Modern office tasks require mobility, and the ability to print documents directly from a smartphone is becoming not just a convenience, but a necessity. Model HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28w Equipped with a built-in wireless module, it allows for integration into a home or office network without unnecessary cables. However, initial setup often raises questions for users who are faced with the nuances of how iOS and Android operating systems interact with peripherals.
The configuration process depends on the chosen method: using a proprietary application HP Smart, technologies WPS Or manually entering parameters through the printer's temporary access point. Each of these methods has its own peculiarities, understanding which will save you time and frustration. In this article, we'll cover all connection steps in detail, focusing on common errors and troubleshooting methods.
Before beginning software setup, ensure the hardware is physically ready. Make sure the cartridge is installed, the protective tape is removed, and the device is plugged in. To set up Wi-Fi for the first time on the M28w model, you must have a USB cable or use the WPS mode, as there is no full-fledged screen for entering a password on the case. This is a key point that is often overlooked when trying to configure the device solely through the phone menu.
Preparing for wireless connection
The first step is to check the printer's network module status. On the device's control panel, there's a button with an antenna or a wireless network icon. If the indicator light is blue, the module is active but not necessarily connected to the router. A blinking indicator light indicates that the network search or pairing process is in progress. When off, the indicator light is off and must be activated for the printer to work.
It's also important to prepare your smartphone. Make sure your mobile device is connected to the same Wi-Fi network you plan to connect the printer to. Please note that HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28w only supports range 2.4 GHzIf your router only broadcasts a signal on the 5 GHz frequency or uses mixed mode with incorrect settings, the device may not detect the network. In such cases, it is recommended to temporarily separate the networks in the router settings or create a guest network on the 2.4 GHz frequency.
To successfully establish a connection, you will need a stable power supply. It is not recommended to perform setup if the printer enters deep sleep or power-saving mode during the configuration process. It is also a good idea to know the password for your Wi-Fi network in advance, as you will be required to enter it at some point, regardless of the method you choose.
⚠️ Attention: If your router uses the "Hidden SSID" feature (hidden network name), automatic printer detection may not work. In this case, you will need to first enable network name broadcasting in the router settings or use the WPS method, if supported.
Using the HP Smart app to set up
The most modern and convenient way to integrate a printer into a network is to use a utility HP SmartThis application is available for devices based on Android And iOS and provides an intuitive interface for managing all MFP functions. After installing the app on your phone, you'll need to create an HP account or sign in to an existing one, which will allow you to save your settings to the cloud.
After launching the app, click the "Add a new printer" button. The system will automatically search for devices on the local network. If the printer was previously connected to a network, it must be reset to factory network settings. To do this, on the M28w, press and hold the wireless button and the cancel button (the cross) for a few seconds until the lights begin flashing. The device will then enter setup mode.
The app will prompt you to select your printer from a list of found devices. You'll then be prompted to transfer Wi-Fi settings. In newer versions of Android and iOS, this process can happen automatically via Bluetooth or a direct connection. You may need to confirm the pairing or enter the Wi-Fi password manually if automatic transfer fails. Follow the prompts on your smartphone screen until the printer's indicator light turns solid blue.
- 📱 Download the app HP Smart from Google Play or App Store.
- 🔄 Reset the printer's network settings using a key combination if it was in use.
- 🔐 Make sure Bluetooth and Location Services are enabled on your phone for the search to work correctly.
- 📶 Enter the Wi-Fi network password in the appropriate field in the application.
☑️ HP Smart Pre-Launch Check
Setup via WPS technology
Method WPS Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) is the fastest connection method if your router supports it. It allows you to share the network password without having to manually enter it, which is especially convenient if the password is complex or long. To use this method, your router must have a physical WPS button or a corresponding function in the router's web interface.
On the control panel HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28w Press and hold the wireless button for 3-5 seconds until the indicator light starts flashing. This puts the printer into WPS connection mode. You must then press the WPS button on your router within two minutes. If your router doesn't have a physical button, access its settings through a browser and activate the function programmatically.
The devices will begin exchanging data. This process takes about two minutes. A successful connection is confirmed by the wireless network indicator on the printer glowing steadily. If the indicator continues to blink or remains orange, the connection has not been established, and the process should be repeated, ensuring the devices are in close proximity.
⚠️ Attention: WPS is considered less secure than using complex passwords, as it is vulnerable to PIN brute-force attacks. If network security is a priority, use the HP Smart app or USB cable setup method.
What should I do if the WPS button on my router doesn't work?
If the physical button is missing or unresponsive, try accessing the router's web interface (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1). Find the Wireless or Wi-Fi settings section and enable WPS there. Also, check if this feature is disabled in the security settings.
Connecting via USB and temporary network
If wireless methods don't work, you can use the traditional USB cable method. You'll need a computer running Windows or macOS and a USB A-to-B cable. Connect the printer to the computer and install the drivers from the manufacturer's official website or from the disc, if included.
During the software installation, select "Wireless Connection" or "Set up a new device." The installation wizard will prompt you to connect a USB cable to transfer network settings. The program will automatically copy the Wi-Fi settings (SSID and password) from your computer to the printer. Once the data transfer is successful, you can disconnect the cable.
There is also a method Wi-Fi Direct, which allows you to print directly from your phone without using a router. To do this, you need to activate Wi-Fi Direct mode on the printer (usually by pressing the wireless button if configured properly, or through the menu). Your phone will detect the device as a separate access point. Once connected, you can print documents, but your phone will not have internet access at this time.
| Connection method | Necessary equipment | Complexity | Requires a PC |
|---|---|---|---|
| HP Smart App | Smartphone, Wi-Fi router | Low | No |
| WPS | Router with a WPS button | Very low | No |
| USB cable | PC/Laptop, USB AB cable | Average | Yes |
| Wi-Fi Direct | Smartphone | Low | No |
Troubleshooting and diagnostics
Users often encounter a situation where the printer is visible on the network, but the device status is "Offline" or "Unavailable." This may be due to dynamic switching. IP addresses, which the router assigned to the device. It is recommended to reserve a static IP address for your device's MAC address in the router settings. HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28w. This will ensure a stable connection and allow computers to always find the printer at the same address.
Another common issue is incompatible security standards. A printer may not connect to the network if the router uses an outdated encryption protocol. WEP or, conversely, the newest WPA3, which is not supported by the printer module. The optimal choice is the mixed security mode. WPA2-PSK (AES)You can check and change these settings in your router's admin panel.
If the printer's indicator light flashes blue for a long time, it indicates a connection attempt. If the indicator light turns orange, an authentication error has occurred. In this case, check that the password you entered is correct and that CapsLock wasn't enabled on your keyboard or the keyboard layout was incorrect.
- 🔍 Check if your antivirus or firewall is blocking access to the printer's network ports.
- 📡 Make sure that the printer and phone are on the same subnet (same first three digits of the IP address).
- 🔄 Restarting the router often solves problems with the DHCP server freezing.
- 📄 Update the printer firmware through the "Advanced Settings" section in the device's web interface.
⚠️ Attention: Router interfaces and app versions are subject to update. If the menu items described here differ from yours, look for similar names or consult the documentation from your network equipment manufacturer.
Printing and scanning from mobile devices
Once successfully connected, you can not only print, but also scan documents directly to your phone. The app HP Smart Allows you to control the document feeder tray and scan settings. You can choose the file format (PDF or JPEG), color scheme, and resolution. Scanned documents are saved to your phone's gallery or sent to cloud storage.
To print photos or documents from other apps (such as the Chrome browser or Photo Gallery), use the standard "Print" function in the menu. Your printer should appear in the list of available printers. HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28w. Android system uses the service Mopria, and iOS is the technology AirPrint, which are built into the OS and do not require additional drivers for basic printing.
Function HP ePrint Allows you to send documents to print via email. To activate this feature, you need to obtain the printer's email address (print a configuration report) and add it to the list of approved printers in the HP Connected service. This is convenient when you need to print a document while away from the office or home.
Why can't my phone detect my HP M28w printer?
Most often, the problem is that the devices are connected to different networks (for example, one on 2.4 GHz and one on 5 GHz with different names) or client isolation is enabled on the router. Also, check if the network name (SSID) on the printer is hidden.
How do I reset network settings on an HP LaserJet Pro M28w?
Press and hold the Wireless button and the Cancel button (X) on the control panel simultaneously for 3-5 seconds until all lights flash. This will reset the network settings to factory defaults.
Can a printer be connected to 5GHz Wi-Fi?
No, the M28w model is equipped with a module that only supports the 802.11b/g/n standard in the 2.4 GHz band. Connecting to a 5 GHz network is technically impossible; you must switch the router to compatibility mode or use the 2.4 GHz guest network.
What to do if the orange Wi-Fi light is on?
Orange indicates a connection error. Check the password, ensure the router is transmitting a signal, and that the printer is within range. Try moving the device closer to the router and repeating the connection process.
Do you need internet to print from your phone?
Internet access is not required for printing via a local network (Wi-Fi Direct or the same router network); a local connection is sufficient. However, initial setup via HP Smart and cloud functionality require internet access.