Modern wireless printers, such as the model HP LaserJet Pro M28wPrinters offer high printing mobility, but sometimes encounter connection issues. Users often look for a way to reset their device's Wi-Fi when the router changes its password, they move to a new office, or the printer simply stops being detected on the network. This is a standard procedure that resets the network module to factory settings.
Restoring network settings does not delete your personal files, but it does clear the memory of all previously used access points. Network reset This is often the only solution when the lights are flashing erratically and the drivers can't find the device. In this guide, we'll cover all available methods: from using the buttons on the control panel to more complex manipulations through the service menu.
Before you begin, make sure the printer is turned on and in ready mode. Do not interrupt the reset process by turning off the power, as this may cause a firmware error. If you've changed your router, have the new Wi-Fi password ready, as the printer will re-search for the network after clearing its memory.
When is a network settings reset necessary?
There are a number of situations where a standard reconnection fails and a hard reset is required. This is most often due to changes in the home or office network infrastructure. For example, if you changed your internet service provider or upgraded your router to a new model with different security protocols, the old connection profile will become useless.
The problem may also stem from software conflicts. Sometimes, after updating the computer's operating system or updating the printer's firmware, network settings may conflict. In such cases, resetting the network to factory settings helps to troubleshoot configuration errors.
Another reason is selling or transferring the device to another user. To prevent the new owner from connecting to your home network or accessing your print history, you need to clear all stored data. This is an important step. digital hygiene before disposal or transfer of equipment.
⚠️ Attention: After resetting the Wi-Fi settings, the printer will lose connection with the computer. You will need to rerun the setup wizard or use WPS to re-pair the devices.
Preparing equipment before the procedure
Successful operation depends on proper preparation. First, make sure the device HP LaserJet Pro M28w The unit is plugged into a power outlet and the power indicator is solid. If the warning icon with an exclamation point is illuminated on the control panel or the wireless indicator is flashing, this is normal behavior before starting work.
Check if you have access to your wireless router. After resetting, the printer will enter connection mode. You will need to know your network name (SSID) and password. Without this information, you won't be able to restore printing over the air.
- 📶 Make sure your router is working and transmitting a signal in the 2.4 GHz range (this model does not support 5 GHz).
- 🔌 Place the printer no more than 1-2 meters from the router to ensure a stable signal during initial setup.
- 📄 Have a USB cable ready just in case, although the main wireless connection recovery method does not require a wired connection.
It is important to note that the model M28w It's equipped with a simplified control panel that lacks a full menu and screen. All actions are performed using button combinations, so precision of pressing This is critically important. An error in the sequence could result in resetting parameters that are not what you intended.
Reset Method via Button Combination (Wireless Button)
The fastest and most effective way to restore network settings to their original state is to use a special key combination on the front panel. HP LaserJet Pro M28w There's a button with an image of an antenna (wireless connection). This button controls the Wi-Fi module.
To perform a reset, you need to press and hold the button Wireless communication and the button Cancel (the cross icon) simultaneously. Hold them down for 5-7 seconds. The indicators on the panel will begin flashing, indicating the start of the recovery process.
Combination: [Wireless] + [Cancel]Holding time: 5-7 seconds
Result: Flashing indicators, network reset
Once the indicators stop flashing and return to their normal state, you can release the buttons. The printer will reboot its network module. It is now ready to search for a new network. If you plan to use the WPS method, you can proceed directly to activating pairing mode.
☑️ Button reset checklist
Using WPS mode for quick connection
Once you've reset your device, it's ready to connect again. The easiest way to do this without entering a password from your computer is to use the technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup). This method automatically transfers network settings from the router to the printer.
Press and hold the wireless button on the printer for about 2-3 seconds until the indicator light starts flashing. This will put the device into search mode. Then, within 2 minutes, press the WPS button on your router. The devices will find each other and automatically exchange encryption keys.
If your router doesn't have a physical WPS button, this method may not work. In this case, you'll need to use software access via a computer or mobile app. HP SmartThe app will automatically find the printer in setup mode and prompt you to enter your network password.
⚠️ Attention: WPS mode is only active for a short time. If you fail to press the router button within 2 minutes, you will have to repeat the process of pressing the printer button.
Full reset of the device to factory settings
Sometimes you need to not only reset Wi-Fi, but also clear all the printer's user settings. This is called Cold Reset or a hard reset. This procedure returns the device to its out-of-the-box state, deleting language, region, power saving, and network settings.
To perform this operation on series models M28 The following sequence is used: turn off the printer. Press and hold the button Continue (down arrow) and turn on the power without releasing the button. Keep holding it until all the indicators light up simultaneously.
| Action | Indication | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Pressing buttons | The indicators go out | Entering reset mode |
| Hold while powering on | All indicators are on | Memory initialization |
| Releasing the buttons | The printer starts making noise. | System startup |
| Conclusion | Only the "Ready" light is on. | Reset complete |
Once the process is complete, the printer will behave as if it were new. You'll need to reselect the interface language (if there was one, but the settings are hidden) and reconfigure the Wi-Fi. This is a drastic measure, and should be used if a simple network reset doesn't resolve the issue.
What to do if resetting doesn't help?
If even a hard reset doesn't resolve the Wi-Fi issue, it's possible the router's security standards aren't compatible. Try temporarily disabling the MAC address filter or changing the encryption type to WPA2-PSK (AES) in the router settings.
Diagnosing and troubleshooting
Even after completing all the steps correctly, difficulties may still arise. Users often encounter problems with the printer not connecting to the network, even though the password is entered correctly. In 90% of cases, the problem lies with the frequency range. Model HP LaserJet Pro M28w supports only the standard 802.11 b/g/n at a frequency of 2.4 GHz.
If your router broadcasts a 5 GHz network or combines both bands into a single name (Smart Connect), the printer may be "lost." In this case, it is recommended to separate the networks in the router settings, giving them different names, such as "Home_24" and "Home_50," and connect the printer to the first.
- 📡 Check if your router has MAC address filtering enabled, which could block new devices.
- 🔒 Make sure you are using WPA2 encryption type, as older types (WEP) or newer ones (WPA3) may not be supported.
- 🔄 Try temporarily disabling your antivirus or firewall on your computer during initial setup.
It's also worth checking your drivers. Outdated software on your computer may not interact correctly with the printer's network module. Visit the manufacturer's official website and download the latest driver for your operating system.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Will this reset the page counter or the toner cartridge?
No, resetting network settings or even a full reset (Cold Reset) does not affect the page counter or cartridge information. These parameters are stored in non-volatile memory, which is used to track the device's lifespan.
Is it possible to reset the printer without accessing the buttons?
Unfortunately for the model M28w There is no software reset command via the driver or web interface if the printer is no longer connected to the network. Physical interaction with the control panel buttons is required.
What should I do if the Wi-Fi light keeps blinking after reset?
A blinking light means the printer is in setup mode and waiting to connect. This is normal after a reset. You'll need to reconnect via the app or WPS.
Does resetting Wi-Fi affect my device's warranty?
No, restoring the network to factory settings is a standard procedure provided by the manufacturer. This action does not violate the warranty and is not considered tampering with the device.