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HP LaserJet M207-M212 printers - Printer does not pick paper

The Paper light blinks, front status light bar shows solid amber or the Attention light is on, and an Out of Paper or Tray Empty message displays on the HP Smart app.

Perform the following tasks in the order given. Use the printer after each task to see if the issue is resolved.

Check the paper, and then reload it

Check the paper stack for defects such as wrinkled, torn, or bent pieces that might cause a pick-up issue, and then reload.

Check the paper

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 on the HP Smart app before you reload the paper.

Reload paper

Reload the paper into the input tray.

  1. Holding the paper stack in both hands, flex the stack to form a U shape, and then flex the stack in the opposite direction.

    This action can loosen stuck paper sheets.

    Flexing the paper stack

  2. Remove paper from the input tray, if any.

  3. Slide the paper guides to the edges of the input tray.

    Sliding the paper guides to the edges of the input tray

  4. Load the stack of paper with the print-side facing up into the input tray, and then slide the stack forward until it stops.

    Note:

    Load up to 150 sheets of paper with the print-side facing up and the top edge toward the printer. If you are loading pre-punched paper, load the paper with the holes toward the left side of the tray.

    Loading paper

  5. Slide the paper guides so that they are resting against the stack of paper.

    Sliding the paper guides inward

  6. Lower the input tray cover.

Check the paper size and type settings

Depending on the settings, the printer might display an Out of Paper or Tray Empty error message, even if the input tray has paper loaded. Change the input tray settings from the printer control panel or the program you are trying to print from.

Reset the printer

Reset the printer to recover from printer errors or failures.

  1. Press the power button to turn off the printer. If the printer does not turn off, disconnect the power cord from the printer.

  2. Unplug the power cord from the power source.

  3. Wait 60 seconds.

  4. Connect the power cord directly to a wall outlet and to the printer.

  5. Turn on the printer to complete the reset.

Print a fuser cleaning page (HP Smart app)

Use Advanced Settings in the HP Smart app to print a fuser cleaning page and resolve any print quality issues including toner specks or spatter, smears, streaks, lines, or repeating marks.

  1. Make sure paper is loaded into the input tray, and then turn on the printer.

  2. Open the HP Smart app, and then click the image of your printer to open the settings and management tools.

  3. Under Advanced or Settings, click Advanced Settings to open the printer Embedded Web Server (EWS).

  4. From the EWS home page, click the System tab, and then click Service.

  5. If prompted to log in, type admin for the username, enter the PIN from the printer label, and then click Submit. This label is typically inside the cartridge access area.

    Location of the PIN on the printer label

  6. Under Fuser Cleaning Mode, click Start.

    Some printers require you to press a button on the control panel, typically indicated by a flashing Attention light . For example, press the Start Copy/Resume , Resume/Cancel , or Resume button to start the fuser cleaning.

    Clicking Start under Cartridge Cleaning mode in EWS

    The printer uses a single piece of paper to clean the fuser. The printer might take up to 3 minutes to complete the cleaning.

Clean the pickup roller

Dust, paper fiber, and other debris might accumulate on the pickup roller and cause paper feed issues. Clean the pickup roller inside the printer.

Gather the following items:

  • A lint-free cloth or swab

  • Distilled, filtered, or bottled water (tap water might damage the printer)

  1. Turn off the printer.

  2. Unplug the power cord from the back of the printer, and then wait for the printer to cool.

  3. Remove the stack of paper from the input tray.

  4. Set the printer onto its side.

    Setting the printer onto its side

  5. Release and then hold on to the blue latch to remove the panel.

    Releasing and then holding onto the blue latch to remove the panel

  6. Lightly dampen the swab or cloth with the water, and then squeeze any excess liquid from the swab.

  7. Clean the pickup roller using the swab, applying a moderate amount of pressure.

    Location of the pickup roller

  8. Allow the pickup roller to dry completely (approximately 10 minutes).

  9. While holding onto the blue latch, align and insert the panel, and then release the green latch to lock it in place.

    Inserting the panel

  10. Return the printer back to its original position.

    Returning the printer back to its original position

  11. Load a stack of paper.

Pick rollers are now clean and ready for use.

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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