📄 FIX "OUT OF PAPER" ERROR INSTANTLY - PAPER IS LOADED BUT PRINTER WON'T PRINT
📄

Printer Says "Out of Paper"

But Paper IS Loaded?

By TestMyPrinter Team

Fix This Annoying Error in 2 Minutes!

EASY

Dirty Sensor

2 Min

Average Fix

Expert

Verified Steps

🔍 Quick Diagnosis: Why This Happens

🔦
Dirty Sensor

most cases

📐
Wrong Paper Size

some cases

🔧
Worn Rollers

rare cases

💻
Software Bug

very rare

⚡ The 2-Minute Universal Fix (Works for Most Cases)

  1. 1

    Remove ALL Paper & Check Tray

    • • Take out ALL paper from tray
    • • Look for torn pieces stuck inside
    • • Check paper guides aren't too tight
    • • Verify tray is pushed in completely
  2. 2

    Clean the Paper Sensor

    📍 Sensor Location (varies by brand):

    • HP: Small lever in paper tray area
    • Canon: Black flag near paper feed
    • Epson: Inside where paper enters
    • Brother: Gray lever in tray slot
    Clean with: Compressed air or lint-free cloth. Sensor should move freely.
  3. 3

    Reload Paper Correctly

    • ✓ Fan paper to separate sheets
    • ✓ Load only 10-20 sheets for testing
    • ✓ Align paper to RIGHT side of tray
    • ✓ Adjust guides to touch paper (not squeeze)
    • ✓ Push tray in until clicks
  4. 4

    Reset the Printer

    1. 1. Turn OFF printer
    2. 2. Unplug power cord
    3. 3. Wait 60 seconds
    4. 4. Plug back in
    5. 5. Turn ON and test print

✅ This fixes most "out of paper" errors!

🖨️ Brand-Specific Solutions

HP

HP Printer Fix

Reset Paper Settings:

  1. 1. On printer: Settings → Tools
  2. 2. Select "Paper Mismatch"
  3. 3. Turn OFF paper size detection
  4. 4. Manually select "Letter/A4"
HP-Specific: Clean the paper width sensor (silver strip in tray)
Canon

Canon Printer Fix

Clear E02 Error:

  1. 1. Remove paper completely
  2. 2. Press and hold Stop/Reset button
  3. 3. While holding, reload paper
  4. 4. Release button after 5 seconds
Canon Tip: Check the orange paper flag sensor moves freely
Epson

Epson Printer Fix

Sensor Calibration:

  1. 1. Home → Setup → Maintenance
  2. 2. Select "Paper Guide Cleaning"
  3. 3. Follow on-screen prompts
  4. 4. Run "Paper Feed Test"
Epson Note: EcoTank models - check tank caps are tight
Brother

Brother Printer Fix

Maintenance Mode Reset:

  1. 1. Menu → Maintenance
  2. 2. Select "Improve Print Quality"
  3. 3. Choose "Paper Feed Cleaning"
  4. 4. Run 3 times if needed
Brother Fix: Lift and reseat the entire paper tray unit

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🔧 Advanced Fixes (If Basic Steps Didn't Work)

🎯 Fix #1: Clean Paper Feed Rollers

Why This Works:

Dirty/worn rollers can't grab paper properly, triggering false "out of paper" errors.

You'll Need:

  • • Lint-free cloth
  • • Distilled water (or isopropyl alcohol)
  • • Cotton swabs

Steps:

  1. 1. Open printer access door
  2. 2. Locate rubber rollers (gray/black wheels)
  3. 3. Dampen cloth with water
  4. 4. Rotate rollers while cleaning
  5. 5. Let dry completely (5 min)
  6. 6. Test with 5 sheets only

💻 Fix #2: Update/Reinstall Printer Driver

Windows:

  1. 1. Settings → Devices → Printers
  2. 2. Right-click printer → Remove
  3. 3. Download latest driver from manufacturer
  4. 4. Install and restart computer

Mac:

  1. 1. System Preferences → Printers
  2. 2. Select printer → minus (-) button
  3. 3. Click plus (+) to re-add
  4. 4. Let Mac auto-install driver
Note: This fixes software-related paper detection issues

🔄 Fix #3: Adjust Paper Type Settings

Printer may be looking for wrong paper type:

  1. 1. In print dialog: Change paper type to "Plain Paper"
  2. 2. Disable auto-detect: Turn off automatic paper type detection
  3. 3. Match settings: Ensure computer and printer settings match
  4. 4. Try different sizes: Switch between Letter/A4 settings

📚 Perfect Paper Loading Technique

The Right Way to Load Paper (Prevents Most Issues)

1️⃣

Prepare Paper

  • • Fan paper to separate
  • • Tap stack on flat surface
  • • Check for curled edges
  • • Use 20-24 lb paper
2️⃣

Load Correctly

  • • Print side facing down
  • • Align to right side
  • • Don't overfill (½ tray max)
  • • Keep paper flat
3️⃣

Adjust Guides

  • • Guides touch paper edges
  • • Not too tight (paper can slide)
  • • Both guides adjusted
  • • Tray fully inserted

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • ❌ Mixed paper sizes in tray
  • ❌ Wrinkled or damp paper
  • ❌ Overfilling paper tray
  • ❌ Guides too tight/loose
  • ❌ Tray not fully inserted
  • ❌ Using specialty paper in plain mode

🛡️ Prevent This Error Forever

Weekly Maintenance:

  • ✓ Clean paper path with compressed air
  • ✓ Wipe paper sensors with dry cloth
  • ✓ Check rollers for dust/debris

Best Practices:

  • ✓ Store paper in dry location
  • ✓ Use quality 20-24 lb paper
  • ✓ Don't mix paper types/sizes

🎯 Result: significant reduction in paper feed errors!

❓ Quick FAQ

Why does this happen with new printers?

New printers often have protective materials on sensors or tight rollers that need breaking in. Run 20-30 test pages to resolve.

Can humidity cause this error?

Yes! High humidity makes paper stick together. Store paper in sealed container and fan before loading.

Should I use third-party paper?

Quality matters more than brand. Use 20-24 lb weight, brightness 92+, and avoid ultra-cheap paper that leaves dust.

When should I replace rollers?

After 50,000-100,000 pages or when cleaning no longer helps. Rubber rejuvenator can extend life by 20,000 pages.

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