Modern office and home tasks require mobility, and having a wired connection to a printer often becomes a serious limitation. HP LaserJet MFP M28 And M31 These are compact, multifunctional devices that fit perfectly into the wireless office concept, allowing you to print documents directly from your smartphone or laptop from anywhere in the home. However, initial wireless setup often raises questions for users, especially if they've previously only used USB cables.
In this article, we will examine in detail all available activation methods. Wi-Fi module on your device, from automatic driver installation to manually entering parameters through the control panel. You'll learn how to avoid common mistakes, why your printer might not detect your network, and what to do if standard procedures don't produce the desired result. Proper setup will unlock useful features such as HP ePrint and print through Wi-Fi Direct.
Before proceeding with the software, you need to ensure the hardware is physically ready for wireless operation. Make sure the MFP is plugged into a power outlet and within range of your router's signal. For proper operation network card It is critical that the printer is not in deep sleep or power saving mode when setup.
Equipment preparation and compatibility testing
The first step is a visual inspection and basic operating conditions check. Make sure the wireless indicator on the control panel is illuminated, which typically looks like an antenna with diverging waves. If the indicator is flashing blue, this means Wi-Fi module Active, but not yet connected to the router. A steady blue light indicates a successful connection to the network.
It is important to understand that the series HP LaserJet MFP M28 And M31 Only supports the 2.4 GHz frequency range. If your router broadcasts exclusively on the 5 GHz frequency or uses "5 GHz only" mode, the printer simply won't detect the access point. You need to go to your router settings and ensure the 2.4 GHz band is enabled.
⚠️ Note: Some modern routers use the "Smart Connect" feature, combining 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks under a single name. In rare cases, this may cause connection issues with older devices. If standard methods don't work, try temporarily separating the networks in your router settings by assigning them different names (SSIDs).
Also check if filtering is enabled on your router. MAC addressesIf such protection is active, you will need to find the printer's MAC address (by printing a configuration report) and add it to the whitelist of allowed devices in your router's interface.
Automatic setup via HP Smart or driver installer
The easiest and manufacturer-recommended method is to use the official software. To do this, you'll need to download the full driver package from the official support website. Hewlett-Packard or use the app HP Smart, available in the Microsoft Store, Apple App Store, and Google Play.
The automatic setup process begins with running the executable file on a computer temporarily connected to the same Wi-Fi network to which you plan to connect the printer. The program will automatically detect the device and offer to transfer the saved network settings. During this process, you may need to briefly connect the MFP to the PC via USB cable if a wireless connection has not yet been established.
When using the application HP Smart On a mobile device, the process is slightly different. The app will request permission to use geolocation (required for scanning Wi-Fi networks on Android) and Bluetooth. After adding a new printer, follow the on-screen instructions: the app will transfer your network credentials directly to the device.
☑️ Checklist before installation
If the automatic search is unsuccessful, the system will prompt you to proceed to manual configuration. Don't ignore error messages at this stage, as they often indicate access rights issues or antivirus blocking.
What should I do if the installer doesn't see the printer?
If the installer doesn't detect the device, try temporarily disabling Windows Firewall or third-party antivirus software. Also, make sure that Windows Print Services aren't stopped. Restarting the Print Spooler service using the services.msc command can sometimes help.
Manual Wi-Fi setup via the printer control panel
If automatic installation isn't possible or you prefer full control over the process, you can use the MFP's built-in menu. To do this, press the wireless button (antenna icon) or the "Settings" button (gear icon) on the control panel to access the configuration menu.
Using the navigation buttons (left/right arrows), find the item Network or Wireless network. Inside this menu, select the option Wireless Setup Wizard (Wireless Setup Wizard). The printer will begin searching for available networks within range. In the list that appears, find your home network name (SSID) and press OK to select it.
The next step will prompt you to enter a password. Be careful: letters are case-sensitive. Use the arrow keys to select characters and press OK to confirm each character. After entering the password, the printer will attempt to connect to the router.
A successful connection will be confirmed by the blue Wi-Fi indicator flashing and then turning solid. You may also see the message "Connected" on the screen. The device is now ready to use, and you can install the drivers on your computer, selecting the "Wireless" connection type during installation.
Using WPS technology for a quick connection
If your router supports the technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) significantly simplifies the connection process, eliminating the need to manually enter a complex password. This method works both with a physical button on the router and as a software function in its web interface.
To begin, press and hold the wireless button on the printer's control panel. HP LaserJet MFP M28/M31 For a few seconds, until the indicator light starts flashing. This puts the device into WPS standby mode. Then, within two minutes, press the WPS button on your router.
The devices will automatically exchange encryption keys. The printer's indicator light will stop flashing and turn solid blue, indicating a successful connection. This method is especially convenient if you don't have a computer with the drivers installed and want to quickly connect the device to the network.
| Connection method | Necessary conditions | Complexity | Setup time |
|---|---|---|---|
| HP Smart / Driver | PC/Smartphone, Internet access | Low | 5-10 minutes |
| Control Panel | Knowing the Wi-Fi password | Average | 3-5 minutes |
| WPS | WPS support by router | Very low | 1-2 min |
| Wi-Fi Direct | Mobile support | Low | 2-3 minutes |
Setting up Wi-Fi Direct for printing without a router
Function Wi-Fi Direct Allows you to connect mobile devices and laptops directly to the printer, bypassing your home Wi-Fi network. This is ideal for printing documents from guests' phones or when your main router is temporarily down.
To activate this mode, press the wireless button on the printer. If the Wi-Fi Direct indicator (usually a smartphone icon next to the antenna) is not lit, press and hold the corresponding button or combination of buttons (often the wireless button and the cancel button at the same time) for a few seconds. The printer will print an information page, which will include the network name (e.g. HP-Print-xx-LaserJet M28) and password to connect.
On your smartphone or tablet, open the list of available Wi-Fi networks, find the printer's network, and enter the password. Once connected, you can print documents using the standard "Share" or "Print" menus in your device's operating system.
⚠️ Please note: When using Wi-Fi Direct, your mobile device may lose internet access because it connects directly to the printer, not the router. To get back online, you'll need to switch back to your primary Wi-Fi connection.
Diagnosing and resolving common connection problems
Even if all instructions are followed, situations may arise when the printer HP LaserJet MFP M28 or M31 refuses to connect to the network. One of the most common causes is incorrect network security. Make sure your router uses encryption protocols. WPA2 or WPA3Legacy encryption methods (WEP) or enterprise settings (WPA-Enterprise) may not be supported by this class of devices.
Another common issue is a hidden SSID. If your network name is hidden, the printer won't be able to find it when scanning. In this case, you'll need to either temporarily make the network visible in your router settings or use the WPS method, which doesn't require finding the network name.
If all else fails, reset the printer's network settings to factory defaults. This typically requires simultaneously pressing and holding the wireless button and the cancel button (the cross) for 3-5 seconds until all lights flash. Then, try setting up the connection again, starting from step 1.
How to find out the IP address of a printer?
Print a network configuration report by holding down the Resume button (triangle) for 5-10 seconds. Look for the "IPv4 Address" line in the report. If the address begins with 169.254.xx, the printer did not receive an address from the router and the connection was not established.
In some cases, the problem can be solved by assigning a static IP address through the router's web interface so that the printer's address does not change after a reboot, which is especially important for stable operation of the scanner over the network.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can the HP LaserJet M28/M31 be connected to a 5GHz network?
No, these models are equipped with a module that only supports the 802.11b/g/n standard in the 2.4 GHz band. To connect, make sure your router broadcasts in this range.
What should I do if the printer sees the network, but says "Connection error"?
This most often indicates an incorrect password or incompatible encryption type. Check your password (case-sensitive), and also try temporarily disabling MAC filtering on your router.
How do I reset Wi-Fi settings on an HP printer?
Press and hold the Wireless button and the Cancel button simultaneously for 3-5 seconds until the Power and Wireless indicators flash. This will reset the network settings to factory defaults.
Does the scanner work via Wi-Fi on these models?
Yes, once you've successfully connected to your network, you can scan documents directly to your computer or the HP Smart app without using a USB cable.