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HP Color LaserJet Pro M252, M274, M277 Printers - 'Out of Paper' Error, Printer Does Not Pick Paper

This document is for HP Color LaserJet Pro M252dw, M252n, M274n, M277c6, M277dw, and M277n printers.
An 'Out of paper' error message displays on the printer control panel, and the printer does not pick up or feed paper. The printer might make noises as though it is printing, but no paper moves through it.

Video overview

This video shows you how to resolve the issue when the printer does not pick up paper from the paper input tray or ADF.
Fixing Your Select HP Color LaserJet Pro Printer When It Does Not Pick Up Paper
Fixing Your Select HP Color LaserJet Pro Printer When It Does Not Pick Up Paper
Learn how to fix your HP Color LaserJet Pro M153-M156, M255-M256, M278-M281, MFP M178-M181, MFP M182-M185, MFP M253-M254, MFP M282-M285 when it does not pick up paper.
View this video on YouTube.

Step 1: Check the paper, and then reload it

Paper feed issues might result from using ripped, dusty, curled, wrinkled, or bent paper. The quality of the paper can also make a difference. Use these guidelines to help avoid the issue.
  • Use only good quality paper that meets printer specifications.
  • Store all paper in a dry, cool place. Paper feed issues occur more often in humid environments.
  • Do not print on paper that is already printed. The dampness of the ink can cause the paper to stick together.
  • Wait for the printer to complete a job or for an Out of paper or Load Paper message to display before you reload the paper.
Make sure the paper you are using is in good condition, it is stacked neatly in the tray, and the paper path and tray are free from obstructions.
  1. Turn off the printer.
  2. Disconnect the USB or Ethernet cable from the rear of the printer.
  3. Pull the main input tray (Tray 2) toward you to open it.
    Figure : Pull out the main input tray (Tray 2)
    Image: Pull out the main input tray
  4. Remove any paper from Tray 2, and then examine the condition of the paper:
    • Replace any ripped, curled, wrinkled, or bent paper.
    • Avoid printing on paper that is dusty. Reload paper that has been in Tray 2 for a long time.
    • Make sure that all the paper in the stack is the same size and type. The printer can only process one type of paper at a time.
  5. Check for any obstructions inside the priority input feed slot (Tray 1) and Tray 2.
      Figure : Locations of Tray 1 and Tray 2
      Image: Locations of Tray 1 and Tray 2
    1. Priority feed slot (Tray 1)
    2. Main input tray (Tray 2)
  6. If you find any obstructions inside Tray 1 or Tray 2, skip to the step to clean the paper feed and pick rollers.
  7. Pull Tray 2 out of the printer.
    Figure : Pull Tray 2 out of the printer
    Image: Pull Tray 2 out of the printer
  8. Slide the paper width and paper length guides to their outermost positions.
    Figure : Slide out the paper guides
    Image: Slide out the paper guides
    If you want to load legal-size paper, pull out the front and rear of the tray to extend it.
    Figure : Extend the paper input tray
    Image: Extend the tray for legal size paper
  9. Load another stack of paper in Tray 2.
    Figure : Load another stack of paper in Tray 2
    Image: Load another stack of paper in Tray 2
  10. Slide in the paper width and paper length guides until they stop at the edges of the paper. Do not push the guides so far in that they bend the paper.
  11. Make sure that the stack of paper is not taller than the marks on the sides of the paper width guides.
    Figure : Slide in the paper guides, and then check the stack height
    Image: Slide in the paper guides, and then check the stack height
  12. Insert Tray 2 back into the printer.
    note:
    If you extended the paper input tray for legal-sized paper, the tray does not sit flush with the printer body when inserted. This is normal.
    Figure : Insert the paper input tray
    Image: Insert the paper input tray
  13. Try to print again. If the error persists, continue to the next step.

Step 2: Check the input tray settings

Depending on the input tray settings, the printer might display an 'Out of Paper' error message, even if the input tray has paper loaded. Change the input tray settings from the printer control panel.

Step 3: Print a cleaning page to clean the paper feed and pick rollers

Dust, paper fiber, and other debris might accumulate on the paper feed and pick rollers and cause paper jams and paper feed issues. Printing a cleaning page can clean the main paper feed and pick rollers without having to clean them manually. Clean the rollers inside the printer, and then try to print a test page.

Step 4: Clean the ADF rollers and the separator pad (M277 only)

Dust or paper residue on the rollers or separator pad inside the automatic document feeder (ADF) can result in paper feed issues. Open the ADF, and then clean the ADF rollers and separator pad.
  1. Gather the following materials:
    • A clean, lint-free cloth, or any cloth that does not come apart or leave fibers
    • Distilled, filtered, or bottled water (tap water might damage the printer)
  2. Remove the original document from the ADF.
  3. Press the Power button to turn off the printer.
  4. Disconnect the power cord from the rear of the printer.
  5. Open the ADF cover.
    Figure : Open the ADF cover
    Image: Open the ADF cover
  6. Find the paper pick rollers and the separator pad inside the ADF.
    Figure : The paper pick rollers and separator pad
    Image: The paper pick rollers and separator pad
  7. Lightly dampen a clean, lint-free cloth with filtered or distilled water, and then squeeze anyexcess liquid from the cloth.
  8. Use the damp cloth to wipe any residue off the paper pick rollers and the separator pad.
  9. Leave the ADF cover open for two minutes to allow the paper pick rollers and separator pad to dry.
  10. Close the ADF cover.
    Figure : Close the ADF cover
    Image: Close the ADF cover
  11. Reload the original document print side up in the document feeder tray. Gently slide the document into the printer as far as it can go.
    note:
    Do not load more than 35 pages in the ADF. Larger stacks of paper can lead to pick problems.
  12. Slide in the paper width guides until they are snug against the paper.
    Do not push the paper width guides in so far that they bend the paper.
  13. Reconnect the power cord to the rear of the printer.
  14. Press the Power button to turn on the printer.
Try to print, scan, or copy again. If the problem persists, continue to the next step.

Step 5: Reset the printer

Sometimes an error persists even though there is no paper feed issue.
  1. With the printer turned on, disconnect the power cord from the printer.
  2. Unplug the power cord from the power source.
  3. Wait 60 seconds.
  4. Reconnect the power cord to a wall outlet and to the printer.
    note:
    HP recommends plugging the printer directly into a wall outlet.
Try to print, scan, or copy again. If the problem persists, continue to the next step.

Step 6: Service the printer

Service or replace your HP product if the issue persists after completing all the preceding steps.
Go to Contact HP Customer Support to schedule a product repair or replacement. If you are in Asia Pacific, you will be directed to a local service center in your area.
To confirm your warranty status, go to HP Product Warranty Check. Repair fees might apply for out-of-warranty products.

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