Setting up a wireless connection on the printer HP LaserJet Pro M28 — This is a standard procedure that frees you from the need to keep your device connected to your computer via a cable. Modern offices and home workstations require mobility, and the ability to print from any device within range of the router is becoming critical. M28a And M28w are equipped with modules that allow them to be quickly integrated into existing network infrastructure without complex manipulations.
The setup process may seem confusing at first glance, especially if you've previously used models with a full control screen. These models are limited to a few indicators and a single button, requiring precise steps. In this article, we'll cover all available methods: from automatic installation via USB to manual parameter input via the Wireless button. Follow the steps carefully guarantees stable operation of the device in the network.
Before you begin, make sure your router is working properly and distributing internet, and that your computer or smartphone is on the same network to which you plan to connect the printer. Drivers for HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28 It's best to download it from the official website in advance, as the bundle may only include basic versions of the software. It's also a good idea to have the included USB cable handy in case you need to perform an initial settings sync.
Preparing for wireless setup
The first step is to physically prepare the equipment. Turn on the printer. HP LaserJet Pro M28 Plug the device into a power outlet and wait for the warm-up cycle to complete. The power indicator should be solid and not blinking. If the device was previously used with a cable or connected to a different network, we recommend resetting the network settings. To do this, press and hold the wireless button on the control panel for 5-10 seconds until the indicators begin blinking simultaneously.
It is important to check the frequency compatibility. Model M28w Supports the 802.11b/g/n standard, which means it operates primarily in the 2.4 GHz band. If your router only broadcasts the 5 GHz band or uses "5 GHz Only" mode, the printer won't see the network. You'll need to enable the 2.4 GHz guest network or mixed mode in your router settings. Mixed mode (2.4 and 5 GHz) on the router is required for the correct operation of older Wi-Fi modules.
Make sure VPN services and proxy servers are disabled on your computer or smartphone during setup. They can block the search for local devices on the network, resulting in the "Printer not found" error. Also, temporarily disable your firewall if it's set to strict security mode, although you can reset it after installing the drivers.
WPS method: quick connection without password
The easiest way to connect HP LaserJet Pro M28 To connect to Wi-Fi, use WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) if your router supports it. You don't need to know the network password or enter it manually, which eliminates typos. Your router should have a button labeled WPS or an icon with two arrows.
The steps are very simple. Press and hold the Wireless button on the printer for about 2 seconds until the light starts flashing. Then, within 2 minutes, press the WPS button on your router. The printer will automatically exchange encryption keys with the router. If the wireless light on the printer M28 lights up blue and stops blinking, the connection is established successfully.
What to do if the WPS button does not work?
Some ISPs block the WPS feature for security reasons, or it may be disabled in the router's default settings. Go to the router's web interface (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1) and check the Wireless settings section. If the feature isn't available, use the USB cable method.
It's worth noting that the WPS method isn't always reliable in networks with a lot of interference. If the indicator continues to blink or stays orange, the handshake failed. In this case, try again, moving closer to the router, or switch to a more reliable software setup method.
Setup via USB cable and HP software
The most reliable method to ensure all necessary components are installed is to use the installation package from the official website. Download the driver for HP LaserJet Pro M28, selecting your operating system. Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions. When asked to select a connection type, select "Wireless" or "Wi-Fi."
At a certain point, the installer will ask you to connect the printer to your computer via a USB cable. This is necessary to temporarily transfer your Wi-Fi network settings (SSID and password) directly to the printer module. Do not disconnect the cable, until the program reports that the wireless module has been successfully configured. After this, you can remove the cable—it's no longer needed for printing.
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If the installation was successful, you will see a message confirming the setup wizard is complete. Your computer and printer are now on the same local network. You can check the device's status by opening the Printer Control Panel in Windows or macOS. The status should be "Ready," not "Offline."
Manual setup via the Wireless button
If the USB cable is unavailable or lost, you can use the setup mode directly from the device's control panel. Press and hold the wireless button on the printer. HP LaserJet Pro M28 For more than 5 seconds, until the power and wireless network indicators flash simultaneously. This will put the device into setup mode.
Next, on your computer or smartphone, find a new Wi-Fi network with a name like "HP-Setup-28-LaserJet." Connect to it. Once connected, open your browser—it should automatically redirect you to the printer setup page (Embedded Web Server). If it doesn't, enter the address 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.223.1 in the address bar.
On the setup page, select your home network from the list of available networks and enter the password. After applying the settings, the printer will reboot its network module and attempt to connect to your router. You'll only need to reconnect to your primary Wi-Fi network on your computer, since you've switched to the printer's network.
Indicator
State
Meaning
Wireless communication
It's blue
Successful connection to the network
Wireless communication
Flashing blue
Setup mode or network search
Wireless communication
It's glowing orange
Connection error or weak signal
Attention
Flashing
Print error or toner shortage
Using the HP Smart app
For smartphone and tablet users, the optimal solution is an app HP SmartAvailable in the App Store and Google Play, the app automatically detects HP printers on the network and helps you set them up, even without a computer. This is especially convenient for Android and iOS users.
Launch the app and tap "Add Printer." If the printer is new, the app will prompt you to set it up. If it was previously connected, reset the network settings (as described above). The app will transfer Wi-Fi passwords from your phone to the printer via Bluetooth or a temporary hotspot. Bluetooth must be enabled on the smartphone for initial detection.
⚠️ Attention: The HP Smart app requires an HP account to fully access scanning and management features. Some advanced features may not be available without an account.
Once you add a printer to the app, you can not only print documents and photos, but also scan directly from your phone, save files to the cloud, or send them via email. The app's interface is intuitive and supports voice commands through assistants.
📊 How do you most often connect your equipment?
Via USB cable
Via WPS (button on the router)
Via a mobile app
Manually via the web interface
Solution and reset
Sometimes the printer HP LaserJet Pro M28 The router stops responding or loses connection to the router after updating firmware or changing network security settings. A full reset of network settings can help in this situation. Press and hold the wireless button and the cancel button (red cross) simultaneously for 3 seconds. The indicators will flash, confirming the reset.
If the problem is with the drivers, use the built-in utility HP Print and Scan DoctorIt automatically detects and fixes common connection errors, print services, and ports. Run the program as an administrator for full access to fixing system errors.
⚠️ Attention: Router interfaces and driver versions are subject to update. If the steps described don't match your screen, check the official documentation on the router manufacturer's website or in the HP support section.
It's also worth checking whether your antivirus software is blocking connections to network devices. Temporarily disable network protection and try sending a test page. If printing is successful, add the printer to your antivirus software's exceptions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can the HP M28 be connected to a 5GHz network?
No, model HP LaserJet Pro M28 Only supports the 802.11b/g/n standard, which operates in the 2.4 GHz band. To connect, make sure your router is broadcasting a 2.4 GHz network.
What should I do if my computer can't see my printer on the network?
Make sure both devices are connected to the same network (check the SSID). Try restarting the router and printer. Also, check if the printer's status is set to "Use Offline" in the printer properties in Windows.
How to find out the IP address of a printer?
Press the Wireless button once to print a network configuration report. The report will show the device's current IP address. You can also find the address in the HP Smart app or through the HP Print and Scan Doctor utility.
Do I need to remove the cartridge when setting up Wi-Fi?
No, the cartridge must be installed for the printer to function properly. However, if the indicators are flashing red, check that the cartridge is installed correctly and that all protective tape has been removed.