A modern office or home workspace is unimaginable without a reliable printer that is always ready to work. Model HP LaserJet MFP M28a It has proven itself as a compact and efficient solution for printing documents, but its initial setup often raises questions for users accustomed to a wired connection.
Switching to a wireless network frees you from unnecessary cables and allows you to print documents directly from your smartphone or tablet. In this guide, we'll cover all the available methods for activating the Wi-Fi module, paying special attention to the nuances often overlooked in standard manuals.
To successfully complete the procedure, you will need a stable router signal and the password for your home network. Before beginning, make sure the device is plugged in and located within a strong signal range, as this is critical for stable operation.
Preparing for wireless driver installation
Before you start searching for a network, you need to prepare your software. Drivers These are programs that allow your computer's operating system to "see" the printer and control its functions. Without them, even with a successful connection to the router, printing will be impossible.
There are several ways to obtain the necessary software, but the most reliable is to download it from the manufacturer's official website. Using the included discs is often ineffective, as the firmware versions on them may be outdated and not support new Wi-Fi security standards.
You need to go to the HP support page and enter the model of your device. M28a and select your operating system. Download the full driver package, which typically weighs around 100-200 MB, and run the installation file.
⚠️ Important: Do not connect the USB cable to the computer until the installer explicitly prompts you to do so. Connecting it too early may cause the system to install a basic driver instead of the full package, and wireless printing may not activate.
During the installation process, the program will prompt you to select a connection type. This is where you should select the option Wireless connection or WirelessIf you've already connected the cable, abort the installation, disconnect the USB, and start the process again.
WPS method: quick setup without entering a password
The easiest way to synchronize your device with your router is to use technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup). This method allows you to transfer network information automatically, without having to manually enter a complex password on the keyboard or screen.
First, make sure your router supports WPS. Most modern models have a dedicated button labeled as such. If there's no such button on the router's body, you can activate the function through the router's web interface, although a physical button is more convenient.
Press and hold the button Wireless on the printer control panel HP LaserJet MFP M28a for 3-5 seconds until the indicator light starts flashing. Then, within two minutes, press the WPS button on your router.
- 📶 The wireless indicator on the printer should turn blue, indicating a successful connection.
- 🔄 If the indicator continues to flash, try repeating the procedure while moving closer to the router.
- 🔒 Make sure that the WPS function is not disabled in the router's security settings.
This method is ideal for users who don't want to deal with complex IP address and port settings. However, if your router is old or your ISP has blocked the WPS feature, you'll have to use the manual method.
Setup via USB cable (temporary connection)
If the automatic network search fails, you can use the "hybrid" method. This involves temporarily connecting the printer to the computer via a USB cable to transfer the Wi-Fi settings, then removing the cable.
Run the driver installer and select "Connect using a USB cable." Follow the on-screen instructions. When prompted, connect the USB Type-B cable (the square connector) to the printer and the USB Type-A cable to the computer.
The installer will detect the device and prompt you to set up a wireless network. You'll be prompted to select your network from the list of available ones and enter the password. After confirming the settings, the program will transfer them to the module. M28a.
Data transfer process:1. Computer -> USB -> Printer
2. Printer -> Wi-Fi -> Router
3. Confirmation of connection
4. Disconnect USB
Once the printer's Wi-Fi indicator turns solid blue, the system will indicate success. You can now disconnect the USB cable. The printer will save its settings and operate autonomously.
☑️ USB Setup Checklist
Using HP Smart and Mobile Devices
For smartphone and tablet users, the most convenient way is the app HP SmartIt's available for iOS and Android and allows you to manage printing, scanning, and device settings directly from your device's screen.
Download the app from the official store (App Store or Google Play) and create an HP account. Tap the "Add Printer" button or the plus sign in the corner of the screen. The app will begin searching for devices within Bluetooth and Wi-Fi range.
When HP LaserJet MFP M28a appears in the list, select it. The app will automatically retrieve your current Wi-Fi network details and offer to transfer them to the printer. All you have to do is confirm the action.
| Function | Computer (Windows/Mac) | Mobile application |
|---|---|---|
| Initial setup | Installer required | Automatically |
| Photo printing | Via driver | Direct printing from the gallery |
| Scanning | HP Scan / Driver | Saving as PDF/JPG |
| Toner Monitoring | HP Toolbox | The main screen of the application |
This method is especially useful if you don't have a computer with a disc drive or USB port, such as an Ultrabook or tablet. HP's mobile ecosystem is currently a priority for developers.
⚠️ Important: For the HP Smart app to work, Bluetooth and location services must be enabled on your mobile device. Without location permission, the app will not be able to find the printer on the network due to Android/iOS operating system limitations.
Wi-Fi Direct mode: printing without a router
One of the most useful features of the model M28a is support Wi-Fi DirectThis mode allows the device to create its own wireless network, which can be connected directly, bypassing the home router and the internet.
This is ideal for situations where you urgently need to print a document from a laptop in an office or cafe where access to the main network is limited. The printer becomes an access point, similar to a hotspot on a phone.
To activate the mode, press the button Wi-Fi Direct on the control panel (smartphone icon). The printer will print a page with information, including the network name (usually starting with "HP-Print...") and the connection password.
What is the difference between regular Wi-Fi and Direct?
Regular Wi-Fi requires a router and provides internet access to all devices on the network. Wi-Fi Direct creates a direct connection between the device and the printer; the internet may not be available, but printing will be possible even if the router is disconnected.
Connect to this network from your device by entering the password. You can now print documents. Please note that in this mode, data transfer speeds may be lower, and some network scanning features may not be available.
Diagnosing and resetting network settings
In some cases, a printer may "lose" its network connection or stop responding. Often, the problem stems from a changed IP address or a router settings conflict. The first step should always be a hardware reboot: turn off the router and printer, wait 30 seconds, and then turn them back on.
If this doesn't help, try running reset network settings on the printer itself. This will reset the Wi-Fi module to factory settings, deleting saved passwords and configurations.
To reset the model M28a you need to press and hold the buttons at the same time Wireless communication And Cancel (cross) for 5 seconds. The indicators will flash, and the device will reboot the network module.