Modern technologies allow you to forget about bulky cables connecting your computer to your printer and switch to convenient wireless printing. Wireless connection significantly simplifies document management by allowing you to print them directly from your smartphone or tablet, from anywhere in the apartment. For owners of compact devices in the series HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28 And M31 This feature opens up new possibilities for mobile office work.
The setup process may seem complicated at first glance, but with the right approach it only takes a few minutes. Mobile printing This functionality is made possible thanks to support for Wi-Fi Direct standards and access to the manufacturer's proprietary apps. In this article, we'll detail all the available methods for synchronizing your gadget with a printing device, so you can get started without any delays.
It's worth noting that connection stability directly depends on the quality of the router signal and the correctness of the entered network parameters. Laser MFP The device must be in a strong reception area to avoid connection drops during large data transfers. Below, we'll outline step-by-step procedures to ensure a reliable connection.
Preparatory stage before setting up the network
Before starting the active setup phase, you need to make sure that all system components are ready for operation. Router The printer must be turned on and broadcasting its network, and your smartphone must have an active internet connection. It's also important to check that the printer itself has cartridges installed and is working, as indicated by the power indicator.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure your smartphone and printer are within close proximity to the router during setup. A weak signal may interrupt the configuration data transfer, requiring you to start the process over again.
If you've previously connected your device to a different network or reset it, we recommend clearing the current network settings. To do this, go to the Control Panel. HP LaserJet Pro You need to press and hold the wireless button and the cancel button simultaneously for a few seconds until the indicators flash. This will reset the network module to its factory settings.
For iOS and Android users, it's crucial to download the necessary software in advance. Without a dedicated app HP Smart Initial configuration may be impossible or very difficult. The app is available in the official Google Play and App Store; it's free and takes up minimal space on your device.
Using the HP Smart app to set up
The most modern and convenient way to connect is to use a mobile application. HP SmartThis method automatically detects the device on the local network and offers a step-by-step setup wizard, making the process accessible even to inexperienced users. The application handles all the technical work of transferring passwords and configuring protocols.
After installing and launching the app, you'll need to log in or create an HP account, as this is a requirement for ecosystem security and functionality. Then, tap the "Add Printer" icon or the plus sign in the corner of the screen. The app will begin searching for available devices within Bluetooth and Wi-Fi range.
When the app finds your HP printer, it will prompt you to continue setup. At this point, the app will transfer your Wi-Fi network information, including the network name and password, to the device. You'll only need to confirm the action on your smartphone screen. If the printer hasn't been configured previously, the app may prompt you to temporarily connect it via USB or use Bluetooth for the initial setup.
It's important to monitor the wireless indicator on the device's panel. It may blink during the connection process, indicating active data transfer. Once successfully connected, the indicator should turn solid blue, indicating readiness. If it turns orange, there's a connection error.
☑️ Checklist for successful setup
WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) connection method
If your router supports WPS, you can significantly simplify the connection process by avoiding manual password entry. This method is especially convenient if you have a complex network security key or don't want to manually enter it on a small screen or through an app. WPS protocol ensures fast and secure pairing of devices.
To use this method, press the WPS button on your router. On some models, this may be combined with the reset button, so be careful not to hold it too long, otherwise you might reset the router itself. A short press for 1-2 seconds is usually sufficient.
Immediately after activating the search mode on the router, go to the printer HP LaserJet Pro M28 or M31Press and hold the wireless button on the control panel for a few seconds until the indicator light starts flashing. The device will automatically detect the WPS signal from the router and establish a connection.
⚠️ Attention: The WPS function only works for a short time (usually 2 minutes) after you press the button on the router. If you don't activate the mode on the printer in time, you'll have to repeat the procedure.
A successful connection is confirmed by a steady blue Wi-Fi indicator on the MFP. This method doesn't require a password, as encryption keys are exchanged automatically between devices. However, it's worth remembering that some modern routers may not have a physical WPS button, in which case the function must be activated through the router's web interface.
Setup via USB cable (Android only)
Android device owners can use an alternative initial setup method, which is often the most reliable if they encounter over-the-air device detection issues. This requires a USB Type AB cable (a standard printer cable) and an OTG adapter if your smartphone doesn't have a full-fledged USB port.
Connect the printer to your smartphone via cable and launch the app. HP SmartThe system will recognize a direct connection and offer to transfer the Wi-Fi settings from your phone to the printer. This allows you to "broadcast" your wireless network settings directly to the device's memory.
During setup, the app may request permission to access USB devices. You must agree to this request, otherwise data transfer will be impossible. After the printer receives network data, it will disconnect from the USB port and attempt to connect to the router automatically.
What should I do if my phone doesn't see the printer via USB?
Make sure the cable is working properly and supports data transfer, not just charging. Some cheap cables don't have the appropriate contacts. Also, check if USB debugging is enabled in Developer Options, although this is rarely required for HP Smart. Try a different OTG adapter, as compatibility varies.
Once the settings have been successfully transferred, the cable can be disconnected. USB cable In this case, it only acts as a temporary bridge for configuration transfer. This method is especially useful if your router hides the network's SSID or uses complex corporate security protocols that are difficult to configure manually.
Using Wi-Fi Direct mode
Mode Wi-Fi Direct Allows you to connect your phone to the printer directly, without a router. This is ideal for printing documents when visiting someone, in an office with a closed network, or if your home internet connection is temporarily down. The printer creates its own access point, which your smartphone can connect to.
To activate this mode, press the Wi-Fi Direct button on the printer's control panel. The network name and password for connecting will be displayed on the screen (if equipped) or in the printable configuration report. The network name typically includes the word DIRECT and the device model.
On your phone, go to Wi-Fi settings, find the printer's network in the list of available networks, and enter the password. Once connected, you'll be able to print documents even if your phone's mobile data or primary Wi-Fi is turned off.
| Parameter | Description | Default value |
|---|---|---|
| Network name (SSID) | Printer access point name | HP-Setup-XX-XX-XX |
| Password | Security key for login | 12345678 (usually) |
| Range of action | Distance of stable communication | Up to 10 meters |
| Number of devices | Maximum connections | Up to 5 devices |
Please note that when connecting via Wi-Fi Direct, your phone may temporarily lose internet access if it doesn't support two Wi-Fi channels simultaneously. This issue is resolved on modern smartphones, but on older models, internet access may be lost while typing.
Solving common connection problems
Even if all instructions are followed, technical difficulties may arise that prevent normal operation. Often, the problem lies in the frequency range: many older or budget printer models, including some versions HP LaserJet, work only in the range 2.4 GHz and do not see 5 GHz networks.
If the printer isn't listed in the app, try temporarily disabling your smartphone's mobile data connection. Sometimes Android or iOS security systems block communication with local devices if an external data connection is active. Restarting the router and the printer itself also helps.
⚠️ Attention: Antivirus software and firewalls on your phone may be blocking printing apps. If all else fails, try temporarily disabling protection or adding the HP Smart app to the exceptions list.
Another common cause is a static IP address or router layout settings. Make sure the protocol is enabled on the router. DHCP, which automatically assigns addresses to devices. Without this, the printer will not be able to obtain a network address and become visible to the phone.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to connect the HP M28 printer to an iPhone without a router?
Yes, this is possible using AirPrint technology or Wi-Fi Direct mode. In Direct mode, the printer creates its own network to which the iPhone connects, allowing printing without access to the internet or router.
Why can't the HP Smart app see my printer?
Make sure Bluetooth and location services are enabled on your phone (this is required for Android devices to be able to find them). Also, make sure your phone and printer are on the same Wi-Fi network if you're setting them up through a router rather than Direct.
What is the default password for Wi-Fi Direct on the HP M31?
The default password is often a combination 12345678However, the exact password can be found by printing a wireless network configuration report by holding down the corresponding button on the device's panel.
Does the HP LaserJet Pro M28 support 5GHz network?
Most models in this series only support the standard 802.11b/g/n in the 2.4 GHz band. If your router only broadcasts 5 GHz, the printer won't be able to connect. You'll need to enable mixed mode or a separate 2.4 GHz network.
Do I need to turn off the printer after printing?
No, modern laser MFPs of the M28/M31 series are equipped with an automatic power-saving mode. They automatically enter sleep mode and quickly wake up when a job arrives, which saves energy on the imaging unit.