Samsung Error Paper Jam 1 — What It Means & How to Fix It
By Ryan Green · Updated August 2026 · Independent guide · PrinterCare USA LLC (not affiliated with any printer manufacturer)
A Paper Jam 1 error on your Samsung printer means the device has detected paper or a foreign object stuck somewhere inside the mechanical feed system. This is frustrating because even after you remove the jam, the error often stays on the display until you perform the correct reset procedure.
The good news is that most Paper Jam 1 errors are fixable at home with basic tools and patience. This guide walks you through the exact steps Samsung technicians use to clear jams and reset the sensor, plus when to call in professional help if the error won't clear.
How to fix it — step by step
- Power down and unplug the printer. Turn off the printer using the power button and wait ten seconds. Unplug the power cable from the back of the unit and leave it disconnected for at least thirty seconds. This allows the printer's memory to reset and prevents accidental injury while you work inside.
- Open the front access door and toner cartridge area. Locate the front panel or access door—this is usually the largest removable cover on the front of your Samsung model. Pull it open gently. If your model has a toner cartridge, slide it out carefully by gripping the green or blue handle and pulling toward you until it stops.
- Inspect the paper feed rollers and pickup mechanism. Look directly into the empty toner slot and the paper feed area below it. Use a flashlight to spot any torn paper pieces, staples, tape, or plastic fragments. Even tiny pieces can trigger the Paper Jam 1 error. Do not touch rollers with bare fingers; use a dry, lint-free cloth or plastic tweezers to remove debris.
- Check the output tray area and rear access panels. Open any rear covers or output tray access points listed in your user manual. Paper often jams on the exit path, not just the entrance. Gently turn the pickup roller backward by hand a quarter turn to dislodge stuck paper fibers. Remove all paper pieces you find, even tiny scraps.
- Clean the pickup roller with a damp cloth. Tear a small piece of damp (not wet) cloth and wipe the rubber pickup roller inside the paper feed area. Paper dust and humidity buildup cause repeated jams. Make three or four gentle passes, then allow the roller to air dry for two minutes before reassembly.
- Reassemble the printer and power it back on. Reinsert the toner cartridge fully until you hear or feel a click. Close all access doors and covers in reverse order. Plug the power cable back in and press the power button. Watch the startup sequence for any beeping or error codes.
- Perform a manual sensor reset if the error persists. If the Paper Jam 1 error still appears, try this: power off the printer, then hold down the power button for fifteen seconds while unplugged. Plug it back in and power on normally. This forces the jam sensor to recalibrate. Run a test print on plain white twenty-pound paper.
- Contact professional support if error returns. If Paper Jam 1 returns immediately after a successful test print, the jam sensor itself may be faulty or there may be internal component damage. You can schedule remote diagnostic support for around forty-nine dollars, or contact a local Samsung-authorized service center for an in-person inspection and repair quote.
Still stuck? A technician can fix it remotely today.
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Frequently asked questions
Why does the Paper Jam 1 error stay on the screen even after I removed the paper?
The jam sensor remains triggered until you power-cycle the printer fully or perform a manual reset. The printer's logic board does not automatically clear the error when it detects that paper has been removed. Follow step seven above to force the sensor to recalibrate and clear the error code from memory.
Can I clear the error code from the menu without removing paper?
No. Samsung printers require the physical jam to be cleared before any menu option will reset the error. Attempting to print or clear via settings while the sensor is still detecting an obstruction will not work. You must open the printer and remove all paper debris first.
What if I find no paper but the error code still appears?
This usually means a tiny paper fragment, plastic piece, or rubber fleck is still triggering the sensor, or the sensor itself is dirty. Re-examine all access areas with a flashlight and clean the pickup roller with a damp cloth. If the error persists after a full power reset, the sensor may be defective and require professional replacement.
Is a Paper Jam 1 error the same as a regular paper jam alert?
Paper Jam 1 specifically indicates an obstruction detected in the main feed path or pickup area, while other jam codes point to different regions. Samsung uses numbered jam codes to help technicians pinpoint the exact location. This guide covers the most common internal jam, but consult your manual if a different numbered jam error appears.