How to Prevent Paper Jams in Your POS and Office Printers

Paper jams slow down your workflow, interrupt customer service, and waste supplies. With a few simple habits, you can keep your POS printer or office printer running smoothly every day.

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1. Use the Correct Paper Size

Most paper jams happen because the roll or sheet doesn’t match the printer’s required size.

- POS systems often use 2 1/4" x 85 ft or 3 1/8" x 230 ft thermal rolls

- Impact printers use bond paper and require an ink ribbon

- Office printers need the correct letter-size or label-size sheets

Always check the printer model before loading new paper.

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2. Load Paper in the Right Direction

Thermal paper must be installed so the thermal side faces the printhead.
If loaded backward, the printer won’t print—or worse, it may jam.

Make sure the roll feeds smoothly from the bottom or front, depending on your device.

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3. Keep the Printer Clean

Dust and paper debris build up quickly, especially in high-use areas.

- Wipe the inside with a dry, lint-free cloth

- Clean the paper path

- Remove scraps from previous rolls

A clean printer reduces friction that causes jams.

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4. Don’t Overfill the Tray or Compartment

Overloading paper trays or stuffing multiple rolls into a storage compartment can block the feed path.
Leave space for smooth, uninterrupted movement.

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5. Store Paper Properly

Humidity causes curling, sticking, and slipping.

Store thermal paper, bond paper, and labels in a cool, dry place to maintain print quality and reduce feeding issues.

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6. Replace Worn Consumables

Worn toner, fading ink ribbons, and damaged rolls cause printers to grip paper unevenly.

Fresh supplies keep your machine printing cleanly without pulling multiple sheets at once.