Modern office tasks require mobility, and the ability to send documents to print directly from a smartphone has become not a luxury, but a necessity. Model HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28w It's one of the most popular compact solutions for homes and small businesses, but its initial Wi-Fi setup often raises questions among users. Unlike more expensive models, it lacks a full touchscreen, making the setup process a bit different from the usual one.
In this article, we'll detail all the available methods for activating a wireless module using only a mobile device. You'll learn how to properly prepare the printer for pairing and the app's specific features. HP Smart And what to do if automatic device detection is unsuccessful. Proper setup at the initial stage will ensure stable operation of all peripherals on your local network.
Equipment preparation and requirements verification
Before you begin setup, you need to make sure that your mobile device and the printer itself are in the correct state to establish a connection. Make sure that HP LaserJet Pro M28w The device is plugged in and the power indicator on the control panel is lit. If the device is fresh out of the box, it will need time to initialize its internal systems.
Your smartphone or tablet must be connected to the same wireless network. Wi-Fi, to which you plan to connect the printer. Please note that some router models broadcast two networks: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. This printer model only supports the standard. 2.4 GHz, so make sure your phone is in this frequency, otherwise the automatic password transmission may not work.
It is also critically important to download the official software before physically manipulating the buttons. Application HP Smart available in Google Play for Android and App Store for iOS. Without this software, full setup is impossible, as it acts as an intermediary between the router and the printer.
Activating the setup mode on the printer
The most important stage is translation HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28w into connection standby mode. By default, immediately after powering on, the printer may attempt to reconnect to the old network or may be in sleep mode. You need to force it to actively broadcast a signal indicating it's ready for setup.
On the front of the device, look for a button with a picture of wireless communication or an "Information" button (letter i). To enter setup mode, you usually need to press and hold the wireless button (Wireless) and the cancel button (Cancel, the image of the cross) simultaneously for 3-5 seconds. The wireless network indicator should start flashing blue, which signals the start of the mode Wi-Fi Direct or setup mode.
If the indicator turns blue and continues to blink, the device is ready for discovery. Don't try to print a test page immediately, as this may interrupt the configuration process. Wait about 30 seconds for the internal modules to fully launch the discovery service.
☑️ Printer ready for setup
Using the HP Smart app for Android and iOS
The main tool for managing printing is the application HP SmartAfter installation, open the app and sign in to your HP account (registration is required for cloud features). Click the large "Add Printer" button or the plus icon in the corner of the screen. The app will begin scanning the space.
When your image appears on the screen HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28w, tap it. The system will prompt you to continue setup. At this point, the app will request permission to access the local network and geolocation. Confirm all requests, otherwise the process may be interrupted while transferring the router password.
Next, the network settings will be automatically transferred. The phone will send the SSID and password for your Wi-Fi connection directly to the printer. At this point, the device's indicator will stop flashing and turn solid blue, indicating a successful connection. If the indicator turns orange, the password was entered incorrectly or the signal is too weak.
Alternative method: connecting via WPS
If automatic setup via the app fails, you can use technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup). This method allows you to connect devices without manually entering a password, using the physical button on the router. This is especially convenient if you have a complex Wi-Fi password or a hidden SSID.
Find the button on your router that says WPSIt can be a separate physical button or a software button in the router interface. Press and hold it for 1-2 seconds until the WPS indicator on the router starts blinking. After this, you have about 2 minutes to activate the mode on the printer.
On the panel HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28w Press and hold the wireless button (Wireless) until the indicator light starts blinking. The printer will automatically find the router and establish a secure connection. This method is often more stable, as it eliminates errors caused by manual character entry.
What to do if there is no WPS button on the router?
If there's no physical button, access the router's web interface through a browser (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1). Find the Wireless or Wi-Fi Settings section and enable the WPS function programmatically. Then, repeat the process of pressing the Wireless button on the printer.
Diagnosing problems and resetting network settings
Even if you follow all the instructions, network conflicts may arise, especially if the printer was previously connected to a different router. In such cases, a full reset is required. reset network settings to factory defaults. This will clear the device's memory of old profiles and passwords.
To reset the printer while it is on, press and hold the buttons simultaneously. Wireless And Cancel (Cancel) for 5 seconds. The power and wireless indicators may flash, after which the printer will reboot the network module. After this procedure, the device will return to its original state.
It's also worth checking whether your antivirus or firewall software on your phone is blocking communication with the printer. In rare cases, AP Isolation on your router can prevent communication between your phone and the MFP, even if they're on the same network.
⚠️ Please note: Resetting network settings will delete saved Wi-Fi passwords from the printer's memory. You will need to re-upload your network information through the HP Smart app.
Comparison of connection methods
The choice of connection method depends on your situation and the equipment you have. Below is a table to help you determine the optimal method for your situation.
| Method | Necessary conditions | Complexity | Reliability |
|---|---|---|---|
| HP Smart (Auto) | App, Bluetooth, GPS | Low | High |
| WPS | WPS button on the router | Very low | Very high |
| Wi-Fi Direct | Print only without internet connection | Average | Average |
| USB cable | Availability of cable and PC | Low | Maximum |
Usage Wi-Fi Direct Allows you to print without internet access by creating a direct connection between your phone and the printer. However, in this mode, you won't be able to simultaneously use your phone's mobile data unless it supports dual-network connectivity.
For permanent work in the office or at home, a classic router connection is best. This allows you to print from any device in the apartment, even remotely, if the appropriate cloud services are configured.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why can't the HP Smart app see my printer?
Most often, the problem lies in Android/iOS permissions. Check if the app has permission to access local network And geolocationAlso, make sure your phone and printer are on the same Wi-Fi network (2.4 GHz) and not on a guest network.
Can the HP M28w be connected to a 5GHz network?
No, model HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28w supports only the standard 802.11 b/g/n, which operates in the 2.4 GHz band. If your router only broadcasts 5 GHz, the printer will not be able to connect. You will need to enable 2.4 GHz support in your router settings.
What does a blinking orange wireless light mean?
A flashing orange light usually indicates a connection error or signal loss. This could indicate an incorrect Wi-Fi password, excessive distance from the router, or the need to reset network settings.
Do I need a USB cable for initial setup?
For the M28w model, a USB cable is not necessary if you're using the wireless connection via the app. However, if the Wi-Fi module isn't responding, connecting via USB to a computer with the full driver package installed may help activate the network settings.
⚠️ Note: Printer app interfaces and firmware may be updated. If the steps described differ from what you see on the screen, please consult the official user manual on the manufacturer's website.
How to print a network configuration report?
Press and hold the Information (i) button on the printer control panel for a few seconds, or press the Wireless button once, to print a report showing the IP address and connection status.