How to connect an HP LaserJet printer via Wi-Fi Direct: a complete guide with all the details

Printers HP LaserJet with support Wi-Fi Direct Allows you to print documents without connecting to a router—directly from a laptop, smartphone, or tablet. This technology is especially useful in offices without access to a corporate network, or at home if you don't want to overload your main Wi-Fi network with traffic. However, setting it up often raises questions: how to find the printer's network, what password to use, and why the device isn't visible in the list of available networks.

In this article we will look at A unique connection algorithm for HP LaserJet printers with Broadcom and Qualcomm chips (they require different drivers), we'll look at typical auto-connection errors and compare Wi-Fi Direct with alternatives like HP ePrint or Apple AirPrintThe instructions are valid for the following models: M404n, M426fdw, M506x and other laser printers of the series Pro/Enterprise with wireless printing support.

What is Wi-Fi Direct and why is it needed in HP LaserJet printers?

Wi-Fi Direct — is a wireless communication standard that allows devices to connect directly, without the need for a router. In the context of printers HP LaserJet The technology solves three key problems:

• 📱 Mobile printing: send documents from your smartphone (Android/iOS) without connection to the office network.
• 🔒 Security: data is transmitted over an encrypted channel (protocol WPA2-PSK), which is important for confidential documents.
• ⚡ Speed: Direct communication eliminates delays typical of congested networks.

Unlike traditional Wi-Fi, the printer itself becomes an access point. For example, if your HP LaserJet M426fdw supports Wi-Fi Direct, it will be displayed in the list of networks as DIRECT-xx-HP LaserJet M426, Where xx — unique device symbols.

Important: not all models LaserJet support this function. You can check compatibility by the marking on the case (look for the logo) Wi-Fi Direct) or in the specifications on the website HPFor example, budget models like M203dw are often deprived of this option, whereas M404n and older - they support.

Preparing your HP LaserJet printer for Wi-Fi Direct setup

Before connecting, make sure the printer is ready for use:

Plug the printer into a 220V power outlet.

Install cartridges and load paper

Update your printer firmware (see section below)

Disconnect the printer from the current Wi-Fi network (if connected)

-->

Critical moment: printer firmware. Outdated software versions (especially on 2018–2020 models) may not support Wi-Fi Direct or work with errors. To update the firmware:

1. Go to HP official website, enter the printer model.
2. Download the latest firmware version (file with extension .rfu).
3. Upload the file to the printer via Control Panel → Settings → Software Update.

If the printer is already connected to another network, you need to "forget" it from that network. To do this:

1. Click Settings (⚙) on the printer panel.
2. Select Network → Wireless → Wi-Fi Settings.
3. Find your current network and select Delete.

Step-by-step instructions: how to enable Wi-Fi Direct on an HP LaserJet

Activation algorithm Wi-Fi Direct It depends on the printer model. Below is a universal diagram for most LaserJet (for example M426fdw):

1. Activating the mode:

   On the printer control panel, press Settings (⚙) → Network → Wi-Fi Direct → Enable.

   On some models (eg, M506x) another way: Network → Wireless → Wi-Fi Direct → Status: On.

2. Setting up a network name and password:

   By default the network name will be DIRECT-xx-HP [Model], and the password is a random 8-digit code (indicated on the sticker on the back of the printer or in the menu Wi-Fi Direct → Password).

   To change your password: go to Wi-Fi Direct → Security Settings and enter a new one (minimum 8 characters, with numbers and letters).

3. Connecting the device:

   On your laptop/smartphone, find the printer network in the Wi-Fi list and enter the password.

   For Windows: After connecting, the printer should be automatically detected. If not, add it manually via Settings → Devices → Printers & Scanners → Add a Printer.

For Android/iOS an app will be required HP Smart (download in Google Play or App Store). After connecting the printer to the network, the app will automatically find the device and offer to add it.

What should I do if my printer is not visible in the Wi-Fi list?

1. Make sure Wi-Fi Direct is enabled on the printer (the indicator light should be blue).

2. Restart the printer and the device from which you are connecting.

3. Check if your antivirus (for example, Kaspersky) connection to new networks.

4. On Windows Update your Wi-Fi adapter drivers via device Manager.

Comparing Wi-Fi Direct with other connection methods

Wi-Fi Direct isn't the only way to print wirelessly. HP LaserJetLet's consider the alternatives and their features:

Wi-Fi Direct wins in situations where:

• 🏢 No access to the office network (guest mode blocks printers).
• 📄 I need to print a confidential document without transmitting it through a router.
• 🎮 The router is overloaded (for example, during a stream or online game).

But there are also disadvantages: when connecting via Wi-Fi Direct your device loses access to the internet (if it doesn't support it) Wi-Fi Dual Band). The solution is to use USB Wi-Fi adapter for the second connection.

Common mistakes and their solutions

Even with proper setup, users still encounter issues. Here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

⚠️ Attention: If the printer HP LaserJet M404n after switching on Wi-Fi Direct gives an error 59.XX (where XX are numbers), this indicates an IP address conflict. Solution: Manually set a static IP in the printer's network settings (e.g. 192.168.223.100).

• 🔄 "Printer not found" in HP Smart:

  Remove the printer from the device list in the app, restart it, and try searching again. If that doesn't help, reset the printer's network settings (Settings → Network → Network Reset).

• 🔒 "Incorrect password":

  The password is case sensitive! If you changed it, check your keyboard layout. On some models (M506x) the password is reset after updating the firmware.

• 📵 The printer network disappears:

  The printer may turn off Wi-Fi Direct after 5-10 minutes of inactivity. To avoid this, activate the mode Always on in the settings (Wi-Fi Direct → Timeout: Never).

For models with touch screen (For example, M426fdw) will help when the interface freezes hard reset:

1. Turn off the printer.
2. Hold the button Cancel (X) And Turning on 15 seconds.
3. Release the buttons and the printer will reboot with factory settings.

Setting up Wi-Fi Direct on specific HP LaserJet models

The interface and menu layout may vary depending on the printer series. Let's look at the nuances for popular models:

HP LaserJet M404n

This model does not have a touch screen, so it is controlled via buttons:

1. Click Menu → Network → Wi-Fi Direct → On.
2. The default password is the last 8 digits of the serial number (found on the sticker on the back).
3. To change your password: Menu → Network → Wi-Fi Direct → Settings → Password.

HP LaserJet M426fdw

Model with touch screen and support NFC:

• 📲 Activation: Settings → Network → Wi-Fi Direct → Status: On.
• 🔑 Password: You can generate a QR code for quick connection (Wi-Fi Direct → Connect via QR code).
• 📡 For a stable connection, it is recommended to enable 5 GHz mode (if supported by the device).

HP LaserJet Enterprise M506x

Printers Enterprise-series have advanced security settings:

• 🔐 To activate Wi-Fi Direct You must enter the administrator PIN (default) 12345678, if it has not changed).
• 📊 On the menu Wi-Fi Direct → More You can restrict access by device MAC addresses.

The following rule applies to all models: if the printer does not print after setup, check drivers on your computer. Download them from the website. HP, selecting the exact model and OS version (for example, Windows 11 x64).

Security when using Wi-Fi Direct

Direct connection to a printer creates potential vulnerabilities if precautions are not taken:

• 🔐 Complex password: Use a combination of 12+ characters with numbers, letters and special characters (e.g. P@ssw0rd!LJ2026).
• 📵 Disconnect after use: If the printer is not in use, deactivate it Wi-Fi Direct in the menu.
• 🔄 Firmware update: eliminates vulnerabilities (for example, firmware versions before 2021 had a flaw that allowed connection without a password).

⚠️ Attention: On printers HP LaserJet with firmware older than 2020, the protocol is enabled WPS, which is vulnerable to brute-force attacks. Disable it in the menu. Network → Wireless → WPS: Off.

For corporate use, we recommend:

• 🏢 Set up VLAN to isolate printer traffic.
• 📋 Keep a connection log (in the menu Reports → Network Log).
• 🔑 Use safety certificates (available on models Enterprise).

If the printer is used in a public place (for example, in a coworking space), turn it on guest mode with limited rights:

1. Go to Settings → System → Print Modes.
2. Select Guest access: On.
3. Limit the number of pages per device (e.g. 20 sheets/day).

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to connect multiple devices to a printer via Wi-Fi Direct at the same time?

Yes, but with limitations. Most models HP LaserJet support up to 5 simultaneous connectionsHowever, printing from multiple devices may slow down the speed. For offices with heavy workloads, traditional Wi-Fi via a router is better.

Why won't my HP LaserJet printer print via Wi-Fi Direct from my iPhone?

The problem is typical for iOS due to protocol conflict. Solutions:

1. Install the application HP Smart and connect through it.
2. Activate in the printer settings AirPrint Compatibility Mode (Settings → Network → Advanced).
3. Update iOS to the latest version (there is no support in older versions) WPA3, which new printers use).

How do I reset Wi-Fi Direct settings on a printer?

The method depends on the model:

• For M404n: Menu → Network → Network Reset → Yes.
• For M426fdw: Settings → Network → Reset network settings.
• For Enterprise M506x: Admin PIN required (Settings → System → Network reset).

After reset, the network name and password will return to factory settings.

Is it possible to use Wi-Fi Direct and regular Wi-Fi at the same time?

No, printers HP LaserJet do not support simultaneous work in two modes. When activated Wi-Fi Direct The printer automatically disconnects from the main network. To return to regular Wi-Fi, deactivate Wi-Fi Direct in the menu.

Which HP LaserJet models do not support Wi-Fi Direct?

Feature missing in:

• Budget models: M101–M106, M203.
• Old episodes: P1102, P1606dn (released before 2015).
• Some Enterprise-models with a port Ethernet (For example, M608 in the basic configuration).

Please check the specifications on the website before purchasing. HP or search for the logo Wi-Fi Direct on the body.