Setting up wireless printing for a compact all-in-one printer HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28w This printer is often the first step toward comfortable work in a home office. Despite its compact size, it requires careful consideration when choosing a pairing method, as it lacks a full display for entering passwords. Users often encounter difficulties getting the device to "see" the router, especially if the network is dual-band or hidden from public access.
In this article, we'll take a detailed look at all the available methods for activating a Wi-Fi connection, from automatic installation via a USB cable to manual configuration of the buttons on the case. Critical Understand the difference between Wi-Fi Direct and home network operation, as these technologies are often confused, leading to configuration errors. Following the correct sequence of steps will avoid the need to reset settings and reinstall drivers in the future.
It's worth noting that a successful connection depends not only on user actions but also on your router's security settings. Modern encryption standards WPA3 or specific client isolation settings may block legacy communication protocols used by the printer. We'll examine typical scenarios and offer solutions to ensure stable data exchange between the laptop and the printer.
Equipment preparation and compatibility testing
Before you begin the installation procedure, please make sure that your device is HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28w The printer is turned on and ready to use. The power indicator should be solid, and the paper tray should be loaded. If you previously attempted to set up the printer and the process was interrupted, we recommend resetting the network settings by simultaneously holding down the wireless button and the cancel button on the control panel until the indicators flash simultaneously.
⚠️ Attention: This printer model only supports the 2.4 GHz frequency band. If your router broadcasts a single network name (SSID) for both the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands, the printer may not correctly detect the encryption type. In this case, temporarily separate the networks in your router settings or create a guest network exclusively on the 2.4 GHz frequency.
You also need to ensure the laptop you'll be using for setup is within a strong signal range. The distance between the router and printer during setup should not exceed 3-4 meters, and there should be no large metal obstacles between them. Signal stability in the first minutes of operation is critical for the correct transfer of security profiles.
Check your computer for up-to-date antivirus or firewall software, which may be blocking the detection of new devices on the local network. While installing drivers and configuring the network, it's recommended to temporarily disable third-party firewalls to prevent them from detecting the printer's attempt to connect to the network as suspicious activity.
WPS method: Quick connection without entering a password
The fastest way to connect HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28w Wi-Fi – use WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup). This method allows you to transfer network information automatically, without having to manually enter a complex password using your laptop keyboard. For this to work, your router must support WPS, which is true for most modern models.
Find the button marked on the router body WPS or the icon with two arrows forming a circle. Press and hold it for 2-3 seconds until the WPS indicator on the router starts flashing. Immediately after, within 2 minutes, press and hold the wireless button on the printer. HP M28w until the Wi-Fi indicator starts blinking.
- 📡 The wireless light on the printer should be blinking blue, indicating it is searching for a network.
- 🔒 Once paired successfully, the indicator will turn solid blue, indicating connection.
- 💻 A new device with the "Ready" status should appear in the list of available printers on your laptop.
If automatic connection fails, the printer's indicator light may blink slowly or quickly, indicating a timeout error or an invalid PIN (if the PIN method was used). In this case, repeat the procedure, ensuring you complete the connection within the two-minute window. WPS protocol has a time limit on waiting for a command from the second device, so a delay of even 10-15 seconds can lead to a failure.
Installation via USB and HP software
If automatic methods fail, the most reliable option is to use the manufacturer's installation software. To do this, you'll need to temporarily connect the printer to your laptop via the interface. USBDownload the full package of drivers and utilities for your model. HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28w from the official support site, since the basic Windows drivers may not contain the network configuration module.
Run the downloaded installer and follow the on-screen instructions. When prompted to select a connection type, select "Wireless connection" or "Configure via USB." The system will prompt you to connect the cable, after which it will automatically retrieve the current Wi-Fi settings from the laptop's operating system and transfer them to the printer.
☑️ Installation algorithm via USB
Once the program reports the settings have been successfully transferred, you can disconnect the USB cable. The printer will reboot its network module and attempt to connect to the same network as your computer. This method is especially useful if your network uses complex corporate security or a hidden SSID that is difficult to enter manually through the mobile app.
| Parameter | Description | Meaning for M28w |
|---|---|---|
| Connection type | Physical interface for configuration | USB 2.0 (Type-B) |
| Wi-Fi frequency | Supported range | 2.4 GHz (802.11b/g/n) |
| Security protocol | Encryption types | WEP, WPA, WPA2, WPA3 |
| Transfer speed | Maximum interface speed | up to 480 Mbps (USB) |
Setup via the HP Smart mobile app
The modern standard for configuring HP peripherals is tied to a cloud service HP SmartTo get started, download the app to your smartphone or tablet (iOS or Android) and create an HP account if you don't already have one. Make sure your mobile device is connected to the same Wi-Fi network to which you plan to connect the printer.
Turn on the printer and press the wireless button to activate search mode. In the app, tap "Add Printer" or the plus sign. The system will begin scanning the air. If the printer is found, the app will prompt you to set it up. You'll be prompted to select your network from the list and enter the password. Mobile application acts as an intermediary, transmitting network credentials directly to the printer's Wi-Fi module chip.
⚠️ Attention: When setting up via the app, make sure your phone's mobile data connection (3G/4G/5G) is disabled while transferring settings. Some versions of Android and iOS may attempt to use mobile data if they detect that the printer doesn't yet have internet access, which interrupts the local setup process.
After successful configuration, the app will prompt you to perform a test print. This is an important step to ensure that a laptop connected to the same network can also "see" the device. If printing from a smartphone is successful, but the laptop doesn't see the printer, the issue lies with the access point isolation settings on the router or with different subnets.
What should I do if the app says "Printer not found"?
Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your phone—it's used for initial device discovery. Also, check if your router is configured to restrict data exchange between wireless clients (AP Isolation). In rare cases, temporarily renaming the network's SSID, removing special characters or Cyrillic characters, can help.
Using Wi-Fi Direct to print without a router
Function Wi-Fi Direct Allows you to connect laptops and mobile devices directly to the printer, bypassing your home router. This is ideal for printing documents from guest devices or in situations where the main network is unavailable. In this mode, the printer itself becomes an access point.
To activate, press and hold the smartphone button on the printer's control panel until the light next to it starts blinking. On the device you plan to print from, open the list of available Wi-Fi networks. You'll see a network with a name that includes the printer model (e.g., HP-Setup-28-LaserJet).
- 📱 Select the printer network from the list of available connections.
- 🔑 Enter the password. By default, it's often found on a sticker on the back of the device or is "12345678."
- 🖨️ Open the document and select print, specifying your HP M28w as the printer.
Simultaneous work Internet access and printing are only possible if your device supports two Wi-Fi connections simultaneously or if the printer has an Internet passthrough function (which is rare in budget models).
Troubleshooting and firmware updates
If the connection is established, but the printer periodically loses connection or becomes unavailable ("Offline"), outdated firmware is likely the cause. HP regularly releases firmware updates that fix Wi-Fi module stability issues. You can check the firmware version through the web interface or the HP Smart app.
To update, go to the "Advanced Settings" section in the driver interface or through the application menu. Find "Printer Update" and run the scan. If a new version is found, follow the instructions. During the update process It is strictly forbidden to turn off the printer or interrupt the connection., as this may cause irreversible damage to the device's microcode.
⚠️ Attention: HP Smart software and driver interfaces may vary depending on the operating system version and driver release date. Button locations and menu item names may differ from those described. Always refer to the latest on-screen prompts for your device.
It's also worth checking the printer's IP address. Go to your router settings and find the list of connected clients. Make sure the printer has received the correct IP address within your subnet range and there are no address conflicts. You can reserve a static IP address for the printer in your router settings and bind it to the device's MAC address, which will improve connection stability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can the HP M28w be connected to a 5GHz network?
No, model HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28w The printer is equipped with a Wi-Fi module that exclusively supports the 802.11b/g/n standard in the 2.4 GHz band. Connecting to a 5 GHz network is technically impossible. If your router uses the same SSID for both bands, try separating them in the router settings by adding "_2.4" to the 2.4 GHz band name and connecting the printer to that specific band.
What should I do if the wireless light is orange?
An orange Wi-Fi light usually means the wireless connection is enabled, but the printer isn't connected to the network or has signal issues. Try restarting the router and printer. If the light is blinking orange, this may indicate a connection error or setup mode. Check the password entered correctly and the signal strength.
How do I reset my printer's network settings to factory defaults?
To reset network settings on HP M28w Turn on the device. Simultaneously press and hold the wireless button and the cancel button (the cross) for 3-5 seconds until all lights flash simultaneously. The printer will then reboot the network module, and you can begin setup again.
Why doesn't the laptop see the printer, even though the phone prints?
Most likely, the devices are on different subnets or the "AP Isolation" feature is enabled on the router, which prevents devices connected via Wi-Fi from seeing each other. Also, check if Windows Firewall or antivirus software is blocking network printer detection. Ensure both devices are connected to the same SSID (not a guest network).