It's quite common to need to connect a new device to a wireless network but lose or forget the password. This is especially true for office equipment such as HP LaserJet Pro MFP, which can remain in place for a long time without any configuration changes. Users often look for a way to extract the current password directly from the device's memory, but the technical implementation of security in modern gadgets is different.
It is worth clarifying an important technical point right away: in most cases find out the current password It's impossible to access the password directly from the printer's screen or through its web interface. Manufacturers deliberately conceal this information to prevent data theft by attackers who gain physical access to the device. However, there are proven methods to bypass this restriction, allowing you to regain network access without knowing the old password combination.
In this article, we will look at all the available options for owners of MFP series LaserJet ProYou'll learn how to use the WPS feature, how to view saved passwords on an already connected Windows computer, and how to properly reset network settings if other methods fail.
Why doesn't the printer display the password in plain text?
Wireless network security architecture is built on the principle of hiding encryption keys. When you enter a password on a computer or smartphone to connect to a printer, the device stores the hash or encrypted key in its non-volatile memory. password text string is not stored anywhere in a readable form, which makes it impossible to display it on the display HP LaserJet through the standard menu.
This is not a bug or a limitation of a specific model, but an industry standard. Wi-Fi AllianceIf anyone approaching the printer could press a couple of buttons and see the password for a corporate or home network, it would create a huge security breach. Therefore, the device's interface simply doesn't include a "Show Password" option.
⚠️ Warning: Do not attempt to search the printer menu for options like "Show Password" or "Reveal Key." These options do not exist in HP firmware. Attempting to hack the firmware to extract keys may void the warranty and cause instability in the device.
However, the printer itself successfully connects to the router using the saved data. Our task is to find a way to either view this password on a trusted device (computer) or force the router and printer to "shake hands" without manually entering the characters.
Using WPS technology to connect without a password
The easiest and most effective way to connect HP LaserJet Pro MFP accessing Wi-Fi without knowing the password is using technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup)This protocol allows devices to exchange encryption keys automatically by physically pressing a button on the router or via a PIN code.
Most modern HP routers and printers support this feature. You don't need to print anything; simply sync your devices within a short period of time. This is ideal if you don't have a computer with a saved password handy, but have physical access to the router.
- 🔘 Find the button WPS on the body of your router (often marked with two arrows or a lock icon) and press it.
- 🖨️ On the printer control panel HP LaserJet Press the Wireless button or go to the network settings menu.
- 📡 Select “WPS” or “WPS Setup” and confirm the action by pressing the “OK” or “Start” button.
- ⏳ Wait about 2 minutes until the wireless indicator on the printer stops flashing and turns solid blue.
If your router doesn't have a physical button, this method can be used through the router's web interface menu, where you need to activate the WPS standby mode. Also, some models LaserJet Pro They support entering a WPS PIN code, which is generated on the printer itself and entered into the router settings, but the option with a button is much faster.
Viewing a password on a Windows computer
If a Windows computer is already connected to your Wi-Fi network, the network password is already saved in the system. You can easily view it without accessing the router settings. This method works even if the printer itself is not connected. HP LaserJet Not currently connected to the network.
To do this, use the standard operating system tools. You'll need to open the wireless connection status window. You can do this from the taskbar or the command line, but we'll look at the most visual and intuitive way: through the graphical interface.
Please follow these steps in sequence:
- Right-click the Wi-Fi icon in the lower-right corner of the screen (in the tray) and select "Open network & Internet settings".
- In the window that opens, find the link “Network and Sharing Center” (in Windows 10/11 the path may be slightly different, you can simply enter “View network connections” in the search).
- In the list of connections, click on the name of your wireless network (blue text with a signal icon).
- In the status window that appears, click the "Wireless Network Properties" button.
- Go to the tab
Security. - Check the box next to the item
Show entered characters.
After these steps, your password will appear in the "Network Security Key" field. You can copy it and enter it when setting up the printer via USB cable or mobile app.
| Action | Where to find | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Network status | Taskbar → Wi-Fi | Connection status window |
| Properties | Wireless Network Properties button | Options dialog box |
| Security tab | The top line of the properties window | Encryption settings |
| Display key | Checkbox "Show entered characters" | The text password is visible |
☑️ Check your password before viewing it
Resetting the HP LaserJet Pro printer's network settings
If none of the above methods work, or if the printer has “remembered” the password and does not want to connect again, there is one last reliable method - reset network settingsThis will return the network module. HP LaserJet Pro MFP to factory default, after which you can set it up as a new device.
Important to understand: resetting network settings does not affect Your personal files, scanned documents, or paper tray settings. It only clears IP addressing settings, SSIDs, and saved Wi-Fi security keys.
The reset procedure may differ on touchscreen models and push-button models:
- 🔴 For models with a screen: Press the settings button (gear) → select "Network" or the wireless icon → scroll down to "Restore network settings" → confirm the action (Yes).
- 🔵 For models with buttons: Simultaneously press and hold the "Wireless" button and the "Cancel" button (the cross) for 3-5 seconds. The indicators should flash, indicating a reset.
⚠️ Important: After resetting the printer, it will create its own access point (Direct) with a name similar to "HP-Setup-xx-LaserJet." Don't confuse this with your home Wi-Fi. For initial setup, it's best to use a USB cable or the HP Smart app.
After the reset, run the driver installation program from the official HP website or use the mobile app. The system will automatically detect the printer in setup mode and prompt you to select your network from the list, after which you'll be asked to re-enter the password.
What to do if resetting doesn't help?
If the printer still can't see the network or connect even after a factory reset, there may be a problem with the frequency band. Some older HP LaserJet models only support 2.4 GHz. Make sure your router is broadcasting in this band, or separate the 2.4 and 5 GHz networks into different SSIDs in the router settings.
Setup via USB cable and HP Smart app
The modern and most convenient way to “tell” the printer a new password is to use the utility HP SmartThis method is advantageous because the program automatically takes the password for the Wi-Fi network your computer or smartphone is connected to and transfers it to the printer.
You don't need to know the password in plain text, as it's transmitted automatically. This eliminates manual entry errors, such as when the user mixes up the case of letters or special characters.
The algorithm of actions is as follows:
- Connect the printer HP LaserJet Pro MFP to the computer via a USB cable.
- Make sure your computer is connected to the target Wi-Fi network.
- Launch the application HP Smart (available in Microsoft Store or App Store).
- Click Add Printer or select your device from the list.
- Go to Settings → Wireless → Wireless Wizard.
- Follow the on-screen instructions. The program will prompt you to change the connection from USB to Wi-Fi.
Path to the HP Smart menu: Settings (gear) → Network settings → Wireless → Setup WizardDuring the setup process, the program may prompt you to temporarily disconnect the USB cable. Once successfully connected, the Wi-Fi indicator on the printer will turn blue. The device is now fully autonomous.
Common problems and their solutions
Even after following all the instructions, users may encounter difficulties. Often, the problem lies not with the printer, but with the router or interference. For example, printers of the LaserJet Pro may have difficulty seeing the network if it is running on a heavily loaded channel or if SSID stealth broadcasting is enabled.
It's also worth checking the security type. Outdated encryption methods like WEP or TKIP may not be supported by new drivers or, conversely, blocked by modern routers. The recommended standard is WPA2-AES or WPA3.
- 📶 Weak signal: If the printer is located far from the router, behind thick walls or metal structures, the connection will be unstable. Try moving the device closer.
- 🔒 Maximum devices: Home routers often have a limit on the number of connected clients. If you have a smart home with dozens of gadgets, your printer may run out of space in the DHCP table.
- 📡 5 GHz band: Make sure you're not trying to connect a 2.4 GHz-only printer to a 5 GHz network. The network names should be different.
⚠️ Attention: Menu interfaces and item names may differ slightly depending on the firmware version of your device. HP LaserJet Pro MFP and a specific modification (M28, M130, M428, etc.). Always focus on the logic of actions, and not just on the exact match of words on the screen.
If all else fails, it might be worth updating the printer's firmware. This can be done through the device menu (under "Maintenance" → "Firmware Update") if the printer is connected via Ethernet or USB. New firmware versions often contain fixes for wireless module errors.
Is it possible to find out the password if the printer is already connected to Wi-Fi?
Directly from the printer screen – no. However, you can view the password on any computer (Windows or macOS) that's already connected to the same network using the methods described in the section on viewing the password on a PC.
What should I do if I forgot my Wi-Fi password and WPS isn't working?
The only option is to view the password in the router settings. To do this, connect to the router via cable or Wi-Fi (if available), enter its IP address (usually 192.168.0.1 or 1.1) in your browser, and go to the wireless security section.
Will resetting the network settings reset all my scans and faxes?
No. Network reset only affects connection settings (IP, DNS, SSID, Password). All user data, fax address books, and tray settings are retained.
My HP printer can't see my Wi-Fi network, even though it's connected. Why?
Possible causes: the network operates at a frequency of 5 GHz (the printer only sees 2.4 GHz), MAC address filtering is enabled on the router, or the network name (SSID) contains special characters that the printer does not recognize.