Multifunctional device HP MFP M28w — a compact assistant for the home or small office that supports wireless printing, scanning, and copying. However, many users encounter difficulties during initial setup. Wi-Fi printing: The printer can't find the network, the computer can't see the device, or the document prints but remains in the print queue. In this article, we'll cover all connection steps—from preparing the router to installing drivers on various devices—and also cover common errors and their solutions.
Feature of the model M28w the fact that it is not equipped with a display, so the Wi-Fi setup is carried out either through WPS- a button on the router, or through a temporary USB connection to the printer. We'll describe both methods in detail, as well as explain how to add a printer in Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. If you've already tried setting up printing and encountered errors, there's a troubleshooting section and a table of error codes at the end of the article.
Preparing for setup: what you'll need
Before you begin connecting, make sure you have everything you need:
- 📄 Documentation from the printer: in a box with HP MFP M28w There should be a sheet with the factory Wi-Fi settings (default network name and password).
- 🔌 USB cable: Even if you plan to print over Wi-Fi, you may need to temporarily connect to a computer for the initial setup.
- 📶 Access to the router: you need to know the name of your Wi-Fi network (
SSID) and the password for it. If the router supports itWPS, the process will be simplified. - 💻 Printing device: a computer, laptop, smartphone or tablet from which you will send documents to print.
Also, check that the printer is turned on and within range of your Wi-Fi network. If the router is in another room and the signal is weak, Wi-Fi printing may be unstable or not connect at allIn this case, consider using repeater or move the printer closer to the signal source.
Method 1: Connecting via WPS (the fastest method)
If your router supports the technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) setup takes less than a minute. This method doesn't require entering a Wi-Fi password and is compatible with most modern routers.
- Make sure the indicator light on the router is on.
WPS(usually it is signed or depicted as two arrows forming a circle). - On the printer HP MFP M28w hold down the button
Wi-Fi(with the antenna icon) for 3 seconds until the indicator starts flashing blue. - Press the button within 2 minutes
WPSon the router. The printer's indicator light should stop blinking and remain solid—this means the connection is successful.
If the indicator continues to blink or is red, repeat the procedure. The router may not have had time to process the request. Also, check that the function WPS enabled in the router settings (usually this is done through the web interface at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
Method 2: Connecting via USB (if WPS doesn't work)
If your router does not support WPS If the connection fails, try using a temporary USB connection. This method is universal and works even on older routers.
- 🖥️ Connect the printer to your computer or laptop via
USB cable(included in the kit). - 🔄 Turn on the printer. Wait for the system to detect the new device and install basic drivers (an internet connection may be required).
- 🌐 Run the program HP Smart (if it is not installed, download it from official HP website).
- 📡 In the program, select the item
Printer Setup → Wireless Networkand follow the instructions on the screen.
The program will prompt you to select your Wi-Fi network from the list and enter the password. Once successfully connected, disconnect the USB cable—the printer should remain connected and available for Wi-Fi printing.
☑️ Preparing for USB connection
Installing drivers and adding a printer in Windows
After connecting your printer to Wi-Fi, you need to install drivers on the devices you will be printing from. Windows 10/11 the process looks like this:
- Open
Settings → Devices → Printers & Scanners. - Click
Add a printer or scannerThe system will begin searching for devices on the network. - If the printer HP MFP M28w did not appear in the list, click
The printer you need is not in the list. - Select
Add a printer by TCP/IP addressand enter the printer's IP address (you can find out by printingSelf-diagnosis pagefrom the control panel). - Specify the path to the drivers (if Windows doesn't find them automatically). You can download the latest drivers from HP website.
If the printer has been added but printing isn't working, check the device's status in the Print Manager. Sometimes you need to install the printer as default device or restart the print service (Print Spooler).
How to print a self-diagnosis page?
Press and hold the button Information (with the "i" icon) on the printer for 5 seconds. The printer will print a sheet with technical data, including the IP address.
Setting up printing from macOS, Android, and iOS
For devices on macOS The process of adding a printer is similar to Windows:
- Open
System Preferences → Printers & Scanners. - Click
+and select the printer HP MFP M28w from the list. - If the printer is not found, add it manually by IP address, specifying the protocol
AirPrintorHP Jetdirect.
For Android And iOS The easiest way is to use the app HP Smart:
- 📱 Install the app from Google Play or App Store.
- 🔍 Launch the app and allow location access (required to search for the printer on the local network).
- 🖨️ Choose HP MFP M28w from the list of found devices and follow the instructions.
On iPhone/iPad You can also add a printer using the standard function AirPrint:
- Open the document you want to print (for example, in
PhotoorFiles). - Click
Share → Print. - Select a printer HP MFP M28w from the list.
Troubleshooting connection and printing issues
If your printer is connected to Wi-Fi but printing is not working, check the following:
| Problem | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| The printer was not found on the network. | Wi-Fi is disabled on the printer or router. | Restart your printer and router. Check the Wi-Fi indicator on the printer. |
| The document does not print. | The print queue is blocked | Clear the queue in Windows Print Spooler or restart the service. Print Spooler |
| Poor print quality | Weak Wi-Fi signal | Move the printer closer to the router or use a USB connection |
| Error: "Failed to connect" | Incorrect Wi-Fi password | Reset the printer settings (button Reset for 10 seconds) and try connecting again |
If the printer gives out error code, check it against the table below:
| Error code | Description | Actions |
|---|---|---|
E1 |
Paper jam | Clear the jam and restart the printer. |
E2 |
No paper | Load paper into the tray |
E5 |
Problem with the cartridge | Check the cartridge installation or replace it. |
E8 |
Memory error | Restart the printer. If the error persists, contact your service representative. |
⚠️ Attention: If you use guest network On your router, the printer may not connect due to access restrictions. Disable guest mode or add the printer to the list of trusted devices.
Additional features: cloud printing and scanning
Printer HP MFP M28w supports not only local printing via Wi-Fi, but also cloud services:
- 🌥️ HP ePrint: Assign a unique email address to your printer and print documents from any device connected to the Internet.
- 📱 Google Cloud Print (deprecated, but still works on some devices): Allows printing from Android smartphones and Chromebooks.
- 🖥️ Apple AirPrint: Built-in support for printing from iPhone, iPad and Mac without additional drivers.
To set up HP ePrint:
- Register your printer on the website HP Connected.
- Activate the service in the printer settings (via
HP Smartor web interface). - Send the document to the address of the type
your_printer@hpeprint.com.
To scan via Wi-Fi, use the app HP Smart:
- Select your printer from the list of devices.
- Click
Scanand follow the instructions. - The scanned document will be saved on your device or in the cloud (Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.).
⚠️ Attention: Cloud printing features may require a printer firmware update. Check the firmware update via HP Smart or on the support site HP.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about setting up the HP MFP M28w
The printer is connected to Wi-Fi, but the computer can't see it. What should I do?
Make sure your computer and printer are on the same network. Open the command prompt and enter ping [printer IP address]If the ping works but the printer isn't showing up, reinstall the drivers or add the device manually by IP.
Is it possible to connect a printer to Wi-Fi without WPS and USB?
Yes, but to do this you will need to temporarily connect the printer to the computer via USB, install HP Smart and set up Wi-Fi through the program. An alternative is to use Wi-Fi Direct, but not all devices support this mode.
How do I reset my printer's Wi-Fi settings?
Press and hold the button Wi-Fi And Cancel simultaneously for 10 seconds. The Wi-Fi indicator will flash, indicating a reset. After this, you can try setting up the connection again.
Printing is going very slowly. How can I speed it up?
Check the quality of your Wi-Fi signal (the printer should be closer to the router). Also, reduce the print quality in the driver settings (for example, select the mode Draft instead of High quality).
Can a printer be connected to 5GHz Wi-Fi?
No, HP MFP M28w supports networks only 2.4 GHzIf your router operates in two bands, make sure the network 2.4 GHz included and has a separate name (SSID).