Troubleshooting Paper Jams on HP LaserJet Pro M404n

Clear paper jams on your HP LaserJet Pro M404n with these expert tips to keep your office printing smoothly.

Paper Jams Disrupt Your Office Flow

In the middle of printing critical reports, the HP LaserJet Pro M404n halts with a “Paper Jam” error. Deadlines loom, and the stalled printer adds pressure. This issue, common in HP laser printers, often stems from misaligned paper, dust on rollers, or incorrect paper types, as noted in X posts and Reddit’s r/techsupport. With the right steps, you can resolve the jam in 10 minutes and prevent future disruptions.

Identifying the Cause of the Jam

First, determine where the paper is stuck. The HP LaserJet Pro M404n typically displays an error like “Jam in Tray 1” or “Jam in Fuser” on its screen. Check the paper trays, rear door, and fuser unit. Common causes include overloading the tray, using thick or damaged paper (e.g., 120 g/m² instead of 80 g/m²), or dust buildup on rollers. If jams recur, note the location—it points to specific components like input rollers or the fuser.

Clearing the Paper Jam: Step-by-Step (10 Minutes)

Follow these steps to clear the jam on your HP LaserJet Pro M404n and restore printing. You’ll need a flashlight and tweezers for precision.

Step 1: Power Down the Printer (2 Minutes)

Turn off the printer and unplug it for safety. Wait 30 seconds to let the fuser cool—high temperatures can cause burns. Open the front cover and remove the toner cartridge to access the interior.

Step 2: Inspect Trays and Rear Door (3 Minutes)

Pull out Tray 1 and check for stuck paper. Gently pull the paper straight out, avoiding tears. Open the rear door (press the tabs) and inspect the fuser and rollers. If paper is visible, pull it outward, not inward, to prevent roller damage.

Step 3: Clean the Rollers (3 Minutes)

Dust on rollers causes recurring jams. Use a lint-free cloth and 90% isopropyl alcohol to clean the input rollers and fuser rollers. Rotate the rollers by hand to clean all surfaces. Avoid water—it can damage components.

Step 4: Test and Adjust Settings (2 Minutes)

Reinstall the toner and tray, plug in the printer, and print a test page (Printer Menu > Print Test Page). If jams persist, check paper settings in the driver: Start > Printers & Scanners > HP LaserJet Pro M404n > Printing Preferences > Paper Type > Plain Paper (80 g/m²). Thick paper often triggers jams.

Preventing Future Jams

To avoid repeat issues, use 80 g/m² paper (e.g., HP Premium Paper), don’t overload the tray (max 250 sheets for M404n), and clean rollers every 3 months. Update the printer’s firmware via hp.com/support—a 2024 update reduced jams by 20%, per X users. If problems persist, rollers or the fuser may need replacement ($50-100).

Related Printer Issues

For other HP LaserJet Pro M404n issues, explore our guides on fixing Wi-Fi issues on Canon Pixma MG3620 or resolving print quality problems on Epson WorkForce WF-3640. Visit the Printer Troubleshooting category for comprehensive solutions.