It is difficult to imagine a modern office or home workplace without a multifunctional device capable of printing, scanning and copying. Model HP LaserJet Pro MFP 135w It has become one of the most popular solutions due to its compact size and wireless support. However, the initial installation and network configuration process often poses difficulties for users unfamiliar with HP drivers.
The main difficulty lies in choosing the right connection method, as the device supports multiple protocols and pairing modes. An incorrect sequence of steps can result in the computer simply not seeing the printer in the list of available devices. In this article, we'll cover in detail all the current methods for reliably integrating your MFP into your local network.
To get started, you'll need your network name (SSID) and password. Make sure the router is turned on and broadcasting a signal, and the device is located within a strong reception area. If you plan to use a wired connection for the initial setup, have a USB Type-AB cable handy. This is often included in the kit, but it's best to check beforehand.
Preparing for installation and choosing a connection method
Before moving on to the software, you need to physically prepare the equipment. Remove all transport tapes and locks from the printer body, open the paper tray, and load sheets. Turn on the device using the power button and wait for the warm-up cycle to complete. The display should indicate "Ready."
There are three main ways to activate the wireless module on HP LaserJet Pro MFP 135wThe first option is to use the WPS button on your router, which is the fastest method if your router supports this feature. The second method involves using a temporary USB cable to transfer network settings from your computer. The third option is manual configuration through the printer's control panel, which is useful if your router is far away or doesn't support automatic pairing.
⚠️ Important: Make sure your router is broadcasting in the 2.4 GHz band. Many modern models operate exclusively in the 5 GHz band, which this MFP may not work with correctly without enabling compatibility mode.
The choice of a specific method depends on your infrastructure and personal preference. For most users, using the installation software from a computer is the best option, as it automatically detects the most suitable protocol. However, if the automatic installation fails, knowledge of manual methods will be your savior.
Using WPS technology for fast synchronization
Technology Wi-Fi Protected Setup Wireless Protected Setup (WPS) allows you to connect devices to your network without entering a password, simply by pressing a button. This is the easiest method if your router has a corresponding physical button or a software function in the web interface. To begin, press the wireless button on the printer's control panel. HP LaserJet Pro MFP 135w and hold it until the indicator starts flashing.
After activating the printer's search mode, you have two minutes to press the WPS button on your router. If the connection is successful, the wireless indicator on the device will stop blinking and turn solid blue. This means the IP address has been acquired and the device is ready to use.
- 🔹 Press and hold the Wireless button on the printer until the indicator light starts blinking.
- 🔹 Press the WPS button on your router within 120 seconds.
- 🔹 Wait until the WiFi indicator on the printer turns solid.
- 🔹 Install the drivers on your computer by selecting the "Wireless Connection" option.
It's important to note that WPS won't work if your network uses an encryption type other than WPA/WPA2, or if WPS is disabled in your router's security settings. In some cases, internet service providers block this feature on their devices for security reasons.
Setup via USB cable and HP software
The most reliable way to ensure proper installation of all components is to use the installation package from the official website. To do this, you will need to download the driver for your model. 135w (It's important not to confuse it with version 135a, which doesn't have WiFi). Run the installation file and follow the on-screen instructions.
When the installer asks about the connection type, select "Wireless." The program will then prompt you to connect the device to the computer using a USB cable. At this point, the network settings are automatically transferred: the computer "shares" the network name and password with the printer, after which the cable can be disconnected.
☑️ Check before installing the driver
After the printer's indicator confirms a network connection, the installer will prompt you to complete the setup. During this step, the system checks for firmware updates and installs the necessary utilities for scanning and toner level monitoring. If the installation is successful, you can uninstall the HP software, leaving only the basic drivers if disk space is limited.
| Setup stage | User action | Indication on the printer | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Start the installation | Selecting the Wireless connection type | The power indicator is on | Expectation |
| 2. Connecting the cable | Connect the USB ports of the PC and the MFP | The USB indicator is flashing (if present) | Data exchange |
| 3. Transferring settings | Entering the WiFi password in the software window | The Wireless indicator is flashing | Network setup |
| 4. Completion | Disconnecting the USB cable | The Wireless light is on steadily. | Ready |
The advantage of this method is that it eliminates errors caused by manual character entry and case-insensitive passwords. The driver automatically handles special characters in passwords correctly, which often causes errors during manual setup.
Manual network setup via the control panel
If using a USB cable isn't possible, you can set up the network directly through the device menu. To do this, press the wireless button on the panel to enter the network menu. Use the navigation buttons (arrows) to find "Network Setup" and select "Wireless Menu."
In the list that opens, select "Wireless Setup Wizard." The printer will begin searching for available networks. Find your router's name (SSID) in the list and press OK. Next, use the navigation buttons and the OK button to enter the password for your WiFi network. Be careful when entering the password, as the screen may not display the characters clearly.
Menu → Network Setup → Wireless Menu → Setup Wizard → Select SSID → Enter PasswordAfter confirming your entry, the device will attempt to connect. If the password is correct and the signal strength is sufficient, a successful connection report will appear on the screen, and the indicator will turn blue. If an error occurs, the printer will prompt you to try again or check your router's security settings.
What should I do if the network is not displayed in the list?
If your network is hidden (SSID Hidden), it won't be found automatically. You'll need to select "Enter network name" in the setup wizard and manually enter your network name, taking care to ensure proper case-indexing.
The manual method requires patience, especially if the password is complex. However, it gives you complete control over the process and allows you to connect to networks with hidden names or specific security settings that automatic utilities might ignore.
Mobile device connectivity and Wi-Fi Direct
MFP HP LaserJet Pro MFP 135w supports technology Wi-Fi Direct, which allows you to print from your smartphone or tablet without connecting to a shared router network. The device automatically creates an access point to which your device connects. To activate, press and hold the wireless button until the Wi-Fi Direct indicator (usually a single symbol or a combination of indicators) flashes.
A signal with a name containing "HP Setup" or the printer model will appear in the list of available networks on your mobile device. The connection password is usually found on a sticker on the back of the device or may be printed on the network configuration report. Once connected, you can use the app. HP Smart or standard printing tools of the operating system.
- 📱 Activate Wi-Fi Direct by pressing the corresponding button on the printer.
- 📱 Find the printer's network in your phone's WiFi settings.
- 📱 Enter the password (the default is often 12345678, but it’s better to check it in the report).
- 📱 Open a document or photo and select the "Print" command.
This mode is ideal for quickly printing documents from your phone when visiting or in the office, where you don't want or can't connect to the corporate network. Data transfer speeds in this mode may be lower than via a router, but are quite sufficient for A4 documents.
⚠️ Note: When Wi-Fi Direct is active, the internet on the connected smartphone may stop working, as the device switches to a local connection with the printer. To access the internet while printing, make sure your phone supports dual Wi-Fi connections or is using mobile data.
Diagnosing problems and printing a network report
If the connection fails or is unstable, the first step should be diagnostics. On the control panel HP LaserJet Pro MFP 135w You can generate a network connection report. To do this, press the wireless button, go to the reports menu, and select Print Wireless Network Report.
The printed document will show you the device's current IP address, connection status, signal strength, and encryption type. If the IP address begins with 169.254.x.x, this means the device didn't receive an address from the router (DHCP failure). In this case, you need to reboot the router and printer, and check the MAC address filtering settings.
The report may also contain information about the reasons for access denial. A common issue is a mismatch in frequency ranges. As mentioned, the printer operates in the 2.4 GHz band. If your router broadcasts networks with the same name (SSID) for both the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands (Smart Connect), the printer may become confused. In this case, it is recommended to temporarily separate the network names in the router settings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can the HP 135w be connected to a 5GHz network?
No, model HP LaserJet Pro MFP 135w It's equipped with a module that supports only the 802.11 b/g/n standard, which operates exclusively in the 2.4 GHz frequency range. To connect, the router must broadcast in this frequency range.
What should I do if my printer can't see a network with a Russian name?
HP devices may incorrectly display or fail to recognize networks with names (SSIDs) containing Cyrillic characters or special characters. We recommend renaming your wireless network in your router settings, using only Latin letters and numbers.
How do I reset my network settings to factory defaults?
To reset the settings, go to the network menu on the device's control panel, find "Restore Network Defaults," and confirm the action. After rebooting, the printer will search for the network again.
Do you need internet access to print via WiFi?
No, internet access is not required for printing over a local network. Both the computer and printer must be connected to the same router. Internet access is only required for the initial driver download and firmware updates.