Why isn't my HP printer picking up paper, and what should I do?

Sometimes a situation occurs where the HP printer does not pick up paper. And this often happens at a crucial moment when there is no time to contact the service center. In this article, we will explain why the device does not take paper from the tray, and what to do if it does not see it.

In most cases, the HP printer will not pick up paper for minor glitches. Therefore, you can eliminate such a problem yourself, it will not be difficult. First you need to find the cause, and then eliminate it.

Problems can be as follows:

• manual feed mode is activated;
• paper is not loaded;
• the guide slide in the tray is incorrectly installed;
• non-compliance of the paper with the required characteristics;
• defective sheet in a bundle;
• malfunctions or wear of the working rollers of the gripper;
• sensor problems;
• foreign objects have fallen into the mechanism;
• driver problems.

First you need to reset the settings. To do this, do the following.

1. Disconnect the printer from the computer and electrical outlet. Remove the USB cable.
2. Place several A4 sheets in the tray.
3. Connect the device to the network and turn it on. To do this, press the power key and the paper feed key at the same time. If a master page prints, the device is working.

If this does not help, we look for the reason further.

The paper must meet certain requirements. For example, have a density of 80 grams per square meter, smooth edges and a smooth surface. If it is not, it must be replaced. Key signs of paper problems:

• text and pictures have no clear boundaries;
• paint smears over the surface of the sheet;
• the text is faded.

You need to choose paper that meets the requirements specified in the MFP passport. Please note that specifications for inkjet and laser printers differ. And make sure that there are no defective pages in the pack that have folds and uneven edges.

If replacing the paper does not help, take a closer look at the pick rollers. With frequent use, they get dirty, then the paper slips.

You can clean the rollers in this way.

1. Unplug the MFP.
2. Flip up the top cover. In some models there is easy access to the rollers, in others they can be removed altogether within a couple of seconds, and in others it is impossible to get to them without disassembling the mechanism.
3. Prepare the materials you need. The fabric should not leave lint. If the rollers are deep, use a cotton swab to clean.
4. Dampen a cloth with distilled water. Do not use alcohol and solvent.
5. Wipe the rollers until there are no marks on the fabric.
6. Assemble the device and check its functionality.

If this does not help, then the rollers are worn out. Ideally, they should be replaced by yourself or at a service center. But you can do it differently.

For restoration, the surface must be cleaned. Then wrap the roller with 1-3 layers of electrical tape. No more needed, as their diameter will become too bulky. Such a measure will allow the rollers to work for some time before being replaced. If there is no tape, the rollers can be swapped. The fact is that they wear out from the inside, while the outside remains unchanged. If the printer does not work, check the paper sensor. If the MFP is used for a long time and actively, paint gets on the sensor. It must be removed with clean water.

Sometimes foreign objects get into the mechanism: paper clips, scraps of paper and cloth. They need to be removed. If the foreign object is shallow, try using tweezers. When the object is jammed far away, take a sheet of A4 thick cardboard and push the jammed object. As a last resort, it is required to disassemble the device.

Sometimes it is enough to turn the printer over and shake it. Just do it carefully. If there are no even sounds of work, reinstall the driver. It is better to use the bundled software disc.

For information on how to fix the printer yourself, see below.

It is easier to prevent a malfunction than to fix it. Basic tips:

• handle office equipment with care, do not allow foreign objects to enter;
• keep the printer clean;
• print something periodically so that the mechanism does not stagnate;
• trust the service only to competent specialists.