Recording device and control method therefor

When a paper jam occurs while printing, the control unit of a printer 1 retracts the head carriage 59 at a slow speed (initial retraction speed V1), and retracts the head carriage 59 at the slow speed to the target retraction position if the access cover 11 is not opened. If the access cover 11 is opened during retraction, the speed of head carriage 59 movement is changed to a faster retraction speed (high retraction speed V2). If the head carriage 59 is retracted quickly when the access cover 11 is opened, there is little chance of a user that wants to quickly restore printer 1 operation catching the stuck paper P on the printhead 22 and tearing the paper P. There is therefore little chance of problems resulting from torn pieces of paper being left inside the printer 1.