Connecting the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28/M31 to Wi-Fi: A Complete Guide with Step-by-Step Instructions

Wireless printer connection HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28 or M31 Connecting to a Wi-Fi network allows you to print from any device in your home or office without the hassle of wires. However, many users encounter difficulties: the printer can't find the network, the password is entered incorrectly, or the connection keeps dropping. In this article, we'll look into these issues. All methods of setting up Wi-Fi On these models, there are options ranging from standard connection via the control panel to alternative methods using a USB cable or WPS.

Peculiarity HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28/M31 in that they support both classic password connection and technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup), which simplifies the process. However, not all routers are compatible with WPS, and in some cases, the feature is disabled by default. We'll cover both options in detail, including how to check for a successful connection and what to do if your printer refuses to connect via Wi-Fi.

If you've never configured network devices before, don't worry: these instructions are tailored for beginners. Each step is explained, and critical points are highlighted. For experienced users, there are alternative methods and troubleshooting tips.

1. Preparing to set up Wi-Fi: What to check before you start

Before you begin connecting, make sure all the requirements are met. This will save time and avoid unnecessary errors.

First, check router compatibilityPrinters HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28/M31 work with Wi-Fi standards 802.11b/g/n on frequency 2.4 GHzIf your router is configured to only 5 GHz, the printer won't be able to connect. Most modern routers have both frequencies active by default, but sometimes 2.4 GHz disabled in settings.

Secondly, prepare the connection data:

  • 📡 Network name (SSID) — the exact name of your Wi-Fi network (case sensitive!).
  • 🔑 Wi-Fi password - If you haven't changed it, look at the router sticker.
  • 📱 Control device - a smartphone, tablet or computer with access to the same network.
⚠️ Attention: If your router uses hidden network (The SSID is not broadcast), the printer will not be able to find it automatically. In this case, you will need to manually enter the network name.

Also, make sure the printer is turned on and within range of the router. The optimal range is no more than 5–7 meters without obstructions (walls, furniture). If the signal is weak, try temporarily moving the printer closer to the router.

📊 Which connection method do you prefer?
Through the printer panel
Using WPS
Via USB cable
Via the HP Smart app

2. Connecting via the printer control panel (standard method)

This is the most reliable method, which works 90% of the time. The instructions are suitable for both models: M28 And M31, since their control panels are identical.

Steps to set up:

  1. Turn on the printer and wait until it is fully loaded (the ready indicator should be green).
  2. On the control panel, press the button Wireless (antenna icon) or go to the menu Settings → Network → Wireless Network.
  3. Select an item Wi-Fi Setup Wizard (Wi-Fi Setup Wizard).
  4. The printer will begin searching for available networks. When a list appears, select your network (SSID).
  5. Enter your Wi-Fi password using the on-screen keyboard. Use the arrow keys to switch between characters and the button to confirm. OK.
  6. Confirm your input and wait for a message about successful connection.

If your network is not listed, check:

  • 🔍 SSID visibility (the network may be hidden).
  • 📶 Router frequency (must be 2.4 GHz).
  • 🔄 Restart your router and printer, then try searching again.

☑️ Checklist before connecting

Completed: 0 / 5

After successful connection, the printer will print network configuration report (Network Configuration Page). It will contain the IP address of the device - save this sheet, it will be useful for further configuration.

3. Connecting via WPS: A quick way without entering a password

Technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) allows you to connect your printer to the network without manually entering a password. This is convenient if you don't want to fiddle with the on-screen keyboard or are worried about typing errors.

Conditions for using WPS:

  • 🔄 The router must support WPS (usually there is a button with this name).
  • 🔒 The WPS function must be activated in the router settings.
  • ⏱️ You have 2 minutes to connect after pressing the WPS button on the router.

Connection instructions:

  1. On the printer, go to the menu Settings → Network → Wireless → WPS.
  2. Select WPS button (WPS Push Button).
  3. Press the physical button within 2 minutes WPS on the router (usually it is located on the back panel).
  4. Wait for the message on the printer screen indicating a successful connection.
⚠️ Attention: Some routers (for example, those from ISPs) have the WPS function disabled by default. In this case, you will need to access the router's web interface (usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1) and enable WPS manually.

If the connection fails, try repeating the process or use the standard password entry method. Also, check whether your antivirus or router firewall is blocking the new device.

4. Alternative connection methods: USB and HP Smart

If the printer does not connect via the control panel or WPS, you can use temporary USB connection or the official app HP Smart.

Method 1: Setup via USB cable

This method is suitable if you have a computer or laptop with access to the same Wi-Fi network.

  1. Connect the printer to your computer via a USB cable (included).
  2. Download and install drivers from official HP website (select model LaserJet Pro MFP M28 or M31).
  3. Run the installation wizard and select the option Wireless network.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions—the program will automatically find the printer and prompt you to enter your Wi-Fi information.

Method 2: HP Smart App

Utility HP Smart available for Windows, macOS, Android and iOSIt automates the connection process and allows you to control the printer from a mobile device.

How to connect:

  1. Install HP Smart from the official store (App Store, Google Play or from the HP website).
  2. Launch the application and select Add a printer.
  3. Follow the instructions—the program will offer to either enter Wi-Fi details manually or use Bluetooth to transfer settings.
  4. Once connected, the printer will be available for printing from any device on the network.

Advantage HP Smart The app not only configures Wi-Fi, but also allows you to scan documents directly to your smartphone, check ink levels, and update firmware.

What should I do if HP Smart doesn't find my printer?

Make sure the printer is turned on and in standby mode. Restart the app and check if your device is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the printer. If you use Bluetooth, enable it on your smartphone and allow the app to access your location (this is required to find devices).

5. Checking the connection and troubleshooting

After setting up Wi-Fi, you need to make sure the printer is properly connected to the network and ready to use. Here's how:

Step 1: Print the network settings report

On the printer panel, go to the menu Settings → Reports → Network Configuration ReportThe printer will print a sheet of data, where you need to pay attention to:

  • 📋 Wi-Fi status — it should be Connected.
  • 🌐 IP address - if it starts with 169.254, this means that the connection is not established.
  • 🔗 Network name (SSID) - must match your Wi-Fi network.

Step 2: Ping the printer from your computer

If you have a computer on the same network, check the connection to the printer:

  1. Open Command Prompt (Win + R → cmd).
  2. Enter the command: 
    ping [printer IP address]
    , where instead [Printer IP address] Please provide the address from the report.
  3. If the ping is successful (no packet loss), the connection is working.
Problem Possible cause Solution
The printer does not find the network The network is hidden or operating on 5 GHz Enable SSID visibility or switch your router to 2.4 GHz
Incorrect password Typo while typing Please re-enter or use WPS
The connection is broken Weak signal or interference Move the printer closer to the router or change the Wi-Fi channel
IP address 169.254.xx The printer did not receive an IP address from the router. Reboot your router and printer, check your DHCP settings
⚠️ Attention: If your printer is connected to the network but printing from your computer doesn't work, check Windows Firewall Your antivirus or antivirus software may be blocking access. Add the printer to the exceptions list or temporarily disable protection for testing.

6. Optimize your Wi-Fi connection for stable operation

Even if your printer is connected to the network, problems may arise over time, including connection interruptions, slow printing, or scanning errors. To avoid these issues, follow these tips:

1. Selecting the optimal Wi-Fi channel

If your home or office has many networks on the frequency 2.4 GHz, they may cause interference. Use a Wi-Fi analysis utility (for example, Wi-Fi Analyzer for Android) and select the least loaded channel in the router settings.

2. Fixed IP address for the printer

To ensure that the printer is always accessible at one address, assign it static IP:

  1. Go to the router's web interface (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
  2. Find the section DHCP → Address Reservation.
  3. Add the printer to the list by specifying its MAC address (found in the network configuration report).

3. Updating the printer firmware

Outdated firmware may be causing Wi-Fi issues. Update it:

  • 🖨️ Via the printer control panel: Settings → Services → Software Update.
  • 💻 Through HP Smart: The application will automatically offer an update upon connection.

4. Separation of 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks

If your router broadcasts both networks under the same name (SSID), the printer may try to connect to 5 GHz, which will result in an error. Separate the networks in the router settings by giving them different names (for example, MyWiFi_2G And MyWiFi_5G).

7. Common mistakes and their solutions

Even with proper setup, glitches can still occur. Let's look at the most common errors and how to fix them.

Error: "Unable to connect to the network"

Reasons and solutions:

  • 🔑 Incorrect password - Check the capitalization of the characters and try typing again.
  • 📵 The network is hidden - Enter the SSID manually in the printer settings.
  • 🔄 The router is blocking the new device. — disable MAC address filtering in your router settings.

Error: "Limited functionality" (Wi-Fi indicator flashing)

This error means the printer is connected to the network but does not have access to the internet or local devices. Check:

  • 🌍 DHCP settings — Make sure that the router distributes IP addresses automatically.
  • 🔌 Connecting the router to the Internet — perhaps the router itself does not have access to the network.
  • 📡 Network operating mode - if the router is operating in mode Access point, the printer may not receive the required settings.

Error: The printer periodically disconnects from Wi-Fi.

Possible reasons:

  • 🔋 Energy saving — In the printer settings, disable sleep mode or set a longer timeout.
  • 📶 Weak signal — move the printer closer to the router or use a Wi-Fi repeater.
  • ⚡ Nutritional problems - Connect the printer to a different power source (not through an extension cord).
⚠️ Attention: If the printer HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28/M31 After updating the firmware, it stopped connecting to Wi-Fi, please follow these steps reset network settingsTo do this, hold down the button Wireless for 10 seconds until the indicator light flashes. After resetting, repeat the setup.

FAQ: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to connect a printer to Wi-Fi without a display?

Yes, for models M28/M31 can be used USB cable or application HP Smart. Connect the printer to your computer, install the drivers and follow the setup wizard. Alternatively, use WPS, if the router supports this function.

The printer is connected to Wi-Fi, but the computer can't see it. What should I do?

Please check the following points:

  1. The computer and printer are connected to one network.
  2. The protocol is enabled in the printer settings. LPD or IPP (for network printing).
  3. The printer driver is installed and updated.
  4. Firewall or antivirus does not block access (add the printer to exceptions).

If the problem persists, try adding the printer manually by IP address via Control Panel → Devices and Printers → Add a printer.

How do I reset my printer's Wi-Fi settings?

To reset network settings:

  1. In the control panel, go to Settings → Network → Wireless Network.
  2. Select Reset network settings (Restore Network Defaults).
  3. Confirm the action - the printer will reboot and all network settings will be reset.

After the reset, you will need to reconfigure Wi-Fi.

Is it possible to connect a printer to two networks at the same time?

No, HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28/M31 supports connection only to one Wi-Fi network at a time. If you need to switch between networks (for example, at home and at the office), you'll have to reconfigure the connection each time.

How to find the MAC address of the printer for IP reservation?

MAC address specified:

  • On a sticker on the back or bottom of the printer.
  • IN network configuration report (print it through the printer menu).
  • In the printer's web interface (if it is accessible by IP address).

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