Connecting office equipment to a wireless network has long ceased to be the preserve of expensive multifunctional devices, becoming standard even for compact monochrome models. HP LaserJet Pro M104w is a prime example of such a device, where the letter "w" in the name indicates the presence of a built-in module Wi-Fi, allowing for wireless printing. However, the initial network interface activation process often raises questions for users accustomed to a direct USB connection.
The main difficulty is that the printer is in standby mode by default and doesn't know your home network settings. You'll need to perform a series of steps to "acquaint" the device with the router. Unlike modern touchscreen models, setup is accomplished using button combinations on the control panel or a temporary cable.
In this guide, we'll cover all available configuration methods, from automatic driver installation to manual settings via the printer's menu. You'll learn how to avoid common errors when your computer doesn't see your device in the list of available network resources. Proper configuration will ensure reliable printing from any device in your home or office.
Preparatory stage: checking equipment and network
Before you begin programming, you need to make sure that the hardware is physically ready. Make sure that HP LaserJet Pro M104w Plug the printer into a power outlet and turn it on using the power button. The lights on the control panel should light up, indicating the device is ready for use. If the printer is freshly unpacked, allow it to complete its internal warm-up cycle, which may take a couple of minutes.
It's crucial to check your Wi-Fi router. Printers of the series LaserJetWireless routers, especially budget models, may not support the WPA3 security standard or only operate in the 2.4 GHz band. If your router uses the same name for both the 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz bands (Band Steering technology), connection conflicts may occur.
⚠️ Important: Make sure you know the password for your Wi-Fi network. In some cases, temporarily disabling "Guest Network" mode on your router can help avoid client isolation issues when the printer is connected but not visible to the computer.
Also, prepare a USB Type AB cable (square connector), even if you plan on wireless use. You'll need it for the initial transfer of network settings from your computer to the printer, as the device doesn't have a dedicated password display. Having this cable is key to a quick and trouble-free installation.
Check the signal strength where the printer will be located. Laser printers are sensitive to interference, and metal cabinets or thick walls can significantly weaken the signal. The best solution is to place the device in an area with strong reception, where the full Wi-Fi signal strength is displayed on your smartphone.
Resetting the printer's network settings to factory defaults
If your device was previously used on a different network or you changed providers and routers, old configurations may interfere with the new connection. Resetting the network settings returns the Wi-Fi module to its original state, clearing its memory of saved profiles. This is the first step recommended by service center specialists for any connection issues.
To perform a reset on the control panel HP LaserJet Pro M104w Find the button with the wireless icon (antenna). Press and hold it together with the cancel button (cross) for 3-5 seconds. The wireless and attention lights should start flashing simultaneously, after which the printer will reboot the network module.
What happens when you reset your settings?
When you reset your network settings, your printer forgets your Wi-Fi network name and password. However, all other print settings, such as the number of copies or toner density, remain unchanged. This is a safe procedure that does not affect the device's firmware.
After a successful reset, the wireless indicator should start flashing blue, indicating that the printer is in setup mode. In this state, the printer creates its own access point or becomes visible to search utilities. If the indicator remains solid blue immediately after powering on, the device is attempting to connect to the old network, and a reset is necessary.
It's important to perform this procedure while the printer is near the computer. The factory reset process takes approximately 30-60 seconds. Do not turn off the power during this process to avoid damaging the network adapter software.
Automatic setup method via USB cable
The most reliable way to ensure proper driver installation and router password transfer is to use the installation software from your computer. This method eliminates the human error associated with manually entering complex password characters. You'll need to download the latest driver package from the manufacturer's official website.
Run the downloaded setup file on a computer that's already connected to the desired Wi-Fi network. The program will prompt you to select a connection type; select "Wireless" or "Wi-Fi." When prompted to connect the printer, connect it to the PC using a USB cable. The system will automatically detect the device and share your network information with it.
☑️ Checklist for a successful installation
During the installation process the program HP Smart The HP Classic installer will prompt you to select your network from a list. Since the computer is already connected to the network, it will automatically fill in the network name (SSID) and ask you to confirm the password if it isn't saved. Once confirmed, the printer module configuration process will begin.
Once the settings are transferred, the Wi-Fi indicator on the printer will stop blinking and turn solid blue. At this point, you can disconnect the USB cable—it's no longer needed. The printer is now a full member of your local network and has its own IP address.
Configuration via the control panel menu (WPS)
If you don't have a computer or USB cable handy, you can use WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) technology, provided that your router supports this feature. This allows you to connect HP LaserJet Pro M104w Connect to the network with a simple press of a button, without entering a password. This method is ideal for quickly integrating the device into an existing infrastructure.
On the printer's control panel, press and hold the wireless button until the light starts flashing. Then, within two minutes, press the WPS button on your router. It's usually marked with a corresponding logo or text. The devices will find each other and exchange encryption keys automatically.
⚠️ Note: WPS is considered less secure because it uses a simplified authentication protocol. If you're using an office network with high security requirements, it's best to use the USB cable setup method with manual password entry.
A successful connection is confirmed by a steady Wi-Fi indicator. If the indicator continues to flash or turns orange, the connection has failed. This could be because you failed to press the router's button within the two-minute window, or because WPS is disabled in the router's settings.
It's worth noting that not all providers and router models support WPS by default. In some modern models, this feature is hidden or removed for security reasons. In these cases, reverting to the USB cable method is the only viable option.
Using the HP Smart mobile app
HP's modern ecosystem is focused on mobile devices, and the app HP Smart is the central control element. Available for iOS and Android, it allows you to configure your printer directly from your smartphone or tablet. This is especially convenient if you don't have a laptop with a full set of drivers handy.
To get started, download the app from the App Store or Google Play. Turn on Bluetooth and location on your mobile device—this is necessary for finding the printer. Open the app and tap "Add Printer." The program will search for LaserJet Pro M104w and will offer to transfer the Wi-Fi settings from your phone to it.
During setup, the app may ask you to temporarily connect your phone to the printer via Wi-Fi Direct. A signal with a name like "HP-Setup" will appear in your smartphone's list of networks. Once connected, your phone will transmit the password from the main router to the printer, and the connection will be established.
Once setup is complete, you can use the app to not only print documents and photos, but also monitor toner levels, scan documents directly to the cloud, and receive alerts about problems. This transforms a simple laser printer into a smart device.
Diagnosing and resolving connection problems
Even if you strictly follow the instructions, situations may arise where the printer refuses to work correctly. Often, the problem lies in the printer's dynamic IP address being changed by the router. To force the printer to obtain a new address, you can print a network configuration report. To do this, press and hold the Cancel button (the cross) on the control panel for 5-10 seconds.
In the report, find the Wireless section. If the status shows "Disconnected" or the IP address starts with 169.254.x.x, then the device hasn't received an address from the router's DHCP server. In this case, rebooting the entire chain helps: turn off the router, printer, and computer. Turn on the router, wait until it fully boots up, then turn on the printer.
| Indicator status | Meaning | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Turned off | Wireless connection is disabled | Press the Wi-Fi button to turn it on |
| Flashing blue | Setup Mode / Network Search | Start the connection procedure |
| It's blue | Successful connection to Wi-Fi | The printer is ready to print. |
| Flashing orange | Network error or hardware problem | Perform a network settings reset |
Another common issue is that the computer's antivirus or firewall software is blocking the connection. When installing drivers, the security system may perceive a network discovery attempt as a threat. Temporarily disable the firewall to test, and if printing works, add the device to the exceptions list.
If all else fails, make sure MAC address filtering is not enabled on your router. The printer's wireless module address is printed on the label on the back of the device. It must be added to the whitelist of allowed clients in the router settings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can the HP M104w be connected to a 5GHz network?
No, model HP LaserJet Pro M104w The printer is equipped with a Wi-Fi module that only operates in the 2.4 GHz band. If your router broadcasts a single network with a common name for both bands, try separating them into "Name_2.4" and "Name_5" in the router settings and connecting the printer to the former.
The printer sees the network, but says "Incorrect password." What should I do?
Check your keyboard layout and capitalization (Caps Lock). This error is often caused by similar characters, such as the number 0 and the letter O. Try entering the password in a text editor, copying it, and pasting it into the setup field, or use the WPS method to avoid manual entry.
How to find the IP address of a printer on the network?
The fastest way is to print a network configuration report (hold the Cancel button for 5-10 seconds). You can also find the IP address in the HP Smart app under Device Information or in your router's client list.
Does Wi-Fi Direct work on this model?
Yes, HP LaserJet Pro M104w The printer supports Wi-Fi Direct technology. This allows you to print directly from your smartphone or laptop without connecting to your main router. To activate, press the Wi-Fi Direct button on the printer's panel and connect to the Wi-Fi Direct network from your device.