HP Printer Error Code 73: How to Fix It

Q: What does error code 73 mean on an HP printer?

Error code 73 on an HP printer specifically indicates a jam in the Automatic Document Feeder (ADF). The ADF is the top section of the printer that automatically pulls documents through for scanning or copying. A sheet of paper has either gotten stuck, skewed, or torn inside this mechanism, triggering the sensor that displays error 73.

Q: Why does my HP printer keep jamming in the ADF even after I clear it?

Repeated ADF jams are usually caused by dirty or worn feed rollers that can no longer grip paper properly, using paper that is too thin, too thick, wrinkled, or has torn edges, overfilling the ADF input tray beyond its capacity, or a tiny scrap of torn paper still lodged inside the paper path. Clean the rollers with a damp lint-free cloth, always fan your paper stack before loading, and never exceed the tray's maximum sheet capacity.

Q: Can I still print normally if the ADF has a jam?

It depends on the HP printer model. Many HP printers will still allow you to print documents sent from your computer even when an ADF jam is active, since printing uses a separate paper path through the main tray. However, scanning and copying via the ADF will be blocked until the jam is cleared. Some models may lock all functions until the error is resolved — check your printer's display or HP Smart app for guidance.

Q: How do I prevent ADF paper jams on my HP printer?

To prevent future ADF jams: always fan your paper stack before loading to separate the sheets, keep the ADF rollers clean by wiping them monthly with a damp cloth, never load documents with staples, paper clips, sticky notes, or tape, do not exceed the ADF tray capacity (usually 35-50 sheets), use standard 20 lb copy paper rather than very thin or heavy stock in the ADF, and straighten any dog-eared or wrinkled pages before feeding them.

Q: Do I need to replace the ADF rollers on my HP printer?

ADF rollers typically last several tens of thousands of pages but will eventually wear out and need replacing. Signs that rollers need replacing include frequent jams with normal paper, paper feeding crooked or multiple sheets feeding at once, and visible cracking, glazing, or flattening of the rubber surface. Replacement ADF roller kits are available for most HP printer models — search for your specific model's ADF maintenance kit. If you are not comfortable replacing rollers yourself, an HP technician can do it during a service visit.

Abstract

HP printer error code 73 means there is a paper jam inside the Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) — the tray that automatically pulls pages through for scanning or copying. This usually happens when a page gets skewed, torn, or stuck in the ADF rollers. The good news is that this is a medium-severity issue you can almost always fix yourself in just a few minutes without any special tools.