Modern compact printers of the series LaserJet Pro from the company HP are deservedly popular due to their reliability and wireless printing capabilities. However, the initial setup of a wireless connection Wi-Fi often causes difficulties for users who are accustomed to wired interfaces or are encountering network printing protocols for the first time. Unlike larger models, the series devices M28 And M31 There is no full display, which requires the use of specific button combinations to activate pairing mode.
In this guide, we'll cover all the current methods for integrating your MFP into your home or office network. You'll learn how to use the technology WPS For instant connection, how to perform a classic installation via USB cable and then switch to "over-the-air," and how to manage network settings via the built-in web interface. Proper setup IP addresses and knowledge of the nuances of driver operation HP Smart will allow you to avoid common mistakes and enjoy the convenience of mobile printing.
Before proceeding with the software, you need to ensure the hardware is physically ready. Make sure the cartridge is installed, the protective tape is removed, and the printer is plugged in and within range of your router's signal. Critical: Before starting the setup, make sure that your computer or smartphone from which you will perform the configuration is connected to the same Wi-Fi network to which you plan to connect the printer, since a cross-network connection is not possible during the initial setup phase.
Preparing equipment and checking network compatibility
The first step is to analyze your network infrastructure. Printers of the series HP LaserJet Pro M28 And M31 support wireless communication standards 802.11b/g/n, which means compatibility with most modern routers. However, there are nuances related to frequency ranges. These devices, like many office peripherals, operate exclusively in the frequency range. 2.4 GHz.
If your router broadcasts a single network with aggregated frequencies (Smart Connect) or splits them into different SSIDs, you need to know the exact name of the 2.4 GHz network. In some cases, such as complex corporate networks, you may need to whitelist the device's MAC address. You can find this address by printing a configuration report, as discussed below.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure Client Isolation isn't enabled on your router. If this feature is enabled, devices on the same Wi-Fi network won't be able to see each other, and your computer won't be able to detect the printer to install drivers.
It's also worth checking the battery level if you're using a laptop for setup, although the printer itself should be connected to a power source. Unstable voltage or operation from a UPS with a distorted sine wave can cause network settings to reset during the firmware update.
Reset network settings and print a configuration report
If the printer was previously used on a different network or setup was unsuccessful, it is highly recommended to reset the network settings. This will clear saved profiles. SSID and passwords by resetting the Wi-Fi module to factory settings. For models M28 And
Press and hold the Wireless button (antenna icon) and the Cancel button (cross icon) simultaneously for 3 seconds. The Wireless indicator should begin flashing blue and white, indicating setup mode. After this, it's recommended to print a network configuration report to check the current status.
To print the report, quickly press the "i" (Information) button once, then the continue button (triangle) once. In the resulting document, find the section WirelessIf the "SSID" field is empty or contains the value "ad-hoc", then the printer is not connected to any network. The IP address: If it starts with 169.254.xx, it means that the device did not receive an address from the router automatically.
- 📶 The indicator lights up blue - the Wi-Fi connection is established and active.
- 🔄 The indicator flashes blue - the connection or data transfer process is in progress.
- ⚪ The indicator is white (or off) - the wireless module is turned off or not configured.
- 🔴 The indicator is flashing red - hardware error or critical network problem.
In rare cases, the issue may be related to a memory buffer overflow. Try turning off the printer, unplugging the power cable for 30 seconds, and then turning it back on. If the issue persists, a firmware update may be required.
WPS method: quick connection without entering a password
The easiest way to connect HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28 or M31 to Wi-Fi is the use of technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup). This method allows you to automatically transfer your network password by simply pressing the appropriate button on your router. This method is ideal if you don't want to manually enter a complex security key or if you have trouble with your computer keyboard layout.
Make sure your router supports WPS (most modern models have this feature, often indicated by a button with two arrows or a separate physical button). Press and hold the WPS button on the router for 3-5 seconds until the WPS indicator on the router starts blinking. Within 2 minutes, press and hold the wireless button on the printer until the Wi-Fi indicator starts blinking.
The printer will automatically detect the signal and establish a connection. This process can take up to 2 minutes. A successful connection is confirmed by a steady blue wireless indicator on the MFP panel. If the indicator continues to flash, the connection is not established, and you should try the USB cable method.
⚠️ Attention: WPS won't work if your network uses WEP encryption or if the WPS feature has been disabled in your router's settings by your network administrator. In these cases, use the USB installation method.
Setup via USB cable and HP software
The most reliable and universal method to ensure proper installation of drivers and network settings is to use a USB cable. For this, you will need a cable of the type USB 2.0 Type-A to Type-B (standard printer cable), which is often not included in the package and must be purchased separately.
Download the full package of drivers and utilities HP Smart or HP LaserJet Pro M28-M31 Full Feature Software and Driver From the official HP support website. Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions. When prompted to select a connection type, select "Wireless" or "Wi-Fi," but in the next step, the system will ask you to temporarily connect the printer via USB.
Connect the cable between your computer and the printer. The program will automatically detect the device and transfer your current Wi-Fi network settings (SSID and password) to it. After the data transfer is successful, the installer will prompt you to disconnect the USB cable. The printer will reboot its network module and connect to the router over the air.
☑️ USB Connection Checklist
It's important not to interrupt the data transfer process. If an error message appears on the screen, check whether your antivirus software or Windows Firewall is blocking the installation of the printer's network component. After disconnecting the cable, ensure the Wi-Fi indicator on the printer is blue.
Using the HP Smart app for mobile devices
For smartphone and tablet users, the company HP developed an application HP Smart, available on Google Play and the App Store. This app allows you to perform initial printer setup without using a computer. Make sure your mobile device is connected to a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network.
Launch the app and tap "Add Printer" or the plus sign. If your printer is in setup mode (blue light flashing), the app will detect it in the "New Printers" list. Select your device. M28 or M31The app will request permission to use geolocation (required for scanning Wi-Fi networks on Android) and transmit network parameters to the printer.
This method is especially convenient because, immediately after setup, you can scan documents directly from your phone or send photos to print. The app will also automatically prompt you to update your printer firmware if a new version is available, which can improve the stability of your wireless connection.
| Parameter | Description | Default value |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi mode | Wireless communication standard | 802.11b/g/n |
| Frequency | Operating range of the module | 2.4 GHz |
| Security | Supported protocols | WPA2, WPA3 |
| IP mode | Method for obtaining an address | Automatic (DHCP) |
Troubleshooting and connection diagnostics
Despite the simplicity of the procedure, users may encounter difficulties. One of the most common issues is that the printer "sees" the network but fails to connect. This is often due to the router using mixed security mode or a hidden SSID. In such cases, it is recommended to explicitly specify the network name in the router settings to make it visible.
Another common situation is that the printer connects, but the computer doesn't see it. Check if the computer is connected via a guest network. Guest networks often have isolation, preventing devices from communicating with each other. Also, make sure your firewall isn't blocking the ports the printer uses for discovery (usually UDP 3927, 5353).
If all else fails, perform a full network reset (as described in the second section) and try connecting from another device, such as a smartphone. This will help isolate the problem: if the connection is successful from the phone, the issue lies with the computer settings or drivers. If the connection fails, the printer's Wi-Fi module may be faulty.
⚠️ Attention: Router interfaces and software versions HP Smart May be updated. If the menu items described differ, please refer to your router's documentation or the latest help on the printer manufacturer's website.
Changing your IP address to a static one is only recommended for experienced users who understand the structure of their local network to avoid addressing conflicts.
Why can't my HP M28 printer see my 5GHz Wi-Fi network?
Models of the series M28 And M31 These routers are equipped with modules that operate only in the 2.4 GHz range. They are physically unable to see or connect to 5 GHz networks. Make sure your router is broadcasting a 2.4 GHz network and that the network names (SSIDs) for 2.4 and 5 GHz are different so you can select the correct one.
Is it possible to connect a printer without a computer, only from a phone?
Yes, it is possible with the app. HP Smart for Android or iOS. Your phone must be connected to Wi-Fi. If the printer is new or reset, the app will automatically find it and help you transfer the router settings.
What to do if the red Wi-Fi light is on?
A flashing red light usually indicates a hardware error or a critical network failure. Try turning the printer off, waiting a minute, and then turning it back on. If that doesn't help, print a configuration report. If that doesn't work, you may need to restore the firmware via USB.
Is a USB cable required for continuous operation?
No, the USB cable is only needed for the initial setup of password transfer from the router to the printer. Once successfully connected, the cable can be disconnected, and the printer will operate completely wirelessly.