How to Connect the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28w Printer to Wi-Fi: A Complete Guide with Photos

Wireless printer connection HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28w Connecting to a home or office Wi-Fi network saves time and eliminates the clutter of cables. However, many users encounter difficulties just searching for a network or entering a password. This article will help you understand the setup details, avoid common mistakes, and get your printer up and running quickly.

Model M28w This is a compact multifunctional device (MFP) that supports printing, scanning, and copying. Despite its simple interface, wireless setup requires attention to detail—from selecting the correct Wi-Fi mode to checking router compatibility. We'll cover all connection methods: via the printer control panel, WPS, HP Smart, and manually entering network settings.

If you're new to network printers, don't worry: this guide is tailored for beginners. Advanced users will find additional tips on troubleshooting and optimizing connections.

Preparing the printer and network before connecting

Before setting up Wi-Fi, make sure your printer and router are ready to use. Let's start by checking the physical condition of the devices:

• 🔌 Plug the printer into a power outlet and turn it on using the power button. Wait for the self-test to complete (the indicators will stop flashing).
• 📶 Make sure your router is turned on and broadcasting Wi-Fi. Check if other devices (smartphone, laptop) are connected to the network.
• 📄 Prepare network data: Wi-Fi name (SSID) And passwordIf you don't remember, look them up on the router's sticker or in the web interface.
• 📱 Download the app HP Smart on your smartphone (App Store/Google Play) - it will be useful for an alternative connection method.

Pay special attention to the printer's location. For a stable signal:

• 📡 The distance between the printer and the router should not exceed 10 meters (without obstacles).
• 🚪 Avoid thick walls, metal cabinets, or microwaves in the signal path.
• 🔄 If your router is dual-band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), select the network 2.4 GHz — M28w does not support 5 GHz.

⚠️ Attention: Printer HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28w Incompatible with 5 GHz networks and some encryption types (e.g., WPA3-Enterprise). If your router only operates in the 5 GHz band, change the settings to mixed mode or 2.4 GHz.

Method 1: Connecting via the printer control panel

The most reliable method is manual configuration directly on the printer. Follow these steps:

1. On the printer control panel, press the button Wireless (antenna icon).
2. Select Wi-Fi Protected Setup → Push Button Method (if the router supports WPS) or Wireless Setup Wizard for manual input.
3. When choosing Wireless Setup Wizard The printer will start scanning for networks. Wait for the list to appear and select yours. SSID.
4. Enter your Wi-Fi password using the arrows and button OKTo switch the register, use the button Shift (up arrow icon).
5. Confirm your input. The printer will display the message "Attempting to connect" and after 10-30 seconds Connected.

If the printer does not find your network:

• 🔄 Restart your router and printer.
• 📵 Make sure the network isn't hidden (disable the "Hide SSID" option in your router settings).
• 🔒 Check that the network security type is WPA2-PSK (the most compatible option).

The printer is turned on and has passed a self-test.

The router distributes Wi-Fi in the 2.4 GHz range.

Network name (SSID) and password are prepared

The printer is within network coverage area-->

Method 2: Quick connection via WPS

If your router supports the technology Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS), connection will take less than a minute. This method doesn't require a password, but it has some limitations:

• ✅ Only works with routers that have a physical WPS button.
• ❌ Not suitable for hidden networks (SSID is not broadcast).
• ⏳ Connection time is 2 minutes after pressing the button.

Instructions:

1. On the printer, go to Settings → Wireless → Wi-Fi Protected Setup → Push Button Method.
2. Click the button Start on the printer. You will have 2 minutes for the next step.
3. Press the physical button WPS on the router (usually it is signed or marked with the 🔄 icon).
4. Wait for the message Connected on the printer display.

⚠️ Attention: Some router models (for example, TP-Link Archer C6) require holding the WPS button for 3-5 seconds. If the connection fails, repeat the process or use a different method.

If WPS does not work:

• 🔧 Check if the WPS function is enabled in the router settings (web interface, section Wireless or WPS).
• 🔄 Restart your router and printer.
• 📱 Try an alternative method via HP Smart (described below).

Method 3: Setup via the HP Smart app

Application HP Smart Simplifies connection and printer management. Download it to your smartphone or tablet:

• 📱 App Store for iOS
• 🤖 Google Play for Android

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone and printer (on M28w Bluetooth is activated automatically when turned on).
2. Launch HP Smart and press Add a printer.
3. The application will prompt you to select a printer from the list. If M28w not displayed, click Add manually.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions: the app will either connect via Bluetooth to transfer Wi-Fi settings, or prompt you to enter the network details manually.
5. After successful connection, the printer will appear in the list of devices. HP Smart.

The advantages of this method:

• 🎯 Automatic printer model detection.
• 📊 Ability to check ink levels and cartridge status.
• 🖨️ Print and scan directly from your smartphone.

Checking the connection and troubleshooting

After setup, make sure the printer is properly connected to the network. To do this:

1. Print network configuration report:
   • On the printer panel: Settings → Reports → Network Configuration Report.
   • Check the lines in the report Wireless (should be Connected) And IP address (For example, 192.168.1.105).

Try printing a test page from your computer:

• On Windows: Start → Parameters → Devices → Printers and scanners → select M28w → Control → Print a test page.

Typical problems and solutions:

Problem	Possible cause	Solution
The printer does not find the network	The network is hidden or operating on 5 GHz.	Enable SSID broadcasting on your router or switch to 2.4 GHz
Authentication error	Incorrect password or encryption type	Check your password; change the security type to WPA2-PSK in your router
The printer connects but does not print.	The IP address is not assigned or the driver is not installed.	Assign a static IP address to your router; install the driver from the HP website.
Constant connection breaks	Weak signal or interference	Move the printer closer to the router or change the Wi-Fi channel in the router settings.

⚠️ Important: If the printer connects to the network but the computer doesn't see it, check your Windows Firewall or antivirus software—they may be blocking network access to the MFP. Add the printer to the exceptions list.

Setting up a static IP address for stable operation

By default, the router assigns the printer a dynamic IP address (via DHCP), which can change. This can cause connection issues, especially in office networks. To assign a permanent IP address:

Method 1: Via a router

1. Go to the router's web interface (usually at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
2. Find the section DHCP or Local area network → IP/MAC binding.
3. Add a new rule:
   • MAC address: look in the printer configuration report (line MAC Address).
   • IP address: select a free one in your network range (eg. 192.168.1.200).
• Save the settings and reboot the router.

Method 2: On the printer (if the router does not support redundancy)

1. On the printer: Settings → Net → Wireless → Additionally.
2. Select Manual IP configuration and enter:
   • IP address: For example, 192.168.1.200.
   • Subnet mask: usually 255.255.255.0.
   • Gateway: IP of your router (for example, 192.168.1.1).
   • DNS: can be left automatic or specified 8.8.8.8 (Google DNS).

How to find out the MAC address of a printer without a report?

Open the printer's web interface: enter its current IP address into your browser (e.g. 192.168.1.105). In the section Network or Wireless The MAC address will be indicated.

Security: How to Protect Your Printer on a Network

A printer connected to Wi-Fi can become a weak point in your network. The following measures can help prevent unauthorized access:

• 🔐 Change the printer administrator password:
  1. Go to the printer's web interface (enter its IP in the browser).
  2. Go to Settings → Security → Administrator password.
  3. Set a complex password (at least 8 characters with numbers and letters).

🚫 Disable unnecessary protocols:

• In the printer settings, deactivate LPD, IPP, Bonjour, if they are not used.

🔄 Update your firmware regularly:

• Check for updates via HP Smart or on official HP website (support section for LaserJet Pro MFP M28w).

The HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28w printer is vulnerable to attacks via SNMP (port 161) if it is enabled by default. Disable it in the printer's network settings if you don't use remote monitoring features.

For office networks it is recommended:

• 🌐 Place the printer on a separate subnet (VLAN).
• 🔒 Configure MAC address access in the router.
• 📋 Keep a print log (enable it in the printer settings) Journaling).

Frequently asked questions and answers

The printer is connected to Wi-Fi, but the computer can't see it. What should I do?
The problem may be in the driver or network settings:
1. Install the latest driver from HP website (select model LaserJet Pro MFP M28w).
2. Check that the printer and computer are on the same network (compare the first 3 digits of the IP address).
3. In Windows, go to Control Panel → Devices and printers → Add a printer → Add a network printer and enter the printer IP manually.

Is it possible to connect a printer to Wi-Fi without a display (if the screen is not working)?

Yes, there are two options:

• Use WPS: Press the WPS button on the router, then hold the button Wireless on the printer for 5 seconds (until the indicator blinks).
• Connect the printer to your computer via USB, install the driver and set up Wi-Fi via HP Smart or Control Panel → Devices and printers → Printer properties → Ports.

How do I reset my printer's Wi-Fi settings?

To reset network settings:

1. Turn off the printer.
2. Press the buttons Wireless And Cancel (red cross) at the same time.
3. Turn on the printer by holding the buttons for 10-15 seconds until all the indicators flash.
4. Release the buttons. The printer will reboot with factory Wi-Fi settings.

After resetting, repeat the network connection procedure.

My printer is printing very slowly over Wi-Fi. How can I speed it up?

Reasons for slowdown and solutions:

• 📶 Weak signal: Move the printer closer to the router or use a Wi-Fi repeater.
• 🖼️ High resolution printing: in the driver settings, select Draft or 600 dpi instead of 1200 dpi.
• 🔧 Router overload: Change the Wi-Fi channel in your router settings (select 1, 6 or 11 for 2.4 GHz).
• 🖥️ Computer problems: disable other programs using the network (torrents, cloud services).

Can a printer be connected to multiple Wi-Fi networks?

HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28w Supports connection to only one Wi-Fi network at a time. However, you can:

• Quickly switch between networks via the control panel.
• Use USB connection for alternative access.
• Set up a guest network on the router with the same parameters (if you need to restrict access).