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HP DeskJet, ENVY 5540, 5640, 5660 Printers - 'Out of Paper' Displays and Printer Does Not Pick Paper

This document is for the HP DeskJet Ink Advantage 5575, 5645, ENVY 5540, 5541, 5542, 5543, 5544, 5545, 5546, 5640, 5642, 5643, 5644, 5646, 5660, 5661, 5663, 5664, 5665 All-in-One and e-All-in-One Printer series.
An Out of paper 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.
note:
To purchase paper in the United States and Canada, go to the HP Store.

Solution one: Check the paper, and then reload it

Follow these steps to check the condition of the paper, and then print a test page.
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.

Step 1: Check the condition of the paper

Make sure that the paper you use to print is in good condition, that it is neatly stacked in the tray, and that the paper path and tray are free from obstructions.
  1. Press the Power button to turn off the printer.
      warning:
    You must disconnect the power cord before reaching inside the printer to avoid risk of injuries or electric shock.
  2. Disconnect the USB or Ethernet cable from the rear of the printer.
  3. Pull the output tray toward you to remove it, and then pull the input tray toward you to open it.
    Figure : Pull to open the paper tray
    Image: Pull to open the paper tray
  4. Remove any paper from the photo tray.
  5. With the paper tray pulled out, push in the photo tray as far as possible.
    Figure : Push in the photo tray
    Image: Push in the photo tray
  6. Remove any paper from the input tray, and then examine the condition of the paper or photo paper:
    • Replace any ripped, curled, wrinkled, or bent paper.
    • Avoid printing on paper that is dusty. Reload paper that has been in the photo tray for a 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.
  7. Make sure that the stack of paper contains the following number of sheets of paper:
    • For the input tray: No fewer than 10 sheets and no more than 25 sheets of paper
    • For the photo tray: No fewer than 5 sheets of photo paper
    note:
    You need to use a certain number of sheets of paper only for troubleshooting. When the issue is resolved, you can load paper according to the specifications for your printer.
  8. Check for obstructions inside the input tray and photo tray. Make sure that nothing blocks the paper from engaging with the rollers. Even small pieces of paper can cause paper feed issues.
    note:
    If you find obstructions inside the input tray or photo tray, skip to the section on cleaning the rollers.

Step 2: Reload the paper

Reload paper into the printer.

Step 3: Print a Printer Status Report

Try to print a Printer Status Report to make sure that the hardware functions correctly.
  1. Load plain white paper into the input tray.
  2. On the printer control panel, swipe the display, and then touch the Setup icon ().
  3. Swipe the display, and then touch Reports.
  4. Touch Printer Status Report. The printer prints the report.
    Figure : Example of a Printer Status Report
    Image: Example of a Printer Status Report

Solution two: Adjust the paper settings in the print driver

The printer might not pick up paper if the paper size and type in the paper tray do not match the paper size and type settings in the print driver. Select your operating system for steps to change the paper size and type settings in the print driver.

Solution three: 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. Use the following steps to clean the rollers inside the printer, and then try to print a Printer Status Report.
Gather these materials:
  • Long, lint-free cotton swabs
  • 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)

Step 1: Clean the paper feed rollers

Follow these steps to clean the paper feed rollers.
  1. Remove any paper in the printer before you clean the rollers.
  2. Press the Power button to turn off the printer, if it is not off already.
  3. Disconnect the power cord from the rear of the printer.
      warning:
    You must disconnect the power cord before reaching inside the printer to avoid risk of injuries or electric shock.
  4. Open the cartridge access door.
    Figure : Open the cartridge access door
    Image: Open the cartridge access door
  5. Locate the paper path cover, grasp the handle, and then lift up to remove it.
    Figure : Remove the paper path cover
    Image: Remove the paper path cover
  6. Lightly dampen a clean swab with the water, and then squeeze any excess liquid from the swab.
  7. Press the swab against the rollers inside the printer, and then rotate the rollers upwards with your fingers. Apply a moderate amount of pressure to remove any dust or dirt buildup.
    Figure : Clean the rollers in the paper path access area
    Image: Clean the rollers in the paper path access area
  8. Replace the paper path cover, and then close the cartridge access door.
    Figure : Close the cartridge access door
    Image: Close the cartridge access door
  9. Gently turn the printer onto its right side, and then pull open the input tray so that you can access its underside.
    Figure : Turn the printer onto its right side
    Image: Turn the printer onto its right side
  10. Lightly dampen a clean swab with the water, and then squeeze any excess liquid from the swab.
  11. Clean the rollers in the gap behind the input tray. Make sure that none of the rollers are not missing, that they turn easily, and that they are springy when you press them.
    Figure : Clean the rollers behind the input tray
    Image: Clean the rollers behind the input tray
  12. Before you turn the printer over to its normal position, continue to the next step to clean the paper pick rollers.

Step 2: Clean the paper pick rollers

Follow these steps to clean the paper pick rollers.
  1. Make sure that the printer is turned off, the power cord is disconnected, and the printer is turned onto its right side with the input tray open.
  2. Lightly dampen a clean swab with the water, and then squeeze any excess liquid from the swab.
  3. Press the swab against the rollers inside the printer, and then rotate the rollers upwards with your fingers. Apply a moderate amount of pressure to remove any dust or dirt buildup.
    Figure : Clean the paper pick rollers
    Image: Clean the paper pick rollers
  4. Make sure that the rollers turn easily when you press them.
  5. Allow the rollers to dry for 10 to 15 minutes.
  6. Turn the printer over to its normal position.
  7. Reconnect the power cord to the rear of the printer, and then press the Power button to turn on the printer.

Step 3: Print a Printer Status Report

Print a test page to make sure that the hardware functions correctly.

Solution four: Reset the printer

Sometimes an error persists even though there is no paper feed issue. Follow these steps to reset the printer, and then try to print a Printer Status Report.

Step 1: Reset the printer

Follow these steps in the order presented to reset the printer.
  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.

Step 2: Print a Printer Status Report

Try to print a Printer Status Report to make sure that the hardware functions correctly.

Step 3: Try to print

If the Printer Status Report prints successfully, try to print the original document or photo again.
  • If the document or photo does print successfully, the issue is resolved.
  • If the document or photo does not print, service the printer.

Solution five: 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.