Few things are more frustrating in the office than a printer jam, especially when you’re on a deadline. Whether it’s one jam a week or several a day, these interruptions can slow down productivity and cause severe headaches. But here’s the good news: most paper jams are easy to understand and even easier to prevent. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most common causes of printer jams, especially with Brother models, and show you how to fix them quickly. Whether you’re a busy office worker, an IT support tech, or a remote employee, these tips will help keep your documents— and your sanity —intact.

Common Causes of Printer Jams

Printer jams usually come down to three culprits: paper issues, mechanical wear, and user errors. Knowing what to look for is the first step toward smoother printing.

Paper-Related Issues

~ Wrong paper type or thickness: Using glossy or cardstock paper in trays not designed for it can jam the feed rollers. Always match paper type to the recommended tray.

~ Overfilled or misaligned trays: Most Brother printers, for example, recommend loading no more than 150 sheets of plain paper per tray. Stacks that are too tall or not properly aligned can catch and fold during feeding.

~ Damaged paper edges: Humidity and poor storage can cause pages to curl or stick, leading to jams before the paper even reaches the rollers.

Mechanical Problems

~ Worn-out rollers: Feed rollers wear down over time, causing slips or uneven feeding. If your printer struggles to pull paper evenly, this could be the cause.

~ Foreign objects: Staples, labels, or bits of torn paper can get stuck in the pathway. These tiny blockages can trigger recurring jams.

~ Dust and debris: Over time, dust accumulates inside the machine, affecting paper sensors and causing false jam readings or misfeeds.

User Errors

~ Overloading trays beyond spec: Always check your model’s limit—exceeding it can cause jams and strain on the hardware.

~ Wrong manual feed use: Feeding paper into the wrong slot or at the wrong angle can misguide the rollers.

~ Ignoring maintenance alerts: “Low ink” or “replace roller” warnings may seem minor, but can directly lead to paper misfeeds if ignored.

Step-by-Step Fixes for Frequent Jams

Printer jams are annoying, but most of them have simple fixes. Here’s how to deal with jams when they happen, plus long-term solutions to stop them from coming back.

Immediate Actions When a Jam Happens

1. Always turn off your printer before removing jammed paper. This prevents damage to internal parts or motors.
2. Most Brother printers have a rear access door. Open it gently and pull the paper backward, in the direction it came from. Never yank it forward—it can tear and leave scraps behind.
3. Shine a light inside to check for torn pieces or foreign objects like staples. Look around the feed rollers, under trays, and inside manual feed slots.
4. Use your fingers or soft-tipped tools to avoid scratching sensors or rollers.

Long-Term Fixes to Prevent Repeat Jams

1. Brother recommends changing feed rollers every 50,000 pages. If your printer struggles to grab paper, it’s time. You’ll find the part number in your printer’s maintenance guide.
2. Store your paper in a sealed plastic container or the original packaging. Avoid stacking it in high-humidity areas—warped or damp paper causes jams.
3. Sometimes, recurring jams are caused by outdated software. Visit Brother’s website and check for firmware updates. These can fix known bugs or improve paper feed timing.

Advanced Troubleshooting

1. If jams persist even after maintenance, a complete factory reset can help clear corrupted settings or miscalibrated sensors. Check your manual for reset instructions.
2. Some brands use coatings that are too slick or fuzzy for certain printers. Try switching to a high-quality, Brother-recommended paper type.
3. Suppose your printer displays unusual error codes, such as “PC LOAD LETTER” or repeated jam messages. Contact support. You may need a sensor calibration or repair.

Pro Tip: On many Brother models, you can access a hidden diagnostics menu by pressing “Menu > *2864” on the keypad. From here, test sensors and paper feed paths like a pro

Preventing Future Jams

Fixing jams is excellent, but preventing them is even better. With a few simple habits and regular maintenance, you can keep your printer running smoothly and avoid the headaches altogether.

Best Practices for Paper Handling

Before placing paper in the tray, give it a quick fan. This helps separate sheets and prevents them from sticking together or double-feeding. Recycled paper often has loose fibers or uneven edges that can catch in rollers. Use fresh, high-quality paper that is compatible with your printer’s supported types.

Keep paper in its original packaging or a sealed container. Humidity can curl pages, making them more likely to stick together and jam. Never leave paper open overnight in a tray. Only load one paper type at a time. Mixing glossy with plain paper, or papers of different weights, can confuse the feed sensors and lead to misfeeds.

Schedule Regular Maintenance

Once a month, wipe the rollers with alcohol wipes to remove buildup. Use compressed air to clean sensors and paper paths. Always turn the printer off before cleaning. Many Brother models offer a tray alignment guide or tool. Ensure the trays are correctly adjusted and that the paper stops are snug but not too tight. Keep an eye on roller life, drum unit status, and toner levels. Many jam issues are caused by worn consumables being ignored for too long.

Choose the Right Printer for Your Needs

If you’re printing high volumes, choose a model designed for it. The Brother MFC-L8900CDW, for example, is known for its jam-resistant features and sturdy paper path. Smaller Brother models with simple rear-feed designs make it easy to clear jams and handle basic needs without constant upkeep.

Conclusion:

Paper jams don’t have to be a regular part of your workday. By understanding the common causes, applying smart fixes, and establishing a simple care routine, you can keep your Brother printer running smoothly in the long run. Whether you’re in a busy office or working from home, a little maintenance goes a long way.

Need help with a printer that won’t cooperate? Contact Sunrise Office Systems for expert repairs, equipment upgrades, or friendly advice — and keep your team printing without pause.

Call us or visit sunriseofficelv.com to get started!