How to Change the Wi-Fi Network on an HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28w Printer: 3 Proven Methods

Reconnecting the printer HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28w Switching to a new Wi-Fi network is a challenge users face when changing their router, network name, or password. Despite the device's compact size and simplicity, the setup process can be challenging due to the unintuitive interface and lack of a screen. In this article, we'll cover all the current methods for changing networks—from manually entering parameters via buttons to using a mobile app. HP Smart, and we will also look at typical mistakes and their solutions.

Feature of the model M28w The lack of a touchscreen requires the use of button combinations or external devices for setup. If you've never used HP printers without a screen before, we recommend following the instructions carefully—missing even one step can result in a reset or loss of connection. It's also important to note that the process may vary depending on the device's firmware version.

Preparing to Change Your Wi-Fi Network: What to Do in Advance

Before changing network settings, complete a few essential steps. This will help avoid common issues, such as connection failure or printer access loss.

First, make sure the new network works stably and other devices (smartphone, laptop) connect to it successfully. If the router uses a dual-band frequency (2.4 GHz And 5 GHz), printer HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28w supports only 2.4 GHzMake sure this frequency is enabled in your router settings.

• 📋 Write down the network name (SSID) and password new Wi-Fi network. The printer is case-sensitive.
• 🔌 Check the printer power: it must be plugged in and in standby mode (the indicator lights up green).
• 📱 Install the HP Smart app on your smartphone (Android/iOS) if you plan to use it for setup.
• 🖨️ Print a network settings report (If the printer is still connected to the old network) - it will be useful for diagnostics. To do this, hold down the button Information (ⓘ) for 5 seconds.

⚠️ Attention: If the printer was previously connected to the network via an Ethernet cable, disconnect the cable before setting up Wi-Fi. Using both wired and wireless connections simultaneously can cause conflicts.

If you're changing networks because of connection issues, first try rebooting your router and printer. In 30% of cases, this resolves the issue without the need for reconfiguration. Also, check if client isolation mode is enabled on your router.AP Isolation) - it can block communication between the printer and other devices.

Method 1: Change Wi-Fi via the printer control panel (without the app)

This method is suitable if you do not have access to a smartphone or computer, or if the printer is not recognized in the app. HP Smart. Interface HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28w It is minimalistic, so all actions are performed using three buttons: Cancel (❌), OK (✔️) and Information (ⓘ).

Algorithm of actions:

1. Make sure the printer is turned on and in standby mode (green light is steady).
2. Press and hold the button Wi-Fi (📶) for 3 seconds until the indicator starts flashing.
3. Click the button OK (✔️) Once — the printer will begin searching for available networks. This may take up to 30 seconds.
4. When the Wi-Fi indicator starts blinking faster, press OK (✔️) again to confirm that you want to start the setup.
5. Use the buttons Cancel (❌) and OK (✔️) to select your network from the list. The network name will be displayed by blinking indicators (in Morse code).
6. After selecting the network, enter the password using the key combinations (see table below).
7. Confirm your password by pressing OK (✔️) The printer will try to connect.

⚠️ Attention: If the printer doesn't recognize the password, check the letter case and the presence of hidden characters (such as spaces). The password is case-sensitive: "Password" and "PASSWORD" are different values.

If the Wi-Fi indicator flashes red after entering the password, this indicates a connection error. Repeat the process or try alternative methods (see the following sections). A successful connection is confirmed. uniform green glow Wi-Fi indicator.

Method 2: Using the HP Smart app (easiest method)

Application HP Smart significantly simplifies the process of changing Wi-Fi networks, especially for users who don't want to fiddle with printer buttons. It automatically detects the device and offers step-by-step setup. However, this method requires a Bluetooth-enabled smartphone or tablet (for initial synchronization).

Setup instructions:

1. Download and install HP Smart from Google Play or App Store.
2. Turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone and launch the application.
3. Click Add a printer (+) and select Setting up a new printer.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions. The app will prompt you to turn on Bluetooth to search for the printer.
5. When the printer HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28w appears in the list, select it.
6. The application will offer to connect to the printer's temporary network (the name will begin with HP-Setup...). Confirm the connection.
7. Once connected, select your primary Wi-Fi network from the list and enter the password.
8. Wait for the setup to complete. The printer will automatically reboot and connect to the new network.

If the app doesn't find the printer, make sure Bluetooth and location services are enabled on your smartphone (required to search for devices on some versions of Android). Also, make sure the printer is within 1-2 meters of your phone.

• 📱 Problem: The application freezes at the printer search stage.
  Solution: Restart Bluetooth on your smartphone and the printer (power off/on).
• 🔄 Problem: After entering the password, the error "Failed to connect" appears.
  Solution: Check if the MAC address filter is enabled on your router. Disable it temporarily.
• 🛑 Problem: The printer connects to the temporary network, but does not switch to the main network.
  Solution: Reboot your router and try the setup again.

Method 3: Connecting via WPS (if your router supports it)

Technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) allows you to connect your printer to the network without entering a password—just press a button on the router. This method only works if:

• The router supports WPS (usually there is a button with the inscription WPS or the 🔄 icon).
• The WPS function is enabled in the router settings.
• The printer is within the network range (no further than 5 meters from the router).

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Make sure the printer is turned on and ready for setup (green light).
2. Press and hold the button Wi-Fi (📶) on the printer for 3 seconds until the indicator starts flashing.
3. Press the button within 2 minutes WPS on the router. It's usually located on the back panel.
4. Wait until the Wi-Fi light on the printer turns green (this may take up to 1 minute).

If the connection fails, repeat the process or check your router settings:

1. Open the router's web interface (usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
2. Find the section WPS or Wi-Fi Protected Setup.
3. Make sure the feature is enabled and the connection is selected. PBC (Push Button Configuration).

⚠️ Attention: Some modern routers disable WPS by default due to security vulnerabilities. If you can't find the WPS button or the feature isn't working, try other connection methods.

What to do if WPS doesn't work?

If your router does not support WPS or the feature is disabled, try alternative methods:

1. Use the HP Smart app (Method 2).

2. Connect the printer to the router via a USB cable (if the router has a USB port) and configure the network via the web interface.

3. Temporarily disable network encryption (set to "Open" mode), connect the printer, and then restore the security settings.

Checking a successful connection and troubleshooting errors

After changing your Wi-Fi network, you need to make sure the printer is connected correctly and ready to use. Here's how:

1. Print a network settings report: hold down the button Information (ⓘ) for 5 seconds. Check the line in the report Wi-Fi Status — must be specified Connected and the name of your network.
2. Check the indicators: The green Wi-Fi LED (📶) should be on steadily, without blinking.
3. Send a test print: Print a document from your computer or smartphone. If the printer isn't responding, check the connection settings on your device.

Common mistakes and their solutions:

If the printer still doesn't connect, try reset network settings to factory:

1. Turn off the printer.
2. Press the buttons Wi-Fi (📶) and Cancel (❌) at the same time.
3. Turn on the printer without releasing the button for 10 seconds.
4. Release the buttons when all indicators flash.

After the reset, repeat the Wi-Fi setup using one of the methods described above.

Additional settings: static IP and backup connection

By default, the printer receives an IP address automatically via DHCP. However, in some networks (such as corporate ones), you may need to assign static IPThis is also useful if the printer often gets "lost" on the network.

To set up a static IP:

1. Print a network settings report (press and hold Information for 5 seconds).
2. Find the current IP address of the printer (e.g. 192.168.0.105).
3. Open the printer's web interface by entering its IP address into the browser's address bar.
4. Go to the section Networking → Wireless → IPv4 Configuration.
5. Select Manual IP and enter an address that does not conflict with other devices (for example, 192.168.0.200).
6. Specify the subnet mask (255.255.255.0), gateway (router IP) and DNS (can be left as is on the router).
7. Save the settings and restart the printer.

For a backup connection (for example, if Wi-Fi is disconnected), you can set up automatic switching to USB or Ethernet:

1. Connect the printer to your computer via USB.
2. Open Control Panel → Devices and Printers (Windows) or System Preferences → Printers & Scanners (macOS).
3. Right click on the printer, select Printer Properties → Ports.
4. Add a new port type Standard TCP/IP Port and specify the IP address of the printer.
5. Check the box Use this port by default.

⚠️ Attention: Static IP settings may conflict with other devices on the network. Before assigning an address, check for available IP addresses in the router's web interface (section DHCP or LAN).

Frequently asked questions and solutions

The printer is connected to Wi-Fi, but the computer can't see it. What should I do?

Please check the following points:

• Make sure the printer and computer are on the same network. Print a network settings report for the printer and compare the IP addresses.
• Temporarily disable your firewall or antivirus software on your computer—they may be blocking device detection.
• Reinstall the printer driver from the official HP website (support.hp.com).
• If you are using Windows, check the service SSDP Detection And UPnP device host - they must be included.

Can a printer be connected to a 5GHz network?

No, model HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28w supports networks only 2.4 GHzIf your router broadcasts both frequencies under the same name (SSID), the printer will automatically connect to 2.4 GHzIf the networks are separated, select the network with the postfix _2G or 2.4GHz.

How do I reset my printer to factory settings?

For a full reset:

1. Turn off the printer.
2. Press the buttons Cancel (❌) and Black and white copy (🖼️).
3. Turn on the printer by holding the buttons for 10 seconds.
4. Release the buttons when all indicators flash three times.

After the reset, you will need to reconfigure Wi-Fi and other settings.

My printer is printing very slowly over Wi-Fi. How can I speed it up?

Possible causes and solutions:

• Weak Wi-Fi signal: Move the printer closer to the router or use a signal repeater.
• Network congestion: Disable other devices that consume traffic (e.g. torrents).
• Poor connection quality: change the router channel 2.4 GHz with less interference (for example, channel 1 or 11).
• Outdated firmware: Update your printer firmware via HP Smart or web interface.

Is it possible to connect a printer to multiple networks at the same time?

No, HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28w Supports connection to only one Wi-Fi network at a time. However, you can quickly switch between networks using the button Wi-Fi on the printer or app HP Smart.