Modern office tasks require mobility, and a printer's wired connection often becomes a limiting factor. Model HP Laser MFP 137fnw Equipped with a built-in wireless module, it can be placed anywhere in the room as long as there's a router signal. Proper network configuration ensures reliable printing from laptops, smartphones, and tablets without the need to constantly switch cables.
Integrating an MFP into a local network may seem complicated at first glance. There are several proven setup methods, each suitable for specific operating conditions and the type of equipment used. In this guide, we'll discuss the most effective ways to enable wireless mode, ensuring stable operation of your device.
Before you start configuring, make sure your router is working properly and is distributing the Internet. Wireless network The printer must be active, and its password must be known, as it will be required to authorize the printer in the system. It is also recommended to have the included USB cable ready in case automatic setup doesn't work the first time.
Preparing equipment and checking network status
The first step is to physically prepare the device for wireless operation. Plug the MFP into a power outlet and wait for the warm-up cycle to complete. The power indicator on the control panel will light, and a welcome screen will confirm the device is ready for further use.
Pay attention to the wireless indicator, which is usually located on the front panel near the screen or control buttons. If it's blinking blue, the Wi-Fi module is active, but the connection to the router hasn't yet been established. A steady light indicates a successful connection, while no signal indicates wireless mode is disabled.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure your router is broadcasting at 2.4 GHz. Many modern printer models, including HP Laser MFP 137fnw, do not support connection to 5 GHz networks unless they are combined into one SSID with automatic switching.
To activate network scanning, enter the settings menu. Use the touchscreen or navigation buttons to find the network settings section. Depending on your firmware version, this section may be labeled "Network," "Wireless," or have an antenna icon.
WPS method: the fastest way to connect
Technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) Allows you to connect your printer to your router without manually entering a password. This method is ideal if you don't want to fiddle with complex settings or are worried about entering characters incorrectly. Most modern routers have a physical WPS button or a function in the web interface.
To start the process, press the wireless button on the MFP control panel or go to the network menu and select "WPS." You will then have about two minutes to activate the corresponding function on the router. Press the WPS button on the router and hold it for a few seconds until the security indicator starts flashing.
- 📶 Press the "Wireless" button on the printer to activate the search mode.
- 🔘 Activate WPS on your router within 2 minutes.
- ⏳ Wait until the Wi-Fi indicator on the MFP lights up solid blue.
- ✅ Test your connection by printing a test page from any device on the network.
If automatic connection fails, the indicator will continue to flash. In this case, it's worth checking whether the WPS function is blocked in your router's security settings. Some providers disable this function by default to protect against unauthorized access.
Setup via USB cable and HP Smart software
The most reliable method, which works almost 100% of the time, is to use a temporary USB connection. To do this, you'll need a computer running Windows or macOS and a USB Type-B cable, which is usually included with the device.
First, download and install the full software from the manufacturer's official website or use the app HP SmartDuring installation, the program will prompt you to select a connection type. Select "Wireless Connection" or "Wi-Fi." When prompted to connect a cable, connect the MFP to your computer.
The program automatically reads the network settings from the operating system and transfers them to the printer. Network configuration The firmware will be updated, and the device will receive an IP address from your router. After the data transfer is successful, the installer will notify you that the cable can be disconnected, and the MFP will enter wireless printing standby mode.
☑️ USB Setup Checklist
It's important to note that after setup, the computer and printer must be on the same subnet. If you're using a corporate network with a complex VLAN structure, additional configuration may be required from your system administrator.
Using Wi-Fi Direct to print without a router
Function Wi-Fi Direct Allows you to connect smartphones and laptops directly to the printer, bypassing your home router. This is especially useful if the internet is temporarily down or you're in an area with limited access to the main network.
To activate this mode, press the Wi-Fi Direct button on the control panel or find the corresponding option in the network menu. The device's screen will display the network name (SSID) and connection password. You can also obtain this information by printing an information page.
| Parameter | Description | Where to find |
|---|---|---|
| Network name (SSID) | Unique device name | On the MFP screen or in the report |
| Password | Security Key (8 characters) | On the screen or on the sticker on the back |
| IP address | Address for the web interface | Network Configuration Report |
| Status | On/Off | Panel indicator |
When connecting via Wi-Fi Direct, the internet on your mobile device may stop working as the phone switches to a direct connection to the printer. Modern smartphones often support both channels simultaneously, but older models will force you to choose between internet access and printing.
⚠️ Attention: Wi-Fi Direct mode does not provide internet access to connected devices. If you need internet access while printing, use infrastructure mode (via a router) rather than a direct connection.
Management via the EWS web interface
A built-in web server is available for advanced users. EWS (Embedded Web Server)It allows you to manage printer settings via a browser. To access it, you need to know the device's IP address, which can be found by printing a configuration report or viewing the printer's properties in Windows.
Enter the IP address in the browser's address bar. This will open a management page where, in the "Networking" tab, you can manually enter a static IP address, change the device name, or configure security settings. The "Wireless" tab is also available, where you can select the desired network from the list of available ones and enter the password.
What should I do if the web interface doesn't open?
If the EWS page doesn't load, check if your firewall is blocking the connection. Also, make sure your computer and printer are on the same subnet (the first three digits of the IP address must match).
The web interface is convenient for changing the SSID name or Wi-Fi Direct password to something more understandable. Standard names like "HP-Print-xx-Laser-MFP-137fnw" can easily be replaced with "Office_Printer," making it easier to find the device in the list of available networks.
Troubleshooting connection issues
Even if you follow all the instructions, you may still encounter situations where the printer doesn't see the network or constantly loses connection. Often, the problem lies in the router's security settings or outdated drivers. Check if MAC address filtering is enabled, which could block new devices.
If the printer HP Laser MFP 137fnw If your network connection has stopped responding, try resetting your network settings. This is usually done through the menu: Network -> Restore Network Defaults. After rebooting, you'll need to reconnect.
- 🔄 Restart your router and printer at the same time.
- 📡 Make sure the distance to the router does not exceed reasonable limits.
- 🔒 Check the encryption type: WPA2-PSK (AES) is recommended.
- 💻 Update your drivers to the latest version from the HP website.
In some cases, antivirus software on your computer may block detection of network devices. Try temporarily disabling the firewall or adding the printer to the exceptions list to see if the problem resolves.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can the HP Laser MFP 137fnw connect to a hidden Wi-Fi network?
Yes, this is possible, but automatic network discovery won't find such a network. You'll need to use the USB cable setup method and the HP Smart app, where you can manually enter the hidden network name (SSID) and password.
What is the maximum Wi-Fi range of this MFP?
The range depends on your router's power and the presence of obstacles (walls). In open spaces, the signal is reliably received at a distance of up to 30-40 meters, while in an office with partitions, it's about 10-15 meters.
Does the printer support connecting to a guest network?
Yes, the device can connect to a guest network if it doesn't require additional authorization via a web page (Captive Portal). For regular guest networks with a password, there shouldn't be any problems.
What should I do if the printer sees the network but doesn't connect?
Most likely, you entered the wrong password or are using an unsupported encryption type. Check that you entered the password correctly (case is important) and ensure that the router is set to WPA2 encryption.