A modern office or home workspace is impossible to imagine without convenient peripherals and a compact multifunctional device HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28w It became a real hit thanks to its size and functionality. The ability to print documents without cables significantly simplifies life, allowing the device to be placed anywhere with a power outlet. However, initial setup of the wireless connection often raises questions for users accustomed to wired interfaces.
The Wi-Fi activation process for this printer has its own unique features, due to the lack of a color touchscreen, requiring careful attention when following the steps. In this article, we'll cover all available connection methods in detail. HP M28w We'll cover how to connect to your local network, explore using the proprietary app and the HP Smart utility, and also address common connection stability issues. You'll learn not only how to print from your phone or laptop, but also understand why a device might lose connection to the router.
Getting started doesn't require extensive networking knowledge, but a basic understanding of how devices find each other on a network will be helpful. We'll cover the direct connection method via WPS, which is the fastest, and the classic software-based setup, which offers more control over settings. Proper driver installation and choice of communication protocol are the foundation for your printer's reliable operation over many years of use.
Preparing the device and checking network compatibility
Before you begin software configuration, you need to make sure that your network equipment and the printer itself are ready to communicate. HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28w It works in the Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n standards, which means it supports most modern routers, but there is an important nuance: the device does not support 5 GHz networksIf your router broadcasts two networks with the same name (SSID) for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, the printer may attempt to connect to an unsupported frequency or become confused. Therefore, during setup, it is recommended to temporarily separate the networks or ensure that you are connecting to the 2.4 GHz band.
Turn on the printer and wait for the warm-up cycle to complete. Check the control panel: the wireless indicator should be blinking blue, indicating it's searching for a network or not connected. If the indicator is solid blue, the device is already connected to a network and may need to be reset to factory network settings before reconfiguring. To do this, press and hold the wireless button and the cancel button (the cross) simultaneously for 3 seconds.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure your computer or smartphone is on the same Wi-Fi network you plan to connect the printer to during setup. If you're using a guest network on your router, the printer may be isolated from other devices, making it impossible to install drivers or print.
It's also worth checking if MAC address filtering is enabled on your router. While this is rare for a home network, such restrictions are common in corporate environments. You can find your printer's address by printing a configuration report: press and hold the continue button (triangle) for 5 seconds until the lights light up. The report will indicate Wireless MAC Address, which can be added to your router's whitelist if necessary.
Quick connection via WPS technology
The easiest and fastest way to connect HP M28w To connect to the network, use WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) if your router supports it. This method eliminates the need to manually enter a complex Wi-Fi password, as devices exchange encryption keys automatically. On most routers, the WPS button is located on the back panel and may be combined with the reset button. Press it briefly, usually for 1-2 seconds, until the corresponding indicator light starts flashing.
To initiate WPS search mode on the printer, press and hold the wireless button on the control panel for 5 seconds. The Wi-Fi indicator will begin flashing, indicating the device is ready to pair. Within 2 minutes, press the WPS button on your router. If the connection is successful, the indicator light on the printer will stop flashing and turn solid blue, and the indicator light next to it (the information button) will begin flashing, indicating data transfer activity.
If your router doesn't have a physical WPS button, this method won't work. In this case, use the software setup method via the HP Smart app or the installation disc.
It's worth noting that WPS has its own security limitations and may be disabled by default in newer router models. If after 2 minutes the printer's LED continues to flash or turns orange, pairing has failed. In this case, try repeating the process closer to the router, or switch to a more secure software setup method that offers more control.
Setup via the HP Smart app and mobile devices
HP is actively promoting its cloud platform and mobile app. HP Smart as the primary management tool for printing equipment. For Android and iOS smartphone owners, this is truly the most convenient option, allowing you not only to set up your printer but also to scan documents, check toner levels, and order consumables. The app automatically detects new HP devices within Bluetooth range and guides them through a step-by-step initial setup wizard.
After installing the app and registering an HP account (which is required for cloud features), click "Add Printer." The app will prompt you to enable Bluetooth on your smartphone and enter Wi-Fi setup mode on the printer itself. This typically requires simultaneously pressing the Wireless and Cancel buttons, after which the smartphone will find the device and transmit your home network passwords. The entire process takes no more than 3-5 minutes.
An important advantage of using HP Smart The ability to print from anywhere in the world, as long as the printer is connected to the internet. This is accomplished through HP ePrint or simply through a cloud driver. However, for this feature to work, the printer must have constant internet access, so when setting up the app, make sure your router doesn't block outgoing connections for new devices. The app also allows you to update the printer's firmware, which often resolves compatibility issues with new operating system versions.
Classic driver installation from a Windows computer
For users who require full device functionality, including advanced scanning settings and tray management, a full software installation from a computer is recommended. Start by downloading the full driver package from the official HP website and selecting your model. LaserJet Pro MFP M28Do not use the drivers included on the disc, as they may be outdated and do not contain the latest security patches.
Run the downloaded installation file and select "Wireless" as the connection type. The program will offer several options: if the printer has already been connected via WPS or an app, the system may find it automatically. Otherwise, the installer will offer a temporary connection via USB cable to transfer network settings. This is a very convenient method: you connect the cable, the program scans the list of available networks, you select yours, enter the password, and the printer receives the settings. After that, you can disconnect the cable.
☑️ Checklist for successful driver installation
During the installation process, the wizard may prompt you to register your device and enable automatic usage data submission. You can decline this if you value privacy, but doing so will disable the automatic toner ordering feature. After installation is complete, we recommend restarting your computer and attempting to submit a test page. If printing is successful, your printer will appear in the Windows device list with the "Ready" status, and you will be able to use all its features. double-sided printing (if supported by the driver) and scanning to the network.
Setting up Wi-Fi Direct for printing without a router
One of the most useful features of the model HP M28w The printer supports Wi-Fi Direct technology. It allows you to connect smartphones, tablets, and laptops directly to the printer, bypassing your home router. This is ideal for situations where the internet connection is congested, the router is temporarily unavailable, or you're visiting and don't want to connect your phone to someone else's network. In this mode, the printer itself becomes an access point.
To activate this mode, press the Wi-Fi Direct button on the control panel (the smartphone icon). If the indicator lights up, the printer is broadcasting its network. The network name (SSID) is typically "HP-Print-" plus the model and part of the MAC address. You can find the connection password by printing a configuration report or viewing it on your mobile device when attempting to connect (if using an Android device with Wi-Fi Direct support).
| Parameter | Default value | Where to change |
|---|---|---|
| Network name (SSID) | HP-Print-28-LaserJet M28 | Web Interface (EWS) |
| Password | 12345678 (standard) | Configuration report |
| IP address | 192.168.223.1 | It doesn't change |
| Max devices | 5 connections | It doesn't change |
When using Wi-Fi Direct, your phone may also lose internet access while connected to the printer if it isn't configured to automatically switch between networks. For regular office work, it's best to use infrastructure mode (via a router), leaving Direct as a backup.
Diagnostics and Solution (FAQ)
Even with proper setup, situations may arise where the printer stops responding or appears "Offline" on the network. This is often due to the router changing the printer's IP address (if a static IP isn't reserved) or the device's energy-saving settings. If the Wi-Fi indicator is blinking blue, there's no connection. Try rebooting both the router and the printer simultaneously: turn off both devices, wait 10 seconds, turn on the router, wait until it fully boots up, and only then turn on the printer.
⚠️ Attention: If you've changed your Wi-Fi password or network name, the printer won't connect automatically. You'll need to reset the printer's network settings (press and hold the Wireless and Cancel buttons) and repeat the setup process, as it only remembers the old settings.
Another common problem is the "sleep" mode. HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28w The printer aggressively enters power-saving mode and sometimes fails to wake up in time when commanded by the computer. In the printer driver, under the "Device Settings" or "Device Configuration" tab, you can find the auto-off settings and try increasing the sleep time or disabling deep sleep if connection stability is more important than saving power.
What should I do if the orange attention light is on?
An orange light usually indicates an error: a paper jam, low toner, or an open cover. If the printer is mechanically OK, try a cold reset: unplug the printer, wait 30 seconds, then plug it back in. If the problem is network-related (blinking orange Wi-Fi), it means the password is incorrect or the signal is weak.
In complex cases where software methods don't help, you can try resetting the network settings to factory defaults. To do this, turn off the printer. Press and hold the wireless button and the cancel button. Without releasing them, turn on the printer. Hold the buttons for about 10-15 seconds until all the lights flash simultaneously. This will reset the network card to its original state, and you can start the setup again.
Why can't my HP M28w printer see my Wi-Fi network?
Most likely, your router is only operating in 5 GHz mode or uses a security standard that the printer doesn't support (for example, WPA3 only, not WPA2 compatibility). Make sure the 2.4 GHz network is active and visible (the SSID isn't hidden). Also, check if MAC address filtering is enabled on your router.
How to find the IP address of a printer on the network?
The easiest way is to print a network configuration report. To do this, press and hold the Resume button (triangle) on the printer control panel for about 5 seconds. In the Wireless section, look for the IP Address line. You can also view the IP address in the HP Smart app or through the HP Solution Monitor utility on your computer.
Can this printer be connected to a 5GHz network?
No, model HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28w Equipped with a Wi-Fi module that operates only in the 2.4 GHz band. To connect to a dual-band router, ensure that the 2.4 GHz network is enabled on it and that your connecting device (laptop or phone) is also in this frequency range during setup.
What does a blinking blue wireless light mean?
A blinking blue light indicates the Wi-Fi module is enabled, but the printer is not connected to the network (in standby mode or lost connection). A solid blue light indicates a successful connection to the router. If the light is off, the wireless module is disabled using the button on the control panel.