Modern office solutions require high mobility, and the presence of cables often becomes an obstacle to effective work. Model HP LaserJet MFP M28w It's one of the most popular compact laser devices, allowing you to print, scan, and copy documents without a physical connection to a computer. However, initial setup of the wireless connection often presents difficulties for users accustomed to traditional USB cable methods.
In this article, we'll detail all the possible ways to activate the Wi-Fi module on your printer. You'll learn how to properly prepare your laptop, what software components need to be installed, and how to avoid common mistakes when pairing devices on a single network. Proper setup wireless interface will provide you with access to printing from any device within range of the router.
Before beginning the procedure, make sure your MFP is turned on and the cartridge is installed. It's also crucial that your laptop and router are working properly, and that you know the password for your home or office network. If these conditions are met, you can proceed to choosing the most suitable connection method for your situation.
Equipment preparation and compatibility testing
The first step is to physically prepare the device for wireless operation. Make sure that HP LaserJet MFP M28w Plugged into a power source and turned on. The power button on the front panel of the device should be lit, and the indicator lights should respond to presses. If you previously used a USB cable, you must disconnect it from the computer before setting up Wi-Fi, as the system may attempt to continue operating via a wired interface.
The second important aspect is checking frequency compatibility. This device supports the standard IEEE 802.11b/g/n, which means operating in the 2.4 GHz band. Many modern routers broadcast two networks: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Your laptop must be connected to the 2.4 GHz network to successfully transfer settings to the printer. If you're using a smartphone for initial setup via the app, make sure your mobile data is disabled and Wi-Fi is active.
⚠️ Note: If your router hides the network name (SSID) or uses MAC address filtering, automatic printer detection may not work. In this case, you will need to temporarily change your router settings or manually whitelist the device.
It's also worth checking that you have enough free space on your laptop's hard drive to install the full driver package. While basic features may work without them, for full use scanner A full software installation is recommended for printer and toner management. Make sure you have administrator rights on your computer, as installing system drivers requires elevated privileges.
WPS method: quick connection without entering a password
The easiest way to connect HP LaserJet MFP M28w The easiest way to connect to a network is to use WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) technology. This method allows you to transfer network information from the router to the printer with a simple press of a button, eliminating the need to manually enter a complex password on a small screen or via the device's buttons.
First, locate the WPS button on your router. It may be labeled as such or have two arrows. On the printer's panel, press and hold the wireless button (the antenna icon) for 3-5 seconds until the indicator light starts flashing. This will put the device into connection standby mode.
- 📡 Press the WPS button on the router and hold it for about 2-3 seconds.
- 🖨️ Immediately after this, press the Wireless button on the printer, if you haven't already done so.
- ⏳ Wait about 2 minutes until the Wi-Fi indicator on the MFP stops flashing and turns solid blue.
- ✅ Check the connection status on your laptop by running a search for new printers in the system.
If the wireless indicator is on HP LaserJet MFP M28w If the light is solid, the connection has been established successfully. You can now install the drivers, and the system will automatically detect the device on the network. However, it's important to remember that not all routers support this feature, and sometimes it may be disabled in the router's factory settings.
The classic way: setup via USB cable
If WPS doesn't work or your router doesn't support it, 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 information about your network, even if it's hidden or has a complex security structure.
You'll need a standard USB Type-B (printer) cable, which is usually included in the kit or purchased separately. Connect one end of the cable to the USB port on the back panel. HP LaserJet MFP M28w, and the other to an available port on your laptop. Important: Do not connect the cable until prompted by the installer.
☑️ USB Setup Preparation Checklist
Run the downloaded installation file HP Smart or the full driver package from the official website. During the installation, select the connection type "Wireless" or "Wi-Fi." The program will automatically detect that the device is connected via cable and offer to transfer Wi-Fi settings from the computer to the printer. Follow the on-screen instructions, and once the process is complete, you can disconnect the cable.
⚠️ Caution: Do not turn off the printer or disconnect the cable while transferring settings via USB. Interrupting the process may reset the device's network settings.
After a successful data transfer, the Wi-Fi indicator on the device should turn blue. Windows or macOS will automatically complete the installation of network printer drivers. This method is especially useful in corporate networks where precise security settings are required.
Using the HP Smart app to set up
HP is actively promoting the use of cloud applications. HP Smart to manage your devices. This cross-platform solution is available for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. The app not only lets you configure your printer, but also monitor toner levels, scan documents directly to the cloud, and run diagnostics.
To get started, download and install the application. HP Smart from the Microsoft Store or Mac App Store. Launch the app and click the "Add Printer" button or the plus sign in the corner of the interface. The app will begin searching for devices on your local network. If the printer isn't yet configured, the app will prompt you to enter the new device setup mode.
During the setup process, the app will ask you to select your Wi-Fi network and enter the password. HP LaserJet MFP M28w The device must be in setup mode (Wi-Fi indicator blinking). If the device is found, the app will automatically grant it the necessary credentials. This is especially convenient if you don't have a USB cable handy or are setting up the printer from a tablet.
One of the app's key features is remote printing. Once your device is registered with your HP account, you can send print jobs while away from home or the office, as long as the printer is connected to the internet. mobile printing accessible anywhere in the world.
Manual configuration via control panel and web interface
Advanced users can manually configure network settings via the built-in web interface (EWS). This method allows you to set a static IP address, change the device's network name, or manually configure security settings. To access the EWS, you need to know the printer's current IP address.
To find the IP address, press and hold the wireless button on the printer for 5 seconds. The device will print a network configuration report, which will show the address as follows: 192.168.1.XXEnter this address into the address bar of any browser on a laptop connected to the same network.
| Parameter | Description | Recommended value |
|---|---|---|
| IP Address | A unique address on the network | Automatic (DHCP) or static |
| Subnet Mask | Subnet mask | 255.255.255.0 |
| Default Gateway | Gateway (router) address | 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 |
| DNS Server | Name server | Automatically from the provider |
In the web interface, go to the "Network" tab, then select "Wireless." Here, you can launch the setup wizard, select your network from the list, and enter the password. This method is useful if automatic utilities don't detect the printer due to a specific router configuration.
How do I reset my printer's network settings?
If you made a mistake entering the password or changed your router, you need to reset the network settings. To do this, press and hold the wireless button and the cancel button (the cross) on the printer control panel for 3 seconds. The lights will flash, and the network settings will be reset to factory defaults.
Installing drivers and completing configuration
After HP LaserJet MFP M28w Once the device is successfully connected to Wi-Fi, the final step is installing the full software. The operating system may install a basic driver automatically, but this often prevents you from using all features, such as advanced scanning or toner level monitoring.
Go to the official HP support website and enter your device model. Download the "Full Software and Drivers" package. Run the installer and follow the instructions. Since the printer is already online, the installer will find it automatically. Select the device from the list of detected devices and complete the installation.
- 🖥️ Wait until the files are copied and the device is registered.
- 🧪 Print a test page to check the connection quality.
- 📄 Install scanning utilities if you plan to use the MFP as a scanner.
- 🔄 Check for firmware updates through the service menu.
It's important to note that for all features to work, the laptop and printer must be on the same subnet. If you're using a guest Wi-Fi network or VLAN, the devices may not be able to see each other. In such cases, you'll need to configure routing rules on your router.
Solving common connection problems
Even if you follow the instructions carefully, you may encounter difficulties. A common problem is that the laptop is connected to a 5 GHz network, but the printer only sees 2.4 GHz. In this case, temporarily disable the 5 GHz band on your router or create a guest network with only the 2.4 GHz band for the initial setup.
Another common cause is antivirus software or Windows Firewall blocking device detection. Try temporarily disabling network protection while installing drivers. Also, make sure the orange Attention light on the printer is not lit, which could indicate a missing cartridge or an open cover.
⚠️ Note: Router interfaces and driver versions are subject to update. If the steps described do not match your screen, please refer to the documentation for your specific equipment or the manufacturer's official website for the latest information.
If the printer disappears from the network after changing the Wi-Fi password, you'll have to repeat the setup process again, as the device doesn't automatically update the network password. Reset the printer's network settings and run the connection wizard again.
Why doesn't my laptop see my HP LaserJet M28w printer on the network?
Most often, the problem is that the devices are on different networks (for example, one on 2.4 GHz, the other on 5 GHz with client isolation) or the AP isolation feature is enabled on the router. Also, check if your antivirus software is blocking network discovery.
Can this printer be connected to 5GHz Wi-Fi?
No, model HP LaserJet MFP M28w Only supports the 802.11b/g/n standard, which operates exclusively in the 2.4 GHz band. To connect, make sure your router broadcasts in this range.
What should I do if the wireless light is orange?
A flashing orange light means the printer is in setup mode and ready to connect. A steady orange light may indicate a connection error or low signal strength. Try moving the device closer to the router.
How to find out the IP address of a printer without printing a report?
In Windows, go to Control Panel → Devices and Printers. Right-click the HP LaserJet M28w, select Properties → the Web Services or Ports tab. The device's current IP address will be listed there.