It is impossible to imagine a modern office or home office without wireless printing, and the model HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28w It is one of the most popular solutions in this segment due to its compact size and reliability. However, initial setup often raises questions among users, especially when it comes to wireless connection, which requires precise parameter input and adherence to a specific sequence of steps.
In this guide, we will go through all the steps to connect your MFP to your router using both standard methods via a computer and alternative options such as Wi-Fi DirectYou'll learn how to properly prepare your device, which drivers are required for stable operation, and how to avoid common mistakes most beginners encounter during initial installation.
We'll pay special attention to troubleshooting problems, as even the slightest deviation in the router's security settings can block communication between devices. Proper setup HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28w This will allow you to print from any device within the network coverage area, significantly increasing the convenience of using the device in your everyday life.
Equipment preparation and initial system start-up
Before beginning software setup, ensure the device is physically ready for operation. Remove the printer from its packaging and remove any shipping tape or protective film that could block the internal mechanisms or access to the paper trays.
Insert the cartridge into the appropriate compartment until it clicks into place and ensure it is properly secured. Then, plug the device into a power outlet and press the power button located on the control panel.
⚠️ Caution: Do not connect the USB cable to your computer until the software installer explicitly asks you to do so, as connecting too early may result in device detection errors.
Once turned on, the device will begin a self-test procedure, which takes about a minute. During this time, the system checks the status cartridge, the readiness of the paper feed mechanism and the presence of errors in the firmware.
Various symbols may light up on the display or indicators to indicate the printer's status. If the attention indicator (usually a triangle with an exclamation point) is illuminated, check that the cartridge access door is securely closed.
Make sure the correct paper size and type is loaded in the tray. For test prints, it's best to use standard 80 g/m² office paper, as it wrinkles less and ensures the best first print quality.
Using WPS technology for fast synchronization
The easiest way to connect HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28w to the home network is the use of technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup), if your router supports it. This method allows you to avoid manually entering a complex Wi-Fi network password, which is especially convenient if the access key contains many characters.
To begin, press and hold the wireless button on the printer's control panel for a few seconds until the Wi-Fi light begins flashing. This puts the device into connection standby mode.
What to do if the WPS button does not respond?
If the WPS button on your router is missing or doesn't work, it may be disabled in the router's settings. In this case, you'll need to access the router's web interface via a browser and activate WPS manually or use the PIN code method, if supported.
Then, within two minutes, press the WPS button on your router. It's usually marked with a corresponding symbol or label. After pressing it, the lights on the router and printer should begin to flash more rapidly, indicating the encryption key exchange process.
Once the connection is established, the wireless indicator on the printer will stop blinking and turn solid blue. This means that IP address received successfully and the device is ready to work on the network.
It's worth noting that some providers or network administrators may disable the WPS feature for security reasons, as this protocol is sometimes considered vulnerable. In such cases, you'll need to use an alternative setup method via a computer or mobile device.
Setup via a computer using HP Smart and drivers
If automatic setup is not possible, the most reliable option is to use proprietary software. For the model HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28w It is recommended to use the application HP Smart or a full driver package from the official support website.
Download the installation file, run it, and follow the on-screen instructions. The program will automatically detect the connected device or offer connection options. Select "Wireless Connection" or "Wi-Fi."
☑️ Check before installing drivers
During installation, the program will ask you to select a connection method. Select "Automatically" or "Via USB cable" for the initial network settings transfer. If you choose the USB cable option, the program will automatically transfer your Wi-Fi router settings to the printer, after which you can disconnect the cable.
It's important that your computer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network you plan to connect the printer to. If your computer is connected via Ethernet, make sure both devices are on the same subnet.
After transferring the settings, the driver will print a test configuration page. This page will indicate IP address device and connection status. If printing is successful, you can complete the software installation.
In some cases, antivirus software may block the installation of network components. If the installation freezes while searching for a device, try temporarily disabling the protection or adding an exception for the HP installation process.
Direct connection via Wi-Fi Direct without a router
Function Wi-Fi Direct Allows you to connect a mobile device or laptop directly to the printer, bypassing your home router. This is ideal for guests or situations where the main network is unavailable or overloaded.
To activate this mode, press the Wi-Fi Direct button on the control panel HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28w or use the wireless menu. The device will create its own access point.
On your smartphone or tablet, open the list of available Wi-Fi networks. You'll see a network with a name containing "HP Setup" or your printer model. Connect to it.
The connection password is usually found on an information sticker on the device or can be printed on the configuration page. Once connected, you can print documents even if the device is temporarily unavailable.
⚠️ Note: When using Wi-Fi Direct, the internet connection on the connected mobile device may become unavailable as the device switches to the printer's local network.
This mode is also convenient for initial setup if the driver can't find the device on the primary network. Some software versions offer the option to configure the primary Wi-Fi network settings via a direct connection to the printer.
Table of indicators and error codes
Understanding the signals your device emits makes it much easier to diagnose problems. Control Panel HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28w It is equipped with several LED indicators, the combination of which informs about the current status.
| Indicator | State | Meaning | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nutrition (Green) | It's on fire | Device is on and ready | You can print |
| Nutrition (Green) | Flashing | Power saving mode or data processing | Wait for completion |
| Wi-Fi (Blue) | It's on fire | Connected to the network | No action |
| Wi-Fi (Blue) | Flashing | Setup mode or communication error | Check your settings |
| Attention (Orange) | Flashing | Error (out of paper, cover open) | Correct the physical error |
If the orange indicator flashes in combination with other signals, it may indicate a specific malfunction. For example, rapid flashing often indicates a critical error requiring a device reboot.
To obtain the exact error code, you can print a system status report. To do this, press and hold the Resume button (triangle) for a few seconds until the lights begin flashing in a specific pattern.
You can find the meaning of the blinking lights in the full user manual, but in most cases it is enough to check the presence of paper, toner, and that the covers are tightly closed.
Solving common online visibility issues
One of the most common problems is when a computer can't see a printer on the network, even though both devices are connected to the same router. This is often due to Windows security settings or the router's own settings.
Check that Windows Firewall isn't blocking the connection. In your network settings, make sure the "Private Network" profile is selected, not "Public," as device discovery is often disabled by default in the public profile.
Another issue could be related to the router's frequency separation. If your router broadcasts Wi-Fi on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz with different network names, make sure both your computer and printer are connected to the same frequency (preferably 2.4 GHz for this model).
In rare cases, static IP addressing can help. Access the printer's web interface (by entering its IP address in a browser), go to network settings, and set a static address so it doesn't change after a router reboot.
If all else fails, try temporarily disabling Client Isolation in your router settings. This feature prevents devices on the network from seeing each other, making printing impossible.
⚠️ Note: Router interfaces and operating systems may differ. The exact names of menu items may vary depending on the firmware version of your device.
Regularly updating your printer's firmware can also resolve compatibility issues. You can check for updates through the app. HP Smart or the device's web interface.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can the HP M28w connect to a 5G Wi-Fi network?
Model HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28w Only supports the 802.11b/g/n standard, which means it operates exclusively in the 2.4 GHz band. If your router is broadcasting a 5 GHz network, the printer simply won't see it. Make sure the 2.4 GHz network is enabled and active on your router.
How to find out the IP address of a printer?
The easiest way is to print a network configuration report. To do this, press and hold the information button (the "i" icon) on the control panel for a few seconds. The current address will be listed in the "IPv4" section on the printed report.
My printer stopped responding after a Windows update. What should I do?
Print ports often become disabled after major OS updates. Go to "Devices and Printers," remove the device, then click "Add a printer." If automatic detection doesn't help, use the "HP Print and Scan Doctor" utility to automatically fix port issues.
Does AirPrint work with this model?
Yes, HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28w Supports AirPrint for Apple devices and Mopria for Android devices. The mobile device and printer must be on the same Wi-Fi network for operation. No additional driver installation is required on the phone.