Modern laser multifunctional devices require proper integration into a home or office network to ensure maximum printing mobility. Model HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28W While wireless printers are one of the most popular compact solutions, initial setup of the wireless connection often raises questions among users. Unlike wired solutions, properly synchronizing the frequency ranges of the router and the printer's built-in module is critical.
The configuration process may vary depending on your computer's operating system and the firmware version of the device itself. We'll cover all current connection methods, including using technology. WPS, a classic connection via USB cable with subsequent transition to Wi-Fi, as well as work with a mobile application HP SmartUnderstanding the physical indicators on the control panel will help you quickly diagnose the network's status without diving deep into menus.
Before proceeding with the software portion, make sure you have unpacked the device, removed all shipping tapes, and installed the cartridge. Without a genuine HP cartridge pre-installed, the device may not enter Ready mode, preventing network setup. Also check that your router broadcasts the network in the 2.4 GHz range, as this model does not support the 5 GHz standard.
Preparing equipment and checking network compatibility
The first step is to analyze your current network infrastructure. Printer HP M28w The router is equipped with a wireless module that operates exclusively in the 802.11 b/g/n standard. This means that the device will not physically detect networks that operate only in the 5 GHz band unless the dual-band feature or the 2.4 GHz guest network are enabled on the router.
You'll need to know your wireless network name (SSID) and password. If the password contains special characters or Cyrillic characters, encoding difficulties may occur, so it's recommended to use Latin characters. Also, consider the security type: the optimal choice is WPA2-Personal or WPA3, although older protocols are also supported.
- 📡 Make sure your router is turned on and has a signal within 1-2 meters of where the printer is installed.
- 🔌 Check that you have a free USB port on your computer in case you need a temporary cable connection to transfer settings.
- 📱 Charge your smartphone or tablet if you plan to use the mobile app for initial configuration.
It's important to understand that in corporate networks with portal-based authentication or complex certificates, direct connections may be blocked by security policies. In such cases, it's best to contact your system administrator to obtain the printer's MAC address and whitelist it.
⚠️ Attention: If you have a dual-band router that combines 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks under a single name (Smart Connect), the printer may not detect the frequency correctly. Temporarily separate the networks in the router settings by giving them different names, such as "MyWiFi_2G" and "MyWiFi_5G."
WPS method: quick connection without entering a password
The fastest way to establish a connection between your router and printer is to use Wi-Fi Protected Setup. This method eliminates the need to manually enter long passwords and minimizes the risk of typing errors. However, to implement this method, your router must support WPS, which is true for most modern models.
On the control panel HP LaserJet MFP M28W Find the button with an antenna or Wi-Fi icon. Press and hold it for a few seconds to initiate search mode. The wireless indicator will blink, indicating it's ready to pair.
What to do if the WPS button does not respond?
The WPS function may be disabled in the router itself. Access the router's web interface (usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1), find the Wireless or Wi-Fi section, and make sure WPS is enabled. If the router is older, it may only support PIN-based WPS, not push-button WPS.
The next steps depend on the type of router you have. If there's a physical WPS button on the router, press it. If the button is software-based, log in to the router's interface and press the corresponding button there. The devices should automatically exchange encryption keys within two minutes.
- 🔵 The Wi-Fi indicator on the printer is blue - the connection has been established successfully.
- 🟡 The indicator is blinking - the network is being searched for or waiting for confirmation.
- 🔴 The indicator is off or red - the connection is not established, check the distance to the router.
After a successful connection, we recommend running a test configuration page to ensure an IP address has been acquired. To do this, press and hold the resume button (triangle) on the printer control panel for a few seconds. The report will show the current IP address and connection status.
Setup via USB cable and HP software
If the automatic network search fails, the most reliable method is to use a temporary USB connection. Software HP Smart or a full driver package can automatically transfer Wi-Fi settings from your computer to the printer. This method is especially useful if the printer can't detect hidden networks.
First, connect the printer to your computer using a USB Type-B cable (printer cable). Wait for the operating system to detect the new device. Then, run the driver installer, which you can download from the manufacturer's official website or use the included disc, although the version on the disc may be outdated.
During the installation process, select "Wireless" or "Wi-Fi" as the connection type. The program will prompt you to connect a USB cable if it isn't already connected. After detecting the device via USB, the setup wizard will ask which network to use. Select your home Wi-Fi network from the list and enter the password.
☑️ Driver Installation Preparation Checklist
Once the program reports that a wireless connection has been established, it will prompt you to disconnect the USB cable. Don't ignore this step, as the presence of the cable may prioritize the wired connection in the system. After disconnecting the cable, the printer should resume wireless operation.
Using the HP Smart app for mobile devices
HP has developed a universal app for smartphone and tablet users. HP SmartIt is available in stores. Google Play And App StoreThis method is convenient because it allows you to set up the printer even without a computer at hand, using only a mobile device.
Launch the app and tap the plus sign to add a new printer. The app will ask you to enable Bluetooth on your phone, as the initial handshake often occurs over this low-energy protocol. Bring your phone close to the printer.
Follow the on-screen instructions. The app will automatically detect your model. M28W and will offer to share the Wi-Fi network settings your phone is connected to. This eliminates the need to manually enter the password on a small screen or using buttons.
| Parameter | Description | Status for M28W |
|---|---|---|
| AirPrint support | Printing from Apple devices without drivers | Supported |
| Wi-Fi Direct | Direct printing without a router | Supported |
| Double-sided printing | Automatic double-sided printing | No (manual only) |
| Scan to cloud | Sending scans to email/Drive | Via the HP Smart app |
It's important to note that some app features require you to create or sign in to an HP account. This is necessary to activate remote printing and automatic ink ordering, if available in your region.
Wi-Fi Direct mode: printing without a router
One of the key functions of the model M28W is technology support Wi-Fi DirectIt allows the device to create its own wireless network, which clients (laptops, phones) can connect to directly, without the main router. This is ideal for printing documents from a phone when visiting someone or when the main internet connection is down.
To activate this mode, press the button with the smartphone image or the Direct icon on the printer panel. If the indicator lights up, the network is active. On the device you plan to print from, open the list of available Wi-Fi networks.
You'll see a network with a name containing "HP-Setup" or "DIRECT-HP-M28." Connect to it. The system will ask for a password. By default, it's often found on a sticker on the back of the device or printed on the configuration report. In some cases, a password is not required.
⚠️ Attention: When connecting via Wi-Fi Direct, your mobile device may lose internet access because it will switch to a direct connection to the printer. Download any necessary documents or photos in advance.
Once connected, you can print documents using standard OS tools or through an app. Data transfer speeds in this mode may be lower than with a full-fledged router, but this isn't a problem for text documents.
Diagnosing problems and resetting network settings
During operation, situations may arise where the printer stops responding over the network or changes its IP address, resulting in the "Printer offline" error in Windows. The first step should always be checking the indicator lights. A flashing blue light usually indicates a lost connection, while a steady light indicates a stable connection.
If standard methods don't help, you may need to perform a full reset of network settings to factory defaults. This will clear saved Wi-Fi profiles and passwords. To perform a reset on the model M28W Typically, you need to press the wireless button and the cancel button (cross) simultaneously for 3-5 seconds.
After the reset, the lights should start flashing, indicating the device has entered setup mode. Repeat the connection process using one of the methods described above. Make sure Windows Firewall or antivirus software isn't blocking the printer from being detected on the network.
- 🔄 Reboot your router: unplug it from the power outlet for 30 seconds, then plug it back in.
- 🖥️ Check the printing service on your computer: in Windows, type
services.mscand make sure that the Print Spooler service is running. - 📡 Make sure your computer and printer are on the same subnet (the first three digits of the IP address must match).
In complex cases, updating the printer firmware can help. This can be done through the app. HP Smart or by downloading the update file from the support website. New software versions often contain stability fixes for the Wi-Fi module.
Why can't my HP M28W printer see my Wi-Fi network?
Most likely, your router only operates in the 5 GHz band, and your printer only supports 2.4 GHz. It's also possible that MAC address filtering is enabled or the network is hidden (Hidden SSID). Try making the network visible and separating the frequency bands.
How do I find the IP address of my HP M28W printer?
Press and hold the Resume button (triangle) on the control panel for about 5-10 seconds until the Ready light starts blinking. The printer will print a report with the current IP address listed in the IPv4 section.
Can HP M28W be connected to a hidden network?
Yes, but it won't be found automatically. You'll need to connect via USB cable and HP software, where you can manually enter the hidden network name (SSID) and select the security type.
What does a blinking Wi-Fi light mean?
A blinking blue light indicates the wireless module is enabled, but the printer is not connected to the access point or has lost connection to the router. A solid blue light indicates a successful connection.