Wireless printing in a modern office or home office is no longer a luxury but a necessity, allowing you to avoid unnecessary wires and restrictions on the installation location of equipment. Model HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28W It is one of the most popular compact solutions, combining the functions of a laser printer, scanner, and copier. However, its initial setup often raises questions for users unfamiliar with the device's firmware features.
The main difficulty is that this device lacks a full LCD screen and a numeric keypad, so the entire menu interaction process occurs through flashing indicators and using buttons on the control panel. To successfully set up a Wi-Fi connection, you will need to know the password for your wireless network in advance and choose the most convenient synchronization method, be it the automatic WPS protocol or manual installation of drivers via a computer.
In this guide, we will go through all the stages of equipment preparation in detail and consider the nuances of working with the application. HP Smart We'll also provide solutions to common issues users encounter during first-time setup. Correctly following these steps will ensure stable network operation and the ability to print documents from Android and iOS mobile devices without a cable.
Preparatory stage and equipment testing
Before you begin software configuration, you must ensure that the device is physically ready for operation. Remove Remove the HP LaserJet Pro M28W from the box. Remove all shipping tape and the orange tabs that block the carriage and trays. Pay special attention to the cartridge: if it's new, be sure to remove the protective plastic tape by pulling the tab, otherwise the toner will not flow to the drum.
Plug the device into a power outlet and press the power button. Wait until the warm-up cycle is complete, as indicated by a solid "Ready" indicator. It's important to understand that for the initial network configuration, the device must be within range of the router's signal, preferably no more than 3-5 meters away, with no thick concrete walls between them.
⚠️ Attention: Do not attempt to connect the device to hidden networks (Hidden SSID) or enterprise-level networks with certificate authentication at this stage, as the printer's basic interface may not support complex security protocols without prior configuration via a PC.
Make sure your computer or smartphone used for setup is connected to the same Wi-Fi network you plan to connect the printer to. If you're using a dual-band router (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), remember that most budget laser MFPs, including this model, operate exclusively in the same band. 2.4 GHz, so make sure your gadget is on the correct frequency.
Quick connection method via WPS
The fastest way to establish a connection without entering a password or installing drivers initially is to use Wi-Fi Protected Setup. This method is only available if your wireless router supports WPS and it's enabled (this is typically the default setting for most home routers).
Press and hold the antenna button on the printer's control panel for 3-5 seconds until the wireless indicator starts flashing. Within two minutes of doing this, press the WPS button on your router; it's usually labeled with the appropriate abbreviation or marked with a lock or arrows.
- 📡 The Wi-Fi indicator on the printer will begin to flash rapidly, indicating that it is searching for and establishing a handshake with the router.
- 🔒 The encryption key exchange process takes 10 to 30 seconds. Do not turn off your devices during this time.
- ✅ When the connection is successful, the wireless network indicator will turn blue and remain on continuously.
If the indicator is blinking slowly, it means the device is in setup mode and waiting for a connection, and if it's solid blue, the connection has been established. Once the process is successfully completed, the device will automatically obtain an IP address from the router's DHCP server and be ready for driver installation.
Setup via USB cable and HP utility
If automatic connection fails or your router doesn't support WPS, the most reliable option is a classic setup via USB cable. This requires a USB Type-A to Type-B (printer) cable, which is often included in the box but may not be included, so it's best to prepare one in advance.
Go to the official HP support site and download the full software for your model. LaserJet Pro MFP M28wRun the downloaded file and follow the installer instructions, selecting the "Wireless" or "Wi-Fi" connection type when prompted.
1. Connect the USB cable to the computer and printer when prompted by the program.2. Wait until the device is detected and network settings are transferred.
3. Disconnect the cable when the installer reports success.
The key moment here is when the program prompts you to connect the cable: you must do this strictly according to the on-screen instructions, otherwise the computer may not recognize the device for transferring Wi-Fi settings. Once the settings are transferred, you can disconnect the USB cable, and the printer will enter wireless mode.
☑️ Setup Preparation Checklist
Using the HP Smart mobile app
HP has developed a universal platform for smartphone and tablet users. HP Smart, which allows you to perform initial device setup without using a computer. The app is available in the Google Play and Apple App Stores, as well as the Microsoft Store for Windows 10 and 11.
Launch the app and tap the "Add a new printer" button (usually a plus sign). If the printer is in setup mode (the Wi-Fi indicator is blinking), the app will automatically detect it and offer to share the settings of your current Wi-Fi network connected to your phone.
| Parameter | Meaning / Description | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth mode | Enabled for search | High |
| Geolocation | Required for Android | Critical |
| Access to the local network | Allow when asked | High |
| OS version | Android 5.0+ / iOS 12+ | Average |
Please note that for the app to function correctly on Android, you must grant geolocation permission, as the operating system uses this module to scan for available Wi-Fi networks in the surrounding area. Without this permission, the app simply won't see the printer in the list of devices available for configuration.
⚠️ Attention: When setting up via an iPhone or iPad, make sure you are connected to a Wi-Fi network and not using mobile internet (4G/5G), otherwise it will not be possible to transfer settings to the printer.
Manage network settings and reset parameters
During operation, you may need to change the network to which the printer is connected or troubleshoot connection errors when the device stops responding to commands. To reset the network settings to factory defaults on the model M28W A special combination of buttons is provided.
Press and hold the Wireless (antenna) button and the Cancel (X) button simultaneously for 3 seconds. The Power and Wireless lights should flash, indicating the network settings have been reset, after which the printer will enter setup mode.
What should I do if my printer can't see the 5 GHz network?
The HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28W's Wi-Fi module only operates on the 2.4 GHz band. If your router is broadcasting a single network with a common name (Smart Connect), try temporarily separating the networks in the router settings or creating a guest network that uses only the 2.4 GHz frequency.
For a more in-depth diagnosis, you can print a network configuration report, which contains the current IP address, MAC address, and connection status. To do this, press and hold the Continue/Cancel button (the one with the exclamation mark or the cross, depending on the firmware version) for a few seconds until the indicators start flashing.
Typical problems and solutions
Despite the simplicity of the architecture, users often encounter a situation where the Wi-Fi indicator continues to blink, indicating a lack of connection. Most often, the problem lies in incompatible encryption standards or distance to the router.
Check if MAC address filtering is enabled on your router. If so, you'll need to find the printer's MAC address (by printing a report or looking at the sticker on the bottom of the device) and add it to the whitelist of allowed devices in the router settings.
- 📶 Weak signal: Make sure the signal strength at the printer installation location is sufficient; metal objects and microwave ovens may cause interference.
- 🔐 Incorrect password: When setting up manually via a PC, carefully check the keyboard layout and the case of the Wi-Fi password.
- 🔄 IP conflict: In rare cases, rebooting the router so that it reassigns an IP address to the printer can help.
If nothing helps, perform a full procedure for clearing the print queue on your computer and reinstall the driver, after first removing the old device from the list of printers in the operating system control panel.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to connect this printer to the router without a computer, only from a phone?
Yes, this is possible through the HP Smart app. Your phone must be connected to Wi-Fi, and the app will transfer network credentials to the printer via Bluetooth or a direct Wi-Fi connection.
Does the HP LaserJet M28W support LAN (Ethernet) cable connection?
No, the M28W model is equipped only with a Wi-Fi module and a USB port. For a LAN connection, look for a model with an "N" or "NW" suffix in the name, such as the M28NW.
What does a blinking blue Wi-Fi light mean?
A flashing blue light indicates the wireless module is enabled but not connected to the router. A solid blue light indicates a successful connection to the network.
Do I need to turn off my router while setting up my printer?
No, the router must be turned on and stable. However, if you're using the WPS method, the router's button must be pressed within 2 minutes of activating the printer's search mode.