Modern laser printers require quick integration into a home or office network, and the model HP LaserJet 28w is no exception, offering users convenient wireless printing. However, initial setup can often be challenging, especially if previously only wired connections were used. The owner's main task is to properly activate the wireless module and sync the device with the router to access printing from any device.
In this article, we'll cover all available setup methods in detail, from using a mobile app to manually entering settings through the control panel. You'll learn how to avoid common connection errors and what to do if your printer stops detecting your network after a hardware upgrade. Stable connection — This is the basis for the smooth operation of office equipment, and proper configuration at the start will save you from many problems in the future.
Before beginning software setup, ensure the device is physically ready for operation. Make sure the cartridge is installed, the protective tape is removed, and the printer is plugged in and turned on using the power button. Only after the self-test has completed and the device has entered standby mode can you begin adjusting network settings.
Preparing for wireless connection
The first step is to check the compatibility of your router and signal frequency. Model HP LaserJet 28w, like many entry-level devices, only supports the range 2.4 GHzIf your router broadcasts two networks with the same name (one on 2.4 GHz and one on 5 GHz), this may cause a conflict during automatic network discovery. In this case, it is recommended to temporarily separate the network names (SSIDs) in the router settings or use the WPS method.
It's also important to prepare your access details. You'll need to know the exact name of your wireless network and its password. Pay attention to the case and special characters, as even a single error will result in connection failure. For convenience, you can write this information down in advance or copy it to your smartphone's clipboard.
⚠️ Attention: Corporate networks often use complex security protocols (such as 802.1x), which are not supported by home printers. If you're setting up a device in an office, contact your system administrator to obtain a separate guest network or a MAC address for whitelisting.
Be sure to check the lights on the printer control panel. A blinking blue wireless light means the device is in setup mode and ready to pair. If the light is solid, the printer may already be connected to another network and will need to be reset to factory network settings before starting a new configuration.
Setup via the HP Smart app
The most modern and convenient way to integrate a printer into a network is to use a proprietary application. HP SmartThis method is suitable for both smartphone users and those based on Android And iOS, as well as for owners of computers running Windows 10/11 And macOSThe app automatically detects a new device and guides the user through all configuration steps, minimizing manual data entry.
To get started, download and install the app from the official store (App Store, Google Play, or Microsoft Store). After launching, click the "Add Printer" button or the plus icon. The app will request permission to use location and Bluetooth—this is necessary to find the printer in the immediate area. Make sure your smartphone or computer is connected to the Wi-Fi network you plan to connect the printer to.
When the application detects HP LaserJet 28w, it will prompt you to complete the setup. During the process, the system may ask you to temporarily connect the printer to the computer via USB cable to transfer network settings if a direct connection fails. Follow the on-screen prompts: select your network from the list and enter the password. After the data transfer is successful, the printer will reboot the network module and establish a connection.
☑️ Setup Preparation Checklist
It is important to note that the application HP Smart Not only does it set up the network, but it also registers the device, allowing you to monitor toner levels and receive notifications about problems directly to your phone. Device registration It also unlocks additional features such as mobile printing from the cloud.
Using WPS technology for fast synchronization
If your router supports the technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) significantly simplifies the connection process by eliminating the need to manually enter a password. This method is ideal for situations where the Wi-Fi password is too complex or has been forgotten, but physical access to the router is available. Most modern routers have a dedicated button for activating this mode.
To use this method, look for a button with a wireless network icon or the word WPS on the front of your printer. HP LaserJet 28wPress and hold it for a few seconds until the wireless indicator starts flashing. Then, within two minutes, press the WPS button on your router. The devices will automatically exchange encryption keys and establish a connection.
- 📡 Automation: All security settings are transferred without user intervention, which eliminates typos.
- ⏱ Speed: The entire process takes no more than 30-40 seconds, provided the devices are located close to each other.
- 🔒 Safety: The WPS2 protocol uses secure data exchange, although some experts recommend disabling WPS on the router after use for security reasons.
⚠️ Attention: If the printer's indicator light stops flashing and remains solid, but no printing occurs, the WPS function may be disabled in the router's software settings. Access the router's interface through a browser and check its status.
If the connection is unsuccessful and the indicator flashes rapidly or turns orange, repeat the procedure, ensuring that the interval between button presses on the printer and router does not exceed two minutes. Sometimes it takes several attempts for the devices to successfully establish a handshake.
Direct connection via Wi-Fi Direct
Technology Wi-Fi Direct Allows you to connect mobile devices directly to the printer, bypassing your home Wi-Fi network and router. This is especially useful if you're visiting someone, in an office with a secure network, or if your home internet connection is temporarily down. In this mode, the printer itself becomes an access point.
To activate the mode, press the Wi-Fi Direct button on the control panel HP LaserJet 28w Or use the wireless menu. A new name will appear in the list of available networks on your smartphone screen, usually beginning with "DIRECT-" and containing the printer model. The default connection password is often found on a sticker on the back of the device or can be printed on a test page.
To obtain information about the current Wi-Fi Direct status and password, you can print a network configuration report. To do this, press and hold the information (i) button on the printer control panel for a few seconds. In the printed document, look for the section Wi-Fi Direct, where the network name (SSID) and password (Password) will be indicated.
Using a direct connection has its own challenges. While the device is connected to the printer via Wi-Fi Direct, it may lose internet access, as most smartphones cannot simultaneously support two Wi-Fi connections. However, modern apps such as HP Smart, can automatically switch between networks to transfer a document while maintaining access to the global network.
How to disable Wi-Fi Direct?
If you want to completely disable this feature to save resources or for security reasons, go to the printer menu (the button with the wireless network icon), select the Wi-Fi Direct settings and set the status to the "Off" position.
Changing the network and resetting connection settings
Situations requiring a change to the network to which a printer is connected arise quite often: when changing providers, purchasing a new router, or moving to a new office. Simply changing the router settings isn't enough—the printer "remembers" the old network and will attempt to connect to it. In this case, a network reset is necessary.
To perform a reset on the model HP LaserJet 28w A combination of buttons is usually used. Find the wireless button and the cancel button (the cross). Press them simultaneously and hold for 3-5 seconds until the lights flash. After this procedure, the printer will return to setup mode, as if it were fresh out of the box, and you can restart the connection process via HP Smart or WPS.
If you have the ability to connect your printer to your computer via a USB cable, you can use the utility HP Printer Assistant Or go to the "Settings & Software" section of the HP Smart app. In the "Wireless Settings" or "Network" menu, select "Change Wireless Connection." The app will guide you through a setup wizard, where you'll need to select a new network and enter the current password.
You will need to re-add the device on each client computer or update the print port in the printer properties in the operating system.
Diagnostics and problem solving
Even if you carefully follow the instructions, technical difficulties may arise. One of the most common issues is the printer getting stuck in the network search mode. If the wireless indicator blinks blue for too long (more than 5-10 minutes), try rebooting the router. Often, the problem isn't with the printer, but with the router's DHCP table being full.
Another common error is the wrong encryption type. Make sure the standard is set on your router. WPA2-AES. Outdated encryption methods (WEP, TKIP) or the latest ones (WPA3 in its pure form) may not be supported by the Wi-Fi module in HP LaserJet 28wYou can try setting up a mixed WPA2/WPA3 mode in your router settings if pure WPA2 doesn't work.
| Symptom | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| The Wi-Fi indicator is blinking blue | Setup mode, network search | Launch the HP Smart app to complete setup. |
| The Wi-Fi indicator is orange | Connection error or weak signal | Check the password, move the printer closer to the router |
| The Wi-Fi indicator is off | The wireless module is disabled | Press the wireless button on the printer panel |
| The printer is not visible on the network | Different subnets or client isolation | Make sure the PC and printer are on the same network (not Guest) |
If your printer shows as "Offline" in Windows, even though the lights are steady, check your firewall or antivirus settings. They may be blocking the ports needed for communication between the computer and the printer. Try temporarily disabling the protection to test this.
Optimization of signal and stability
Laser printers are sensitive to radio signal quality. If the device is located far from the router or behind thick walls, connection interruptions may occur when printing large documents. For this model HP LaserJet 28w Distance and the absence of physical barriers are critical, as the built-in antenna has limited power.
It's recommended to place the printer on an open shelf rather than inside a closed cabinet, especially if it's metal. Metal shields the signal, significantly reducing data transfer speeds. If moving the printer closer to the router isn't possible, consider purchasing a Wi-Fi repeater to boost the signal in the area where the printer is installed.
It's also worth paying attention to Wi-Fi channels. In apartment buildings, the 2.4 GHz band is often overloaded by neighboring networks. Use Wi-Fi analyzer apps on your smartphone to find the least crowded channel and switch the router to it through the web interface. This can significantly improve connection stability.
What should I do if my HP LaserJet 28w printer stops printing after updating my router?
After replacing your router, your network settings (name and password) change. The printer can't magically guess the new information. You need to reset the network settings on the printer itself (using the wireless and cancel buttons), then reconnect through the HP Smart app, entering the new network information.
Is it possible to connect HP LaserJet 28w to a hidden network (Hidden SSID)?
Connecting to hidden networks is possible, but requires manual configuration via a USB cable and the HP Printer Assistant utility. Automatic discovery and WPS won't work in this case, as the printer can't see the network name over the air. You'll need to manually enter the SSID and security type.
Does this model support AirPrint and Mopria printing?
Yes, HP LaserJet 28w Supports AirPrint (for Apple devices) and Mopria (for Android). For these features to work, the printer and mobile device must be on the same wireless network. No additional driver installation is required for printing from an iPhone or iPad.