Canon Printer Paper Jam — How to Clear It

What Does This Error Mean?

Canon paper jams happen when paper feeds incorrectly, gets caught in the rollers, or wraps around the carriage. Always turn the printer off before removing paper — never pull paper while the printer is on. After clearing the jam, check for torn pieces left inside before restarting.

Affected Models

Canon PIXMA MG2522
Canon PIXMA MG3620
Canon PIXMA TS202
Canon PIXMA TR4520
Canon PIXMA TS8020
Canon PIXMA MG5720

Common Causes

Paper is loaded unevenly in the tray with the guides not flush against the paper stack
Multiple sheets are sticking together and feeding at the same time (double feeding)
The paper is damp, wrinkled, or curled — humid storage makes paper stick and jam
The wrong paper size is loaded for the print job selected in software
The paper feed rollers are dirty or worn and are slipping instead of gripping
A small scrap of torn paper from a previous jam is still inside the printer

How to Fix It

Turn the printer off immediately. Never attempt to remove paper while the printer is powered on.

Removing paper while powered on can damage the feed rollers or the paper itself, leaving torn pieces inside.
Open all access doors — the rear access door if your model has one, and the front cover.

Many Canon PIXMA models have a rear panel that can be removed for easy jam access.
Gently pull the jammed paper out in the direction of normal paper travel (toward the output tray), using both hands.

Never pull paper backwards — against the direction of travel — as this can tear the paper and damage rollers.
Check carefully for any torn scraps of paper still inside the printer. Use a flashlight to inspect all paths.

A small scrap even 1 cm in size can cause the next sheet to jam in the same spot.
Fan the paper stack before reloading it, align the edges, and set the paper guides to fit snugly — not tight — against the paper.

Fanning separates stuck sheets and reduces double-feed jams. Guides that are too loose allow skewing.
Clean the paper feed rollers with a lint-free cloth slightly dampened with water if jams keep recurring.

Dirty rollers are a very common cause of repeat jams. Cleaning them every 3 to 6 months prevents the problem.

When to Call a Professional

If jams occur on every print cycle even with fresh paper and correct loading, the feed rollers may be worn. Canon service centers can clean or replace feed rollers. This is a common maintenance repair, especially on printers over three years old.

Frequently Asked Questions

I removed the paper but the jam error won't clear — what should I do?

Turn the printer off and on. The error clears on startup once the printer verifies the paper path is clear. If it persists, there is likely a small torn piece still inside — inspect carefully with a flashlight.

Why does my Canon printer jam with every print?

Repeat jams on every job almost always mean dirty or worn feed rollers. Clean the rollers with a damp cloth and try a different paper brand. If cleaning does not help, the rollers may need replacing.

Is it safe to print on photo paper if it causes jams?

Photo paper is thicker and stiffer than plain paper — it requires more careful loading. Load photo paper one sheet at a time in the rear manual feed tray if your model has one. Never force a stack of photo paper into the main cassette.