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Medium · 6 minPaper & feeding

Clear a paper jam safely

A jam doesn't mean anything is broken. The trick is pulling the sheet out slowly, in the direction it was travelling, so no torn corners stay inside.

01 · Identify — does this match what you see?

  • Error 1300 or a flashing alarm lamp
  • Paper stops halfway with a crunching sound
  • The printer reports a jam but you can't see any paper

02 · Resolve — follow in order

  1. 1

    Turn the printer off and unplug it. This protects the print head while your hands are inside.

  2. 2

    Open the rear tray or transport unit first — most jams release easiest from the back.

  3. 3

    Grip the sheet with both hands and pull slowly in the direction of the paper path. Never yank upward or backward.

  4. 4

    Check for torn corners: hold the removed sheet up and confirm it's complete. Any missing piece is still inside.

  5. 5

    Close everything, plug back in, and print a test page. If the error returns, repeat and check the front output slot.

Pro tip

Fan your paper stack before loading and don't overfill the tray — most jams are caused by sheets sticking together, not by the printer.

03 · Applies to

PIXMA TS6420PIXMA TR8620aPIXMA G3420MAXIFY MB2720

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