document feeder
- Side door
- Rear door
- Duplex unit
- Finisher
- Output tray
Some machines also show a diagram or step-by-step instructions. Follow the instructions on the screen whenever possible.
Before clearing the message, take a photo of the screen if it shows an error code or jam location. That information can help MCC if service is needed.
Step 2: Open Only the Areas Shown
Open the door, tray, or panel indicated on the screen.
Open the area the machine identifies first, then follow the prompts if it directs you to another section.
Use handles, release levers, and green tabs where provided. These are designed to help safely access jammed paper.
Step 3: Remove the Paper Slowly
Gently pull the jammed paper in the direction it normally feeds through the machine.
Use both hands when possible and pull slowly to avoid tearing the paper. If the paper resists, stop and check whether another door, lever, or guide needs to be opened first.
Do not yank the paper. Torn pieces left inside the machine can cause more jams and may require service to remove.
Step 4: Check for Small Torn Pieces
After removing the jammed sheet, look carefully for small scraps of paper.
Check around:
- Rollers
- Paper path guides
- Tray openings
- Side doors
- Document feeder
- Finisher area
- Output area
Even a small torn piece can cause the copier to keep reporting a jam.
If you can see a torn piece but cannot safely reach it, do not use sharp tools, pens, letter openers, scissors, or heroic office improvisation. Contact MCC for service.
Step 5: Close All Doors and Trays Firmly
Once the paper is removed, close all doors, covers, trays, and panels securely.
Many machines will continue showing a jam message if a door is not fully closed or a tray is not seated correctly.
Wait a few moments for the copier to reset. If the screen still shows a jam, follow the next prompt or check the same area again.
Step 6: Check the Paper Tray
If the jam came from a paper tray, check the paper before trying again.
Make sure:
- Paper is loaded neatly
- The tray is not overfilled
- Paper guides are snug against the stack
- The correct paper size is loaded
- The tray setting matches the paper size
- Paper is not damp, curled, torn, or wrinkled
- Different paper sizes are not mixed together
A tray can look full and still feed badly if the paper guides are loose or the paper is loaded unevenly.
Step 7: Try the Job Again
After the jam is cleared and the machine returns to ready status, try the job again.
If the copier jams again immediately, stop and request service. Repeated jams usually mean something else is wrong, such as a worn roller, damaged paper path, tray issue, sensor problem, or incorrect paper setting.
Clearing Jams from the Document Feeder
If the jam is in the document feeder, remove the original documents carefully.
Check for:
- Folded corners
- Staples
- Paper clips
- Torn pages
- Sticky notes
- Very thin paper
- Thick or curled originals
- Mixed paper sizes
The document feeder is designed for clean, flat originals. It is not a fan of staples, wrinkled pages, or sticky notes.
If originals are fragile, damaged, or unusually thick, use the copier glass instead.
Clearing Jams from the Bypass Tray
If the jam happens when using the bypass tray, check that the paper type and size are supported.
Bypass tray jams can happen when printing on:
- Envelopes
- Labels
- Cardstock
- Letterhead
- Legal-size paper
- Specialty paper
- Mixed media
Make sure the paper is loaded in the correct direction and that the copier settings match the paper type and size.
Do Not Force Anything
When clearing a jam, do not force:
- Doors
- Trays
- Rollers
- Guides
- Toner areas
- Fuser areas
- Finisher parts
- Internal levers
Some internal areas may be hot, especially around the fuser. If the machine warns that an area is hot, let it cool before touching anything nearby.
If a part does not move easily, stop and contact MCC.
When to Request Service
Request service from MCC if:
- The jam will not clear
- Paper tears inside the machine
- You cannot reach the jammed paper safely
- The copier keeps jamming in the same area
- The machine shows a service code
- A door, tray, or internal part will not close
- The copier makes unusual noises after the jam
- Jams started after using a new paper type
- Jams started after the machine was moved
- The display still shows a jam after all paper is removed
The easiest way to request service is by scanning the MCC Express Passport on the copier and choosing Request Service. The form will automatically include your account and equipment details.
What to Include in Your Service Request
When requesting service for a paper jam, include:
- Business name
- Contact name
- Phone number
- Copier model
- Serial number
- Equipment location
- Jam location shown on the screen
- Error code, if shown
- Tray or paper type being used
- Whether the jam happens every time or only sometimes
- Whether paper tore inside the machine
- Photos of the screen or jam area, if helpful