Modern office and home tasks require high mobility, and wireless printing is becoming a critical feature. Models HP Laser MFP The 131, 133, 135, and 138 series are compact laser devices that often come with limited basic functionality out of the box, requiring manual activation of network capabilities. Users often encounter difficulties during initial setup, as the printer is configured by default to operate via a USB cable.
Integrating the device into a wireless network can seem complicated due to the lack of a full-fledged touchscreen on the front panel of most models in this line. You'll have to rely on combinations of buttons and indicators, or use software configuration methods via a computer or smartphone. Following the correct sequence of steps will help you avoid errors and quickly establish a stable connection for printing from any device within the router's range.
In this guide, we will examine in detail all available connection methods, paying special attention to the specifics of the drivers and utilities. HP SmartWe'll cover both the classic WPS method and manual configuration via a temporary USB connection, which is often the only viable option for older routers or complex corporate networks.
Equipment preparation and compatibility testing
Before you begin setting up, you need to make sure your device actually supports wireless connectivity. The model range HP Laser MFP Wi-Fi support is indicated by the letter "w" at the end of the model name, such as 135w or 138fw. If this index is missing from the model name, the printer hardware is not equipped with a wireless module, and connection is only possible via a USB cable or Ethernet (for models with the letter "f").
Make sure your Wi-Fi router is working properly and broadcasting a 2.4 GHz signal. Most printers in this series do not support modern 5 GHz networks, so your smartphone or computer must be connected to a dual-band 2.4 GHz network during setup. Also, have your wireless network password ready, as you'll need it to enter the printer settings.
⚠️ Attention: Some corporate networks use hidden SSIDs or MAC address filtering. In these cases, the standard connection procedure may not work, and you'll need help from a system administrator to whitelist the device.
To successfully install the software, you'll need a stable internet connection on the computer or mobile device you'll be using for setup. It's best to download the latest drivers and utilities from the manufacturer's official website to avoid the risk of installing malware or incompatible driver versions.
☑️ Check before setup
Using the HP Smart app to set up
The most modern and convenient way to activate wireless mode is to use the application HP SmartThis method is preferred because the app automatically finds the device on the local network or via Bluetooth and guides the user through all configuration steps. The app can be downloaded from the Microsoft Store for Windows, the App Store for macOS and iOS, or Google Play for Android.
After installing the app, launch it and click the "Add a new printer" button. Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your mobile device or computer; this will help the app detect the printer faster, even if it's not yet connected to Wi-Fi. The app will prompt you to enter setup mode, after which you'll need to select your network from the list and enter the password.
During setup, the app may request permission to use geolocation. This is necessary for Wi-Fi network scanning to work properly on mobile devices, especially Android devices. Follow the on-screen prompts, and once the process is complete, the wireless indicator on the printer panel should turn blue, indicating success.
What should I do if HP Smart doesn't see my printer?
If the automatic search doesn't yield results, try temporarily connecting the printer to your computer via a USB cable. The HP Smart app can often transfer Wi-Fi settings from your computer to the printer via the cable, after which the cable can be disconnected.
It's important to note that all features, such as scanning to the cloud or remote printing, may require you to create or sign in to an account. HP AccountThis is a standard procedure for modern manufacturer devices, allowing for remote control of the device.
Connecting via WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup)
If your router supports WPS, you can connect your printer to the network without entering a password by simply pressing a button on the router. This method significantly speeds up the process, but requires physical access to the router. On the printer's control panel, locate the wireless button (usually marked with an antenna icon) and press it to initiate search mode.
Within two minutes of activating the printer's Wi-Fi mode, press the WPS button on your router. The lights on both devices will begin flashing, indicating the pairing process. Once the connection is established, the Wi-Fi light on the printer will stop flashing and remain solid.
- 📡 Press the Wi-Fi button on the printer and hold it for a few seconds until the indicator light starts blinking.
- 🔘 Within 2 minutes, press the WPS button on your router.
- 💡 Wait until the indicator light on the printer stops flashing and remains on continuously.
- 🖨️ Print a network report to verify successful connection and IP address.
Please note that WPS won't work if you're using a guest Wi-Fi network or if this feature is disabled in your router's security settings. In these cases, you'll need to manually enter data via USB or an app.
Setup via USB cable and installation wizard
The classic method, which works almost 100% of the time, involves using a USB cable to initially transfer the Wi-Fi settings. You'll need a USB A-to-B cable, which is often included in the kit, but may require separate purchase. Connect the printer to the computer and run the driver installer downloaded from the official website.
During the installation process, select the "Wireless" or "Wi-Fi" connection type. The program will detect that the printer is connected via cable and prompt you to transfer the network settings. Select your network from the list, enter the password, and the installation wizard will automatically reconfigure the printer to wireless mode.
Sequence of actions in the wizard:1. Run the installation file (for example, HP-Laser-MFP-135w-Full-Webpack.exe).
2. Acceptance of the license agreement.
3. Select connection type: Wireless.
4. Confirming device detection via USB.
5. Select the network SSID and enter the password.
6. Wait for the message "Setup complete".
7. Disconnect the USB cable when prompted by the program.
Once the process is complete, the program will prompt you to disconnect the USB cable. From this point on, the printer will be accessible to all devices on the same network segment. If you're having trouble finding the device, make sure Windows Firewall or antivirus software isn't blocking network printer detection.
⚠️ Attention: Don't disconnect the USB cable until the installer explicitly asks you to do so. Disconnecting it early may interrupt the network configuration transfer, and you'll have to start the process over again.
Solving common connection problems
Users often encounter a situation where their printer won't connect to the network or constantly loses connection. One of the most common causes is the use of the 5 GHz band. Make sure your router is broadcasting a 2.4 GHz network and that the network name (SSID) doesn't contain Cyrillic characters, as HP printers may display such names incorrectly or not recognize them.
Another problem could be a static IP address or an address conflict on the network. If the printer is connected but doesn't print, try restarting both the router and the printer. In some cases, resetting the printer's network settings to factory defaults, which can be done through the menu or with a button combination, can help.
The 130 and 138 series models have a specific driver issue on Windows 10 and 11, where the system automatically installs a generic driver that prevents access to full settings. In this case, you must manually remove the device from the printer list and install the full driver package. Full Feature Software.
| Symptom | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| The Wi-Fi indicator is blinking | Setup mode or connection error | Check the password, reboot the router |
| The printer is not visible on the network | Different subnets or client isolation | Check your router settings and disable isolation. |
| Offline error | Problem with port or driver | Remove and add the printer again |
| Weak signal | Distance from the router | Move the printer closer or use a repeater |
Printing a network configuration report
Printing a network configuration report is extremely useful for diagnosing connection status. This document contains all technical information: IP address, MAC address, connection status, and signal strength. To obtain this report, you can usually press and hold the wireless button or the "Cancel" button for a few seconds, depending on the specific device model.
In the report, pay attention to the line IP AddressIf the address starts with 192.168... or 10..., then the printer has successfully received an address from the router. If you see an address like this 169.254..., this means that the printer was unable to contact the router's DHCP server, and printing over the network will not be possible.
Use this information to manually install the printer in your operating system if automatic detection doesn't work. Knowing the IP address, you can add the device through the Windows or macOS Control Panel by manually specifying the TCP/IP port path.
How to perform a full reset of network settings?
To reset network settings on the HP Laser MFP 130/138 models, you typically need to turn off the printer. Then, simultaneously press and hold the wireless and cancel buttons. While holding them down, turn on the power. Hold the buttons for about 10-15 seconds until all the lights flash simultaneously. This will restore the network settings to their factory defaults.
Is it possible to connect a printer to a hidden network (Hidden SSID)?
Directly connecting to a hidden network via the printer's control panel is impossible because the printer doesn't see the network name. The only way is to use a USB cable and the driver installation wizard on your PC, where you manually specify the hidden network name. Some models also support WPS, even if the SSID is hidden.
Why does my printer stop responding after updating my router?
After replacing the router or changing its settings (password, network name), the printer loses connection to the access point. You must reset the Wi-Fi setup, as the printer stores the old router's settings. In this case, resetting the network settings is mandatory.