Modern office equipment requires flexibility, and wireless connection has become the standard for comfortable work. Model HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28a This compact device is often chosen for home offices or small workgroups due to its cost-effectiveness. However, initial setup of the connection between a laptop and printer without a USB cable can be challenging for inexperienced users. Unlike the higher-end models in the series, this device does not have a built-in display, which changes the process of entering the router password.
In this article, we'll cover all the configuration steps in detail, from preparing the hardware to installing drivers in the operating system. You'll learn how to use WPS for quick synchronization or how to manually enter network data through a special utility menu. We'll also cover the nuances of working with different operating systems so that your laptop guaranteed to "see" the printing device on the local network.
Proper setup will ensure stable document printing from any device connected to the same access point. It's important to understand that for proper operation communication protocol must be configured correctly, otherwise connection interruptions or complete device inaccessibility are possible. Let's move on to practical steps that will help you get printing up and running in minutes.
Preparatory stage and compatibility check
Before you begin programming, you need to make sure that the hardware is physically ready. Make sure that HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28a Plugged into a power outlet and within range of your router's signal. The distance between the devices shouldn't be too great, especially if there are solid walls or sources of strong electromagnetic interference between them. Also, make sure your laptop's Wi-Fi module is active and connected to the same network to which you plan to connect the printer.
Particular attention should be paid to the frequency range. This model supports the standard 802.11b/g/n, which means it operates exclusively in the 2.4 GHz band. If your router broadcasts only on the 5 GHz frequency or has separate names for different bands (e.g., Home_2.4 and Home_5G), the laptop must be connected to the 2.4 GHz network during setup. Otherwise, the software simply won't detect the device in the local segment.
⚠️ Note: If you have a dual-band router with the "Smart Connect" feature (a single network name for both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), you may have trouble detecting the device with older drivers. In this case, we recommend temporarily separating the networks in the router settings or using the WPS method, which often bypasses this restriction.
For successful installation, you will need to download the latest driver package. Do not use the included discs, as their software versions may have been outdated when the device was manufactured. Visit the manufacturer's official website, find your model in the support section, and download full driver package (Full Feature Software), not the basic PCL driver, which does not contain a wireless setup utility.
Using WPS technology for fast synchronization
The easiest way to make friends HP printer with a router - this is the use of technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup)This method allows you to automatically transfer the network password, eliminating the need to manually enter it on your computer. First, make sure your router has a physical WPS button or the corresponding feature is enabled in the web interface. On most modern routers, a short press is enough to initiate search mode.
On the control panel M28a Find the button with the wireless network (antenna) icon. Press and hold it for a few seconds until the indicator light next to it starts blinking. This indicates that the device is in connection standby mode. Now, within two minutes, press the WPS button on your router. If everything is successful, the Wi-Fi indicator on the printer will turn solid blue, indicating that it has successfully acquired an IP address.
- 📶 Press and hold the Wi-Fi button on the printer until the indicator light starts blinking.
- 🔄 Within 2 minutes, press the WPS button on the router body.
- ✅ Wait until the Wi-Fi light on your HP device stops blinking and remains solid.
- 💻 Run the driver installation on your laptop, selecting the "Wireless" connection type.
Once the connection is successful, you can proceed to installing the software. When launching the installer, select the "Connect a new printer" option and indicate that the device is already connected to the network. The program will automatically find IP address devices and complete the installation of the necessary components.
Setup via USB cable and software wizard
If automatic WPS synchronization doesn't work or your router doesn't support this feature, you'll need to use a more traditional method. You'll need a short USB Type AB (printer) cable, which is often included in the box but may be missing with some regional versions. The method involves first connecting the laptop and printer via a wire, allowing the setup program to read the Wi-Fi settings from the system and transfer them to the device, and then disconnecting the cable.
Run the previously downloaded setup file. During the installation process, select the "Wireless" or "Network" connection type. When prompted to connect your device, insert the USB cable. The setup wizard will read your laptop's current network settings (SSID and encryption type) and offer to transfer them to HP LaserJetYou may be asked to confirm the action by pressing a button on the printer panel if the program prompts you to do so.
☑️ USB Setup Checklist
Important: Do not disconnect the USB cable until the installer clearly informs you that the settings have been successfully transferred and prompts you to do so. Disconnecting it prematurely will interrupt the configuration process, and network parameters will not be written to the printer's non-volatile memory. After disconnecting the cable, the device should automatically connect to the router, indicated by the wireless indicator lighting up.
⚠️ Important: Make sure you disable VPN services and proxy servers when transferring settings via USB. They can distort the detection of the real network interface, causing the program to transmit incorrect gateway data to the printer.
Manual configuration via HP Smart and web interface
For more advanced users or in cases where the standard installer does not behave correctly, there is the option of manual configuration via the embedded web server (EWS) or application HP SmartHowever, since the M28a model doesn't have a display for entering the IP address, you first need to find out the device's current address. This can be done by printing a network configuration report: press and hold the Cancel button (the cross) for 5-7 seconds until the power button starts flashing, then release it. The printer will print a page with technical data.
Find the line in the report IP Address (e.g., 192.168.1.45). Enter this address into the address bar of any browser on a laptop connected to the same network. This will open the printer control panel. Go to the "Networking" tab -> "Wireless." Here, you can manually select the desired network (SSID) from the list of available ones and enter the password. This method is especially useful if the network is hidden (doesn't broadcast its name) or uses corporate authentication methods.
| Parameter | Description | Where to find |
|---|---|---|
| SSID | Your wireless network name | Setting up Wi-Fi on Windows/macOS |
| IP Address | The printer's unique address on the network | Configuration Report (Cancel button) |
| Subnet Mask | Subnet mask (usually 255.255.255.0) | Configuration Report / Router Settings |
| Gateway | Gateway address (router address) | Configuration Report / Router Settings |
Using the application HP Smart (available in the Microsoft Store or Mac App Store) also allows you to add a device over the network. The app automatically scans the local network for HP printers. If a device is found but not connected to the internet, the app will guide you through a setup wizard, which is essentially a graphical interface for the processes described above, but with a more user-friendly interface.
What should I do if the web interface doesn't open?
If your browser says "The site can't be accessed," check whether your laptop is on the same subnet as your printer. Also, try using incognito mode or a different browser. Ad blockers can sometimes prevent EWS elements from loading.
Installing drivers and completing configuration in Windows
Once the printer has received an IP address and connected to the router, you need to install the drivers in the operating system. In Windows 10 and 11, the process is as automated as possible. Open "Settings" -> "Devices" -> "Printers & Scanners." Click "Add a printer or scanner." The system will begin searching. If HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28a If it's visible online, it will appear in the list. Click on it to install.
However, for full functionality (scanning over the network, monitoring toner levels, setting up energy saving), it's best to use the driver downloaded from the official website. Run the installer and select "I've already connected my printer to the network" or a similar option. The program will find the device. MAC address or IP. Follow the on-screen instructions. During the installation process, you may be asked to allow access through Windows Firewall for the HP app.
To check the functionality, open any document and click Ctrl + PIn the list of printers, select HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28If the status shows "Ready," you can send the document to print. To configure scanning, use the utility. HP Scan or the built-in Windows Fax and Scan application, selecting the Network source.
Troubleshooting and Common Errors
Even with proper configuration, problems can still occur. One common issue is a change in the printer's IP address. If your network's DHCP server (usually built into the router) assigns a new address to the device, the computer may lose connection to the old one. To avoid this, you can use the printer's web interface (EWS) to lock the IP address by assigning a static value outside the dynamic range or by using MAC address reservation in the router settings.
Another common error is "Printer Unavailable." Check if the blue Wi-Fi indicator on the printer is lit. If it's blinking, the connection has been lost. Try restarting the router and printer in the following order: turn off the printer, restart the router, wait for the router to fully boot up, then turn on the printer. Also, make sure the port isn't blocked in your antivirus or firewall settings. 9100, which is used for printing.
- 🔌 Check the physical connection and status indicators on the panel.
- 🔄 Reboot your equipment in the correct sequence (Router -> Printer).
- 🛡️ Check your firewall and antivirus settings to see if they are blocking printing ports.
- 📡 Make sure that the laptop and printer are on the same subnet (the first three IP numbers match).
If all else fails, reset the printer's network settings to factory defaults. To do this, press and hold the "Wireless" and "Cancel" buttons simultaneously for 5 seconds. After this, you'll have to repeat the setup process. In more complex cases, updating the device's firmware via the HP Update utility may help if the printer is temporarily connected via USB.
⚠️ Note: The web panel (EWS) interface and settings menu may vary slightly depending on the firmware version installed on your device. Up-to-date screenshots and instructions are always available in the support section of the manufacturer's official website.
Why is my printer printing slowly over Wi-Fi?
Network printing speed depends on signal quality. If the router is located far away or behind thick walls, data transfer speed drops, and the printer takes a long time to process chunks of data. Try moving the router closer or using a Wi-Fi repeater.
Questions and Answers (FAQ)
Can the HP M28a be connected to 5GHz Wi-Fi?
No, model HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28a Only supports the 802.11b/g/n standard, which operates exclusively in the 2.4 GHz band. To connect, make sure your router broadcasts in this range.
What should I do if my laptop doesn't see the printer on the network?
Check that both devices are connected to the same network (SSID). Make sure the printer's Wi-Fi light is solid blue. Try temporarily disabling your antivirus or firewall. Restarting the Print Spooler service in Windows may also help.
How to find out the IP address of a printer without printing a report?
If the drivers are already installed, you can find the IP address in the printer properties: "Devices and Printers" -> Right-click the printer -> "Printer Properties" -> "Ports" tab. The address will be listed in the "Port" column.
Does this model support Wi-Fi Direct?
Yes, HP M28a Supports Wi-Fi Direct. This allows you to print directly from your phone or laptop without connecting to your main router. To do this, activate the feature using the button on the control panel (if configured) or through the driver menu, and connect to a network whose name contains "DIRECT-HP...".