Switching to wireless printing in a home office or small business greatly simplifies document management by eliminating the need for cumbersome cables. Printer HP LaserJet Pro M104w is one of the most popular models in its class due to its compactness and technology support Wi-Fi DirectHowever, initial network connection setup often raises questions for users, especially if the drivers are not installed automatically.
In this article, we'll cover all the steps for connecting a device to a router using various methods, including mobile apps and standard operating system tools. You'll learn how to properly prepare the equipment and the protocol's nuances. WPS And what to do if your computer doesn't see the printer on the local network. Proper setup at the initial stage will help avoid most access issues in the future.
Before you begin, make sure your router is working properly and that the printer is located within a strong signal range. Incorrect placement of the router or the use of outdated encryption methods can be the hidden cause of constant connection drops. We'll cover the technical aspects that will help you set up M104w as efficiently as possible.
Preparatory stage and equipment testing
The first step to successfully integrating a printer into a network is proper physical installation and initial initialization. The device HP LaserJet Pro M104w The device must be connected to a power source and fully operational, as indicated by a lit power indicator. It's important to understand that Wi-Fi setup is only possible after the device completes its internal self-test cycle.
Check the control panel: if the wireless indicator is flashing blue, this means setup mode is active and the device is ready to pair. If the indicator light is solid, the printer is already attempting to connect to a previously saved network, and a reset is required for a new setup. You may need to temporarily use a USB cable to get started if automatic network detection doesn't occur immediately.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure your router broadcasts a network in the 2.4 GHz range Model M104w does not support modern 5 GHz networks, and attempting to connect to them will result in an error, even if the network name (SSID) is the same.
It's also critical to know your Wi-Fi network password and have it handy. In some cases, the router's security system may block new devices unless the owner's actions are verified. Before beginning setup, close all unnecessary applications on your computer to free up system resources for driver installation.
☑️ Ready to connect
Using WPS technology for quick setup
The fastest way to connect HP LaserJet Pro M104w to the home network is the use of technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup). This method allows you to transfer security settings automatically, without having to manually enter a complex password on a computer or smartphone keyboard. Most modern routers are equipped with a physical button or a software-based WPS function.
To use this method, press and hold the wireless button on the printer for a few seconds until the light starts flashing. Immediately after, go to the router and press the WPS button. Within two minutes, the devices should find each other and exchange encryption keys. A successful connection will be confirmed by a steady blue light on the printer.
However, it's important to note that not all providers and router models support this feature by default. Some internet service providers disable WPS for security reasons, as this protocol has known vulnerabilities. If after a minute the printer's light stops flashing and becomes steady, but nothing prints, this method may not have worked.
- 📶 Find the WPS button on your router (often labeled as WPS or a lock icon).
- 🖨️ Activate search mode on your printer M104w by long pressing the Wi-Fi button.
- 🔒 Make sure your router isn't set to block new connections via a MAC filter.
- ⏱️ Observe the time interval: no more than 2 minutes should pass between pressing buttons on the printer and the router.
What to do if WPS doesn't work?
If automatic connection fails, WPS may be disabled on your router or an incompatible encryption type is being used. In this case, you'll need to access the router settings via a browser and check the WPS status, or use an alternative setup method via USB or the HP Smart app.
Setup via the HP Smart app
The modern standard for managing Hewlett-Packard printing equipment is the application HP SmartThis software is available for Windows, macOS, and iOS and Android mobile platforms. Using this app significantly simplifies the process, as it automatically detects the device and provides step-by-step instructions.
To get started, download and install the HP Smart app from the official Microsoft Store, App Store, or Google Play. After launching the app, click the Add New Printer button. The app will prompt you to enable Bluetooth on your smartphone or computer—this is necessary for initial discovery. M104w in setup mode.
During the installation process, the program may offer to update the printer firmware. It is recommended to agree This step is recommended, as new firmware versions often contain fixes for Wi-Fi connection issues. After the update, the app will automatically transfer your Wi-Fi network settings to the printer. All you have to do is wait for the process to complete and perform a test print.
A key advantage of this method is its cross-platform functionality. By setting up the printer via your phone, you automatically gain the ability to print from any device connected to the same network, without having to install additional drivers on each computer. The mobile app also handles the installation of all necessary network components in the operating system.
Classic method: installing drivers with a USB cable
If wireless methods don't work or are unreliable, use the tried-and-true USB cable method. This method ensures stable data transfer for the initial network configuration. You'll need a USB 2.0 Type-A to Type-B cable, which is usually included but can be purchased separately.
Download the full package of drivers and software for the model HP LaserJet Pro M104w From the official support website. Run the installation file and follow the on-screen instructions. When the installer asks you to select a connection type, select "Wireless," but don't disconnect the cable yet.
At a certain point, the installation wizard will ask you to connect a USB cable. Do so, and the program will automatically read your current network settings or prompt you to select your Wi-Fi network from a list of available ones. After entering the password, the program will transfer the settings to the printer, and the Wi-Fi indicator will turn blue. Only then can you disconnect the cable.
| Setup stage | Necessary actions | Status indicator |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation | Downloading software, connecting USB | The power indicator is on |
| Network selection | Selecting an SSID in the installer menu | USB/Wi-Fi indicator blinking |
| Data transfer | Enter password, waiting for configuration | Wireless module blinking rapidly |
| Conclusion | Disconnect the cable, test print | The blue Wi-Fi indicator is constantly on |
This method is especially useful on corporate networks, where network names (SSIDs) may be hidden or complex corporate security certificates may be used, which mobile apps sometimes ignore. A full-fledged driver provides a deeper level of control over the device.
Wi-Fi Direct: Print without a router
A unique feature of the model M104w is technology support Wi-Fi DirectIt allows you to connect smartphones, tablets, and laptops directly to the printer, creating a private wireless network independent of the main router. This is an ideal solution for situations where the internet is congested or unavailable.
To activate this mode, press the Wi-Fi Direct button on the printer control panel. The device will print a connection report, including the network name (e.g., DIRECT-xx-HP M104w) and password. Once connected to this network from your phone, you can print documents instantly.
However, it's important to remember the limitations of this technology: while the device is connected to the printer's Wi-Fi Direct, it may lose internet access if the smartphone isn't configured to switch between interfaces correctly. Furthermore, data transfer speeds when printing directly may be lower than when using a full-fledged router.
- 📲 Ideal for printing photos from your guests' phones.
- 🔐 The connection password can be changed through the printer's web interface.
- 📉 Printing speed via Wi-Fi Direct is usually lower than via a LAN/WLAN router.
- 🔄 Up to 5 devices can be connected to Direct mode simultaneously.
⚠️ Note: When using Wi-Fi Direct, your mobile phone may alert you that there is no internet access. This is normal, as the printer does not provide internet access, only a local connection.
Diagnosing problems and resetting network settings
During operation, situations may arise when the printer M104w The network connection stops responding or displays as "Offline." This is often caused by the router changing its IP address or by an address conflict. The first step in troubleshooting should always be a network configuration report, which will show the current IP address and connection status.
If standard recovery methods don't help, a complete reset of the printer's network settings to factory defaults is an effective solution. To do this, press and hold the wireless button and the cancel button (the cross) on the control panel for 3-5 seconds. The lights should flash, confirming the reset.
After the reset, the device will enter setup mode and can be reconnected using any of the methods described above. It's also worth checking whether Windows Firewall or antivirus software is blocking the printer's network port. Sometimes, adding the device to the exceptions list resolves the issue of the printer disappearing from the list of available printers.
Please remember that software and interfaces are subject to update. If you experience unusual behavior in the HP Smart interface or a change in the sequence of actions, please consult the official documentation or the manufacturer's knowledge base, as application algorithms may change.
Why doesn't the HP M104w printer detect the 5 GHz network?
Model LaserJet Pro M104w The router is equipped with a wireless module that operates exclusively in the 2.4 GHz frequency range. It is physically unable to see or connect to 5 GHz networks. To resolve this issue, ensure that your router is broadcasting a 2.4 GHz network and that the network names (SSIDs) for the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands are different to avoid confusion when selecting a network.
How do I find the printer's IP address for setup?
To obtain the current IP address, press and hold the information button (the "i" icon) on the printer control panel for a few seconds. The printer will print a report showing the IP address in the "Network Information" or "IPv4 Address" section. This address is required to access the Embedded Web Server (EWS).
Is it possible to connect a printer to a hidden network (Hidden SSID)?
Connecting to a hidden network is possible, but it requires manual configuration via a USB cable and the full HP software, as automatic discovery and WPS are not supported in this mode. In the setup wizard, you will need to select "Connect to a hidden network" and manually enter the exact network name (SSID) and password.
What does a blinking blue Wi-Fi light mean?
A blinking blue light indicates the printer's wireless module is turned on, in setup mode, and ready to connect, but is not currently connected to any network. If the light blinks slowly, it's searching for a network; if it blinks quickly, it's transferring data or connecting.