Connecting the HP Laser MFP 135w to Wi-Fi: A Complete Guide

It is impossible to imagine a modern office without reliable peripherals, and HP Laser MFP 135w It has proven itself as a compact and effective solution for small workgroups. However, initial setup of a wireless connection often presents difficulties for users accustomed to wired interfaces. Proper network configuration allows you to print documents from any device within range of the router, eliminating unnecessary cables.

The process of integrating a device into a local network requires attention to detail, as HP Laser MFP 135w The printer doesn't have a touchscreen, and all operations are performed using a combination of buttons and indicators. Mistakes during password entry or protocol selection can result in the laptop simply not recognizing the printer. In this article, we'll cover all connection steps, from preparing the hardware to fine-tuning the drivers.

Before proceeding with the software, you need to ensure the hardware is working properly. Make sure the router is working properly and the laptop is in a strong signal range. The 135w model supports the 802.11b/g/n standard, so connection to 5 GHz networks (802.11ac/ax) may not be possible without setting up a guest network on the router.

Preparing equipment and checking network compatibility

The first step is to physically prepare the device. Remove all transport belts and fasteners that block the movement of internal mechanisms. HP Laser MFP 135After powering up, the device requires time to warm up the oven and perform a self-test. The indicators should glow steadily, indicating readiness for operation.

The frequency range of your Wi-Fi network is critical. Many modern routers by default combine 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks under a single name (Band Steering technology), which can confuse the printer. For a successful connection HP Laser MFP 135w It is necessary that the laptop and printer are on the same subnet and, preferably, in the 2.4 GHz range.

⚠️ Note: If your router only broadcasts on the 5 GHz band, the printer will not be able to connect. You will need to access your router settings and enable a guest network or a separate SSID for the 2.4 GHz band.

It's also worth checking if AP Isolation is enabled on your router. This security feature prevents devices within the network from communicating with each other, making printing from a laptop impossible. Disable this option in the router's admin panel before beginning setup.

Reset network settings and switch to infrastructure mode

The device may retain old network settings that will conflict with the new connection. To eliminate this issue, we recommend resetting the printer's network settings. This will return the Wi-Fi module to its factory defaults and put it into standby mode for a new connection.

To perform a reset on the control panel HP Laser MFP 135w Find the button with the wireless network icon. Press and hold it along with the Cancel button (the cross) for a few seconds. The lights will start flashing, indicating the network module is rebooting.

After the reset, the printer will enter setup mode. In this state, it can create its own access point (Wi-Fi Direct) or wait for a connection via WPS. We need infrastructure mode, where the printer connects to your router rather than broadcasting a signal itself. Make sure the Wi-Fi indicator is blinking, indicating it's ready to pair.

• 🔹 Press and hold the Wi-Fi button until the indicator starts flashing.
• 🔹 Wait for the printer to reset the current IP addresses.
• 🔹 Make sure your laptop is connected to the same network you plan to connect the MFP to.
• 🔹 Check that the DHCP server is activated on your router to automatically assign addresses.

If the lights are behaving strangely or are constantly on without blinking, the device may need to be powered on and off. Unplug the power cord, wait 10-15 seconds, and then plug it back in. This will clear the device's temporary memory cache.

WPS method: quick connection without entering a password

The easiest way to connect HP Laser MFP 135w To connect to the network, use WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup). This method automatically transmits the network password, eliminating the need to manually enter it using complex key combinations. However, your router must also support this feature.

Find the WPS button on your router. It may be a physical button or a software button in the web interface. Press it, then press and hold the wireless button on the printer within two minutes. The devices will find each other and exchange encryption keys.

WPS steps:
1. Press WPS on the router.
2. Press and hold the Wi-Fi button on the printer for 2-3 seconds.
3. Wait until the Wi-Fi indicator stops blinking and remains on continuously.

If the printer's Wi-Fi indicator lights up solid, the connection has been established successfully. You can now proceed to installing the drivers. If the indicator continues to blink or remains orange, the connection has not been established. In this case, check whether the printer has timed out (usually 2 minutes) or whether the WPS function is blocked by your ISP.

Setup via USB and HP Software Wizard

If automatic methods fail, the most reliable option is to use a USB cable for initial configuration. To do this, you'll need to download the full package of drivers and utilities from the official support website. HPDo not use the included discs, as the software versions on them may be outdated.

Run the installation file on your laptop and follow the wizard's instructions. When prompted to select a connection type, select "Wireless Connection." The wizard will prompt you to connect the device via a USB cable to transfer network settings. This allows the printer to "adopt" the laptop's Wi-Fi settings.

During installation, the HP Smart utility or classic installer will detect the device and prompt you to select your network from a list. All you need to do is confirm the connection. Once the settings are successfully transferred, the program will notify you that you can disconnect the USB cable.

It's important to note that after disconnecting the USB cable, the printer should automatically switch to the wireless interface. If this doesn't happen, check that the Wi-Fi light is on. Sometimes you may need to press the wireless button again to activate the module after setup.

Manual IP address configuration and static connection

For corporate networks or in cases where the DHCP server is unstable, it is recommended to assign static IP address for the printer. This ensures that the laptop will always "see" the device at the same address, even after rebooting the router.

To access the printer's web interface (EWS), you need to know its current IP address. This can be obtained by printing a network configuration report (usually by pressing the Cancel and Wireless Network buttons). Enter the resulting IP address into the address bar of your laptop's browser.

In the web interface, go to the "Network" tab, then select "IPv4." Here you can switch the mode from DHCP to Static. Enter the information that matches your network. The gateway address is usually the same as your router's address.

⚠️ Important: When assigning a static IP address, ensure it is outside the range of addresses assigned by the router's DHCP server. Otherwise, an IP address conflict may occur, and one of the devices may stop working.

After saving the settings, the printer will reboot the network module. You will need to reconnect to it from your laptop using the new static address. This will improve the device's stability in an office environment.

Troubleshooting and Diagnosing Connections

Even if you follow all the instructions, connection issues may still occur. This is often caused by Windows Firewall or antivirus software blocking the detection of new devices on the network. Try temporarily disabling the firewall and retrying the printer search.

Another common problem is the incompatibility of encryption standards. HP Laser MFP 135w may not support the latest WPA3 standards. Try switching to WPA2/WPA3 mixed mode or pure WPA2 (AES) in your router's security settings.

• 🔸 Check if the network SSID is hidden (if the network is hidden, the printer will not see it).
• 🔸 Make sure your router doesn't have MAC address filtering enabled.
• 🔸 Reboot your router if it has been running continuously for more than a month.
• 🔸 Try moving the printer closer to the router during setup.

If the printer is visible on the network but doesn't print, try removing the old device from the "Printers & Scanners" list in Windows and re-adding it. Sometimes the operating system caches erroneous device statuses, and a complete driver reinstallation solves the problem.

What to do if the orange indicator is on?

An orange Wi-Fi indicator usually indicates a weak signal or authentication error. Check your network password and distance to the router. If the problem persists, perform a full network reset.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can the HP Laser MFP 135w be connected to a 5GHz network?

No, this model is equipped with a Wi-Fi module that only operates in the 2.4 GHz band. To connect to a dual-band router, ensure that the 2.4 GHz network has its SSID broadcast enabled or a separate network name configured.

How do I find out my printer's IP address if it doesn't print?

You can find the IP address in the list of connected clients in your router's web interface. Look for a device with a name containing "HP" or "Laser MFP." The address is also often displayed in the HP Smart app, if you've used it before.

The printer loses Wi-Fi connection after being idle, what is the reason?

This may be related to the energy saving settings of your router or the printer itself. Try disabling the "Deep Sleep" feature in the printer settings via the web interface or updating the device's firmware.

Does the HP Laser MFP 135w support printing from mobile devices?

Yes, the device supports Wi-Fi Direct and is compatible with Apple AirPrint and Mopria for Android. For enhanced functionality, we recommend installing the HP Smart app on your smartphone.