iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
A printer can show “Out of Paper” even when the tray is full. Common causes include a stack loaded above the limit, guides set incorrectly, a print job requesting another tray, unsupported paper, a blocked sensor, or rollers that cannot lift and feed the stack.
Work through these five fixes in order. Start with the physical tray before changing Windows settings or reinstalling drivers.
1. Reload the tray and correct the paper setup
First, reload the paper instead of simply adding more to the existing stack. A printer may fail to detect or lift paper that is curled, packed too tightly, or positioned incorrectly.
- Pull the paper tray completely out.
- Remove all paper.
- Adjust the side and end guides so they fit the paper size without squeezing it.
- Fan or turn over the stack, then reload it face down where the printer’s tray instructions require this.
- Keep the stack below the tray’s maximum-paper mark.
- Push the tray slowly and completely back into the printer.
Do not overfill the tray. A stack above the limit can cause feeding problems or jams. Guides that are loose, too tight, or positioned for the wrong size can also prevent the pickup mechanism from feeding a sheet.
#1 Best Overall
- Versatile Compatibility: These scanner cleaning sheets work with most of laser printer,inkjet printer,scanners,copiers,nd fax machines.
- Letter Size : 8.5 x 11 inches cleaning paper Size. Quick and Simple Setup for hassle-free maintenance. Regular cleaning ensures longevity and performance.
- Premium Quality : Made from thick, durable paper, these sheets are built to last and reusable. Cleaning Sheets for scanner and copier maintenance. The cleaning sheets effectively clean the printhead and remove dust, smudges, or residue from the printer’s internal components.
- Cost-Effective & Reusable: Printer cleaning kit includes 10 printer cleaning sheets. Each inkjet cleaner sheet can be used up to 20 times, offering 200 cleans per kit. Ideal for home, school and office, enhance the printing efficiency and ensure clear and smudge-free print.
- Please Noted: If you have any problems with our printer roller cleaner sheets please feel free to contact us.
Check the exact message on the printer display. An error such as No Paper T1, No Paper T2, or No Paper MP identifies the source that the printer believes is empty. Load paper into that tray or change the print job to use the tray that already contains paper.
Check the paper’s weight and type
Thick paper, envelopes, and labels often cannot be used in the standard tray. On some Brother models, 16–28 lb paper belongs in the standard tray, while 29–43 lb paper, envelopes, and labels must go in the MP tray. These limits vary by model, so check the printer’s manual rather than assuming every tray supports the same media.
2. Match the paper size, type, and source
The printer, operating system, driver, and application can each request paper settings. If a document asks for Legal paper from the MP tray while the printer has Letter paper in Tray 1, the printer may report that the requested source has no paper.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →On the printer
On supported Brother touchscreen models, set the loaded tray’s values from:
Settings > All Settings > General Setup > Tray Setting > Paper Type
Choose the actual media, such as Thin, Plain Paper, Thick, Thicker, or Recycled Paper.
Then set the size from:
Settings > All Settings > General Setup > Tray Setting > Paper Size
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Rank #2
- Made in the USA: Microcare Solutions premium pack includes 10 high-quality printer cleaning sheets, each designed to be reused up to 20 times, giving you an exceptional quantity to meet all your regular and long-term cleaning needs. Manufactured in the USA, these sheets ensure you receive a reliable and effective product for maintaining your office equipment. Whether you have a bustling home office or a large workplace with multiple printers and scanners, this bulk pack is perfect for keeping your machines running smoothly.
- Universal Compatibility for Multiple Printer Types: These printer cleaning sheets, measuring a standard size of 8.5 x 11 inches, are designed to be compatible with a wide range of printer and scanner models, including both inkjet and laser printers. Their versatile design makes them suitable for virtually any office or home setup, helping to clear out paper jams, dust, dirt, and toner buildup across various brands and models. These sheets are built to the highest standards of quality and reliability, ensuring they perform consistently with all major printer types.
- Enhance Printing Efficiency and Clarity: Experience a noticeable improvement in your printing process with these specially designed cleaning sheets. By regularly running these sheets through your printer or scanner, you’ll prevent issues such as ink smudging, misfeeds, and paper jams. They effectively remove debris, dust, and dirt from internal components, leading to sharper, clearer, and more vibrant printouts. This product guarantees high performance, helping you maintain optimal printing efficiency with minimal effort while avoiding costly service calls.
- Preserve Your Printer and Extend its Lifespan: Regular use of these cleaning sheets significantly contributes to extending the life of your printers and scanners. Dust, dirt, and paper particles that accumulate inside the machine can lead to poor print quality and frequent maintenance needs. By using these sheets weekly, you help reduce wear and tear on critical components, ensuring that your printers stay in top condition for longer. This maintenance solution allows you to invest in the long-term performance of your equipment while reducing the risk of costly breakdowns and repairs.
- Eliminate Double Printing, Ghosting, and Reprints: Designed to address common printing issues like double printing, ghosting, and misaligned prints, these cleaning sheets help you achieve consistently crisp, professional-quality printouts. Their deep-cleaning action ensures that internal printer mechanisms, such as rollers and paper paths, remain free of debris and excess toner. This not only reduces the likelihood of frustrating print errors but also cuts down on the need for reprints, saving time, resources, and paper. These sheets are a dependable choice for keeping your printers performing at their best.
Select the size physically loaded, such as A4, Letter, A5, A6, Executive, or Legal. Menu names differ between models.
In Windows
For a Brother driver, first let the driver detect the installed hardware:
- Open the Printers folder.
- Right-click the printer and select Printer properties.
- Open Device Settings.
- Select Auto Detect, then Apply and OK.
Next, check the source requested by the job:
- Right-click the printer in the Printers folder and choose Printing Preferences.
- Set Paper Source to the tray containing the paper.
- Check both First Page and Other Pages. A different source for the first page can trigger an error halfway through a document.
- Confirm the paper size and type match the printer and the loaded media.
In an individual application, also open its print dialog and verify the selected printer, paper size, tray, and any manual-feed option.
On a Mac
In the Brother driver, open:
File > Print > select the Brother printer driver > Print Settings
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteSet Paper Source to the tray containing the paper, then print again.
3. Remove scraps and clean the feed path
A small torn piece of paper can keep a jam or paper sensor triggered after the main sheet has been removed. Turn off the printer and inspect the entire path, including:
- The input tray and the area behind it
- The rear access door or roller module
- The cartridge or toner area
- The output path and duplexer, if fitted
- Any visible sensor area identified in the printer manual
Never pull hard on a stuck sheet. Remove it in the direction of the normal paper path when possible, and look for small fragments rather than only checking for a complete page.
Rank #3
- Package List: You will receive 15 pieces of professional printer cleaning paper designed to safely clean inkjet, laser label printers. Effectively removes dust, ink residue, and paper dust for clear printing.
- Perfect Standard Size: Each sheet measures about 8.5x11in/28.5x21cm, compatible with most standard printers. Easy to insert and use without cutting or trimming.
- Good-Quality Material: Made of thick all-wood pulp offset paper with strong adsorption and toughness. Not easy to tear during cleaning, protecting print heads and rollers from damage.
- Easy to Use & Reusable: Simply load a sheet into your printer as you would regular paper and run a print cycle. No special setup, sprays, or solutions required. The thick, durable material holds up to repeated use, making printer maintenance quick, easy, and highly effective.
- Widely Applicable: Suitable for home, office, shop printers. Regular use extends printer life, improves print quality, and prevents streaks or blurs.
Clean the rollers
Microsoft recommends checking that the rollers rotate freely and wiping them with a lint-free cloth slightly dampened with water. Do not use alcohol unless the printer manufacturer specifically recommends it.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
For supported Brother models, the documented procedure is:
- Press and hold the power control to turn the machine off.
- Wring out a lint-free cloth soaked in lukewarm water.
- Wipe the paper-tray separator pad.
- Wipe the two pickup rollers inside the machine.
- Reload the tray and reinstall it firmly.
Give the rollers time to dry before printing. Cleaning is a troubleshooting step, not a guarantee of a permanent repair. If the printer still reports no paper, inspect the tray mechanism. On some Brother models, white gears near the front-left outside of the tray can be missing or damaged. When turned, they should make the tray plate lift; a plate that does not rise points to a mechanical problem.
4. Power-cycle the printer and reset its stored settings
A printer can retain a bad tray state after a jam, interrupted job, or configuration change. Perform a complete power cycle:
- Turn the printer off.
- Unplug it from power.
- Wait at least 30 seconds.
- Plug it back in.
- Turn it on and wait until it finishes starting up.
Reload the paper and try a simple test page. Some Brother models resume automatically when the tray is reinstalled. If yours does not, print a settings report from:
Recommended Free Tools
Settings > All Settings > Print Reports > Printer Reports > Printer Settings > Yes
If the printer has a touchscreen and the error continues, a full settings reset may clear a stored configuration. On supported Brother models, use:
Rank #4
- High Success Rate: Save hundreds of dollars with our best printing cleaning kit for restoring print quality on inkjet printers. Access additional video support of the best printers cleaning kit on YouTube Channel. Remember to run a printhead or power cleaning after use to bring ink back into the printhead
- User-Friendly Design: DIY Print Head Cleaning Kit for Epson. No expertise is required! This cleaning kit fixes common printing issues like discoloration, missing colors, low-quality prints, blank pages and streaks
- Wide Compatibility: Works with popular printer models, including Epson EcoTank, Epson WorkForce HP SmartTanks, HP OfficeJet, Canon Pixma, Brother MFC, DTF, Sublimation and many more.
- Complete Cleaning Solution: Includes a LARGE 20ml print head cleaner syringe and multiple attachments for hp officejet printhead cleaning kit. Our ionized cleaning solution is safe to use on all printer components
- Complete Printhead Cleaning Solution: Includes specialized cleaning fluid, syringes, and tools; printer cleaning kit flush cleaner removes dried ink buildup; extends printhead lifespan and delays replacement
Settings > All Settings > Initial Setup > Reset > All Settings
Press and hold OK for approximately two seconds. The printer reboots. This erases stored settings, so you may need to reconfigure network, tray, and other preferences afterward. It is different from canceling a print job.
5. Clear the Windows queue, then reinstall the printer
A stuck job can repeatedly request an unavailable tray or paper size. Clear the queue before testing again.
Cancel queued jobs in Windows 11
- Open
Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners. - Select the printer.
- Choose Open queue.
- Select a document and choose
Document > Cancel. - Repeat until the queue is empty.
Do not rely on the old Windows 10 path Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners when following Windows 11 instructions. Microsoft’s current path is under Bluetooth & devices.
Remove and add the printer again
If the queue is clear but the printer still receives the wrong tray information:
- Go to
Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners. - Select the printer and choose Remove, then confirm with Yes.
- Return to the same page and select Add device. Depending on the page state, Windows may show Refresh instead.
- Install the latest driver from the printer manufacturer if Windows reinstalls a generic driver or the problem remains.
A generic or incorrect driver may expose the wrong tray, media size, or source choices. Use the exact driver for the printer model whenever it is available.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Windows 11 users can also open the Get Help app and run Microsoft’s automated printer troubleshooter. The same Microsoft printer guidance covers Windows 10, but Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025, so it no longer receives free Windows Update software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes.
Best Value
- Package List: You will receive 15 pieces of professional printer cleaning paper designed to safely clean inkjet, laser label printers. Effectively removes dust, ink residue, and paper dust for clear printing.
- Perfect Standard Size: Each sheet measures about 28.5x21cm/11x8.5in, compatible with most standard printers. Easy to insert and use without cutting or trimming.
- Good-Quality Material: Made of thick all-wood pulp offset paper with strong adsorption and toughness. Not easy to tear during cleaning, protecting print heads and rollers from damage.
- Easy to Use & Reusable: Simply load a sheet into your printer as you would regular paper and run a print cycle. No special setup, sprays, or solutions required. The thick, durable material holds up to repeated use, making printer maintenance quick, easy, and highly effective.
- Widely Applicable: Suitable for home, office, shop printers. Regular use extends printer life, improves print quality, and prevents streaks or blurs.
When the error indicates hardware failure
If the printer reports no paper after the tray has been correctly loaded, the source settings match, the path is clear, and the queue has been removed, the problem may be mechanical. Likely areas include the pickup rollers, separator pad, tray lift gears, tray-position sensor, or paper-detection sensor.
At that point, avoid repeatedly forcing the tray or inserting objects into the printer. Check the model-specific service instructions or arrange repair, particularly if the tray plate does not lift, rollers do not turn, or the printer reports the same tray error with several different paper stacks.
FAQ
Why does my printer say no paper when the tray is full?
The printer may not be detecting the stack because it is loaded incorrectly, above the maximum mark, or held by incorrectly positioned guides. It may also be requesting a different tray, rejecting the paper type or weight, or failing to sense or feed paper because of scraps, worn rollers, or damaged tray hardware.
Should I change the paper size in Windows?
Yes, but only to match the paper actually loaded and the printer’s tray settings. Check the printer, driver, and application. Changing only one of these does not fix every out-of-paper error.
How do I clear a printer job in Windows 11?
Go to Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners, select the printer, choose Open queue, select a document, and use Document > Cancel. Repeat for every remaining job.
Can dirty rollers cause an out-of-paper message?
Yes. Rollers that are dirty or unable to rotate properly may fail to pick up paper, causing the printer to interpret the condition as an empty tray. Clean them with a lint-free cloth slightly dampened with water, following the manufacturer’s procedure.
What does No Paper MP mean?
It means the printer is asking for paper in the MP, or multipurpose, tray. Load the required media there or change the print job’s Paper Source to a tray that contains suitable paper.
The Bottom Line
Reload the tray below its limit, set the guides correctly, and match the printer, driver, and application to the same paper size, type, and source. If that fails, clear scraps, clean the pickup area, power-cycle the printer, clear the Windows queue, and reinstall the correct driver. A persistent error—especially one tied to a specific tray—can indicate a sensor, roller, lift-gear, or other mechanical fault rather than a paper shortage.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
