If your printer is grabbing multiple sheets on your Windows computer, then this post will help you fix this issue. This problem can occur with printers like HP, Canon, Epson, Brother, etc. It is important to fix this issue because it is a waste of paper and can affect your savings.
Fix Printer grabbing multiple sheets while printing
If your printer is grabbing multiple sheets while printing, then use the fixes mentioned below:
- Fan the papers before loading them in the input tray
- Check the condition of the paper and reload the paper
- Make sure the paper is loaded correctly in the paper tray
- Clean the paper roller
- Reset the printer
- Check if the paper is jammed or not
- Update printer firmware
- Make sure the Jam Clear Cover is closed correctly
Let’s start.
1] Fan the papers before loading them in the input tray
There is one possible reason for grabbing multiple papers, your paper sheets are stuck together. Always store all papers in a dry and cool place. This problem occurs more often in humid climates. Before loading the papers in the input tray, make sure that you fan the edges of the paper stack.
2] Check the condition of the paper and reload the paper
Sometimes this problem can occur due to dusty, curled, folded paper paper in the tray. Make sure you are using a good-quality of paper. Also, never exceed the stack of paper limit as per your printer. To check the paper, use the below steps:
- Remove the paper stack from the tray.
- Check the condition of the paper and replace the paper if any paper is dusty, curled, wrinkled, ripped, or folded. If you see any dirt or dust on the paper surface, use a clean, dry cloth to gently clean the sheets.
- Also, check that all the papers in the stack are the same size and type. Do not use mixed types of paper in the tray.
- Now, insert the stack of paper into your printer, and then push the paper into the printer until it stops.
Once it’s set, try printing again and check if the issue gets fixed or not.
3] Make sure the paper is loaded correctly in the paper tray
Sometimes this problem can occur due to incorrect loading of paper in the paper tray. Make sure you have loaded the paper correctly in the paper tray. Also, never push the paper too far into the printer. This can cause the paper to jam into the rollers and cause the issue. Use the instructions mentioned below to load the paper correctly in the paper tray:
- Open the paper tray carefully and pull it out until it stops.
- Adjust the paper according to the size of your paper.
- Don’t exceed or overfill the tray with the paper. Refer to your printer manual for the recommended capacity, which is typically between 10-25 sheets (depending on the make or model of the printer).
- Close the paper tray and push the tray back gently into the printer until it clicks into its place.
4] Clean the paper roller
Accumulated dust, dirt, or debris on a paper roller can cause the multiple grabbing paper problem. Make sure your paper roller is clean. To clean your paper roller, use the below steps:
- Press the power button to turn off your printer.
- Remove the power cord from the printer and the wall socket.
- Remove the rear access door. Some products do not have rear access door. If your product does not have a rear access door, access the rollers through the front cover.
- Different products have different rear access doors. Some have one release tab, some have two release tabs, and some have a knob to turn. Some also have automatic two-sided printing accessories (duplexers). Release the rear access door or duplexer as necessary, and then remove it to access the paper rollers for cleaning. You can check the manual of your printer.
- Use a flashlight to carefully view the areas around the rollers and clean them. Also, remove all traces of paper (if found). Wipe the rubber paper-feed rollers with a lint-free cloth lightly. Also, clean the paper pick roller with a cotton cloth or cotton swab.
- Once you are done replace the rear access door and reconnect the cord in the printer and power socket.
Check if the issue persists or not. If you are not comfortable clearing the paper roller, then you can take advice from a professional or take your printer to the store.
5] Reset the printer
We also suggest you reset the Printer and see if it helps or not. Printers of different brands have different methods to reset. Hence, refer to the user manual of your printer to perform this action.
6] Check if the paper is jammed or not
There is a possibility that this problem may occur due to a paper jam in your printer. If a piece of paper is stuck in the paper path, the printer can grab multiple paper sheets. Make sure there is no paper jam in your printer. Remove the paper tray and look inside the printer to see if the paper is stuck there.
If you find a paper jammed in your printer, turn off the printer, unplug it from the power source, and gently pull it out of the printer. Once you successfully remove the paper from the printer, check if the problem gets fixed.
7] Update Printer Firmware
Make sure that your printer’s drivers and firmware is updated. Firmware updates can improve communication between the printer and the paper. This improved communication can help the printer to identify the paper properly. If you have a wireless printer, you may get the manufacturer’s push notifications occasionally for updates. You can download and install the printer driver and firmware updates from the official website of your printer manufacturer.
8] Make sure the Jam Clear Cover is closed correctly
This problem also can occur if your Jam clear cover is not closed correctly. A properly closed jam clear cover is important for your printer to function correctly. Some printers have sensors linked to the jam-clear cover. If the cover isn’t closed properly, these sensors might not activate, causing the printer to malfunction or multiple sheets.
I hope this helps.
Why is my printer picking up multiple sheets?
There can be several reasons why your printer picks up multiple sheets. The most common reasons are an overloaded tray, a paper jam, incorrect paper size or type, a dirty paper roller, curled or wrinkled paper, Jam clear cover, outdated firmware, etc.
How can I reboot my HP printer?
You can easily reboot your HP printer. To do so, turn off your HP printer. Disconnect the power cord from the printer or the wall socket. Wait for a few seconds and reconnect the power cord back to your printer or wall socket. Turn the switch on and press the power button to turn the printer back on.
Read next: Fix Canon Printer Error E05 on Windows PC.