How to connect the HP Laser MFP 135w to a Wi-Fi router

Modern office equipment demands flexibility, and eliminating unnecessary wires is becoming the standard for most users. HP Laser MFP 135w — This compact laser device fits perfectly into the wireless office concept, allowing you to print documents from any device within the network coverage area. The initial activation process for the communication module may seem confusing due to the lack of a full-fledged touchscreen, but it's actually logical and straightforward.

Before you begin setting up, you need to make sure that your router is working properly and is distributing the Internet in the 2.4 GHz range, since this printer model does not support 5 GHz frequencyThis is a common error that often prevents users from finding the device in the list of available networks. It's also a good idea to prepare the password for your Wi-Fi network in advance, as you'll be entering the password either through a computer or using key combinations on the device itself.

To successfully synchronize your equipment with the network, you'll need a stable power supply and no software blocking it from antivirus or firewall software during driver installation. We'll cover all current connection methods, from a classic USB cable to using wireless technology. WPS and mobile applications. Each of these methods has its own nuances, which we will discuss in detail below.

Preparing for wireless connection

The first step is to physically prepare the device for use. Remove the MFP from the box, remove all shipping tape and the orange locks that block the internal mechanisms. Plug the device into a power outlet and press the power button until the indicator lights stop flashing erratically and enter standby mode.

It is important to understand the difference between the network module operating modes. There is a mode Wi-Fi Direct, when the printer creates its own network, and infrastructure mode, when it connects to your home router. For full functionality of all devices in an office or apartment, we need the latter option, which provides access to internet functions and network scanning.

Check that the wireless indicator on the control panel is lit. If the button with the antenna icon is off or blinking, this means the module is turned off or not configured. In some cases, you may need to reset the current network settings to factory defaults to avoid IP address conflicts with previous configurations.

⚠️ Important: Make sure you know your Wi-Fi network password and that the letters (uppercase or lowercase) are entered correctly. Even a single character error will prevent the printer from logging into the router.

Using a USB cable for initial setup

The most reliable and proven way to introduce a printer to your network is to use a wired connection initially. To do this, you'll need a USB Type-B (printer) cable and a computer running Windows or macOS. This method ensures that the drivers install correctly and the network settings are transferred without errors.

First, connect the cable to the USB port on the back of the MFP. HP Laser MFP 135w and connect to the computer. Wait for the system to recognize the new device. After that, you need to run the driver installation file, which you can download from the manufacturer's official website or use the included disc, although the web version is always more up-to-date.

During installation, the program will ask you about your connection type. Select "Wireless Network Connection" or "Wi-Fi." The installer will prompt you to transfer network settings from your computer to the printer. At this point, the device will automatically find your network and connect to it, after which you can disconnect the USB cable.

☑️ Pre-installation check

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If the automatic transfer of settings did not occur, you can use the utility HP Smart Or use the built-in network setup wizard. In the program menu, select "Set up a new printer" and follow the on-screen prompts. The computer will send the SSID and security key directly to the printer module.

Setup via WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup)

If your router supports the technology WPS, the connection process can be significantly simplified by eliminating the need to manually enter the password. This method is ideal if you don't have a USB cable handy or are setting up the device from a tablet that doesn't have full driver functionality.

Press and hold the wireless button on the printer's control panel for a few seconds until the light starts flashing. Then, within two minutes, press the WPS button on your router. The devices should automatically find each other and exchange encryption keys.

A successful connection is confirmed by the Wi-Fi indicator on the MFP remaining lit. If the indicator continues to flash, the connection has not been established, and you should repeat the process, ensuring you wait within the two-minute timeout.

Indicator status Meaning Action
Turned off Wireless connection is disabled Press the Wi-Fi button
Blinks slowly Setup mode or search Run WPS or setup wizard
Flashing quickly Connection error Check the password or distance to the router
It's on constantly Successful connection You can start printing.

It's worth noting that the WPS method may not work if the router's security settings disable the corresponding feature or if you're using a corporate network with complex authentication. At home, this is the fastest activation method.

What should I do if the WPS button on my router won't press?

Some routers have a WPS button in the web interface. Access the router settings via a browser (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1), find the Wireless or Wi-Fi section, and enable WPS there.

Setup via the HP Smart app

HP has developed a universal app for smartphone and tablet users. HP Smart, which allows you to manage and configure your device without using a computer. This is especially convenient if you want to print photos directly from your phone or scan documents to the cloud.

Download the app from the App Store or Google Play and launch it. Tap the "+" or "Add Printer" icon. The app will prompt you to enable Bluetooth on your mobile device to search for nearby devices. Make sure your phone is connected to the same Wi-Fi network you plan to connect the printer to.

After discovery HP Laser MFP 135w Follow the on-screen instructions. The app will automatically transfer the network settings. If the printer was previously connected to a different network, you may need to reset the network settings by simultaneously pressing the "Wireless" and "Cancel" buttons.

⚠️ Please note: The HP Smart app interface may be updated periodically. Button locations and menu item names may differ from those described, so please refer to the current prompts on your device's screen.

The main advantage of this method is the ability to test printing a test page or scanning a document immediately after setup, without installing cumbersome software on your computer. The app will also report toner levels and device status.

Installing drivers and software

Once the printer is connected to the network, you need to install the drivers on your computer so that the operating system can correctly interact with the device. For the model 135w It is best to use a complete software package that includes not only a print driver, but also utilities for scanning and monitoring.

Go to the official HP support website and enter your device model. Select your operating system from the list. Download the file labeled "Full Software and Drivers Solution." Run the installer and accept the license agreement.

During installation, select the "Wireless" or "Network" connection type. The program will search for the printer on the network. If the device is found, the installation will complete automatically. Otherwise, the wizard will prompt you to use a USB cable for a temporary connection.

  • 🖨️ Print driver — provides basic document output functionality.
  • 📄 HP Scan is a utility for convenient scanning with advanced format and quality settings.
  • 📊 HP Smart Tank / Laser Utility is a program for monitoring toner levels and device status.
  • 🔧 Fax Setup — a tool for setting up fax communication (if supported by the model and provider).

It's important not to interrupt the installation process, even if the program appears to be frozen. During this process, files are copied and services are registered in the system. After completion, it is recommended to restart the computer for all changes to take effect.

Printing a network configuration report

To diagnose connection issues or obtain the device's IP address, print a network configuration report. This document contains all technical information about the current state of the network module, including the MAC address, network SSID, and connection status.

To get a report, press and hold the wireless button on the control panel for a few seconds (usually about 5-10 seconds) until the lights start flashing, or use the button combination specified in the manual (often a "Cancel" button or a special sequence).

In the report, pay attention to the line IP AddressIf the address starts with 192.168... or 10..., then the router has successfully assigned an address to the printer. If you see an address like this 169.254... or 0.0.0.0, this indicates an error obtaining an address (DHCP problem).

The report also indicates the signal strength. If the signal strength is low (less than 50%), the printer may be too far from the router or there are significant obstacles between them, such as concrete walls or microwave ovens.

Common problems and their solutions

Even with proper setup, situations may arise where the printer stops responding or the computer can't see the device on the network. This is most often due to a router changing its IP address or a temporary failure of the network module. Restarting both devices resolves 90% of these issues.

If your printer has disconnected from the network, check if your Windows drivers have been updated, as they could conflict with the current software version. Also, make sure that MAC address filtering isn't enabled in your router settings, as this could block new devices.

If the connection is constantly disconnected, try statically assigning the printer's IP address in your router settings. This will prevent the router from assigning a new address after a reboot, causing your computer to lose connection to the MFP.

  • 🔄 Perform a full network reset on the printer (hold down the Wi-Fi button).
  • 📡 Check if the 2.4 GHz network is working, not just 5 GHz.
  • 🔌 Reconnect the printer power cable to completely reboot the module.
  • 🛡️ Temporarily disable your antivirus to check if printing ports are blocked.

⚠️ Important: If you're using a guest Wi-Fi network, make sure your router settings allow communication between clients (Client Isolation is disabled). On guest networks, by default, devices often can't see each other.

📊 Which connection method was the most difficult for you?
Setup via USB cable
Using WPS
HP Smart app
Installing drivers manually

Remember that the model HP Laser MFP 135w This is a budget solution, and its network module may respond to settings more slowly than those of more advanced models. Allow the device time (up to 2 minutes) to establish a connection after powering on.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Can the HP Laser MFP 135w be connected to a 5GHz network?

No, this model is equipped with a Wi-Fi module that operates exclusively in the 2.4 GHz band. If your router broadcasts networks with the same name (SSID) for both bands, try separating them in the router settings or temporarily disabling the 5 GHz band while setting up the printer.

What should I do if my computer can't see my printer on the network?

Make sure your computer and printer are connected to the same subnet. Check your Windows Firewall—it may be blocking device discovery. You can also try adding the printer manually by IP address using "Devices and Printers" -> "Add Printer" -> "The printer I want is missing" -> "By IP Address."

How do I reset my printer's network settings?

To reset the network settings on the HP Laser MFP 135w, you typically need to turn off the printer, then press and hold the wireless button and the "Cancel" button (or just the wireless button, depending on the firmware revision) while turning it on. Continue holding them for about 10-15 seconds until all the lights flash.

Does this printer support AirPrint for iPhone?

Yes, the HP Laser MFP 135w supports Apple AirPrint, but only after the device is connected to a Wi-Fi network. iOS devices don't require any additional drivers; the iPhone and printer only need to be on the same network.

Why is my printer printing slowly over Wi-Fi?

Network printing speeds may be slower than USB printing due to signal quality or channel congestion. Make sure the printer isn't located far from the router. Large files (such as photos) also take longer to transfer. Try lowering the print quality in the driver settings to speed up the process.