It's impossible to imagine a modern office without wireless technologies that allow you to print documents from any device in the room. Printer HP LaserJet Ultra M106W It's one of the most popular solutions for small businesses and home users due to its compact size and high print speed. However, like any network device, it requires initial configuration to connect to the internet and local network.
The setup process may seem complicated for beginners, but if you follow the steps clearly, it takes no more than 10-15 minutes. It's important to understand that printer stability directly depends on the signal quality and the correct security settings for your network. In this guide, we'll cover all possible connection methods, including automatic and manual ones, so you can choose the most convenient option.
Preparing equipment and checking conditions
Before you start working on the software, you need to make sure that all the physical components are ready to work. Printer The device must be unpacked, freed from shipping straps, and connected to a power source. Make sure the cartridge is already installed in the device, as some models do not allow setup to be completed without consumables.
The second critical element is your Wi-Fi routerIt must be turned on, working properly, and broadcasting the network to which you plan to connect the printer. If your router broadcasts networks in two bands (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), remember that this printer model operates exclusively in this band. 2.4 GHz.
You'll also need a computer or smartphone to control the printer. For initial setup via USB cable, make sure the cable is in good condition and long enough to comfortably connect the printer to the PC. These simple steps will help you avoid 90% of common mistakes at the start.
⚠️ Attention: If your router uses MAC address filtering, find the printer's address (printed on a label on the back or bottom) in advance and add it to the whitelist; otherwise, connection will be impossible even with the correct password.
Also, make sure your computer has up-to-date drivers or has internet access to download them. Missing drivers may prevent the operating system from recognizing the device during automatic setup.
Connection method via WPS (the fastest method)
The easiest way to integrate a printer into a network is to use technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup). This method allows you to transfer security settings automatically, without having to manually enter a complex password on a small screen or using buttons. First, make sure your router supports this feature and has it enabled.
Press the WPS button on your router and hold it for a few seconds until the security light starts flashing. Immediately afterward, go to the printer. HP LaserJet Ultra M106W and press the wireless button on the control panel. The Wi-Fi light on the printer should also start blinking, indicating it's searching for a network.
☑️ Pre-WPS Check
The connection process will take about two minutes. If successful, the wireless indicator on the printer will stop blinking and turn solid blue or green. This means the device has acquired an IP address and is ready to print.
⚠️ Attention: WPS won't work if your network uses corporate encryption or a hidden SSID. In these cases, manual configuration via USB will be required.
If the indicator continues to flash or turns orange, the connection is not established. In this case, we recommend moving away from the router, turning off the printer, and repeating the process, strictly observing the button press timings.
Setup via USB cable and HP Smart software
If the automatic method doesn't work or your network requires specific settings, use the classic USB connection method. To do this, you'll need to download the official software. HP Smart or a full driver package from the manufacturer's website. Run the installer and select "Configure a new device."
The program will ask you to connect the printer to your computer using a USB cable. Follow the on-screen instructions; at a certain point, the installer will prompt you to proceed to setting up a wireless connection. At that point, USB cable acts as a channel for transmitting network settings from the PC to the printer.
Menu path: Settings → Wireless → Wireless Setup WizardIn the list that opens, select your home network and enter the password. After a successful data transfer, the printer will disconnect from USB and attempt to connect to the router. Your computer should also switch to Wi-Fi at this point if it was connected via Ethernet cable.
What to do if the PC does not see the printer via USB?
If your computer doesn't respond to the cable connection, try using a different USB port, preferably located directly on the motherboard (at the back of the system unit). Also, check to see if the port is blocked by your antivirus software.
Once setup is complete, the program will prompt you to delete temporary files and complete the driver installation. Your printer is now accessible to all devices on the network, even if the computer is turned off.
Using the HP Smart mobile app
HP has developed an application for smartphone and tablet users. HP Smart, available in the App Store and Google Play. This convenient tool lets you manage printing and scanning directly from your mobile device without a computer. Download the app and register for HP ePrint.
When you first launch the app, tap "Add Printer" or the "+" icon. The app uses Bluetooth and geolocation to find nearby HP devices. Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your phone, as this is the protocol used for initial data exchange.
- 📱 Select your printer LaserJet Ultra M106W from the list of found devices.
- 🔑 Enter your Wi-Fi network password in the window that appears.
- 📡 Wait until the printer indicator light turns solid.
- ✅ The app will confirm that the device has been successfully added.
After that, you can print documents from any apps on your phone, such as the browser, gallery, or office suites. The "Smart Tasks" feature automates routine actions, such as scanning documents directly to the cloud with the press of a button.
Solving common connection problems
Even if you carefully follow the instructions, technical difficulties may arise. Often, the problem lies in incompatible security standards or communication channel congestion. If the printer fails to connect, try temporarily disabling MAC address filtering on your router or changing the encryption type to WPA2-PSK (AES).
Another common cause of failures is a dual-band router. If the router broadcasts networks with the same name (SSID) for both 2.4 and 5 GHz, the printer may attempt to connect to an unsupported band. In this case, it's recommended to temporarily separate the networks by giving them different names, such as "Home_2.4" and "Home_5."
| Symptom | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| The Wi-Fi indicator is blinking | Searching for network or connection error | Check the password and the 2.4 GHz band |
| The indicator lights up orange | Configuration error | Reset network settings on the printer |
| The printer is not visible in the list | Different subnets or VLANs | Check your router settings |
| Connection lost after setup | Weak signal or interference | Bring the printer closer to the router |
In some cases, a complete reset of the printer's network settings can help. To do this, simultaneously press and hold the wireless button and the cancel button (the cross) for 3-5 seconds until the lights flash. This will restore the printer to its factory network settings.
Signal optimization and network security
Once the connection is successful, it's important to ensure the device's stable operation over the long term. Printers HP LaserJet They are sensitive to electromagnetic interference, so it is not recommended to place them in close proximity to microwave ovens, powerful transformers or metal cabinets.
To improve your network security, we recommend changing the default router administrator password and using complex character combinations for Wi-Fi. The printer will remember this information, but unauthorized access to the print queue will be restricted. It's also a good idea to reserve a static IP address for the printer in the router settings.
⚠️ Attention: Router interfaces and printer firmware versions are subject to update. If the menu items described differ, please refer to the documentation for your specific equipment.
Regularly check for firmware updates for your printer using the HP Smart app or web interface (EWS). New software versions often contain fixes for security vulnerabilities and improve compatibility with new routers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can the HP M106W be connected to a 5GHz network?
No, this printer model only supports the standard 802.11b/g/n, which operates in the 2.4 GHz band. If your router only broadcasts 5 GHz, the printer won't be able to see the network. You'll need to enable the 2.4 GHz band in your router settings.
What should you do if you forgot your printer's Wi-Fi password?
The printer's Wi-Fi network password isn't required for regular printing; only the router's password is needed. If you're referring to the printer's administrator password, you can reset it to the factory default (usually blank or "admin") using the network settings reset menu.
Does this printer support Wi-Fi Direct?
Yes, model M106W Supports Wi-Fi Direct technology, which allows you to connect to the printer directly from your phone without using a router. To do this, select a network with a name beginning with "DIRECT-HP-LaserJet..." in your smartphone's Wi-Fi settings.
How to find out the IP address of a printer?
The easiest way is to print a configuration report. Press and hold the Resume (Sunday) button on the printer control panel for 5-10 seconds. The current IP address will be listed in the Network section on the printed report.