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

Wireless printer connection HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28w Connecting to a Wi-Fi network saves time and eliminates the clutter of cables. However, many users encounter difficulties: the device doesn't find the network, requires a password that "doesn't work," or refuses to print at all after connecting. In this article, we'll look at all connection methods — from standard settings via the control panel to alternative methods using a USB cable or mobile phone.

Feature of the model M28w — no screen, which makes the process more difficult for beginners. But don't worry: we'll describe each step in detail with illustrations (you'll find them in the official HP manual) and give tips on how to avoid common errors. For example, did you know that a printer can "forget" network settings after a firmware update? Or that some routers block connections from devices without DHCP? These details are often missed even in manufacturer instructions.

If you have already tried to connect and received an error like 0x610000f6 or Wi-Fi Direct is not availableDon't rush to reset your printer to factory settings. In 90% of cases, the problem can be resolved by changing one or two settings in the router or rebooting the devices. And for those just starting out, we've prepared a guide. Step-by-step instructions for Windows 10/11, macOS, and Android taking into account the features of each operating system.

1. Preparing the printer and network: what to check before you begin

Before you begin setup, make sure your network and printer are ready to connect. About 30% of problems These problems arise due to basic oversights: Wi-Fi turned off on the router, the wrong region in the settings, or MAC addresses blocked. Here's a checklist of necessary actions:

Make sure the router is turned on and distributing Wi-Fi (the wireless network indicator is green or blue)

Check that the printer HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28w turned on and there is paper in it (even if you don't plan to print a test page)

Disable the VPN on your computer/phone - it may be blocking local device detection

Place the printer in a strong Wi-Fi reception area (no further than 5 meters from the router during setup)

Write down your exact Wi-Fi password (note the case!) or change it to a simpler one temporarily-->

Please pay special attention to router operating modePrinters HP poorly compatible with networks in the range 5 GHz - they only support 2.4 GHzIf your router broadcasts both networks under the same name (SSID), the printer may freeze when selecting a network. Solution:

• 🔄 Separate the networks in the router settings by assigning them different names (for example, MyWiFi_2.4 And MyWiFi_5).
• 📶 Turn off 5 GHz temporarily during setup if you cannot separate the networks.
• 🔒 Make sure that you have selected the following in your router's security settings: WPA2-PSK (AES)Printers HP do not support outdated WEP or new WPA3 (without backward compatibility).

Critical Part: The Printer HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28w Doesn't support connecting to hidden Wi-Fi networks (where the SSID isn't broadcast). If your network is hidden, temporarily make it visible in your router settings.

⚠️ Note: If you are using a corporate network with portal-based authentication (e.g., in hotels or offices), connecting the printer to such a network is not possible. In this case, use Wi-Fi Direct mode (more on this in section 4).

2. Standard connection via buttons on the printer (without screen)

Model M28w It doesn't have a display, so Wi-Fi setup is done using a combination of buttons and indicator lights. Here are the step-by-step instructions:

1. Activate Wi-Fi setup mode:

Hold the button Wireless communication (with the antenna icon) on the front panel of the printer for 5 secondsuntil the indicator light starts flashing blue. This means the printer is ready to search for networks.

2. Select your network:

- Press the button Cancel (red cross) once — the indicator will start flashing faster, signaling that it is searching for networks.

- Wait until the indicator lights up permanent blue (This may take up to 2 minutes). If the light goes out, the printer has not found the network. Check that the router is turned on and broadcasting 2.4 GHz.

3. Enter your Wi-Fi password:

This is where the hardest part begins: without a screen, you have to enter the password blindly:

• 🔢 Use the buttons Up/Down Arrow to select characters (each press cycles through the characters: a → b → c → ... → 1 → 2 → ...).
• 📌 To switch between uppercase/lowercase letters and numbers, press the button Black and white printing (it works like Shift).
• ✅ To confirm the symbol, press OK (check mark).

If you made a mistake, click Cancel and start over. After entering the password, press and hold OK 3 seconds to confirm.

4. Completing the connection:

If the password is correct, the indicator Wireless communication will light up permanent blue, and the printer will print connection report with an IP address. Save this sheet—you'll need it for setup on your computer.

⚠️ Attention: If the printer printed the report with an error Wi-Fi: Connection failed, check:

• 🔄 The password is correct (note the case!).
• 📡 The presence of special characters in the password (for example, !, @, #). Some printers HP don't support them - try temporarily changing the password to a simple one (only letters and numbers).
• 🔌 Is the printer powered by AC power (not USB?). If the battery is low (if used), Wi-Fi may disconnect.

3. Connecting via the HP Smart program (the easiest way)

If entering your password using buttons seems too complicated, use the official app HP SmartIt automatically finds your printer and helps you set up Wi-Fi via your smartphone or computer. Download it:

• 📱 For Android: [Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.hp.printercontrol) (install the latest version!).
• 🍎 For iOS: [App Store](https://apps.apple.com/ru/app/hp-smart/id1177244564).
• 💻 For Windows/macOS: [Official HP website](https://support.hp.com/us-en/drivers/selfservice/hp-laserjet-pro-mfp-m28-m29-series/17216956).

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Connect the printer to your computer/phone via USB cable (included). This is a temporary connection—you can disconnect the cable after setting up the Wi-Fi.
2. Launch HP Smart and select Add a printer.
3. The application will prompt you to select a connection method - select Wireless network.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions: the program will automatically find the printer, prompt you to select a Wi-Fi network from the list, and enter the password.
5. Once connected successfully, disconnect the USB cable. The printer should remain connected to the Wi-Fi network.

If the printer is not detected:

• 🔌 Check that the USB cable is connected to port on the back of the printer (not to the front flash drive connector!).
• 🔄 Restart the printer (turn it off for 10 seconds and then turn it on again).
• 📵 Make sure that the security feature is turned off on your computer/phone airplane mode and Wi-Fi is turned on.

What should I do if HP Smart doesn't see my printer?

If the application does not find the printer even via USB, try the following steps:

1. Uninstall the HP Smart program and reinstall it (sometimes the configuration files get corrupted).

2. Make sure you have the latest printer drivers installed on your computer (download them from the [HP website](https://support.hp.com) according to your model) M28w).

3. Try connecting from another device (for example, if it doesn’t work on Windows, try from macOS or Android).

4. If you are using a USB hub, connect the cable directly to the computer port—hubs often do not provide enough power to detect the printer.

4. Alternative connection methods: Wi-Fi Direct and WPS

If standard methods don't work, try backup options. They're less versatile, but they can save you in difficult situations (for example, if you have a problem with your router or can't access its settings).

Method 1: Wi-Fi Direct

This mode allows you to connect directly to the printer, without a router. It's suitable for printing from a laptop or smartphone while traveling or in offices with limited network coverage.

• 📱 Turn on Wi-Fi on your phone/computer and find the network with the name DIRECT-xx-HP LaserJet Pro M28w (Where xx — unique symbols).
• 🔑 The default password is located on the sticker on the back of the printer (usually 8 digits).
• 🖨️ After connecting, add the printer manually via Settings → Devices → Printers & Scanners (Windows) or Settings → Bluetooth & Devices (Android).

Limitation: In Wi-Fi Direct mode, the printer is not accessible to other devices on the network. To return to normal mode, press and hold the button. Wireless communication 10 seconds.

Method 2: Connecting via WPS

If your router supports the technology WPS (a button with a lock or the inscription WPS), you can connect the printer without entering a password:

1. Click the button WPS on the router (usually you need to hold it for 3-5 seconds).
2. For 2 minutes press and hold the button Wireless communication on the printer until the indicator starts flashing blue.
3. Wait until the indicator turns solid blue - this means the connection is established.

⚠️ Important: WPS only works with networks 2.4 GHz and can be disabled in the router settings for security reasons. If the WPS button doesn't respond, check if it's enabled in the router's web interface (usually in the Settings section). Wi-Fi → WPS).

5. Setting up the printer on your computer after connecting to Wi-Fi

Even after successfully connecting to the network, the printer may not appear in the list of available devices. Here's how to add it manually:

For Windows 10/11:

1. Open Settings → Bluetooth & Devices → Printers & Scanners.
2. Click Add a device → Add manually.
3. Select Add a printer by TCP/IP address.
4. In the field Name or IP address Enter the printer address (it can be found in the connection report printed by the printer).
5. Click Next and wait for the system to find the driver. If Windows asks for a driver, download it from the [HP website](https://support.hp.com) for your model. LaserJet Pro MFP M28w.

For macOS:

1. Open System Preferences → Printers & Scanners.
2. Click + to add a new printer.
3. Select yours from the list HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28wIf it is not there, click Add a printer or scanner by IP address and enter the data manually.
4. In the field Use select Secure AirPrint or downloaded HP driver.

For Android:

• 📱 Install the application HP Smart (link above).
• 🖨️ In the section Printers click Add a printer — the application will automatically find M28w on your network.
• 📄 To print from other applications (such as Google Docs), select Print → Save as PDF → HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28w.

⚠️ Attention: If the printer has been added, but an error occurs when printing Offline, check:

• 🔌 Is the printer powered by the mains (the power indicator should be green).
• 📡 Has the printer's IP address changed? (If so, reboot the router and printer.)
• 🔒 Is your Windows/macOS firewall blocking access to the printer? (Temporarily disable it to check.)

6. Common mistakes and their solutions

Even with proper setup, your printer may still perform erratically. Here are the most common issues and how to fix them:

Error: The printer cannot find a Wi-Fi network.

• 📡 Check that the router is broadcasting the network in the range 2.4 GHz (the printer doesn't see it) 5 GHz).
• 🔄 Restart your router (turn it off for 30 seconds and turn it on again).
• 📵 Make sure the printer is within network coverage (no further than 10 meters from the router during setup).
• 🔑 If the network is hidden (SSID is not broadcast), temporarily make it visible.

Error: Incorrect password (even though you are sure it is correct)

• 🔤 Check the case of letters (passwords) Password And password - different!).
• 🔢 Make sure your password does not contain special characters (e.g. !, #, $). Some printers HP they are not supported.
• 🔄 Try temporarily changing your password to a simpler one (for example, 12345678) and try connecting again.

Error: The printer is connected to Wi-Fi but does not print.

• 🖨️ Check that the printer is not in print mode Offline (in Windows: Printers & Scanners → HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28w → Open Queue → Printer → Cancel Offline Mode).
• 📡 Make sure that your computer and printer are on the same network (for example, if your computer is connected to MyWiFi_5, and the printer is to MyWiFi_2.4, they will not see each other).
• 🔌 Restart the printer (turn it off for 10 seconds and then turn it on again).

Error: Orange indicator flashing Wireless communication

This means the printer is connected to the network but can't obtain an IP address (DHCP issue on the router). Solutions:

• 🔄 Reboot your router.
• 📡 In your router settings, check that it is enabled DHCP server (usually in the section LAN or DHCP).
• 🖨️ Assign a static IP address to the printer manually (via the router's web interface in the section DHCP → Address Reservation).

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

If all connection attempts fail, reset the printer's network settings to factory defaults:

1. Turn off the printer.

2. Press and hold the buttons Cancel And Wireless communication simultaneously.

3. Without releasing the button, turn on the printer.

4. Hold the buttons for another 10 seconds until the indicators start flashing.

5. Release the buttons and the Wi-Fi settings will be reset.

After this, repeat the connection process again.

7. Optimizing printer performance on a Wi-Fi network

To ensure your printer runs smoothly and quickly, follow these tips:

1. Set up IP address reservation

By default, the router may assign a new IP address to the printer each time it's connected, causing computers to lose connection. To prevent this:

• 📡 Go to the router's web interface (usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
• 🔧 Find the section DHCP → Address Reservation (or IP/MAC binding).
• 🖨️ Add a new rule by specifying Printer MAC address (it is indicated on the sticker on the back or in the connection report) and the desired IP address (for example, 192.168.0.100).

2. Update your printer firmware

Outdated firmware may cause connection or printing issues. To update:

• 📥 Download the latest firmware from the [HP website](https://support.hp.com) (enter your model LaserJet Pro MFP M28w).
• 🖨️ Connect the printer to your computer via USB.
• 🔄 Run the firmware file and follow the instructions (do not turn off the printer during the update!).

3. Improve the printer's Wi-Fi signal

If the printer is located far from the router or behind several walls, the signal may be weak. Solutions:

• 📡 Move your router closer to the printer or use Wi-Fi repeater.
• 🔌 Connect the printer to the router via Powerline adapter (transmits internet through electrical wiring).
• 📶 Change the Wi-Fi channel in the router settings (select the least crowded channel in the range 2.4 GHz, for example, 1, 6 or 11).

4. Set the default printing mode to black and white

Color printing on laser printers HP Uses a lot of toner. To save:

• 🖨️ On Windows: Open Printers and Scanners → HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28w → Management → Print Preferences → Color and select Black and white.
• 📱 In mobile apps (e.g. HP Smart), select Print Settings → Color: Grayscale.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about connection HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28w

🔍 Why does my printer connect to Wi-Fi but not print from my phone?

Most likely, the issue is with your mobile device settings. Check the following:

• 📱 Make sure your phone is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the printer (not mobile data!).
• 🖨️ In the app HP Smart refresh the printer list (drag the screen down).
• 📄 Try printing from the menu Share → Print in the desired document (for example, in Google Docs or Gallery).
• 🔄 Restart your phone and printer.

If that doesn't help, remove the printer from the HP Smart app and add it again.

🔌 Is it possible to connect a printer to Wi-Fi without a router (for example, to a laptop)?

Yes, but only in mode Wi-Fi Direct (described in section 4). In this case:

• 💻 The laptop connects directly to the printer as an access point.
• 📵 The Internet on the laptop will not work (unless you turn it on General access in Windows/macOS settings).
• 🖨️ Printing is only possible from a device that is connected to the printer.

For continuous operation, it is better to use a router.

🔄 How do I reset my printer to factory settings?

For a full reset (including network settings):

1. Turn off the printer.
2. Press and hold the buttons Cancel And Black and white printing.
3. Without releasing the button, turn on the printer.
4. Continue holding the buttons for another 10-15 seconds until all indicators flash.
5. Release the buttons and the printer will reboot with factory settings.

⚠️ After the reset, you will have to reconfigure Wi-Fi and other settings!

📡 Why does my printer periodically disconnect from Wi-Fi?

This is a typical problem associated with:

• 🔋 Save energy: Disable sleep mode in your printer settings (Control Panel → Settings → Sleep → Off).
• 📶 Weak signal: Move the printer closer to the router or use a Wi-Fi repeater.
• 🔄 IP address conflict: assign a static IP address to the printer in the router settings (see section 7).
• 🔌 Router overload: reboot it and reduce the number of connected devices.

If the problem persists, update the firmware of your printer and router.

🖨️ Can this printer be connected to multiple Wi-Fi networks?

No, HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28w remembers only one Wi-Fi network. If you need to switch between networks (for example, at home and at the office), you will have to manually reconfigure the connection each time or use Wi-Fi Direct for temporary connection.

An alternative option is to buy an inexpensive one travel router (for example, TP-Link TL-WR802N), which will connect to the main network and distribute its Wi-Fi to the printer.