It is impossible to imagine a modern office without reliable printing equipment, and HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28w is one of the most popular solutions for small workgroups. This compact multifunctional device combines a laser printer, scanner, and copier, but its main feature is wireless printing. Many users encounter difficulties during initial setup, not knowing how to properly put the device into setup mode and find it on the network. In this article, we will cover all the connection steps in detail. HP MFP to a laptop without using a USB cable.
Successfully integrating the device into your local network will allow you to print documents from any computer or smartphone within range. This is especially important for those who value mobility and a clean desk. Wi-Fi connection Provides stable data transfer and eliminates the need to constantly reconnect cables. We'll look at two main methods: a direct connection (Wi-Fi Direct) and connecting through a home or office router.
Before you begin, make sure you have internet access to download the drivers and know your Wi-Fi password. The setup process may seem complicated at first, but by following the clear instructions, you can complete the task in 10-15 minutes. It's important to understand that LaserJet Pro M28 It only operates in the 2.4 GHz band, which is standard for most budget printing devices. Let's get the equipment ready and move on to setup.
Equipment preparation and compatibility testing
The first step before starting any technical work should be thorough preparation. You need to make sure that HP printer The printer is working properly, loaded with toner, and ready to use. Remove all shipping tapes and plastic clips, which often block the movement of the internal mechanisms. If the printer is new, make sure the cartridge is installed correctly and you hear a distinctive click when it locks into place.
Particular attention should be paid to the compatibility of your operating system. HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28w Supports modern versions of Windows (10, 11), macOS, and various Linux distributions. However, older operating systems, such as Windows 7 or XP, may require additional steps or the use of universal drivers. Check your laptop's hard drive for available space, as the full software can take up to 500 MB.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure your laptop and printer are in the same room during setup. The distance should not exceed 3-5 meters to prevent signal loss during the critical pairing process.
It's also critical to know your network type. As mentioned earlier, this model does not support the 5 GHz standard. If you have a dual-band router, make sure you're trying to connect to the 2.4 GHz network. In some cases, routers broadcast the same network name (SSID) for both bands, which can cause confusion. In this situation, you may need to temporarily separate the networks through the router settings.
☑️ Pre-launch check
Method 1: Setup via HP Smart and USB cable
The most reliable and manufacturer-recommended method is to use the utility HP SmartThis method requires a USB cable (Type AB) initially, as the program uses it to transfer Wi-Fi settings to the printer. Download the app from the official HP website or from the Microsoft Store. After installation, launch the program and click the "Add Printer" button or the plus icon.
The program will begin searching for devices. If the printer isn't configured yet, it will prompt you to connect it via USB. Do so when prompted. At this point, USB connection Acts as a bridge for transmitting data about your wireless network. HP Smart automatically scans the list of available networks and prompts you to select yours. Enter your Wi-Fi password, and the app will transmit this data to the MFP.
Once the settings are transferred, the wireless indicator on the printer's control panel will start flashing blue and then turn solid. This means the device has received an IP address from the router. You can now disconnect the USB cable—it's no longer needed. The printer will automatically appear in the list of available devices in Windows.
| Setup stage | User action | Indication on the printer |
|---|---|---|
| Launching HP Smart | Clicking "Add Printer" | The power indicator is on |
| Connecting the cable | Connecting USB ports | The USB indicator lights up (if present) |
| Data transfer | Entering the Wi-Fi password | The blue Wi-Fi button is flashing |
| Conclusion | Disconnecting the cable | The Wi-Fi light is solid blue. |
Method 2: Setup without a cable (Wi-Fi Direct and WPS)
If you don't have a USB cable handy, you can use alternative methods. The first of these is using technology Wi-Fi DirectThis mode allows you to create a direct connection between your laptop and printer, bypassing the router. On the MFP control panel, press and hold the wireless button until the indicator light starts blinking. This activates discovery mode.
On your laptop, in the list of available Wi-Fi networks, you'll see a name containing "HP-Setup-28-series" or something similar. Connect to this network. The default password is usually found on a sticker on the back of the device or in the manual (often "12345678"). Once connected, open a browser and go to 192.168.223.1—this is the printer's built-in web server. You can launch the setup wizard there.
The second option is to use a button WPS On your router, if available. This method simplifies the process as much as possible. Press and hold the WPS button on your router for 3 seconds until the security light flashes. Then, within 2 minutes, press and hold the Wi-Fi button on the printer. The devices will automatically find each other and exchange encryption keys.
⚠️ Attention: When using WPS, make sure this feature isn't disabled in your router's security settings. Some ISPs block WPS due to protocol vulnerabilities.
Both methods allow you to avoid fiddling with drivers initially, as the operating system often automatically downloads basic drivers from Windows Update. However, for full scanner functionality, it's still recommended to install the full software package later.
Installing drivers and software
After successfully connecting to the network, you need to install the software for full functionality. The basic drivers that Windows installs automatically often limit functionality: the scanner or toner level monitoring may not work. To access all features, visit the official support page. HP and enter your device model.
Download the "Full Feature Software and Driver" package. It's approximately 200-300 MB in size, so the download may take some time. Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions. The program will automatically find the printer on the network using its IP address. If the automatic search fails, select "My printer not found" and enter the IP address manually.
IP address You can check the printer's status by printing a configuration report. To do this, press and hold the "Cancel" button (the cross) on the printer's control panel for 3-5 seconds. In the report, look for the IPv4 Address line. Entering this address in the browser's address bar will open the EWS (Embedded Web Server) control panel, where you can also update the firmware.
Why do you need firmware?
Firmware is the printer's operating system. Updating it can fix printing errors, improve Wi-Fi connection stability, and add support for new paper sizes. Updating is recommended only if you experience problems or upon the advice of technical support.
Diagnosis and solution of typical problems
Even if you follow the instructions exactly, problems may occur. One common issue is when the printer is online but has an "Offline" status. This often happens if the device's IP address has changed (dynamic addressing) and the old one remains in the system. Solution: Create a port with a static IP address in the printer properties in the Windows Control Panel.
Another common issue is a weak signal. Laser printers are susceptible to interference from microwave ovens and strong radiation sources. If the printer is located far from the router, printing speed may drop and the connection may be lost. In such cases, use Wi-Fi repeater or move the router closer to the printing area.
If your laptop doesn't detect the printer at all, check your firewall and antivirus settings. Sometimes they block detection of network devices. Try temporarily disabling protection or adding an exception for HP printing services. Also, make sure that client isolation isn't enabled in your router settings, which prevents devices on the same network from seeing each other.
⚠️ Attention: Router interfaces and driver versions may vary. If the steps described don't match your screen, check your specific router's documentation or log in to your provider's account.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can HP M28w be connected to an Android phone or iPhone?
Yes, this is possible. For Android, use the Mopria Print Service app or the HP Print Service Plugin. For iOS, your device supports AirPrint—just make sure your iPhone and printer are on the same network and select printing from the "Share" menu.
What should I do if the orange attention light is on?
A flashing orange light usually indicates an error: out of paper, an open cover, or a jam. If it remains on continuously, there may be a problem with the cartridge or a critical error in the mechanism. Try restarting the device.
Does this printer support printing from a flash drive?
No, model HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28w There is no USB port for connecting external drives (Host USB). Printing is only possible from a computer or mobile devices over the network.
How to find out the IP address of a printer without printing a report?
In Windows, go to "Settings" → "Devices" → "Printers & Scanners." Select your HP M28w, click "Manage" → "Printer Properties." The IP address is often listed under the "Web Services" or "Ports" tab.