Setting up wireless printing in a home office or small business requires proper configuration of peripheral devices. Compact multifunctional devices of the series HP LaserJet Pro M28 And M31 They are deservedly popular due to their reliability and affordable price. However, initially integrating these models into an existing Wi-Fi network can be challenging for users unfamiliar with the HP interface.
Unlike more expensive models, these devices often lack a full-color touchscreen, which changes the operating algorithm. You'll have to rely on button combinations and flashing indicators, or use a temporary wired connection to transfer network settings. Understanding the operating logic wireless module in these printers it significantly simplifies the process and saves time.
In this article, we'll cover all available connection methods in detail, from automatic setup via WPS to manual configuration via USB cable. You'll learn how to correctly interpret LED signals and avoid common password errors. Proper setup will ensure stable network operation without the need for constant reconnection.
Preparing to set up a wireless connection
Before beginning the active setup phase, you need to ensure your network equipment is ready to work with the new devices. Make sure your router is turned on, working properly, and broadcasting on the same frequency bands as the printer. It's important to understand that older printer models may not support modern encryption standards or frequencies, so a basic compatibility check is essential.
Devices of the series M28 And M31 operate primarily in the range 2.4 GHzIf your router broadcasts two networks with the same name (SSID) for the 2.4 and 5 GHz frequencies, this may cause a connection conflict. In this case, it is recommended to temporarily separate the networks in the router settings or use a guest network that operates only on the lower frequency.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure you know the exact password for your Wi-Fi network. HP devices don't have a keyboard for entering characters, so the password will be transferred automatically from your computer or smartphone, and an error during the setup process will result in a failure.
It's also a good idea to prepare a USB A-to-B cable in advance, even if you plan on wireless printing. This cable is necessary for the initial transfer of Wi-Fi settings from your computer to the printer, which is considered the most stable method. Without this cable, your setup options may be limited, especially if your router doesn't support WPS.
Connection method via WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup)
The fastest way to connect HP LaserJet Pro M28/M31 To connect to a network, use WPS technology. This method allows you to transfer network information and a security password with the press of a button, eliminating the need to enter complex characters. First, make sure your router physically has a button. WPS and she is active.
Press and hold the wireless button on the printer's control panel until the light starts blinking. This usually takes about 3-5 seconds. After this, you have about two minutes to activate the router's search mode. If successful, the printer's Wi-Fi light will stop blinking and turn solid.
- 📶 Press the WPS button on the router (sometimes you need to hold it for 2-3 seconds).
- 🖨️ Activate WPS mode on your HP printer using the wireless button.
- 🔄 Wait until the network indicator on the device stops blinking.
- ✅ Test your connection by printing a network configuration report.
It's worth noting that not all internet providers and router models support this feature by default. Some providers block WPS for security reasons, considering the protocol vulnerable. If the router button doesn't respond or the printer light continues to blink after two minutes, this method isn't working for your infrastructure, and you'll need to resort to manual configuration.
Setup via USB cable and HP software
The most reliable and universal way of setting up is to use specialized software. HP Smart or a full driver package from the manufacturer's website. This method requires a computer running Windows or macOS and a USB cable. The procedure involves an initial physical connection to familiarize the device with the network.
Download the latest driver from the official HP website. During installation, the program will prompt you to select a connection type. Select "Wireless Connection" or "Set up a new device." When prompted to connect the printer, connect it to your computer via a USB cable. The program will automatically detect the device and transfer your PC's saved Wi-Fi settings to it.
Sequence of actions in the installer:1. Run the downloaded installation file.
2. Accept the license agreement.
3. Select the connection type: Wireless.
4. Connect the USB cable when prompted by the program.
5. Wait for the network parameters to be transferred.
6. Disconnect the USB cable after confirmation.
After the data transfer is successful, the installer will prompt you to disconnect the USB cable. The printer should automatically switch to wireless mode, indicated by the Wi-Fi indicator lighting up. If this doesn't happen, the system may have retained old configurations that are interfering with proper operation. In this case, resetting the network settings to factory defaults will help.
☑️ Pre-installation check
Using the HP Smart mobile app
For smartphone and tablet users, HP offers an app HP Smart, available for iOS and Android. This modern tool not only allows you to print documents and photos but also perform initial printer setup. This mobile method is especially convenient if you don't have a computer with a USB port nearby.
The process begins with putting the printer into setup mode. For models M28 For the M31, this is done by simultaneously pressing and holding the "Wireless" and "Cancel" (cross) buttons for 3-5 seconds. The power indicator will begin flashing, indicating pairing mode. Next, launch the app on your smartphone and add the new device.
The app will find the printer and offer to share your phone's Wi-Fi network information. This is possible thanks to short-range data transfer technologies used in modern operating systems. It's important to have location and Bluetooth enabled on your smartphone, as these are used to detect the printer in setup mode.
| Parameter | Description of action | Success indicator |
|---|---|---|
| Setup mode | Hold down the Wi-Fi and Cancel buttons | Power indicator blinking |
| Search in the app | Clicking "+" or "Add printer" | Displaying the HP model on the screen |
| Data transfer | Automatic via Bluetooth/Wi-Fi Direct | The blue Wi-Fi indicator lights up |
| Conclusion | Test print page | Printing a configuration report |
In some cases, the app may request permission to access the local network. This is critical: without this permission, the phone will not be able to "see" the printer, even if they are on the same network. In your iOS or Android privacy settings, make sure that HP Smart Local area network access is enabled.
Setting up Wi-Fi Direct for printing without a router
Function Wi-Fi Direct Allows you to create a direct wireless connection between your device (laptop or phone) and your printer, bypassing your home router. This is ideal for situations where you need to quickly print a document from a guest device without sharing the main network password, or if your router is temporarily down.
To activate this mode on HP LaserJet Pro M28/M31, press the Wi-Fi Direct button on the control panel. If the function was disabled, the indicator light will blink and then remain solid. The printer will create its own network. You can find the network name (SSID) and password by printing a configuration report or viewing it on the mobile app screen when connecting.
When connecting via Wi-Fi Direct Some modern smartphones can support a simultaneous connection to Wi-Fi and mobile Internet, but this depends on the phone model and operating system version.
⚠️ Attention: When connected via Wi-Fi Direct, printing speeds may be slower than with a standard router, and the signal range is limited to a few meters. Avoid using this method for regular office work.
Diagnosing problems and resetting network settings
Even if you follow all the instructions, your printer may still refuse to connect to the network. The wireless indicator may blink blue, indicating it's searching for a network, or glow orange, indicating an error. In such cases, the most effective solution is to completely reset the device's network settings to factory defaults.
To perform a reset on models M28 And M31 You need to turn off the printer. Then press and hold the "Wireless" and "Cancel" buttons simultaneously. Without releasing them, turn on the device. Continue holding the buttons until all the lights flash simultaneously. This will clear saved Wi-Fi profiles and passwords.
After resetting, the printer will return to its original state. You'll need to re-configure it via USB or app. This often resolves issues related to changing the router password or changing ISP equipment, which can make old settings irrelevant.
What should I do if the Wi-Fi indicator is blinking blue?
Blue blinking means the printer is in setup mode and ready to connect, but is not yet connected to the network. If the blinking continues after setup, check to see if your antivirus or firewall software is blocking the printer's connection to the local network.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can HP M28/M31 be connected to a 5GHz network?
No, these printer models are equipped with a module that only operates in the 2.4 GHz band. If your router uses a single network name (SSID) for both bands, try separating them in the router settings or creating a guest network exclusively for the 2.4 GHz band.
My printer stopped printing over Wi-Fi after changing my router. What should I do?
You will need to reset the printer's network settings (as described in the diagnostics section) and re-run the setup procedure via USB cable or the HP Smart app to transfer the connection information to the new router.
How to find the IP address of a printer on the network?
The easiest way is to print a network configuration report. To do this, press and hold the "Cancel" button (the cross) for 3-5 seconds. The report will show the IP address assigned to the device by the router.
Does the HP M28/M31 support printing from iPhone (AirPrint)?
Yes, these models support AirPrint. To use, make sure your iPhone and printer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. No separate driver installation is required for Apple devices.