In this guide
An empty-looking printer can still hold a narrow strip behind a roller, a label under the carriage, or a torn corner below the input tray. The correct path depends on the exact DeskJet series, so record the model number before removing any cover.
Confirm that E and 4 alternate on the panel
| What you see | Likely path | First check |
|---|---|---|
| Sheet stopped halfway | Real paper jam | Pull evenly with both hands in the documented direction |
| No sheet, E4 appears at startup | Scrap, cover, carriage, or false jam | Inspect every access area in model order |
| Paper never enters | Input rollers or paper stack | Reload flat paper and set guides lightly |
| Copy jams but printing works | Automatic document feeder | Open and inspect the ADF path separately |
Map the five places HP lists
- Input tray: remove the stack and check the first rollers and paper guides.
- Output tray: look for a folded leading edge or a scrap near the exit.
- Cartridge access area: unplug first, then use a flashlight without touching the encoder strip.
- Bottom paper path: only tilt or open the base as the model-specific HP page shows.
- ADF: if installed, lift its jam cover and inspect both entry and exit rollers.
Do not pull a jam through the front if the HP procedure tells you to use a rear or bottom access path. Pulling against the paper direction can tear the sheet or damage the mechanism. Avoid tweezers, screwdrivers, compressed air cans, and oil on rollers.
Use the torn-edge test
Lay the removed sheet flat and inspect all four corners. If one corner or a label is missing, search for that shape with a flashlight. Small scraps commonly hide beside a roller rather than in the center. Rotate only the rollers HP instructs you to rotate; do not force the carriage or transparent encoder strip.
If there is no paper: test the stack and guides
Replace curled, damp, wrinkled, or mixed-size sheets. Fan a small stack, tap its edges square, and load below the maximum line. Slide the width guides until they touch without bowing the paper. Test one plain sheet before returning labels, cards, or photo paper.
Clean only the rollers your model exposes
HP commonly specifies a lint-free cloth lightly dampened with distilled or bottled water. Disconnect power, wipe the accessible feed rollers, and let them dry completely before reconnecting. A wet roller can slip and create a second feed problem. Model-specific pages may require about ten minutes of drying.
For the same issue in other languages, see the Spanish HP E4 guide, the French HP E4 guide, or the Arabic hidden-jam checklist.
Power reset comes after the physical inspection
If every documented path is clear and dry, reconnect the printer directly to a wall outlet and perform the reset described on the HP page for your series. A reset can clear a retained false-jam state; it cannot remove a scrap or repair a damaged sensor flag.
When to stop
Stop if the carriage will not move with power disconnected as instructed, a sensor flag is broken, gears grind, ink has leaked into the path, or E4 returns immediately after a complete inspection and one-sheet test. Give HP Support the exact model, where the previous sheet stopped, and a photo of any torn edge.
Common mistakes
- Continuing to press Resume while the motor strains.
- Pulling paper quickly and leaving a narrow strip behind.
- Cleaning rollers with alcohol or household spray without HP approval.
- Confusing a print-path jam with an ADF scan-path jam.
- Calling it a sensor failure before checking the underside and cartridge area.
Frequently asked questions
Can HP E4 appear with no paper inside?
Yes. HP explicitly says E4 can be a false jam, but every paper path should be inspected before resetting.
Should I pull the sheet from the front?
Use the direction and access point shown for your model. Pulling against the documented path can tear paper or damage the mechanism.
Does a reset fix dirty rollers?
No. It can clear a stored state, but dust and paper fiber still require the approved cleaning procedure.
Sources and review
- HP: DeskJet E4 paper-jam error and possible locations
- HP: Paper jam causes and model-specific support
- HP: False jams, rear access, scraps, and roller cleaning
Reviewed by SMSM Hub on July 23, 2026. Access doors and safe removal direction vary by HP model.