Modern compact office devices of the series HP LaserJet MFP M28 And M31 While wireless networks have gained popularity due to their reliability and affordability, initial setup of a wireless connection often presents difficulties for users. The main issue is the specific operating mode, referred to as PCLms, which involves using mobile printing or printing via cloud services, rather than a classic network driver. Understanding this difference is critical for successfully integrating the printer into your local network without a USB cable.
The Wi-Fi activation process on these models is somewhat complicated due to the lack of a full-fledged control screen and a limited number of buttons on the panel. You'll have to rely on indicators and a sequence of presses to put the device into pairing mode. In this article, we'll detail a process that will allow you to forget about wires and print documents from any device in your home or office.
It's worth noting that the success of the operation largely depends on the correct drivers installed and the firmware version of the MFP itself. If you attempt to configure the network using the standard Windows setup wizard, the system may not detect the printer in wireless mode unless the wireless feature is first enabled on the device itself. Let's review all the preparation and connection steps in detail.
Preparing equipment and checking network compatibility
Before you begin working with the software, you need to make sure your physical environment is ready to work with a wireless printer. M28 And M31 operate exclusively in the range 2.4 GHzThis is standard for most home routers, but can cause problems in office networks with shared frequencies. Make sure your router broadcasts on this frequency and that the network isn't hidden (SSID).
It's also important to check the printer's status: it should be powered on and ready, indicated by a green light. If the device is fresh out of the box, allow it time to complete its internal calibration, which can take several minutes. Missing cartridges or an open access door can prevent it from entering network setup mode.
⚠️ Important: Make sure your computer or smartphone used for setup is connected to the same Wi-Fi network to which you plan to connect the printer. If the devices are on different subnets or in different guest zones of the router, automatic detection will be impossible.
For stable operation in the mode PCLms (Printer Command Language mobile solution) It is recommended that the Wi-Fi signal at the printer's location be strong. A weak signal will result in constant connection drops and jobs appearing in the print queue with an "Error" status. If the router is located far away, consider using a Wi-Fi repeater or moving the MFP closer to the signal source.
Activating Wi-Fi Direct mode in Control Panel
The first step in the setup process is to put the printer into a mode that allows it to communicate with the wireless network. On models HP LaserJet MFP M28w And M31w The button with the antenna or wireless icon is responsible for this. Pressing this button starts a network search or activates direct connection mode, depending on the device's current configuration.
If the wireless indicator is blinking blue, it means the printer is in setup mode and ready to pair. In this state, it can create its own access point. Wi-Fi Direct, which you can connect to directly, bypassing your main router. This is especially useful for initial setup via a mobile app.
- 📶 Press the "Wireless" button once to turn on the mode.
- 🔵 Wait until the indicator starts flashing blue.
- 📱 Check the list of available networks on your smartphone to see if your printer's name is listed.
- 🔒 Use the password printed on the device label if connection is required.
In some cases, especially after a factory reset, the printer may not enter pairing mode with a standard press. In this case, you need to press and hold the wireless button and the cancel button (the cross) simultaneously for several seconds. This action initiates a network reset and forces the device to be ready for a new configuration.
Using the HP Smart app for initial setup
The most efficient tool for series configuration M28/M31 is the official application HP Smart, available for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. This software is the one that can correctly handle the mode PCLms, switching the printer to the required operating mode for mobile and cloud printing. Installing drivers from a disc or the HP website without this app often results in only PCL drivers for USB, ignoring the Wi-Fi module.
The process begins by adding a new printer in the app. HP Smart will automatically scan the network and, if the printer is in setup mode (blue indicator flashing), will prompt you to set it up. You'll need to enter your Wi-Fi network password, which the app will transmit to the printer. This is the most secure method, as it minimizes human error when entering data.
☑️ Setup via HP Smart
During setup, the application may prompt you to update your device's firmware. Highly recommended Agree to this action, as older firmware versions may contain bugs that prevent a stable Wi-Fi connection. The update may take several minutes, during which the printer will be unresponsive.
| Parameter | Meaning / Action | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Application | HP Smart | Basic configuration tool |
| Communication mode | Wi-Fi / Wi-Fi Direct | Depends on the setup stage |
| Protocol | PCLms / AirPrint / Mopria | For mobile printing |
| Driver | HP PCLmS Driver | Installed automatically |
Once the process is successfully completed, the app will confirm the connection, and the printer's indicator will turn solid blue. At this point, the device is ready to receive print jobs from all devices on the same network, regardless of operating system.
Manual installation of drivers and selection of connection type
If automatic setup via the app isn't possible, for example, on a limited-featured corporate PC, manual driver installation is necessary. The key here is selecting the correct connection type in the setup wizard. You'll need to download the full driver package from the official HP support website, selecting your model. M28 or M31.
During the installation process, the program will ask for the connection type. Although the USB cable is not physically used for printing, the wizard may initially require it to transfer network settings. However, for the mode PCLms More often than not, you'll need to select the "Wireless Connection" option and follow the instructions to search for the device on the network.
⚠️ Important: When installing manually, make sure you do not select the "USB" option unless you plan to use the cable permanently. Selecting the wrong port will cause the computer to search for a printer on a non-existent physical interface.
There may be multiple copies of your model listed in the list of available printers. Look for the device with the following Network or IP address, rather than specifying USB001. If the printer is not found, use the "Printer not specified" option and enter the device's IP address, which can be found by printing a configuration report (usually using a key combination).
How to find out an IP address without a computer?
Press and hold the "Continue" button (or the button with the leaf) on the printer control panel for 5-10 seconds. The printer will print a report page with the device's current IP address listed in the Wireless or Network section.
Setting up Wi-Fi Direct for printing without a router
One of the most convenient features of the series M28/M31 is the ability to print directly from a mobile device without the need to connect to the main Wi-Fi network of the office or home. Mode Wi-Fi Direct Creates a direct connection between your phone and printer, perfect for quickly printing photos or documents when you're visiting.
To activate this mode, you typically need to press and hold the wireless button on the printer until the power and wireless lights begin to blink simultaneously. After this, a network with a name containing "HP-Print" and the device model will appear in the list of Wi-Fi networks on your smartphone.
- 📲 Connect to the printer network (default password: 12345678 or indicated on the sticker).
- 🖨️ Open a document or photo on your smartphone.
- 📤 Select "Print" and find your printer in the list of available ones.
- ✅ Confirm the print, the device will perform the task directly.
Modern smartphones can usually switch between them automatically, but on older devices this can cause inconvenience.
Diagnosing and resolving PCLms connection issues
Despite the ease of setup, users often encounter a situation where the printer is visible on the network, but the print queue status remains "Using Offline Mode" or "Driver Error." This is a classic conflict between the standard PCL6 driver and the mobile protocol. PCLmsThe solution often lies in removing old instances of the device from the system.
Go to "Devices and Printers" (Windows) or "Printers & Scanners" (macOS) and remove all copies of your HP LaserJet. Then, restart your computer and printer. When reinstalling, select the driver marked PCLmS, which provides better compatibility with mobile technologies and cloud printing.
If the problem persists, check your firewall and antivirus settings. They may be blocking ports required for the computer to communicate with the printer via discovery protocols. Temporarily disable your protection to test this hypothesis.
⚠️ Please note: HP software interfaces and printer functionality are subject to change. If the steps described do not match your screen, please refer to the built-in help in the HP Smart app or the manufacturer's official website for the latest manuals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can the HP LaserJet M28 be connected to 5GHz Wi-Fi?
No, the wireless module is in the models HP LaserJet MFP M28 And M31 Only supports the 2.4 GHz frequency. If your router broadcasts networks with the same name (SSID) for both 2.4 and 5 GHz, the printer should automatically select the appropriate one. If the networks are separate, connect the device to the 2.4 GHz network.
What does the blinking blue light on my printer mean?
A blinking blue wireless light indicates the printer is in setup mode or attempting to connect to the network. If the light continues to blink and the connection fails, the Wi-Fi password may be incorrect or the signal is too weak.
How to reset HP M31 printer network settings?
To reset network settings, press and hold the "Wireless" button and the "Cancel" button (the cross) simultaneously for 3-5 seconds until all indicators flash. This will restore the network settings to factory defaults.
Do I need a USB cable to set up Wi-Fi?
In most cases, when using the application HP Smart No cable is required; setup occurs over the air (Bluetooth/Wi-Fi). However, if automatic detection fails, the setup wizard may ask you to temporarily connect a USB cable to transfer network settings, after which you can disconnect it.
Why can't the computer see the printer on the network?
Make sure "Client Isolation" isn't enabled in your router settings. This prevents devices on your network from seeing each other. Also, make sure your computer and printer are on the same subnet.