Modern laser printing devices have long ceased to be bulky machines that require mandatory cable connections. Model HP LaserJet Pro M28w It has become one of the most popular solutions for home and small offices thanks to its compact size and built-in wireless module. However, initial setup often presents difficulties for users accustomed to standard algorithms or those facing specific operating environments. Windows And Android.
Integrating the device into the local network allows you to print documents from any device within the router's coverage area. This eliminates the need to transfer files via flash drives or cloud storage every time you need to print a ticket or contract. To successfully implement this, you'll need a stable router signal, an iOS or Android smartphone, and an understanding of the basic principles of network equipment operation.
In this article, we'll walk you through every step of the setup process, from unboxing to successfully printing for the first time from a mobile device. We'll pay special attention to using the proprietary app. HP Smart, as it is a key printer management tool in the modern manufacturer ecosystem. You'll learn how to avoid common mistakes and what to do if the device doesn't see your network.
Preparatory stage and network requirements
Before moving on to the software part, you need to make sure that the physical environment is ready for work. Wireless printer The HP LaserJet M28w supports the 802.11b/g/n standard, meaning it's compatible with most modern routers operating in the 2.4 GHz band. It's important to note that this model, like many budget printers, may not support the 5 GHz band, so make sure your smartphone and printer are connected to the same 2.4 GHz network.
Make sure Bluetooth and location services are enabled on your mobile device. These features are required for the app. HP Smart To detect the printer for the first time in setup mode, check that the cartridge is already installed in the device and the protective orange tape has been removed from all internal mechanisms. If the printer was previously used on a different network, you may need to reset the network settings.
Checking operating system compatibility is another important step. For the control app to function properly, your phone must be running Android 7.0 or later or iOS 12.0 or later. Older OS versions may not support the necessary encryption protocols used for data transfer.
Installing and configuring the HP Smart app
The central element of device control is software HP SmartThis isn't just a driver, but a fully-featured hub that lets you scan documents, monitor toner levels, and configure security settings. You can download the app from the official stores: Google Play Market for Android or the App Store for Apple devices.
After installation, launch the app and sign in to your HP account. If you don't have one, registration only takes a couple of minutes, but it's required to access advanced features. In the main menu, tap the "Add Printer" button or the plus icon. The app will begin searching for compatible devices within your phone's Bluetooth range.
- 📱 Click "Create Account" if you are a new user and follow the on-screen instructions.
- 🔍 Allow the app to access your location and local network, otherwise the printer search may fail.
- 📶 Make sure your phone is connected to the Wi-Fi network to which you plan to connect the printing device.
During the search process, the application may offer to update the printer's firmware. Firmware update This is a critical step, as new software versions often contain fixes for security vulnerabilities and improve Wi-Fi connection stability. Interrupting this process is strictly prohibited.
Step-by-step instructions for connecting to Wi-Fi
When the app detects your LaserJet M28w, the pairing process will begin. The name of your wireless network will appear on your smartphone screen. You will need to enter the Wi-Fi password if it isn't retrieved automatically. At this point, the printer receives the necessary certificates and IP address from the router.
The wireless indicator on the printer's control panel will begin flashing blue, indicating a connection attempt. Once successfully authenticated, the indicator will turn solid blue. If the indicator turns amber or continues flashing, the password entered is incorrect or the signal is too weak.
☑️ Checklist for a successful connection
In some cases, especially on Android devices, you may need to temporarily switch to a direct connection. The app will automatically prompt you to switch your phone's Wi-Fi to the printer's network (usually called HP-Setup-xxx). After transferring the router settings, the phone will automatically reconnect to your primary network.
⚠️ Important: If your router uses MAC address filtering, you must whitelist the printer's address in advance. You can find the MAC address by printing a network configuration report from the device's menu or by checking the sticker on the device's housing.
The settings transfer process may take between 30 seconds and 2 minutes. During this time, stay close to the printer and keep your smartphone screen locked. Once setup is complete, the app will confirm a successful connection and prompt you to print a test page.
Printing documents and photos from your phone
After the device appears in the list of available devices in the application HP Smart, you can proceed to printing. The program's interface is intuitive: the main screen displays recently used documents and scanning options. To print a file from the gallery or file manager, simply select "Print Documents" or "Print Photos."
The system allows for flexible output settings. You can select the paper size (A4 by default), orientation (portrait or landscape), number of copies, and print type (black and white or color, although the M28w laser printer only supports monochrome). For photographs, it's recommended to select the "Photo" or "Heavy" paper type to ensure better toner adhesion.
| Setting parameter | Description | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Print quality | Choosing between a draft and high quality | For text documents, 600 dpi is sufficient. |
| Scaling | Fitting an image to the sheet size | Turn on "Fit to page" |
| Double-sided | Double-sided printing | In M28w only manual (sheet turning) |
| Toner saving | EconoMode | Activate for drafts |
AirPrint is available for iOS users, allowing them to print directly from any app that supports the system's Share menu. While installing additional software is not required, functionality will be limited to the basic settings. Android users can use Mopria or the built-in printing service, if enabled in the system.
How to print without internet?
If the router is disabled but the Wi-Fi module is working, you can use Wi-Fi Direct. The printer creates its own network, which the phone connects to. The password for connecting is usually found on the device's sticker.
Diagnosing problems and resetting settings
Even with proper configuration, situations may arise where the printer stops responding or loses connection to the router. Often, the problem stems from a change in the device's IP address, if the network hasn't reserved a static address for the printer. In this case, the app may lose the device from the list.
The first step in troubleshooting should always be to reboot all components: the router, smartphone, and printer itself. Unplug the devices from the power outlet for 10-15 seconds, then turn on the router, wait until it fully boots up, and only then turn on the printer. This clears the network error cache.
If simple methods don't help, reset the printer's network settings to factory defaults. To do this, press and hold the wireless button and the cancel button (cross) on the device's panel simultaneously for 3-5 seconds until the lights flash. Then, follow the connection procedure through the app. HP Smart will have to go through it again.
It's also worth checking whether your router's firewall or antivirus software on your phone is blocking the ports required for the printing protocol. These are typically ports 9100, 515, and 631. While such blocking is rare in home networks, it's a standard security practice in corporate Wi-Fi networks.
Advanced Features and Services
Connected to the network HP LaserJet M28w Provides access to cloud services. The app allows you to send scanned documents directly to cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox) or email. This turns this compact device into a fully-fledged office tool.
Regular maintenance prolongs the life of your device. The HP Smart app automatically monitors toner cartridge levels. HP 48A (or a compatible equivalent) and notifies you when the drum is nearing the end of its life. Do not ignore these warnings, as excessive printing can damage the drum.
- 🧹 Regularly wipe the interior surfaces with a soft, dry cloth to remove dust that may get inside when changing cartridges.
- 🔄 Shake the new cartridge horizontally 5-6 times before installation to evenly distribute the toner.
- 📄 Use high-quality paper with a density of 75-80 g/m² to avoid jams and contamination of the pickup rollers.
Don't forget that your printer's software also requires updates. Periodically visit the device settings section in the app and check for new firmware versions. Manufacturers frequently release patches that improve compatibility with new versions of mobile OS.
⚠️ Please note: The HP Smart app interface and menu layout may vary slightly depending on your phone's operating system version and the regional settings of your HP account. Always refer to the latest on-screen prompts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to connect the HP M28W to a computer without a Wi-Fi router?
Yes, this is possible using the included USB cable. However, using Wi-Fi Direct (a direct connection between the phone and printer without a router) doesn't require an access point, but functionality may be limited.
Why doesn't the phone see the printer during setup?
Most often, the issue is related to app permissions. Check that you've granted HP Smart access to your location and local network. Also, make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your phone, as it's used for initial device discovery.
Does the M28W support double-sided printing (duplex)?
The HP LaserJet Pro M28W model does not have automatic duplexing. Printing on both sides of the page is only possible in manual mode: you will need to manually flip the page and print the second page.
What cartridge does the HP LaserJet M28W need?
The original cartridge is labeled HP 48A (model CF248A). Its yield is approximately 1,000 pages at a standard 5% coverage. Compatible alternatives are also available, but they may not display the toner level in the app.