Modern office equipment requires flexibility, and HP LaserJet Pro M28w is a prime example of a device designed for mobile work. This compact laser printer eliminates unnecessary cables, allowing users to print documents directly from a smartphone or laptop from anywhere in the home. However, initial wireless connection setup often raises questions for those new to the ecosystem. HP Smart and WPA2 security protocols.
Integrating a printer into a local network doesn't require extensive networking knowledge, but it does require strict adherence to the correct sequence of steps. Errors during password entry or activation method selection can result in the device going into standby mode without receiving an IP address from the router. In this article, we'll cover all available configuration methods, including using a USB cable for initial network settings transfer.
It's worth noting that connection stability directly depends not only on the accuracy of the entered data but also on the router's settings. Dual-band routers can sometimes create difficulties for devices that only support the 2.4 GHz standard, requiring manual network separation or temporary switching of the smartphone. Understanding these nuances will help you avoid common mistakes and enjoy wireless printing right out of the box.
Equipment preparation and compatibility testing
Before you begin software configuration, you must ensure that the device is physically ready for operation. HP M28w This is a monochrome laser printer that doesn't have a built-in touchscreen display, so all status indication is via the LED indicators on the front panel. Make sure the cartridge is installed correctly and the protective orange tape is removed from all internal mechanisms.
Knowing your Wi-Fi network settings is crucial. You'll need the exact network name (SSID) and password. If you don't know your Wi-Fi password, you can find it in your router settings or on a sticker on the device if the factory settings haven't been changed. Android and iOS devices will also require Bluetooth and geolocation to be enabled for the discovery process.
⚠️ Please note: The HP M28w printer only supports the 2.4 GHz frequency band. If your router broadcasts a single network name for both bands (2.4 and 5 GHz), the device may not see the network or may experience an unstable connection. In this case, we recommend temporarily separating the networks in your router settings or creating a guest network using only the 2.4 GHz frequency.
Also, prepare a USB Type AB (printer) cable in advance, even if you're planning a wireless connection. You may need it for the initial Wi-Fi settings transfer if automatic Bluetooth detection fails. This cable is usually included, but its absence won't be a problem if you have another standard cable for your peripherals on hand.
WPS method: the fastest way to connect
Technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) allows you to connect your device to the network without manually entering a password, using a secure connection. This method is ideal if you don't want to fiddle with complex settings or enter long character strings on your mobile phone. Your router must also support this feature, which is essential for modern models.
To begin, press and hold the wireless button on the printer's control panel for about 3 seconds until the light starts flashing. Then, within 2 minutes, press the WPS button on your router. This is usually marked with a corresponding icon or text. Once paired successfully, the Wi-Fi light on the printer will stop flashing and remain solid.
If automatic connection fails, check whether the timeout has expired. The security protocol limits connection attempts to two minutes to prevent unauthorized access. If unsuccessful, repeat the procedure, ensuring the printer is within range of a strong signal.
☑️ Pre-WPS Check
Setup via the HP Smart app
The most functional tool for managing the printer is the official application HP SmartIt's available for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS operating systems. The app not only helps you connect your device but also allows you to monitor toner levels, scan documents, and run diagnostics.
After installing the app, launch it and click the "Add Printer" button or the "+" icon. The app will automatically search for devices within range. If the printer is in setup mode (the wireless indicator is blinking), the app will prompt you to set up a Wi-Fi connection. You'll need to select your network from the list and enter the password.
During setup, the app may request permission to use geolocation. This is necessary for network scanning to work properly on mobile devices, especially Android devices. Without this permission, the smartphone may simply not see the printer in the list of available devices for setup.
| Platform | Where to download | Peculiarities |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 10/11 | Microsoft Store | Full integration with the system |
| macOS | App Store | AirPrint support |
| Android | Google Play | GPS required |
| iOS | App Store | AirPrint support |
Using a USB cable to set up Wi-Fi
If wireless methods don't work or the app can't find the printer, use the classic USB cable method. This method is considered the most reliable, as it eliminates errors related to radio interference or incorrect router security settings. Connect the printer to your computer with a cable and turn it on.
Run the driver installer from the official HP website or use the included disc (although it's best to download the latest version). In the installation menu, select "Wireless" or "Wi-Fi" as the connection type. The program will automatically switch the printer to setup mode and transfer your network settings stored in the system.
During the process, the system may prompt you to temporarily disable your VPN or antivirus software, as they may be blocking the transfer of network configurations. Once the data transfer is successful, the program will prompt you to disconnect the cable, and the printer will enter wireless standby mode.
⚠️ Important: When setting up via USB, make sure the computer and printer are connected to the same local network (if the PC is connected via cable and the printer via Wi-Fi, they must be on the same subnet). This can cause difficulties in corporate networks with strict segmentation.
Troubleshooting driver and network visibility issues
A common problem is when the computer doesn't see the printer on the network, even though the Wi-Fi indicator is solid. This may be due to the operating system not having the full package installed. drivers, but a generic Microsoft driver is used, which doesn't support all the device's features. In this case, you'll need to manually add the device through Control Panel.
Go to "Devices and Printers" (or "Printers and Scanners" in Windows 10/11), select "Add a printer," and click "The printer I want isn't listed." Select "Add by TCP/IP address." You can find the printer's address by printing a configuration report: press and hold the Resume (triangle) button on the printer for 5-7 seconds until the indicator light flashes, then release it. The printer will print a page with the IP address.
Another possible cause of problems is a hidden SSID. If your network is hidden, the HP Smart app may not detect it automatically. In this case, you'll need to use WPS or USB setup, as manually entering the hidden network name in mobile apps is often unavailable or doesn't work correctly.
What to do if the orange Wi-Fi light is on?
An orange wireless indicator usually indicates a connection error or recovery mode. Try resetting the network settings: press and hold the "Wireless" and "Cancel" (X) buttons simultaneously for 3 seconds. The indicators will start flashing, after which the printer will reboot the network module.
Mobile printing and cloud services
After successful connection HP M28w opens up mobile printing possibilities. Apple devices use the technology AirPrint, which doesn't require installing additional drivers. Simply select a document or photo, click "Share," and select your printer from the list.
For Android and other platforms, the service is used Mopria Or use Android's built-in printing service. Wi-Fi Direct printing is also available, allowing the printer to create its own access point. This is useful if you're in a location without a router but need to urgently print a document from your smartphone.
To activate Wi-Fi Direct, press and hold the wireless button on the printer until the Wi-Fi Direct light starts blinking. The printer's name (usually starting with HP-Print-...) will appear in the list of Wi-Fi networks on your phone. Connect to it by entering the password (the default is 12345678, unless you've changed it), and send a file to print.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I find the IP address of my HP M28w printer?
The easiest way is to print a configuration report. To do this, press and hold the Resume button (triangle) on the printer control panel for 5-7 seconds until the Attention light flashes, then release. The IP address will be listed in the Network section on the printed report.
Can the HP M28w be connected to a 5GHz network?
No, the M28w model is equipped with a Wi-Fi module that only supports the 802.11 b/g/n standard in the 2.4 GHz band. Connecting to 5 GHz networks is technically impossible. If your router only broadcasts 5 GHz, you will need to purchase a separate 2.4 GHz access point or adjust your router's settings.
The printer has stopped responding via Wi-Fi, what should I do?
Try restarting your router and printer. If that doesn't help, reset the printer's network settings (press the "Wireless" and "Cancel" buttons simultaneously for 3 seconds). Then, try connecting again through the HP Smart app.
Does the HP M28w work without a cartridge?
The printer will not perform any operations, including network setup, if the cartridge is not installed or if it is empty or not recognized. Ensure the HP 48A cartridge (or a compatible equivalent with a chip) is installed correctly and the protective tape is removed.