Connecting the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M132nw to Wi-Fi: A Complete Guide with Photos and Tips

Multifunctional device HP LaserJet Pro MFP M132nw — a popular choice for homes and small offices thanks to its compact size, laser printing, and built-in scanner. However, many users encounter difficulties when first connecting it to a wireless network. Unlike wired models, where simply plugging in a cable is enough, setting up Wi-Fi requires understanding several key points: from choosing the correct connection mode to entering the password correctly.

This article will help you understand all the nuances: from setting up the printer for work to solving common problems like "I can't see the network" or "it won't print over Wi-Fi." We'll cover three main connection methods (via control panel, WPS, and USB cable), and we'll also give recommendations on optimizing the connection for stable operation. We'll pay special attention to router settings, which often cause failures - for example, splitting the network into 2.4 and 5 GHz or enabling the MAC address filter.

If you have already tried to connect the printer and received an error like 0x6100004a or 86:XXAt the end of the article, there's a section with decoding the codes and how to fix them. And for those who prefer visual instructions, we've added step-by-step screenshots from the control panel M132nw and examples of router settings.

1. Preparing the printer and network for connection

Before setting up Wi-Fi, make sure the device itself is ready for use. HP LaserJet Pro MFP M132nw It comes with a minimal number of cables—in the box, you'll find only a power cord and a USB cable (for initial setup). Here's what you need to do to get started:

  • 🔌 Plug the printer into a power outlet and press the power button. Wait until the "Ready" light goes out (it may flash for up to 2 minutes when first turned on).
  • 📄 Install the cartridge and load paper into the tray. Even if you don't plan to print right away, the printer may require this for calibration.
  • 📡 Check that the router is turned on and distributing Wi-Fi. M132nw works only with networks 2.4 GHz - If you have a dual-band router, temporarily disable the network 5 GHz or give the networks different names (SSIDs).
  • 🔐 Make sure you know the exact Wi-Fi password. The printer is case-sensitive and sensitive to special characters—it's best to write it down on paper.

An important nuance: If you're connecting a printer in an office to a corporate network (for example, via a proxy or VPN), you may need to contact an administrator. Home routers typically don't pose such problems, but it's worth checking whether a MAC address filter is enabled in the settings—it blocks new devices.

⚠️ Attention: If your router uses the standard 802.11n In 5 GHz only mode, the printer won't be able to connect. Switch the network to mixed mode. 802.11b/g/n or create a separate network for 2.4 GHz.

It's also a good idea to update your printer firmware to the latest version—this fixes connection errors. You can check the firmware's current status through the printer menu: Settings → Reports → Configuration PageThere will be a line in the report Firmware version - compare it with the latest version on official HP website.

📊 How do you usually connect new devices to Wi-Fi?
Via the device control panel
I use the WPS button on the router.
I connect via USB and configure it via PC.
I ask for help from a specialist

2. Method 1: Connecting via the printer control panel

This is the most universal method and works without any additional devices. You only need the printer itself and access to its menu. Follow the instructions:

  1. On the control panel M132nw press the button Settings (gear icon).

  2. Select Network → Wireless → Wi-Fi Setup Wizard.

  3. The printer will begin searching for available networks. When the list appears, select your network (SSID). If your network is not listed, click Refresh or check if Wi-Fi distribution is enabled on your router.

  4. Enter your Wi-Fi password. Use the arrow keys on the keypad to select characters. To switch between upper and lower case, press the key. Change of register (usually indicated by an upward arrow).

  5. Confirm your input and wait for the message ConnectedAt this point, the printer may print a setup report—save it.

Advice: If the password is long or contains special characters (for example, !@#$), it's easier to connect via WPS (described in the next section) or temporarily simplify the password in the router settings.

The printer is turned on and ready to use|The router is distributing a 2.4 GHz network|The Wi-Fi password is written down on paper|The Wi-Fi setup wizard is selected in the printer menu-->

If an error appears after entering the password 86:01 or 86:02, this means the printer was unable to connect to the network. There could be various reasons:

  • 🔍 Incorrect password (check case and special characters).
  • 📡 The network is operating in the mode 5 GHz or uses an incompatible encryption standard (e.g. WPA3 instead of WPA2).
  • 🚫 The MAC address filter is enabled on the router. Add the printer's MAC address to the list of allowed addresses (you can find it in the configuration report).

3. Method 2: Quick connection via WPS

Technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) allows you to connect your device to the network without entering a password—just press a button on the router. This is convenient if your router supports WPS (usually marked with a 🔄 icon or the text WPS). HP LaserJet Pro MFP M132nw compatible with WPS in mode PBC (Push Button Configuration).

Instructions:

  1. On the printer, go to Settings → Network → Wireless → WPS Setup.

  2. Select WPS button (do not confuse with PIN code!).

  3. For 2 minutes Press the WPS button on the router. The router's indicator light should start blinking.

  4. Wait for the message on the printer screen Connected to the networkThe process may take up to 1 minute.

If WPS doesn't work, check if this feature is enabled in your router settings (usually in the Settings section). Wi-Fi → WPS). Some providers disable WPS by default for security reasons.

⚠️ Important: After connecting via WPS, it is recommended to disable this feature on your router, as it is vulnerable to hacking. Use WPS only for initial setup.

The advantage of this method is speed and the elimination of the risk of password errors. However, WPS has its limitations:

  • ❌ Not all routers support WPS (especially new models).
  • ❌ Some corporate networks block WPS.
  • ❌ If there are other devices within range trying to connect via WPS, a conflict may occur.

4. Method 3: Connecting via USB cable and PC

If the first two methods don't work, you can set up Wi-Fi via a computer. You'll need a USB cable (included with the printer) and software. HP Smart or HP Easy StartThis method works for Windows, macOS, and even some mobile devices.

Step-by-step instructions:

  1. Connect the printer to your computer via USB.

  2. Download and install HP Smart from the official website. Alternatively, use the built-in Windows tool. Devices and printers.

  3. Run the program and select Add a printerIf the printer is not detected automatically, click My printer was not found and follow the prompts.

  4. In the settings menu, select Wireless network and follow the connection wizard. The program will automatically find available networks and prompt you to enter the password.

  5. Once connected successfully, disconnect the USB cable. The printer should remain connected to the Wi-Fi network.

Important: If the printer loses Wi-Fi connectivity after disconnecting the USB port, check your router's power-saving settings. Some models turn off "sleeping" devices—find this setting in your router settings. AP Isolation or Client Isolation and turn it off.

For users macOS The process is similar, but may require additional permission to install drivers (allow in System Preferences → Security & Privacy).

5. Checking the connection and troubleshooting

After setting up Wi-Fi, you need to make sure the printer is properly connected and ready to use. Here's how:

  1. Print self-test page: On the printer control panel, press and hold the button Cancel (❌) within 5 seconds. Check the lines in the report Wi-Fi status And IP address.

  2. Try printing a test document from your computer or smartphone. If printing fails, check that the printer is selected as the default in the device settings.

  3. Make sure the Wi-Fi light on the printer is on. blue (connected) or blinking (searching for network). If the indicator is red or orange, there is an error.

Explanation of common errors:

Error code Cause Solution
0x6100004a The printer cannot connect to the network. Check your password, reboot your router, try a different connection method.
86:01 Incorrect password or SSID Please re-enter your password and make sure you have selected the correct network.
86:02 Network not found or weak signal Move the printer closer to the router, check the router settings
E8 Router connection error Restart the printer and router, reset the network settings on the printer

If your printer is connected to Wi-Fi but won't print, check:

  • 🖨️ Is it selected as the default printer on the system?
  • 📱 On your smartphone – is the app installed? HP Smart and whether access to the local network is allowed.
  • 🔒 Is your firewall or antivirus software blocking printing (temporarily disable them for testing).
What should I do if the printer "sees" the network but doesn't connect?

This is a typical issue with Wi-Fi channel conflicts. Try changing the network channel from 2.4 GHz in your router settings. Auto to a fixed one (for example, 6 or 11). Also, check if the router mode is enabled 802.11r (Fast Roaming) - It may interfere with the connection of older devices.

6. Optimize Wi-Fi for stable printer operation

Even if the printer is connected, problems may arise over time, such as connection drops, slow printing, or the device becoming unavailable on the network. To avoid this, configure your router and printer according to these recommendations:

  • 📶 Record the printer's IP address. In the router settings (section DHCP or IP reservation) Bind the printer's MAC address to a permanent IP address. This will prevent problems when changing addresses.
  • 🔄 Turn off Wi-Fi power saving. In the printer menu (Settings → Network → Wireless → Power Saving Mode) select Off.
  • 🛡️ Update your router firmware. Outdated software versions may conflict with modern devices. Check for updates in your router's web interface.
  • 📡 Place the printer closer to the router. Laser MFPs are sensitive to interference - avoid placing them near microwaves, cordless phones, or thick walls.

If you have a lot of devices on your network (smartphones, smart speakers, cameras), consider creating guest network Specifically for the printer. This will reduce the load on the main network and improve connection stability.

It's also helpful to reboot your printer and router periodically (every 1-2 months)—this clears temporary memory and cache errors.

7. Connecting to the printer from different devices

After setting up Wi-Fi HP LaserJet Pro MFP M132nw It can be used on computers, smartphones, and tablets. Let's look at the nuances for different platforms:

Windows 10/11

The system usually automatically finds the printer on the local network. If this doesn't happen:

  1. Open Settings → Devices → Printers & Scanners.
  2. Click Add a printer or scanner.
  3. Choose yours M132nw from the list. If it is not there, click The printer you need is not in the list and enter the IP address manually.

macOS

On a Mac, the printer should appear in the list automatically. If not:

  1. Open System Preferences → Printers & Scanners.
  2. Click +, select the tab IP and enter the printer address (can be found in the self-test report).
  3. In the field Protocol select Line Printer Daemon - LPD.

Android/iOS

For mobile devices, use the app HP Smart:

  1. Download the app from Google Play or App Store.
  2. Register or log in as a guest.
  3. Click + To add a printer, the application will find it automatically M132nw in the local network.

Important for Android: Allow the app to access the local network (in your phone settings) Network & Internet → Wi-Fi → Advanced → Private DNS must be disabled).

8. Frequently asked questions and solutions

The printer is connected to Wi-Fi, but the computer can't see it. What should I do?

Check:

  • Is the printer turned on and is the blue Wi-Fi indicator on?
  • Whether the computer is on the same network (for example, whether it is connected to a guest network or via a VPN).
  • Is the protocol enabled in the router settings? Multicast (needed to detect devices).

If nothing helps, add the printer manually by IP address (see the section above).

Is it possible to connect a printer to Wi-Fi without a display (if the screen is not working)?

Yes, use:

  • Method with USB cable and program HP Smart.
  • WPS button (if the router supports it).
  • Reset the printer to factory settings (hold the button Cancel 10 seconds), then repeat the setup.
How do I reset my printer's Wi-Fi settings?

To reset network settings:

  1. On the printer control panel, go to Settings → Network → Restore network settings.
  2. Confirm the reset. The printer will reboot.
  3. After rebooting, repeat the Wi-Fi setup from scratch.

Alternatively: hold down the button Wireless communication (📡) 10 seconds - this will only reset Wi-Fi settings.

My printer is printing very slowly over Wi-Fi. How can I speed it up?

Reasons for slow printing:

  • Weak Wi-Fi signal - move the printer closer to the router.
  • Overloaded network - turn off unnecessary devices or configure QoS on the router (priority for the printer).
  • Low paper quality - use 80-90 g/m² paper.
  • Toner save mode is enabled - disable it in the print settings.
Can a printer be connected to multiple Wi-Fi networks?

No, HP LaserJet Pro MFP M132nw It only remembers one network. If you need to switch between them (for example, between home and office), you'll have to reconfigure your Wi-Fi or use a USB cable each time.

If your question is not covered in the article, check official HP documentation or contact support with the indication error code (if any). For diagnostic purposes, it is also useful to print Network configuration page — it contains all technical information about the current connection.

⚠️ Note: Printer menu settings and router web interface settings may vary depending on the firmware version. If you don't see this menu item, check the user manual for your model.