Modern office tasks require mobility, and the ability to print documents directly from a smartphone or laptop without unnecessary wires is becoming a necessity. Model HP LaserJet Pro M28w It's one of the most popular compact laser devices, supporting wireless technology, allowing it to be placed anywhere in the room as long as there's a router signal. However, initial Wi-Fi activation often presents difficulties for users unfamiliar with the operating principles of laser MFPs in this class.
The setup process is not complicated, but it does require strict adherence to the sequence of actions, since the device does not have a full touch screen for entering passwords. Wireless connection In this model, it's activated via a combination of buttons on the control panel or using specialized software that synchronizes network settings. Understanding the logic behind the indicators will help you avoid errors and quickly get to printing.
In this article, we'll detail all the available methods for connecting your device to your home or office network, explore mobile apps, and troubleshoot common errors. You'll learn how to use the feature correctly. WPSWhy you need a USB cable during initial setup, and what are the nuances of the driver for Windows or macOS operating systems. Getting up and running will only take a few minutes if you know where to press.
Preparatory stage and equipment testing
Before proceeding with the software, ensure the device is physically ready for operation. The printer should be unpacked, all shipping tape and protective films removed, and the cartridge installed in the appropriate slot. Plug the device into a power outlet and press the power button. Wait for the warm-up cycle to complete, which will be indicated by a solid green indicator light. Ready.
It's important to note that for the initial network configuration, you may need a USB cable, which, unfortunately, isn't always included with your device. If you don't have a USB Type-A to Type-B cable handy, we recommend finding one in advance, as the setup method without it (via WPS) doesn't work with all routers and requires physical access to the router's buttons.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure your router is broadcasting in the 2.4 GHz range. Model HP M28w does not support modern 5 GHz networks, and if your phone is only connected to the "five", the installation program may not find the printer on the local network.
Also, make sure you know the password for your Wi-Fi network. During setup, the system will ask you to enter it, and any capitalization or numeric errors will result in connection failure. Write down the password in advance or keep a device with an internet connection handy to copy the data.
WPS method: quick connection without a computer
The fastest way to establish a connection between a router and a printer is to use technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup). This method allows you to transfer network information automatically, without having to manually enter a long password. It's only suitable if your router has a physical WPS button or if this feature is available in the router's web interface.
To begin, press and hold the wireless button on the printer panel HP M28w until the Wi-Fi indicator starts blinking. This usually takes about 3-5 seconds. After that, you have two minutes to activate pairing mode on the router.
- 📡 Find the button
WPSon the body of your router and press it (sometimes you need to hold it for 1-2 seconds). - 🔄 Watch the Wi-Fi indicator on the printer: it should stop blinking and turn solid blue or green.
- ✅ If the indicator is constantly on, the connection has been established successfully, and you can proceed to installing the drivers.
- ❌ If the indicator continues to flash or flashes at a different frequency, the attempt was unsuccessful and you need to repeat the procedure.
This method is simple, but it doesn't install software on your computer. You'll be able to print if the operating system detects the device, but for full access to scanning features, it's best to perform a full software installation.
Setup via USB cable and HP software
The most reliable and manufacturer-recommended method is to use a USB cable for the initial transfer of network settings. Software HP Smart or a full driver package reads Wi-Fi settings from the system and automatically sends them to the printer. This eliminates manual password entry errors.
Connect the printer to your computer using a USB cable and wait for the system to recognize the new device. Run the installation file downloaded from the official support website. Hewlett-PackardDuring the installation process, select the "Wireless connection" or "Wi-Fi" option, although the cable will be connected.
The program will detect the device via USB and prompt you to enter network setup mode. At this point, it will transfer your network's SSID and password to the printer's memory. Once the transfer is successful, the software will prompt you to disconnect the USB cable. From this point on, the printer operates autonomously over the air.
☑️ USB Setup Checklist
It's important not to unplug the cable prematurely. Wait for a specific message on the computer screen indicating that the network settings have been applied. If you disconnect the cable while data is being transferred, the printer may remain in standby mode.
Using the HP Smart app for mobile devices
The company has developed an application for smartphone and tablet users. HP Smart, which allows you to configure your printer directly from your phone. This is especially convenient if you don't have a computer with a USB port nearby. The app is available for iOS and Android and is the primary device management tool for mobile devices.
Download and install the app from the official store (App Store or Google Play). Make sure your smartphone is connected to the same Wi-Fi network you want to connect the printer to. Enable Bluetooth on your phone, as the app uses it to find the device in setup mode.
Click the "Add Printer" button or the plus sign in the app. HP Smart will begin searching for devices. If the printer is in setup mode (the Wi-Fi indicator is blinking), the app will detect it and prompt you to set it up. You'll need to select your network from the list and enter the password.
⚠️ Attention: On Android, the app requires location access permission for proper operation. This is a Google system requirement for scanning Wi-Fi networks, and without GPS enabled, the printer may not be detected in the list of available networks.
Once the process is complete, the app will confirm a successful connection, and you can immediately print or scan a document. All further controls, such as checking toner levels or adjusting paper settings, are also accessible through this interface.
Reset network settings and restore access
If the printer stops detecting the network, the router password has changed, or the device has been moved to a new office, you should reset the network settings. This will return the Wi-Fi module to its factory settings, allowing you to configure it again.
To perform a reset on the model HP LaserJet M28w You need to simultaneously press and hold two buttons on the control panel: the wireless button and the cancel button (the cross). Hold them for about 5-7 seconds until the indicators blink.
After the reset, the Wi-Fi and Attention lights may begin flashing alternately, or the Wi-Fi light may return to a slow blinking mode, indicating it's ready for a new setup. Your computer or phone will no longer see the printer on the network until you reconnect.
| Indicator | State | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi | It's on constantly | Successful connection to the network |
| Wi-Fi | Flashing | Setup mode or network search |
| Wi-Fi | Turned off | The wireless module is disabled |
| Attention (!) | Flashing | Error or action required |
What to do if resetting doesn't help?
If the printer still won't connect after resetting the settings, try temporarily disabling MAC address filtering on your router. Sometimes routers block new devices by default. Also, check if your router is set to "Guest Network" mode, which isolates devices from each other.
Installing drivers and diagnosing problems
Even if the Wi-Fi indicator is solid, the computer may not see the printer. This means there is a physical connection, but it hasn't been established. driver — a software translator that explains to the OS how to operate a specific device. Without it, printing is impossible.
Go to the official HP support website and find your model in the "Drivers" section. M28wThe system will automatically detect your operating system. Download the full software package, not the basic driver, as the full package includes diagnostic utilities.
If installation is successful but printing fails, use the built-in HP Print and Scan Doctor. This utility automatically detects and fixes issues such as stopped print services or incorrect connection ports.
- 🔍 Make sure your computer and printer are on the same subnet (e.g. 192.168.1.x).
- 🛡️ Temporarily disable your antivirus or firewall, as they may be blocking your device from being detected on the network.
- 🔄 Make sure there are no unknown devices with an exclamation mark in Device Manager.
In some cases, static IP addressing can help. By accessing the printer's web interface (entering its current IP address in the browser), you can assign a permanent address to the device so the computer always knows where to send documents.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can the HP M28w be connected to 5GHz Wi-Fi?
No, model HP LaserJet M28w The router is equipped with a module that only supports the 802.11b/g/n standard in the 2.4 GHz band. To connect, ensure your router broadcasts in this band and, if necessary, combine the 2.4 and 5 GHz network names into a single SSID or connect to a network ending in 2.4.
The printer says "Offline" even though the Wi-Fi is on. What should I do?
The "Offline" status usually indicates a problem with the computer, not the printer. Check the print queue and ensure the correct port is selected (usually a standard TCP/IP port with the printer's address). Try removing the device from the system and re-adding it through the "Printers & Scanners" menu.
Is a USB cable required for continuous operation?
No, the USB cable is only required during the initial setup to transfer the Wi-Fi password. Once the wireless indicator lights up solid, you can disconnect the cable, and the printer will operate completely autonomously.
How to find out the IP address of a printer?
The easiest way is to print a configuration report. To do this, press and hold the Resume button (a piece of paper) on the printer control panel for 5-10 seconds. The printed report will show the device's current IP address in the "Network" or "IPv4" section.