Installation of a modern MFP HP LaserJet Pro M28W Connecting to a wireless network often raises questions for users accustomed to wired connections. The lack of a screen on the device's body significantly simplifies the design, but requires alternative setup methods, such as mobile apps or the WPS button on the router. Proper network configuration allows printing from any device in the home without the need to constantly reconnect cables.
The process of activating a wireless module requires preliminary equipment preparation and an understanding of the principles of security protocols. Wi-FiIn this article, we'll cover all available methods for integrating a printer into a local network, focusing on common errors and driver nuances. Following the steps below will ensure stable operation of the device for a long time.
Before you begin, make sure your router is working properly and distributing internet to other devices. HP LaserJet Pro M28W It supports 802.11b/g/n standards, which means it's compatible with most home networks, but you may encounter issues with the 5GHz band, which some models don't see during initial setup.
Equipment preparation and compatibility testing
The first step is to physically position the device and check its technical condition. The printer should be located within a strong signal range, ideally no more than 10-15 meters from the router, without thick concrete or metal walls. Plug the device into the network and wait for the warm-up cycle to complete, which will be indicated by the ready light.
It's critical to know your wireless network settings before you begin setup. You'll need the exact network name (SSID) and its password. If the password contains special characters or Cyrillic, it may be difficult to enter through standard interfaces, so it is recommended to use Latin characters and numbers.
⚠️ Please note: The M28W model does not support connecting to hidden networks (Hidden SSID) during initial setup. Make sure your router is broadcasting the network name, otherwise automatic device discovery will not work.
It is also worth checking whether filtering is activated on the router. MAC addressesIf you have a whitelist of devices configured, the new printer will be blocked immediately upon attempting to connect. In this case, you must first find the MAC address on the label on the bottom of the MFP and add it to the router settings.
WPS method: quick connection without password
The easiest way to integrate HP LaserJet Pro M28W the network is the use of technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup). This method transfers security settings automatically, without manually entering a password, eliminating typos. To implement this method, your router must also support this feature and have a corresponding physical or software button.
Press and hold the wireless button on the printer control panel for 3 seconds until the light starts flashing. Then, within 2 minutes, press the WPS button on your router. The devices will find each other and exchange encryption keys.
☑️ WPS Readiness Check
If the process is successful, the wireless indicator on the MFP will stop blinking and turn solid. This means that IP address received and the connection is established. After this, you can proceed to installing the drivers on your computer.
Setup via USB cable and HP Smart
If WPS is unavailable or ineffective, the most reliable option is initial configuration via USB cable. This requires a USB 2.0 cable with Type-A and Type-B (printer) connectors, which is usually included in the box but may not be included depending on your region.
Download and install the application HP Smart From the manufacturer's official website or from the Microsoft Store. Connect the printer to your computer with a cable and turn it on. The app will automatically detect the device and prompt you to set up a wireless network.
In the program interface, select Change Connection Type and follow the on-screen instructions. The setup wizard will automatically read your current Wi-Fi network settings and transfer them to the printer. Once the data is successfully transferred, you'll be prompted to disconnect the USB cable.
| Parameter | Meaning / Description | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Connection type | Wireless (Wi-Fi) | Required |
| Tuning cable | USB 2.0 (Type A-B) | Temporary |
| Software | HP Smart / HP Setup | Necessarily |
| Drivers | Complete software package | Recommended |
Using the mobile app for Android and iOS
Smartphone owners can customize HP LaserJet Pro M28W without using a computer. To do this, you need to download the app HP Smart from Google Play or the App Store. Make sure your phone is connected to the same Wi-Fi network you plan to connect the printer to.
Launch the app and click the Add Printer button (usually a plus sign). If the printer is already turned on and in setup mode (the indicator light is flashing), the app may find it automatically. If the device is not found, select "No printer?" or "Set up a new device."
The app will ask you to select your Wi-Fi network from the list and enter the password. The phone will then transmit this information to the printer. In some cases, you may need to temporarily connect to the printer's direct network (Wi-Fi Direct), the name of which is indicated on the device sticker.
After setup is complete, the app will prompt you to register the device and check for firmware updates. This is an important step, as new software versions often contain fixes for router compatibility issues.
Installing drivers and software
While modern operating systems like Windows 10 and 11 often automatically find and install basic drivers for HP LaserJet Pro M28WFor full functionality, we recommend using the full software package. The basic driver only enables printing and does not provide access to the scanner or advanced settings.
Go to the official HP support page and enter your device model. The system will offer to download the full driver package. During the installation, select the "Wireless" connection type and follow the installation instructions.
Path to check device:
Control Panel -> Devices and Printers -> Add a printer
If the automatic search doesn't yield results, use the "The printer I want isn't listed" feature and select the TCP/IP address search. You can find your printer's address by printing a configuration report: press and hold the Resume button (triangle) on the MFP for 5-10 seconds.
⚠️ Caution: When installing drivers, antivirus software or Windows Firewall may block the connection. If the installation freezes, try temporarily disabling protection or adding an exception for HP processes.
Diagnosing problems and resetting network settings
During operation, situations may arise where the printer stops responding or loses connection with the router. A common cause is a change in the device's IP address or a password update on the router. In such cases, rebooting the equipment helps: turn off the router and printer, turn on the router, wait until it fully boots up, then turn on the printer.
If simple methods don't help, you may need to reset the printer's network settings to factory defaults. To do this, turn off the MFP, then press and hold the wireless button and the cancel button (the cross). Without releasing them, turn on the power and hold the buttons for about 5 seconds until all the lights flash.
What to do if the orange Wi-Fi light is on?
An orange LED usually indicates a connection error or low signal strength. Try moving the printer closer to the router. If this doesn't help, check if the router has reached its DHCP client limit and reboot it. Another possible issue is a Wi-Fi channel incompatibility (try switching the router to channels 1, 6, or 11).
After the reset, the device will enter setup mode, and you can repeat the connection process again using one of the methods described above. Regularly updating your printer firmware via the HP Smart app helps avoid many software glitches.
⚠️ Note: Router interfaces and app versions are subject to update. If the menu items described differ, refer to the general principles of Wi-Fi operation and look for similar function names in your equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can the HP M28W be connected to a 5GHz network?
Model HP LaserJet Pro M28W Only supports the 2.4 GHz frequency range. If your router broadcasts the same network with the same name for both 2.4 and 5 GHz (Smart Connect), try temporarily separating them in the router settings or force switching your phone/PC to the 2.4 GHz network during setup.
How to find out the IP address of a printer without printing a report?
You can find the IP address in the HP Smart app's printer information section. The address is also displayed in the list of connected clients in your router's web interface. In Windows, you can find this information in the "Printer Properties" section of the "Ports" tab.
The printer sees the network but won't connect. What's wrong?
Most often, the cause is an incorrect password or encryption type. Make sure encryption is used. WPA2-PSK (AES)Older encryption methods (WEP, TKIP) may not be supported or may be unstable. Also, check if MAC address filtering is enabled.
Do I need internet to print after setup?
No, you don't need an internet connection to print; you only need a working local network (Wi-Fi router). However, scanning to the cloud or remote printing via the internet requires an active internet connection.