The modern office peripheral market offers solutions that allow you to completely eliminate wires, ensuring maximum workplace mobility. Model HP LaserJet MFP M28W This is one of the most popular compact laser devices that supports wireless communication standards, making document management significantly more convenient. Connecting a smartphone to this printer allows instant printing of photos, documents, and web pages directly from your gallery or messenger app, without the need for a personal computer.
The setup process may seem complicated at first glance, but if you follow the clear steps, the entire procedure takes no more than five minutes. In this article, we'll cover all available synchronization methods in detail, from using the proprietary app to connecting directly via Wi-Fi DirectYou'll learn how to properly prepare your equipment, avoid common mistakes, and ensure stable data transfer rates.
Particular attention should be paid to operating system compatibility, as approaches for Android and iOS have their own nuances. The HP LaserJet M28W requires support for the 802.11 b/g/n standard, which is standard on all modern routers. We'll cover the technical details of communication protocols so you understand not only "how to press" but also "why it works" the way it does. This knowledge will help you diagnose communication problems yourself in the future.
Equipment preparation and preliminary requirements
Before beginning software setup, ensure that the device's physical state and network infrastructure are ready for operation. Turn on the printer. HP LaserJet MFP M28W Plug the printer into a power outlet and wait for the warm-up cycle to complete, indicated by the lit Ready light. Make sure there's paper in the tray and the cartridge is installed correctly, as some models disable network functionality if there are no consumables.
The second critical component is your wireless router. For successful integration, the phone and printer must be within range of a strong signal. If your router broadcasts at 5 GHz, make sure it supports 2.4 GHz, as most office peripherals, including the 2.4 GHz series, do. LaserJet M28, operate in this frequency range due to better signal penetration.
⚠️ Warning: If you are using a corporate network with web-based authentication or complex security certificates, a standard connection may not work without the help of a system administrator.
Also, make sure Bluetooth and location services are enabled on your mobile device. While they may not be used directly for data transfer, Android and iOS operating systems require location access to scan for available devices. Wi-Fi networks During the setup process, disable Airplane mode and ensure that your mobile data connection isn't blocking local devices.
☑️ Check before setup
Using the HP Smart app for automatic setup
The most reliable and functional way to establish a connection between a gadget and a printing device is to use the official software from the manufacturer. Application HP Smart Available for download from Google Play and the Apple App Store. After installation and account registration (or signing in to an existing one), the system will prompt you to add a new device by automatically searching for devices on your local network.
The app will automatically detect your printer model and offer the latest drivers. During setup, the app may ask you to temporarily connect your phone to the printer's network or enter the password for your home Wi-Fi router. This is necessary for transferring data. network credentials into the device's memory. The app's interface is intuitive and provides step-by-step instructions at every stage.
Once the process is complete, the app will display the status "Ready" or "Online." From this point on, you can not only print but also scan documents, manage tray settings, and monitor toner levels. HP Smart functionality allows you to create shortcuts for quickly printing frequently used forms, significantly speeding up office work.
Setting up a Wi-Fi Direct connection
Technology Wi-Fi Direct Allows you to create a direct wireless connection between your phone and printer without a router. This is ideal for situations where you need to quickly print a document when visiting someone or in an office where access to the main network is limited. To activate this feature, use the control panel. HP LaserJet MFP M28W You need to press the wireless button until the direct connection indicator flashes.
A name containing the word "DIRECT" and the device model will appear in the list of available networks on the smartphone screen. When attempting to connect, the system will ask for a password. By default, it is located on a sticker on the back of the device or can be printed on the configuration test page. After entering the password, the phone and printer form a local network, ready for data transfer.
It's important to understand that when connected via Wi-Fi Direct, your phone may temporarily lose internet access if it doesn't support two Wi-Fi channels simultaneously. Modern flagship smartphones can switch between networks automatically, but budget models may require manual selection of a priority network to access the global network.
How do I find out the Wi-Fi Direct password if the sticker has worn off?
Press and hold the wireless button on the printer for 5-7 seconds. The device will automatically print a configuration report, which will display the current Wi-Fi Direct Password in the Network Information section.
Alternative method: activation via WPS button
If your router supports the technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup), the setup process can be simplified as much as possible by eliminating the need to manually enter passwords. On the front panel HP LaserJet M28W Find the button with an antenna or the WPS icon. Pressing and holding this button for a few seconds puts the printer into connection standby mode.
Within two minutes of activating the printer's wireless network connection, press the corresponding WPS button on your router. The devices will automatically exchange encryption keys and establish a secure connection. The wireless indicator on the printer will stop flashing and turn solid, indicating successful integration into the network.
This method is especially convenient for users who don't want to install additional apps or enter complex passwords on their phone. However, it's important to note that some internet service providers disable the WPS feature on their routers for security reasons, so this method may not work everywhere.
| Parameter | HP Smart App | Wi-Fi Direct | WPS Button |
|---|---|---|---|
| Need a router | Yes (for internet access) | No | Yes |
| Complexity | Low | Average | Minimum |
| Internet access from a phone | Eat | Often absent | Eat |
| Scanning functions | Full | Limited | Depends on the software |
Printing from Android and iOS: Features and Differences
Operating system users Android You can use the built-in printing service, which is activated automatically when a printer is detected on the network. In your phone's settings, under "Connections" or "Connected Devices," select "Print" and ensure the HP plugin is installed and enabled. After this, the "Print" option will appear in the "Share" menu of any document.
Device owners Apple use technology AirPrint, which doesn't require driver installation. Simply connect your iPhone and printer to the same Wi-Fi network. When you select a document and click the "Share" button, the system will automatically suggest available printers. AirPrint supports high-quality printing and preserves the original document formatting.
⚠️ Note: Mobile operating system interfaces are updated regularly. The layout of menu items may vary depending on the Android or iOS version, as well as the smartphone manufacturer's user interface (MIUI, OneUI, etc.).
For advanced features, such as double-sided printing or selecting a specific tray, the HP Print Service Plugin is recommended on Android. On iOS, the functionality is more deeply integrated into the system, but an app is still required to manage scanning. HP Smart or third-party scanners that support network protocols.
Diagnosing problems and troubleshooting connection errors
The most common issue is when the phone doesn't see the printer in the list of available devices. First, check if the blue wireless indicator on the phone is lit. HP LaserJet MFP M28WIf it's blinking, the device is trying to connect or has lost connection to the router. If the light is off, Wi-Fi is disabled.
The second common cause is split-frequency router communication. Many modern routers broadcast two networks with the same name (SSID), but on different frequencies: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. The printer may become stuck on one frequency while the phone is on the other. The solution is to temporarily split the network names in the router settings or move the phone closer to a strong 2.4 GHz signal.
If all else fails, reset the printer's network settings. To do this, press and hold the wireless button and the cancel button (the cross) simultaneously for 3-5 seconds until the lights flash. This will reset the network settings to factory defaults, after which you'll need to repeat the setup process through HP Smart.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to connect the HP M28W to a computer via Wi-Fi if the phone is already connected?
Yes, model HP LaserJet MFP M28W Supports simultaneous wireless network connections for up to five devices. You can print from your phone, laptop, and tablet simultaneously, and the print queue is automatically created.
What should I do if the HP Smart app says "Printer not found"?
Make sure your phone isn't using mobile data and is connected to Wi-Fi. Also, check if "AP Isolation" is enabled on your router, which prevents devices on the network from seeing each other.
Does HP ePrint cloud printing work on this model?
Yes, the M28W series supports cloud technologies. By registering the printer in the app, you can print documents from anywhere with internet access, sending them to the device's unique email address.
What is the default password for Wi-Fi Direct?
The password is located on an information sticker on the back or bottom of the device. If the sticker is illegible, the password can be changed or retrieved by printing a configuration report through the wireless button menu.