Modern office tasks require mobility, and the ability to print documents directly from a smartphone or laptop without unnecessary cables is becoming standard. Laser multifunctional device HP Laser 28w It's one of the most popular solutions for small businesses and home users due to its compact size and reliability. However, initial setup of a wireless connection often presents difficulties for users accustomed to a traditional wired connection.
In this article, we'll cover all the available methods for activating your printer's Wi-Fi module. You'll learn how to use standard setup procedures, how to use WPS technology for instant pairing, and what to do if automatic setup fails. Proper network configuration will allow you to not only print but also scan documents directly to network folders or email.
Before starting the process, make sure your device is fully assembled, the cartridge is installed and all shipping tapes are removed. Critical, so that the router to which you plan to connect the printer operates in the 2.4 GHz range, since this model HP Laser 28w Doesn't support 5 GHz networks. Also, prepare a computer or mobile device for control.
Preparing equipment and checking network compatibility
The first step before running any software installers is to physically prepare the device. Make sure the MFP is plugged in and the power indicator is solid. If the device was previously used with a USB cable, disconnect it, as installing drivers over Wi-Fi requires the cable to be disconnected until a certain point in the process.
Pay special attention to your wireless network settings. Many modern routers operate in two bands simultaneously, combining them under a single name (Band Steering technology). HP Laser 28w This can become a problem if the router attempts to connect the device to a 5 GHz frequency that the printer can't see. Ideally, you should temporarily separate the networks or ensure that the primary network operates on 2.4 GHz.
⚠️ Attention: If your router uses a hidden SSID (the network name isn't broadcast), automatic setup may fail to find the device. In this case, you'll need to manually enter the network name through the control panel or use a temporary USB connection to transfer the settings.
Check the wireless indicator light on the printer control panel. If it's blinking, the Wi-Fi module is active but not connected to the router. If the indicator light is off, the wireless module may be disabled in the printer settings and needs to be enabled through the menu.
Make sure your computer or smartphone has the latest operating system updates. Older versions of network adapter drivers can conflict with the new WPA3 security protocols, which are sometimes enabled by default on routers. For stable operation HP Laser 28w It is recommended to use the WPA2-AES standard.
Using the HP Smart app for initial setup
The most modern and convenient way to set up a connection is to use a proprietary application HP SmartThis software suite is available for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. It automatically detects the printer on the local network and guides the user through all registration and configuration steps, minimizing the risk of error.
Download and install the app from the manufacturer's official website or from your OS's app store. After launching, click the "Add Printer" button or the plus sign. The app will begin searching for devices. If the printer is already connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your computer, it will appear in the list immediately.
If the printer is new or has been reset, the app will prompt you to set it up. During the installation process HP Smart The app will request permission to access the local network—this is a mandatory requirement for transferring the Wi-Fi password to the device. Without this permission, the program will not be able to complete setup.
During installation, you may be asked to create or sign in to an HP account. This is necessary to access advanced features, such as remote printing and toner level monitoring. After signing in, the app will prompt you to select your Wi-Fi network from the list and enter the password. Your data will be transferred to HP Laser 28w via a secure channel.
Once the settings have been successfully transferred, the Wi-Fi indicator on the printer should stop blinking and turn blue. This indicates that the device has received an IP address from the router and is ready to print. You can now delete the temporary installation files and print a test page.
Connecting via USB cable and then transferring Wi-Fi settings
If wireless setup via the app fails, the most reliable method is to use a USB cable. This allows the computer to directly transfer network configurations to the printer's memory. You'll need a USB Type-A to Type-B cable, which is often included in the kit but may require an additional one.
Run the full driver and software package downloaded from the official HP support website. Select the "Wireless" or "Wi-Fi" connection type, but when the installer prompts you to connect the device, insert the USB cable. The program will detect the printer and offer to transfer your current Wi-Fi network settings.
☑️ USB Connection Checklist
During the data transfer process, a confirmation message may appear on the computer screen. Follow the on-screen instructions. After the program reports successful setup, it will prompt you to disconnect the USB cable. From this point on, the device should be controlled exclusively over the network.
It's important not to interrupt the data transfer process. If the power or cable is disconnected during this process, the network module firmware may become corrupted, and the device will enter recovery mode. Ensure that the laptop doesn't enter sleep mode during the installation.
After disconnecting the cable, try printing a document. If printing works, the network connection is established correctly. You can check the connection status by printing a network configuration report from the device menu.
Quick setup method via WPS button
WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) technology allows you to connect HP Laser 28w Access the network without entering a password, simply by pressing a button on the router. This is the fastest method, but it requires physical access to the router and support from your equipment provider.
Press and hold the Wi-Fi button on the printer's control panel for a few seconds until the light starts blinking. This puts the device into WPS signal search mode. Then, within two minutes, press the WPS button on your router. This is usually marked with a corresponding icon or text.
The devices will begin exchanging encryption keys. If everything is successful, the indicators on the router and printer will stabilize. This method is especially convenient if you don't have a computer or smartphone with an app installed for entering complex passwords.
⚠️ Attention: Some internet service providers disable the WPS function on their routers for security reasons. If pressing the buttons doesn't work within two minutes, the process will be interrupted, and you'll have to use other configuration methods.
It's worth noting that WPS doesn't transmit DNS settings or a static IP address if they're required for a corporate network. In a home environment, this method works flawlessly, assigning a dynamic address to the device via the router's DHCP server.
Manually setting up a wireless connection via the control panel
MFP HP Laser 28w The device is equipped with a control panel with buttons and indicators, allowing for basic setup without a computer. Button combinations can be used to launch the wireless setup wizard directly on the device.
To enter setup mode, you typically need to press and hold the wireless button and the cancel button simultaneously for 3-5 seconds. After this, the printer will enter access point creation or network scanning mode. The exact procedure may depend on the firmware version installed at the time of purchase.
Using the navigation buttons (if your model has them) or a combination of copy keys, you can select your network from the list. However, entering the password using two buttons on the panel is extremely labor-intensive and error-prone. Therefore, the manual method is more often used for resetting settings or enabling Direct mode.
Wi-Fi Direct mode allows you to print directly from your phone without connecting to the main router. The device creates its own network, which the smartphone connects to. The connection password is usually found on a sticker on the back of the device or can be printed in the configuration report.
Problem Diagnosis and Status Indicator Table
During setup, you may encounter situations where the indicators behave unusually. Understanding the indicator lights is the key to quick diagnostics. Don't ignore blinking lights, as they indicate a specific stage of the process or an error.
Below is a table to help you decipher the status of the wireless module. HP Laser 28wSave it to quickly determine the connection status.
| Wi-Fi indicator status | Meaning | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Turned off | Wireless connection is disabled | Press the Wi-Fi button to turn it on |
| Flashing blue | Setup Mode / Network Search | Run the driver installation or application |
| It's blue | Connected to the network | The device is ready to print |
| Flashing orange | Connection error | Check the password or distance to the router |
If the indicator is orange, this often indicates an incorrect password or a weak signal. Try moving the printer closer to the router. The issue could also be with MAC address filtering on the router—check to see if the new device is blocked.
For a more thorough diagnosis, we recommend printing a network configuration page. It will show the IP address, MAC address, and connection status. If the IP address begins with 169.254.xx, this means the printer hasn't received an address from the router, and DHCP isn't working.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can the HP Laser 28w be connected to a hidden Wi-Fi network?
Yes, this is possible, but automatic detection won't work. You'll need to use the USB cable connection method, which requires manually entering the exact network name (SSID) into the driver installer on your computer, even if the router isn't broadcasting it.
Does this model support 5GHz network?
No, model HP Laser 28w The router is equipped with a module that only operates in the 2.4 GHz band. If your router broadcasts the same network for both bands, try temporarily separating them in the router settings or using the 2.4 GHz guest network for the initial setup.
What should I do if my computer doesn't see my printer after setup?
Make sure your computer and printer are on the same subnet. Check to see if Windows Firewall or antivirus software is blocking communication. Also, try rebooting your router, as the ARP table sometimes needs updating.
How do I change the name of a printer on a network?
This can be done through the web interface (EWS). Enter the printer's IP address in your browser, go to the "Network" or "Settings" tab, find the "Device Name" or "Node Name" field, and change it. A reboot may be required after applying the settings.
Are Wi-Fi settings reset when I replace a cartridge?
No, replacing a cartridge or toner does not affect network settings. However, a full factory reset (Cold Reset) will erase all Wi-Fi settings, requiring you to repeat the connection process.