Modern office equipment requires flexibility, and HP LaserJet Pro M28w is no exception, providing users with wireless printing options. This compact model is equipped with a built-in module Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n, allowing the device to be placed anywhere in the room where there's network coverage. The wireless connection eliminates the need for unnecessary cables and allows for printing documents from multiple computers or mobile devices simultaneously.
The initial configuration process may seem confusing due to the lack of a display on the device, but the manufacturer has provided several proven workflows. You'll need to know your home network password in advance and ensure the router is working properly. In this article, we'll cover all available wireless activation methods in detail, from using a USB cable to manually entering settings via buttons.
Before proceeding with the software, you need to perform a few physical manipulations with the device itself. Make sure the printer is plugged in and located within a strong signal range. Also, check that the cartridge is installed and that the protective tape and shipping locks have been removed from the internal compartments.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting the setup, make sure that your router distributes the network in the 2.4 GHz range, as this model HP LaserJet may not support 5GHz frequency in direct configuration mode.
Preparing for wireless connection
The first step is to gather the necessary information about your local network. You need to know the exact network name (SSID) and a password for access. If you don't know this information, look it up on a sticker under the router or in your contract with your provider. Without this information, automatic setup will be impossible.
It's important to understand that the printer must be turned off or in standby mode before beginning the procedure. If the device was previously connected to a different network, its settings may conflict with current tasks. In this case, we recommend resetting the network settings to factory defaults.
To reset network settings on HP LaserJet Pro M28w You need to turn off the device. Then press and hold the wireless button and the cancel button simultaneously. Without releasing them, turn on the power. Hold both buttons for about 15-20 seconds until the lights flash, confirming the reset.
After rebooting, the device will enter network search mode. The wireless indicator will begin blinking blue, indicating it's ready to pair. If the indicator remains solid blue, the printer is already connected to a network and the reset procedure must be repeated.
☑️ Equipment preparation
WPS Method: Quick Connection Without a Computer
The easiest way to connect HP LaserJet Pro M28w with a router - this is the use of technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup). This method allows you to transfer security settings automatically, eliminating the need to manually enter a complex password on your computer. However, your router must support this feature, which is true for most modern models.
Find the button on your router that says WPS or the corresponding icon. Press and hold it for 2-3 seconds until the WPS indicator on the router starts blinking. After that, you have about two minutes to activate the signal on the printer.
On the MFP control panel, press and hold the wireless button. The indicator light will begin flashing, indicating the search and pairing process. Once the connection is established, the flashing will stop and the indicator light will turn solid blue. This means IP address received successfully.
What to do if WPS doesn't work?
If your router doesn't support WPS or it's blocked by your ISP, use the USB cable or HP Smart method. Also, check if MAC address filtering is enabled in your router's security settings.
Setup via USB cable and HP Smart
If automatic connection fails, the most reliable method is to use a USB installation cable. To do this, you'll need to download the official software from the manufacturer's website or use the included disc, although the version on the disc may be outdated.
Run the installer HP Smart or a full driver package on your computer. During installation, the program will prompt you to select a connection type. Select "Wireless Connection" or "Wi-Fi." Next, you'll be asked to connect a USB cable between your computer and the printer.
After connecting via cable, the program automatically scans your Wi-Fi network data and transfers it to the printer. This eliminates the risk of manual password entry errors. Once the printer confirms receiving the settings, the installer will prompt you to disconnect the USB cable.
Sequence of actions:1. Run setup.exe
2. Select "Set up a new device"
3. Connect USB
4. Wait for the Wi-Fi parameters to be transferred
5. Disconnect the cable
It's important not to interrupt the data transfer process. If you disconnect the cable prematurely, the settings may not be saved, and you'll have to repeat the process. Make sure the computer you're using to perform the setup is connected to the same Wi-Fi network you want to connect the printer to.
Manual setup via HP Wireless Setup Wizard
In some situations, using a computer is impossible or inconvenient. In these cases, you can use the built-in setup wizard, which is controlled exclusively by the buttons on the case. HP LaserJet Pro M28wThis method requires attention, as navigation is carried out using flashing indicators.
To enter setup mode, press and hold the wireless button and the information button (the "i" icon) simultaneously for 3-5 seconds. The printer will enter setup mode. Wi-Fi Direct or the setup wizard. The indicators will begin flashing in a specific pattern, indicating the search for available networks.
Using the "Continue" button (usually a button with a leaf or arrow icon), you can cycle through available networks. When the indicator corresponding to your network starts flashing, press the confirm button. You'll then need to enter the password in the same way, using a combination of buttons, which can be difficult due to the lack of a screen.
| Action | Button combination | Indication |
|---|---|---|
| Entering setup mode | Wireless + Info (3-5 sec) | Flashing indicators |
| Network selection | Continue (multiple press) | Enumerating available SSIDs |
| Confirm your choice | OK / Resume | Fixing the choice |
| Network reset | Wireless + Cancel (when off) | Synchronized flashing |
Due to the difficulty of entering a password using buttons, this method is often recommended to be replaced by using technology Wi-Fi Direct for initial communication with a smartphone, and then through the application on the phone to transfer the router settings to the printer.
Using Wi-Fi Direct technology
Technology Wi-Fi Direct Allows you to connect a mobile device or laptop directly to the printer, bypassing the main router. This is ideal for quickly printing photos from your phone or documents while traveling on a business trip without access to the corporate network.
To activate this mode, press the button with the image of a smartphone or wireless connection on the panel HP LaserJet Pro M28wIf the feature is disabled, hold the button for a few seconds. The printer will begin broadcasting its own Wi-Fi signal.
On your smartphone or tablet, open the list of available Wi-Fi networks. You'll see a network with a name that includes "HP-Print" and the device model. Tap it to connect. The default password is usually found on a sticker on the back of the device or printed on the information page.
⚠️ Note: When connecting via Wi-Fi Direct, your phone may temporarily lose internet access as it switches to a direct connection to the printer. Some modern smartphones support dual networks, but this depends on the device model.
Diagnostics and solution
Even if all instructions are followed, situations may arise when HP LaserJet Pro M28w The router refuses to see the network or loses connection. Most often, the problem lies in the router's security settings or outdated drivers. Check if MAC address filtering is enabled, which is blocking new devices.
If the Wi-Fi indicator is blinking blue but not solid, it means the printer is trying to connect but is unable to complete the handshake with the router. Try temporarily disabling protection. WPA3 and switch to WPA2/WPA3 mixed mode or WPA2 only, as older Wi-Fi modules may not support the latest encryption standards.
It's also worth checking the frequency range. Many printers in this class only operate within the frequency range. 2.4 GHzIf your router combines 2.4 and 5 GHz networks under one name, try separating them in the router settings by giving them different names (for example, Home_2.4 and Home_5), and connect the printer specifically to the 2.4 network.
If the device completely stops responding, printing a network configuration report can help. To do this, turn off the printer, then press and hold the "Resume" button and turn it on. Hold the button for about 10 seconds. The printed report will show the current IP address and connection status.
Why is my printer not in the list of devices during installation?
This could be caused by Windows Firewall or antivirus software. Try temporarily disabling protection or adding an exception for HP processes. Also, make sure your computer and printer are on the same subnet.
How do I change my Wi-Fi Direct network name?
You can only change the name through the web interface (EWS). Enter the printer's IP address in your browser, go to the Networking tab, and find the Wi-Fi Direct settings. You can set a new name and password there.
Is it possible to connect a printer to a hidden network (Hidden SSID)?
Yes, but only through manual configuration via a USB cable and the HP utility, or via the web interface. It's impossible to find a hidden network using the buttons on the device, as it doesn't broadcast its name.
What does a blinking orange wireless light mean?
Orange usually indicates an error. If it's blinking, there may be a connection issue or a cartridge problem. Try rebooting your device and router.