HP Error E4 — What It Means & How to Fix It
Updated July 2026 · Independent PrinterCare USA support guide
The E4 error on HP DeskJet printers is frustrating because it stops your work completely, but the good news is that most paper jams are fixable in five to ten minutes without calling a technician. This error specifically tells you that your printer's paper sensor has detected an obstruction somewhere in the paper path—usually actual stuck paper, but sometimes just debris or a sensor that needs cleaning.
We see this error several times a week in our shop, and it's almost always caused by regular paper getting crumpled during the feed process, a torn corner left inside the printer, or occasionally a staple or clip that made it into the tray. The fix is methodical rather than complicated—you just need to know where to look and how to safely open your specific DeskJet model without breaking anything.
How to fix it — step by step
- Power off and unplug the printer. Turn off your HP DeskJet using the power button on the front panel, then wait ten seconds and unplug the power cable from the wall outlet. This prevents the printer from trying to move paper while you are working inside it, which could injure your hand or damage internal components. Leave it unplugged for at least two minutes to let any residual power drain from the circuits.
- Open the access panel on top of the printer. Locate the large hinged cover on the top of your DeskJet—this is usually labeled "Open" with an arrow. Lift this panel all the way up until it locks in the open position. You should now see the paper feed rollers and the area where paper normally sits during printing.
- Look for visible paper or paper fragments. Peer into the open compartment and look for any white or colored paper stuck between the metal rollers, under the feed assembly, or caught in the corners. Use a flashlight if the lighting is dim. Do not reach in with metal tools or anything sharp, as you could scratch the rollers and cause future feed problems.
- Gently remove any stuck paper by hand. If you see paper jammed between rollers or in the feed path, grip it gently and pull it straight out toward you—do not yank or twist it, as torn paper pieces left inside will cause the error to come back. If the paper is wedged tightly, wiggle it very slightly side to side while pulling, applying steady gentle pressure. Remove all visible scraps and fragments before moving to the next step.
- Check the output tray area and rear access panel. Close the top cover and locate the output tray at the front of the printer where printed pages normally exit. Look underneath and inside this area for crumpled paper or fragments. If your DeskJet has a rear access panel (usually a small door held by one or two screws), open that as well and check for paper stuck in the exit path, as jams sometimes happen when paper tries to come out.
- Clean the paper sensors with a dry cotton swab. Inside the top compartment where the feed rollers are, look for small infrared sensors—these are usually plastic pieces with a small dark opening. Take a dry cotton swab and gently wipe around these sensors to remove any dust, paper debris, or ink residue that might be blocking the light beam. Do not use liquids or solvents on the sensors, as moisture will cause the error to persist.
- Inspect the pickup roller and feed rollers. Examine the pickup roller at the bottom of the paper tray area (the black rubber wheel that normally grabs paper) and the feed rollers higher up. If either roller appears to have paper residue, dust buildup, or flat spots from wear, clean them gently with a dry lint-free cloth. If the rollers look damaged or very worn, they may need replacement—this is a $49 to $89 repair depending on your model.
- Plug in, restart, and test with fresh paper. Plug the power cable back into the wall outlet and press the power button. Your DeskJet should power on normally—if the E4 error does not appear on the display panel after startup, you have successfully cleared the jam. Load a small stack of fresh paper (not old or crumpled paper) into the input tray and try printing a test page. If the error returns immediately, the sensor may be faulty and you should contact HP support or schedule a $49 remote diagnostic session.
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Frequently asked questions
The E4 error is gone after I removed the paper, but the printer still will not print. What do I do?
Power off the printer, wait thirty seconds, and power it back on to fully reset the error state. If the error reappears without any paper being jammed, the paper sensor itself is likely faulty and will need professional replacement. You can try cleaning the sensor again with a dry swab, but if it persists, a $49 remote tech support session or mail-in repair is the best option.
I see torn paper pieces deep inside the printer that I cannot reach by hand. Can I use a binder clip or pliers to grab it?
Do not use metal tools or clips to retrieve paper from inside your DeskJet, as this risks scratching the rollers, damaging the sensors, or puncturing the ink system. Call HP support or a local repair shop instead—a technician has the right tools and knowledge to disassemble the printer safely without causing permanent damage that costs much more to fix.
My printer keeps jamming every time I print, even though I have removed the jam twice. What is the real problem?
Repeated jams usually mean either the pickup roller is worn and needs replacement, the paper tray guides are misaligned, or the sensor is reading false positives due to dust or damage. Check that your paper tray is inserted fully and that the paper is not old, damp, or damaged before loading. If jams continue, the pickup roller assembly is likely worn out—this is a $49 to $89 repair at most HP repair shops.
Is it safe to use my DeskJet while the top panel is open, or will that cause damage?
You should never run your printer with the top access panel open, as paper and internal parts could move unexpectedly and cause injury or damage. Always power off and unplug the printer before opening any panels, and keep all panels closed during normal operation. Once you have cleared the jam and closed the panel, wait a few seconds before powering the printer back on.