Setting up a wireless connection on a compact laser printer HP LaserJet Pro M28w Gives users access to mobile printing and scanning from any device on the local network. Although it lacks a full-color display, the device features a user-friendly interface with buttons and LED indicators, making the setup process intuitive. To get started, you'll need to know your wireless network name and password, and the router must be within range of a strong signal.
Modern printer models, including the series M28, support multiple connection protocols, giving you flexibility in choosing your activation method. You can use the technology WPS For instant synchronization, use a temporary USB cable connection to transfer network settings or use the Wi-Fi Direct For printing without a router. The specific method you choose depends on your router model and your personal preferences for ease of use.
Before beginning the active setup phase, ensure the cartridge is installed and the protective tape is removed from all internal compartments. The printer should be powered on and warmed up, as indicated by the illuminated Ready indicator. If the device was previously connected to a different network, you may need to reset the network settings to factory defaults to avoid IP address conflicts.
⚠️ Note: Mobile app interface HP Smart The steps and drivers may vary slightly depending on the operating system version and region. If the steps described don't match your device's screen, check the "Help" section in the official app.
Preparing for wireless connection
The first step is to check the physical condition of the hardware and prepare the software. Make sure the printer HP LaserJet M28w Connected to a power source and located no more than a few meters away from the router during setup. This minimizes the risk of data packet loss during the critical encryption key exchange.
You'll also need a computer or smartphone connected to the same Wi-Fi network you plan to connect the printer to. HP recommends using the app to work with the device. HP Smart, which automatically detects new devices and offers a step-by-step installation guide. It can be downloaded from official app stores. App Store or Google Play.
- 📱 Install the HP Smart app on your smartphone or tablet for a quick start.
- 🔌 Make sure you have a USB type AB cable if you choose the wired setup method.
- 📶 Make sure your router is broadcasting in the 2.4 GHz range, as this model may not support 5 GHz.
It's important to have location services and Bluetooth enabled on your mobile device, as modern operating systems require these permissions to detect peripherals on the local network. Without GPS enabled, the app may simply not see the printer in the list of available devices, even if it's enabled.
WPS method: quick synchronization without a password
The easiest way to avoid manually entering a complex password is to use technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup). This method works if your router supports this feature and has a corresponding physical or software button. The process takes just a few seconds and doesn't require a computer.
To start the standby mode on the printer HP LaserJet M28w You need to press and hold the wireless button on the control panel for about 3 seconds. The indicator next to the button will start flashing, indicating that the device is searching for an available WPS access point. Then, within two minutes, you need to press the WPS button on your router.
⚠️ Warning: The WPS feature has security vulnerabilities and may be disabled by default on newer router models. If the button on your router doesn't respond, check the security settings in the router's web interface or select an alternative method.
A successful connection is confirmed by a steady blue wireless indicator on the printer's control panel. If the indicator continues to flash, the connection is not established, and you need to repeat the process, ensuring you are close enough to the router. Sometimes you may need to reboot both devices before trying again.
Setup via USB cable and HP Smart
If automatic connection fails or your router doesn't support WPS, the most reliable option is to use a USB cable to transfer the initial network settings. This method ensures that the printer receives the correct SSID and password, even if the network is hidden or uses complex encryption protocols.
Connect the printer to your computer using a USB cable and start installing the drivers from the official website or through the application. HP SmartDuring installation, the program will detect the device and prompt you to switch from a USB connection to a wireless one. The system will automatically copy the network settings from your computer to the printer.
☑️ USB Connection Checklist
Once the settings have been successfully transferred, the Wi-Fi indicator on the device's panel will turn blue, and the computer will lose the direct USB connection, switching to the network protocol. You can disconnect the cable—it's no longer needed for printing unless you plan to print from a device without a network adapter. The printer is now accessible to all devices on the same Wi-Fi network.
Using Wi-Fi Direct
Technology Wi-Fi Direct Allows you to create a direct wireless connection between the printer and your smartphone or laptop without a router. This is ideal for printing documents when visiting someone, in an office with a closed network, or when internet access is temporarily unavailable. In this mode, the printer acts as an access point.
To activate this mode, press the Wi-Fi Direct button on the control panel HP LaserJet M28wThe indicator will start flashing and then turn solid. A name starting with HP-Print-, followed by the device model.
To connect, you'll need a password, which you can find by printing a configuration report. To do this, press and hold the continue button (triangle) for 5-7 seconds until the printer starts printing. In the report, look for the line Wi-Fi Direct Password and enter it on your phone.
What is the difference between Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct?
Standard Wi-Fi connects the printer to the router, giving it access to all devices on the network and allowing internet printing. Wi-Fi Direct creates a one-to-one connection, which can limit internet access on your phone while printing, as it switches to the printer's network.
Network status indicator table
Understanding the LED indicators helps you quickly diagnose connection status without having to connect to a computer. Control Panel HP LaserJet M28w It is minimalistic, so each color and blinking mode carries a specific semantic load.
| Indicator | State | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Wireless communication | It's blue | Successfully connected to a Wi-Fi network |
| Wireless communication | Flashing blue | Setup mode or network search |
| Wireless communication | Burns amber | Connection error or weak signal |
| Attention | Flashing white | Requires action (out of paper, lid open) |
If the wireless indicator is amber, this often indicates that the printer is unable to obtain an IP address from the router or the password is entered incorrectly. In this situation, it is recommended to check the router's security settings and ensure that the device is not blocked by MAC address.
Installing drivers and completing setup
Once the printer is connected to the network, you need to make sure it is visible to your computer's operating system. In Windows, this is done through the menu. Start → Settings → Devices → Printers & ScannersClick "Add a printer or scanner" and the system should find HP LaserJet M28w in the list of available network devices.
If the automatic search does not yield results, use the utility HP Print and Scan DoctorThis free program analyzes your network status, checks print services, and, if necessary, reinstalls drivers in the correct order. It's especially useful if your system has leftover files from previous installation attempts.
- 💻 Download the full driver package for your operating system from the official HP support website.
- 🔄 Run the installation file and follow the on-screen instructions.
- ✅ Select the "Wireless" connection type when prompted.
It's important to choose the full software package, rather than a basic driver, if you plan to use a scanner. Basic drivers often only provide printing functionality, leaving scanning unavailable or requiring complex additional settings through the standard Windows interface.
Diagnostics and troubleshooting
During operation, situations may arise where the printer stops responding or loses connection to the router. A common cause is a change in the device's IP address, unless the router has reserved a static address for the printer. When the router reboots, the printer may receive a new address, and the computer will lose track of it.
To restore the connection, try rebooting the chain of devices in the correct order: first, turn off the router, then the printer. Turn on the router and wait until the network is fully loaded, then turn on the printer. This sequence ensures that the printer successfully registers with the DHCP network.
⚠️ Note: Antivirus programs and firewalls on your computer may be blocking the printer from being detected on the network. If the device isn't found, try temporarily disabling the firewall or adding the printer to the exceptions list.
It's also worth checking whether AP Isolation mode is enabled on your router. This feature prevents devices connected to Wi-Fi from communicating with each other, making it impossible to print from your computer to the printer, even if both are connected to the same network.
What to do if the orange indicator is on?
An orange Attention light typically indicates a paper feed error or a problem with the cartridge. Open the cover, remove, and reinstall the cartridge, ensuring all shipping tape is removed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can the HP M28w be connected to a 5GHz network?
No, model HP LaserJet M28w Only supports the 802.11b/g/n wireless standard, which operates in the 2.4 GHz frequency range. If your router broadcasts networks with the same name (SSID) for both 2.4 and 5 GHz, the printer may attempt to connect, but for stable operation, it is recommended to separate the networks or ensure that the router correctly processes requests from legacy devices.
How do I reset my network settings to factory defaults?
To reset network settings, press and hold the Wireless button and the Cancel button (X) simultaneously for 3 seconds. The Power and Wireless indicators will flash, and then the printer will reboot with the factory network settings.
Why doesn't my printer scan over Wi-Fi?
Most often, the problem stems from a missing scanner driver or TWAIN-compatible software. Make sure you have the full HP driver package installed, not just the basic print driver. Also, check that the Document Manager service is running in Windows.
Does this model support AirPrint?
Yes, HP LaserJet M28w Fully compatible with Apple AirPrint technology, allowing you to print from iPhones and iPads without installing additional drivers. For AirPrint to work, the Apple device and printer must be on the same subnet.