Setting up a wireless workspace is not just a passing fad, but a necessity for the modern user who values mobility and the absence of unnecessary wires. Model HP Laser MFP 135w is a compact laser device that fits perfectly into the smart office concept, allowing you to print documents directly from a laptop or smartphone without the need for physical cables.
The setup process may seem complicated to a beginner, but in reality it comes down to following a series of steps in a specific order. Connection stability depends on the correct password entry and the selection of the correct method for activating the Wi-Fi module on the device itself.
In this guide, we'll cover all the available methods for integrating a printer into your home network, focusing on the nuances of working with Windows and macOS operating systems. You'll learn how to avoid common mistakes that often cause your laptop to not recognize your peripherals, and enjoy the speed of laser printing.
Preparatory stage and compatibility check
Before setting up a wireless connection, you need to make sure your network equipment and the printer itself are ready to communicate. Make sure your router is within range. 2.4 GHz, since this model most often does not support the 5 GHz frequency range for initial setup.
Place your laptop and MFP close to the access point during configuration. This will minimize the risk of data packet loss when transferring installation files and network profiles.
Prepare your Wi-Fi network password in advance. In most cases, the system will require you to enter it manually unless you use automatic syncing via WPS. It's also recommended to temporarily disable VPN services on your laptop to prevent them from blocking your device from being found on the local network.
- 📡 Make sure your laptop and printer are within range of the router's signal.
- 🔌 Check for a free USB port in case you need a temporary wired connection to transfer settings.
- 💻 Find out the bit depth of your operating system (32 or 64 bits) to download the correct driver.
- 📱 Install the application HP Smart to your smartphone if you plan to use mobile printing in the future.
⚠️ Attention: If your router uses the "Guest Network" feature, connecting the printer to it may isolate the device from your laptop, making printing impossible. Use your main home network.
Activating wireless mode on the printer itself
The first step is to translate the device itself HP Laser MFP 135w into connection standby mode. On the control panel, find the button with an image of an antenna or wireless network. Pressing it starts the search for available connections.
If the Wi-Fi indicator starts flashing blue, this means the module is activated and ready to pair. In some cases, you may need to hold the button for a few seconds until the corresponding indicator lights up.
For more advanced configuration, you can use the device's menu if it has a display, although this model often uses a combination of buttons. Pressing the "Cancel" or "Stop" button in combination with the wireless button can reset the network settings to factory defaults, which is useful for reconfiguring.
What to do if the Wi-Fi indicator is not on?
If the indicator light doesn't respond, try unplugging the printer for 30 seconds. Then plug it back in and repeat the activation process. In rare cases, a firmware update via USB cable may be required before setting up Wi-Fi.
It is important to understand that direct connection mode Wi-Fi Direct and infrastructure mode (via a router) are different. To print from a laptop over a home network, we need infrastructure mode, where both devices are on the same local network.
WPS method: the fastest way to connect
Technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) allows you to connect devices without entering long passwords. This is the easiest method if your router supports this feature and has a corresponding physical or software button.
Press the WPS button on your router. It may be marked with a corresponding logo or located in the settings menu of the router's web interface. After pressing it, you have about two minutes to activate the signal on the printer.
Press and hold the wireless button on the panel HP Laser MFP 135w until the indicator light starts flashing. The device will automatically detect the WPS signal from the router and establish a secure connection.
- 🔘 Find the WPS button on the router body (often combined with the Reset button, be careful).
- ⏱️ Observe the timing: activation on the printer must occur within 2 minutes after pressing the button on the router.
- ✅ A successful connection is confirmed by the Wi-Fi indicator on the printer being constantly lit.
⚠️ Attention: Some modern routers disable WPS by default for security reasons. If this method doesn't work, check the security settings in your router's web interface.
Setup via USB cable and HP drivers
If automatic methods don't work, the classic USB cable method remains the most reliable. You'll need to download the full driver and software package for your model from the official HP support website. Laser MFP 135w.
Launch the installer on your laptop and follow the on-screen instructions. The program will automatically detect the device's absence and prompt you to connect it. At a certain point, the installer will ask about the connection type—select "Wireless Connection" or "Configure via USB."
Connect the printer to your laptop using a USB Type-B cable. The program will transfer the Wi-Fi settings (SSID and password) from your computer to the printer. Once the data is transferred, you can disconnect the cable, and the device will switch to wireless mode.
Sequence of actions in the installer:1. Launch HP Smart or the driver installer.
2. Select "Add printer".
3. Select "Set up a new printer".
4. Follow the prompts of the installation wizard.
During the installation process, you may be asked to confirm your actions via Control Panel Windows: Allow the app to make changes to the device so the drivers install correctly.
| Installation stage | User action | Expected result |
|---|---|---|
| Downloading software | Download from HP website | The installer file has been saved on your PC. |
| Connection | Connecting with a USB cable | The system makes a sound when the device is connected. |
| Configuration | Selecting a Wi-Fi network from the list | Transferring a password to a printer |
| Conclusion | Disconnecting the cable | The printer is ready for wireless printing. |
☑️ Checklist before installing drivers
Using the HP Smart app to set up
HP's modern ecosystem is all about apps HP Smart, which is available for Windows 10/11, macOS, Android, and iOS. This universal tool not only configures your printer but also manages scanning and toner levels.
Download the app from the Microsoft Store or Mac App Store. When you first launch it, click the "Add Printer" button or the "+" icon. The app will begin searching for devices on your local network.
If the printer isn't yet configured, HP Smart will prompt you to enter setup mode. The app may ask you to temporarily connect the printer via Bluetooth or USB to initially transfer network information. This is especially true for macOS, where traditional driver installation methods may differ.
The app's interface is intuitive: you select your network from the list, enter the password, and the program takes care of all the technical work. Once setup is complete, a card for your network will appear in the app. HP Laser MFP 135w indicating the status "Ready".
Solution: Printer not found or not printing
Even with proper configuration, situations may arise where the laptop stops detecting the printer. This is often caused by the devices being on different subnets, for example, if client isolation mode is enabled on the router.
Try rebooting your router, printer, and laptop in this order: first the router, wait for it to fully boot up, then the printer, and finally the laptop. This will clear the DNS cache and update the IP addresses on the local network.
Check to see if your antivirus or Windows Firewall is blocking the connection to the printer. Temporarily disable the protection to test. Also, make sure the Print Spooler service is enabled on your computer.
- 🔄 Perform a full reboot of the entire chain: Router → Printer → Laptop.
- 🛡️ Check your firewall settings to see if any printer ports are blocked.
- 📶 Make sure your laptop hasn't switched to 4G/5G mobile network instead of Wi-Fi.
⚠️ Attention: Router interfaces and driver versions are subject to update. If the steps described don't match your experience, please refer to your provider's documentation or the official HP knowledge base for up-to-date screenshots.
How to find out the IP address of a printer?
Print a network configuration report by pressing and holding the wireless button on your printer (if supported) or through the HP Smart menu. You can manually register the device's IP address.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can the HP Laser MFP 135w be connected to a 5GHz network?
The 135w model, like most budget laser MFPs, operates exclusively in the range 2.4 GHzIf your router is broadcasting networks with the same name (Smart Connect), try separating them or forcing them to connect to the 2.4 GHz network during setup.
What to do if the orange Wi-Fi light is on?
A flashing orange light usually indicates a connection error or setup mode. If it stays on continuously, the connection may be lost or the password is incorrect. Try resetting the network settings and re-entering the password.
Do I need to remove the cartridge when connecting?
No, the cartridge must be installed for the printer to function properly, but the Wi-Fi setup process itself does not depend on the presence of toner. However, a cartridge is required to print a test page.
How do I reset my network settings to factory defaults?
Press and hold the Wireless button and the Cancel button (the cross) simultaneously for 3-5 seconds. The indicators should flash, confirming the network settings have been reset.