Modern office tasks require mobility, and the ability to print documents directly from a smartphone has become standard. Compact multifunctional devices of the series HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28 And M31 Ideal for small workspaces due to their versatility, wireless connections are often challenging for those accustomed to wired interfaces.
In this guide, we will cover all current activation methods. Wi-Fi module on your MFP. You'll learn how to use the official mobile app, WPS, and a direct connection for fast print data transfer. Proper network configuration will ensure stable operation of the device without unnecessary cables.
Before proceeding with the software, make sure the equipment is ready for use. Check the toner cartridge and make sure the device is plugged in. You will also need to know the password for your home or office wireless network.
Preparing equipment for wireless operation
The first step is to physically activate the communication interface on the device itself. On the control panel HP LaserJet Pro M28w or M31w Find the button with the image of an antenna or wireless network. Briefly pressing this button puts the printer into network search mode or pairing mode.
Pay attention to the indicators: if the wireless button is blinking blue, the device is ready to connect. In some cases, if the printer was previously used on a different network, a reset may be necessary. To do this, press and hold the wireless button and the cancel button (the cross) simultaneously for a few seconds until all indicators blink.
⚠️ Important: Make sure your router is broadcasting in the 2.4 GHz range, as many models in this series do not support 5 GHz networks during initial setup.
It is important to understand the difference between operating modes. In normal mode Wi-Fi Direct Allows the phone to connect directly to the printer without a router, whereas a traditional connection requires shared infrastructure. For permanent office use, the traditional router method is preferable.
Using the HP Smart app to set up
The most modern and convenient way of configuration is to use a mobile application. HP SmartThis tool is available for operating systems Android And iOS and automatically detects nearby devices. Download the app from the official store (Google Play or App Store) and launch it.
After registering or signing in, click the "Add Printer" button or the "+" icon. The app will ask for permission to use geolocation and Bluetooth—this is necessary for device detection. Select your HP LaserJet from the list of found devices and follow the on-screen instructions.
During setup, the app will automatically transfer your Wi-Fi network passwords to the printer. You won't have to manually enter them through a cumbersome one-button panel. Once successfully connected, the device's status will change to "Ready," and you can immediately print a test page.
☑️ Check before setup
Setup via WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup)
If your router supports WPS technology, the connection process can be significantly simplified. This method allows you to establish a connection without entering a password, simply confirming the action by pressing a button. Look for the button marked WPS or the corresponding icon.
Press and hold the WPS button on the router for 2-3 seconds until the security light starts flashing. Then, within two minutes, press and hold the wireless button on the control panel. HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28/M31The device will automatically exchange encryption keys.
A successful connection is confirmed by a steady blue wireless indicator on the printer. If the indicator continues to flash, the connection has not been established, and you should repeat the process, ensuring you meet the connection time limit.
What to do if WPS doesn't work?
The WPS feature may be disabled in your router's security settings or may not be supported by your ISP. In this case, use the HP Smart app setup method or manually create a temporary network.
Direct connection via Wi-Fi Direct
Mode Wi-Fi Direct Allows you to create a direct wireless connection between your phone and printer, bypassing the router. This is especially useful if you're in a location without access to the main network or if the network is congested. To activate, press the wireless button on the printer until the direct connection indicator lights up.
On your phone, go to your Wi-Fi settings and find the network with a name that contains HP-Print- and the device model. Connect to it. If a password is required, you can find it by printing a configuration report (by pressing the "i" information button on the printer) or viewing it in the app.
| Parameter | Description | Where to find |
|---|---|---|
| Network name (SSID) | Direct-HP-M28... | List of Wi-Fi networks on your phone |
| Default password | 12345678 | Configuration Report |
| IP address | 192.168.223.1 | Phone network settings |
| Protocol | 802.11 b/g/n | Data sheet |
It's worth noting that when using Wi-Fi Direct, your phone may temporarily lose internet access as it switches to a direct connection with the printer. After printing, be sure to switch back to your primary network.
Solution when connecting
Users often encounter a situation where their phone can't see the printer. Make sure both devices are on the same subnet. If you're using a guest network on your router, it may block communication between devices on the local network for security reasons.
⚠️ Note: Antivirus programs or firewalls on your computer may block printer detection, but on mobile devices, the main issue is usually Wi-Fi privacy settings.
Another common issue is incompatible encryption standards. Make sure your router isn't set to "WPA3 Only" if your printer is older. Mixed mode is the optimal choice. WPA2/WPA3 or simply WPA2-Personal.
If all else fails, perform a full reset of the printer's network settings. Press and hold the wireless button and the "i" button simultaneously for 5 seconds. This will reset the network module to factory settings, after which you'll need to start the setup again.
Print documents and photos from your phone
Once successfully connected, the printing process becomes trivial. In most apps (browsers, gallery, office suites), select "Share" or "Print." Select your printer from the list of available printers. HP LaserJet.
The system will prompt you to configure the parameters: paper size (usually A4), orientation (portrait or landscape) and the number of copies. For black and white When printing lasers, it's important to check if the toner saver mode is accidentally enabled if you need maximum quality.
The M31 series MFP also supports network scanning. Via the app HP Smart You can launch the scanner from your phone, and the image will be immediately saved to your device's gallery as a PDF or JPEG. This eliminates the need for a computer as an intermediary.
Why does my phone say "No Internet access" when connecting to a printer?
This is normal behavior when using Wi-Fi Direct mode. Your phone connects to the printer's local network, which is not connected to the internet. This isn't necessary for printing, but for messaging apps to work, you'll need to switch back to your primary Wi-Fi.
Is it possible to connect a printer to a 5 GHz network?
Models HP LaserJet Pro M28/M31 They are equipped with a single-stream 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi module that operates exclusively in the 2.4 GHz band. Connecting them to a 5 GHz network is technically impossible; the router must broadcast a 2.4 GHz network for successful pairing.
How to find the IP address of a printer on the network?
Press the "i" information button on the device's control panel once. A report will print, showing the current IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.55) in the "Network" or "Wireless" section. This information can also be found in the HP Smart app under printer settings.