Wireless connection of office equipment has long ceased to be a luxury and has become a standard of convenience. Model HP LaserJet Pro MFP M132nw It's one of the most popular in its class thanks to its combination of laser printing technology and built-in Wi-Fi. However, the initial network activation process often raises questions among users, especially if the device doesn't automatically detect itself immediately after unpacking.
There are several proven methods for establishing a connection between a router and a printer. The choice of a specific method depends on the availability of a USB cable, whether your router supports WPS, and the operating system version on your computer. In this article, we'll cover all available options in detail, eliminating common errors and driver installation hassles.
Before proceeding with the software, you need to ensure the hardware is physically ready. Make sure the printer is plugged in and the cartridge is installed. You will also need to know your wireless network name (SSID) and password, as authorization is impossible without these details.
Preparing to set up a wireless connection
The first step should always be to check the status of the device itself. On the control panel HP LaserJet Pro MFP M132nw There are indicators that help you understand the current status of the communication module. If the wireless button is off or blinking blue, this means the module is active but the connection has not yet been established. A solid green light indicates a successful connection to the network.
It's important to know the exact parameters of your home or office network. Users often forget their Wi-Fi password or confuse network names if their router broadcasts signals in both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. For stable operation of this printer, it's best to use a network with a frequency of 2.4 GHz, as older communication standards may not support higher frequencies.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure MAC address filtering isn't enabled on your router. If it is, you'll need to manually add the printer's address to the list of allowed devices in the router settings; otherwise, connection will be impossible even with the correct password.
It's also worth checking the distance between the printer and the access point. Laser printers are often installed in alcoves or obscured by furniture, which can significantly reduce signal strength. For initial setup, it's recommended to temporarily move the printer closer to the router to eliminate signal weakness.
WPS method: the fastest way to connect
Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) technology allows you to connect your device to the network without manually entering a password. This is ideal for those who don't want to navigate through complex settings in the router interface or enter a long security key. Your router must support this feature, which is true for most modern models.
The process is started by pressing the WPS button on the router itself. After that, you have about two minutes to activate the printer's search mode. On the panel HP LaserJet Pro MFP M132nw Press and hold the wireless button until the indicator light starts flashing. The device will automatically find the network and establish a secure connection.
If automatic pairing doesn't occur on the first try, don't panic. Sometimes you need to repeat the process, waiting 30 seconds between attempts. Also, make sure you didn't press the WPS button on the router too early or too late relative to the printer's WPS activation.
Setup via USB cable (Recommended method)
The most reliable method to ensure proper transmission of all network parameters is to use a USB cable. Even if one isn't included, any standard Type AB (printer) cable will work. This method allows the driver to communicate the Wi-Fi settings to the printer directly from the computer.
To get started, download the full package of drivers and utilities from the manufacturer's official website. When launching the installer, select "Connect wirelessly" or "Set up your first wireless connection." The program will prompt you to connect a USB cable at a certain point. Follow the on-screen instructions carefully.
☑️ USB Installation Preparation Checklist
During installation, the program will detect the device via cable and prompt you to transfer the wireless network settings. Once the data transfer is successful, the Wi-Fi indicator on the printer's panel will glow solid blue or green. At this point, you can disconnect the USB cable—it's no longer needed.
⚠️ Attention: Don't connect the USB cable until the driver installer explicitly prompts you to do so. Connecting it too early may cause the system to attempt to install a basic driver, preventing the network setup wizard from launching.
Using the HP Smart app for mobile setup
Modern users often prefer to control their equipment from their smartphone. Application HP Smart Available for iOS and Android, it lets you set up your printer without a computer. This is especially convenient if you don't have a USB cable handy or are away from the office.
Before you begin, make sure your smartphone is connected to the same Wi-Fi network you want to connect the printer to. Turn on Bluetooth and location services on your phone, as the app uses these to find the device. Launch the app and tap "Add Printer" or the plus sign.
The app will find the new device and prompt you to set it up. You'll need to select your network from the list and enter the password. During the setup process, the app may prompt you to press a specific combination of buttons on the printer's control panel to enter configuration mode. Typically, this involves simultaneously pressing the "Wireless" and "Cancel" buttons.
What should I do if the app doesn't see the printer?
Make sure your phone's mobile data (4G/5G) is disabled during setup, leaving Wi-Fi enabled. Also, check that your antivirus or firewall isn't blocking local device scanning.
Manual setup via the printer control panel
If automatic methods fail, you can enter network settings manually using the buttons on the device. This method requires patience, as menu navigation is limited to a limited number of buttons and a small screen.
To enter the settings menu, press and hold the gear or "i" button for a few seconds. Use the arrow buttons to navigate to "Network," then select "Wireless Setup Wizard." The printer will begin searching for available networks.
Find your network name (SSID) in the list and select it. If the network is hidden, select "Enter New" and enter the name manually. Next, you'll be asked to enter the password. Use the arrow keys to select characters and the "OK" button to confirm each character. This may take a while, but it ensures accurate entry.
| Parameter | Description | Where to find |
|---|---|---|
| SSID | Your wireless network name | On the router sticker or in the Wi-Fi list |
| Security Type | Security type (usually WPA2) | In the router settings |
| IP Address | The device's network address | Printing a configuration report |
| Signal Strength | Signal level | Indicator on the printer screen |
Diagnostics and solution
Even with proper configuration, issues may still occur. If your printer stops responding over the network, first check to see if the device's IP address has changed. Routers often use dynamic address assignment (DHCP), and after a router reboot, the printer may receive a new address, causing the computer to lose track of it.
To solve this problem, it is recommended to appoint static IP address For the printer, you can configure it in the router settings or on the device itself via the web interface (EWS). This will allow you to print without having to reconfigure the connection after every power surge or router update.
Another common issue is incompatibility of security standards. If your router is configured to operate only in WPA3 mode, but your printer only supports WPA2, the connection will fail. In this case, you'll need to access your router's settings and enable mixed mode (WPA2/WPA3 Mixed) or temporarily lower the security level to complete the configuration.
⚠️ Attention: Router interfaces and printer firmware versions are subject to update. If the menu items described differ, please check the latest documentation on the official support website, as the operating logic of the equipment may change.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can the HP M132nw be connected to a 5GHz network?
Model HP LaserJet Pro MFP M132nw The printer is equipped with an 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi module, which operates exclusively in the 2.4 GHz frequency range. Connecting to 5 GHz networks is technically impossible. If your router combines both bands under one name, try separating them in the router settings, or the printer will automatically select a compatible frequency.
What should I do if the wireless light is orange?
An orange or flashing light usually means the Wi-Fi module is enabled, but the network connection has been lost or not established. Check to see if the Wi-Fi password has changed and try running the setup wizard again. Also, make sure the printer is within range of a strong signal.
How do I reset my printer's network settings?
To reset the network settings to factory defaults, press and hold the "Wireless" and "Cancel" (X) buttons simultaneously for 5-10 seconds until all indicators flash. The device will then reboot the network module, and you can begin the setup process again.
Do I need a USB cable for permanent Wi-Fi operation?
No, the USB cable is only required for the initial network settings transfer (if you use this method) or for direct printing from a single computer. Once the Wi-Fi setup is successful, you can disconnect the cable, and the printer will operate completely autonomously in wireless mode.