Multifunctional device HP LaserJet 100 Color MFP M175nw — a popular model for home and small offices, combining printing, scanning, and copying with wireless connectivity. However, setting up Wi-Fi on this printer often raises questions for users: the device doesn't detect the network, drivers fail to install, or the connection constantly drops. In this article, we'll cover all connection steps—from preparing the router to setting it up on various devices—and provide specific recommendations for troubleshooting common issues.
Peculiarity M175nw in that it supports both standard connection via WPS (if your router allows it) or manually entering network parameters. We'll cover both options, explaining how to check the connection and what to do if your printer refuses to print over Wi-Fi. We'll also focus on setting up Windows 10/11, macOS and mobile devices - taking into account the nuances of each platform.
Preparing for connection: what you need to check before you start
Before you begin setting up Wi-Fi, make sure the following basic requirements are met:
- 📡 The router is turned on and distributes a stable Wi-Fi signal (check on another device).
- 🔌 HP M175nw connected to the power grid and within the network's range (no further than 5–7 meters from the router).
- 📱 You have a device (PC, laptop, smartphone) with administrator rights to install drivers.
- 🔑 You know network name (SSID) And password from Wi-Fi.
If your router supports WPS (quick connection button), the process is simplified - but this method does not work on all router models. The HP M175nw does not support 5GHz networks, only 2.4GHz. If your router is running in dual-band mode, temporarily disable 5 GHz or make sure the printer is connected to the 2.4 GHz network.
⚠️ Attention: If your router uses hidden SSID (doesn't broadcast the network name), the printer won't be able to detect it. Temporarily enable network visibility in the router settings.
Also check if it is enabled on the router client isolation mode (Client Isolation) - it blocks the interaction of devices on the local network, and the printer will not be available for printing from other gadgets.
Method 1: Connecting via WPS (the fastest method)
If your router supports the technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup), this is the easiest way to connect HP LaserJet 100 Color MFP M175nwAlgorithm of actions:
- Make sure the WPS light on your router (usually marked with a 🔄 or 🔒 icon) is on.
- On the printer, press and hold the button Wi-Fi (📶) for 3 seconds until the wireless indicator flashes.
- For 2 minutes Press the WPS button on the router (sometimes you need to hold it for 5-10 seconds).
- Wait until the Wi-Fi indicator on the printer stops blinking and turns solid—this means the connection is successful.
If the light continues to flash or goes out, repeat the process. Some routers (e.g. from TP-Link or ASUS) require entering a PIN code instead of pressing a button - in this case, use the manual setup method (described below).
☑️ Preparing for a WPS connection
⚠️ Attention: On some routers (for example, Keenetic) WPS is disabled by default due to security vulnerabilities. You can enable it in the router's web interface under Wi-Fi → WPS.
Method 2: Manual Wi-Fi setup via the printer control panel
If WPS doesn't work or your router doesn't support it, set up the connection manually:
- Press the button on the printer Settings (⚙️) and select
Network → Wireless Network → Wi-Fi Setup. - Select an item
Manual setup(Manual Setup). - Find yours in the list of available networks. SSID and select it. If the network is not listed, check that the router is broadcasting the network in the range 2.4 GHz.
- Enter your Wi-Fi password using the arrows and button OKTo switch the register, use the button
Shift(🔠). - Confirm your entry and wait for the connection to complete. The Wi-Fi indicator should turn solid green.
If the printer gives an error Failed to connect, check:
- 🔤 The password you entered is correct (case-sensitive!).
- 📶 Signal strength - if it is weak, move the printer closer to the router.
- 🔒 Encryption type — M175nw supports WPA2-PSK (AES)If the router uses WPA3 or TKIP, change security settings.
How to enter a complex password on the printer control panel?
Use the arrow keys to select characters and the OK button to confirm. To switch between letters, numbers, and special characters, press Shift (🔠). For example, to enter "P@ssw0rd," you would: select P → Shift → @ → Shift → s → s → Shift → 0 → r → d.
Setting up a printer on a computer (Windows 10/11)
Once the printer is connected to Wi-Fi, it needs to be added to the system. Windows 10/11 it's done like this:
- Open
Settings → Devices → Printers & Scanners. - Click
Add a printer or scanner. - Find in the list HP LaserJet 100 color MFP M175nwIf it is not there, click
The printer you need is not in the list. - Select
Add a printer by TCP/IP addressand enter the printer IP (you can find out by printingNetwork configuration pagefrom the printer control panel). - Install the drivers - the system usually selects them automatically, but if necessary, download them from official HP website.
If the printer is not detected, check:
- 🖥️ The computer and printer are connected to one Wi-Fi network.
- 🔌 Your firewall or antivirus is not blocking access (temporarily disable them to check).
- 📡 The printer's IP address does not conflict with other devices (for example, if the router distributes addresses in the range
192.168.1.100–200, and the printer is assigned a static192.168.1.50).
Setup on macOS, Android and iOS
On Mac adding a printer is done through System Preferences → Printers & Scanners. Click +, select the tab IP and enter the printer address (for example, 192.168.1.105). Drivers are usually installed automatically through AirPrint, but for full functionality (scanning) it may be required HP Easy Start utility.
On Android And iOS use the official app HP Smart:
- Download the app from App Store or Google Play.
- Register or log in to your account HP (can be skipped).
- Click
Add a printerand select M175nw from the list of available devices. - Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.
On Android You can also connect via Settings → Connections → Advanced → Printing, but the functionality will be limited (for example, scanning may not work).
Checking the connection and troubleshooting
To verify that your printer is successfully connected to Wi-Fi, print Network configuration page:
- On the printer control panel, press Settings (⚙️).
- Select
Reports → Network Configuration Page. - Check the lines
Wi-Fi status(should be Connected) AndIP address(For example,192.168.1.105).
Typical problems and their solutions:
| Problem | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| The printer doesn't see the Wi-Fi network. | The network operates in the 5 GHz band or is hidden | Switch your router to 2.4 GHz or temporarily make the network visible |
| The connection is broken | Weak signal or interference | Move the printer closer to the router or change the Wi-Fi channel in the router settings. |
| Printing is very slow. | Slow connection speed | Change the channel width on your router from 20 MHz to 40 MHz (in the Wi-Fi settings) |
| The computer does not find the printer. | Firewall blocking or incorrect network settings | Disable the firewall temporarily or add the printer by IP address |
⚠️ Attention: If after connecting the printer, it prints test pages, but does not accept tasks from the computer, check if it is set as the "default printer" for another device. Windows This can be checked in Settings → Devices → Printers & Scanners.
Additional settings: static IP, internet access
For stable operation in the office, it is recommended to assign the printer static IP addressThis will prevent disruptions when changing DHCP addressing. This can be done in two ways:
- 📡 Via router: Go to the router's web interface (usually at
192.168.1.1), find the sectionDHCP → Address Reservationand bind the printer's MAC address to a fixed IP. - 🖨️ Via the printer panel: Go to
Settings → Network → Wireless Network → IP Settingsand manually set the IP, subnet mask and gateway (must match your network settings).
To access the printer from Internet (for example, to print from a remote PC) you will need:
- Tune port forwarding (port forwarding) on the router for the port
9100(or631for the IPP protocol). - Install dynamic DNS (for example, through the service No-IP), if you have a dynamic IP from your provider.
- Use a secure connection (eg. VPN) to protect data.
Without these measures, the printer will only be accessible on the local network. Also, keep in mind that allowing internet access increases the risk of hacking. Use strong passwords and regularly update the printer firmware.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Connecting the HP M175nw
The printer is connected to Wi-Fi, but it won't print from my computer. What should I do?
Check:
- Are the drivers installed (download from HP website for your model).
- Is the printer in the print queue (open
Devices and Printers → View Print Queue). - Is your antivirus blocking the connection (temporarily disable it).
If nothing helps, remove the printer from the system and add it again by IP address.
How do I reset network settings on a printer?
To reset Wi-Fi to factory settings:
- Turn off the printer.
- Press the buttons Cancel (❌) and Wi-Fi (📶).
- Turn on the printer by holding the buttons for 10-15 seconds until all the indicators flash.
- Release the buttons and the network settings will be reset.
Is it possible to connect a printer to Wi-Fi without a router (in Ad-Hoc mode)?
HP M175nw does not support the mode Ad-Hoc (direct connection to a computer without a router). Wireless printing requires a router or access point. An alternative is to connect via USB or through mobile hotspot (but it is less stable).
How to update printer firmware?
Updating the firmware solves many connection issues:
- Download the latest firmware from HP website (support section for LaserJet 100 Color MFP M175nw).
- Connect the printer to the computer via USB.
- Run the downloaded file and follow the instructions of the update wizard.
Do not turn off the printer during the process!
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.
- Slow router speed - change the Wi-Fi channel to a less busy one (for example, from 6 to 11).
- Large file size - for photos use the mode
Draftor reduce the resolution.