How to connect the HP LaserJet Pro M125r NW printer to Wi-Fi: full instructions with photos

Printer HP LaserJet Pro M125r NW — a compact and functional solution for the home or small office, but connecting it to a wireless network for the first time often raises questions. Unlike wired models, where simply plugging in a cable is enough, setting up Wi-Fi requires understanding the nuances: from selecting the correct network mode to entering the password correctly. This article will help you avoid common mistakes and set up a connection on the first try.

We will look at all connection methods: through the printer panel, using the program HP Smart, as well as manually via the web interface. We'll also cover troubleshooting issues such as why the printer isn't detecting the network, losing connection, or printing with delays. If you've already tried connecting and encountered errors (for example, Wi-Fi Direct is not available or Authentication error), here you will find solutions.

Important: the instructions are valid for printer firmware version 20231025 and newer. If your model hasn't been updated in a while, some menu items may differ. In this case, we recommend first updating the printer software via USB or Ethernet.

📊 How do you plan to connect the printer?
Through the printer panel
Using the HP Smart program
Via the web interface
I haven't decided yet

1. Preparing the printer for Wi-Fi connection

Before setting up your network, make sure your printer is ready to use. Here's what to check:

  • 🔌 Nutrition: The printer must be plugged into a power outlet and in standby mode (the power indicator is green).
  • 📄 Paper: There must be at least one sheet in the tray - this is necessary for printing a test page with network settings.
  • 📡 Distance to router: The printer and router should be no more than 5 meters apart (without obstacles such as walls or furniture).
  • 🔒 Wi-Fi password: Prepare the password for your network—you will have to enter it manually (the printer does not support WPS connection).

If the printer was previously connected to a different network, its settings may conflict. In this case, reset the network settings:

  1. Press and hold the button Wi-Fi (📶) on the printer panel for 10 seconds until the indicator starts flashing.
  2. Release the button - the printer will reboot and reset all network settings.
⚠️ Attention: After resetting, the printer will lose all saved networks, including the Ethernet connection (if one was configured).

Make sure the printer is plugged into a 220V power supply.

Check if there is paper in the tray|

Write down your Wi-Fi password|

Reset network settings (if the printer has already been connected to another network)|

Place the printer near the router-->

2. Method 1: Connecting via the printer panel (without a PC)

This is the most versatile method, requiring no additional devices. It's perfect if you don't have a computer or smartphone handy.

Instructions:

  1. On the printer panel, press the button Settings (⚙️).
  2. Go to Network → Wireless Network → Wi-Fi Setup Wizard.
  3. The printer will begin searching for available networks. When your network appears in the list, select it using the buttons. ↑/↓ and press OK.
  4. Enter your Wi-Fi password. To do this, use the arrow keys to select the symbol, and OK — to confirm. Register is important! If your password contains capital letters, don't forget to switch the keyboard layout using the button Shift (on the printer panel it is indicated by an upward arrow).
  5. After entering the password, the printer will attempt to connect. If successful, the Wi-Fi indicator (📶) will light up. blue.

To verify that the connection was successful, print the network settings page:

  • Press and hold the button Cancel (❌) 5 seconds.
  • The printer will print a sheet with information, where in the section Wireless will be indicated Status: Connected and IP address.
⚠️ Attention: If your network uses a hidden SSID (doesn't broadcast its name), the printer won't be able to find it automatically. In this case, select Manually entering SSID and enter the network name manually, then the password.

3. Method 2: Connecting using the HP Smart app

Program HP Smart Simplifies setup, especially if you're connecting the printer to a computer or smartphone. It automatically finds the printer on the network and offers step-by-step instructions.

You can download HP Smart:

  • 🖥️ For Windows/macOS: HP official website (section "Software and drivers").
  • 📱 For Android/iOS: App Store or Google Play.

Instructions for Windows:

  1. Install and launch HP Smart.
  2. Click Add a printer.
  3. Select Setting up a new printer.
  4. The program will prompt you to turn on the printer and place it near your computer. Follow the on-screen prompts.
  5. Once the printer is found, select your Wi-Fi network and enter the password.
  6. Wait for the setup to complete. The printer will reboot and connect to the network.

The process is similar for smartphones, but there's a caveat: if the printer isn't already connected to Wi-Fi, your phone must be connected to the same network you want to connect the printer to. Otherwise, HP Smart won't be able to find the device.

Problem Cause Solution
HP Smart can't find the printer. The printer is not in setup mode. Press and hold the button Wi-Fi on the printer for 3 seconds until the indicator starts flashing
Error: "Failed to connect" Incorrect password Check the case of characters and special characters (!, @, #)
The printer connects but does not print. The firewall is blocking the connection Add HP Smart to Windows Firewall exceptions
What should I do if HP Smart asks me to update the firmware?

If the program prompts you to update your printer firmware, agree—this will fix any connection errors. Important: Do not turn off the printer during the update (the process takes 5-10 minutes). After the update, the printer will reboot automatically, and you can repeat the Wi-Fi setup.

4. Method 3: Connecting via the web interface (EWS)

The printer's web interface (Embedded Web Server, EWS) allows you to configure Wi-Fi through a browser. This method is convenient if you already have a temporary USB or Ethernet connection between the printer and your computer.

Steps:

  1. Connect the printer to your computer via USB or Ethernet.
  2. Find out the printer's IP address:
    • Print the settings page (hold Cancel 5 seconds).
    • Or find the printer in the list of devices in the router (usually at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
  • Enter the printer's IP address into your browser's address bar (e.g. http://192.168.1.100).
  • Go to the section Networking → Wireless → Wireless Setup Wizard.
  • Select your network, enter the password and save the settings.

    • After applying the settings, the printer will reboot. Disconnect the USB/Ethernet cable—the printer should now work over Wi-Fi.

    ⚠️ Attention: If you connect the printer via Ethernet and then configure Wi-Fi, it's best to disconnect the network cable after saving the settings. Otherwise, the printer may "swing" between the wired and wireless connections.

    5. Common mistakes and their solutions

    Even with proper setup, your printer may not connect to Wi-Fi. Here are the most common issues and how to fix them:

    • 🔴 The Wi-Fi indicator is flashing orange: The printer cannot connect to the network. Check:
      • The entered password is correct (especially the letter case).
      • Distance to the router - if the signal is weak, try moving the printer closer.
      • Router operating mode - the printer only supports 802.11b/g/n in the range 2.4 GHz.
    • 🔴 The printer connects but does not print:
      • Make sure the printer is set as the default device in Windows settings (Settings → Devices → Printers & Scanners).
      • Check if your antivirus (such as Kaspersky or Avast) is blocking the printer's network traffic.
    • 🔴 IP Conflict Error: There is already a device with the same IP address on the network. Solution:
      • Set a static IP address for the printer in the router's web interface (in the DHCP section).
      • Or enable the function on your router AP Isolation (client isolation) if it interferes with the connection.

    If your printer was previously connected to a different network and now can't find yours, reset it to factory settings. To do this, press and hold the buttons Cancel (❌) and Wi-Fi (📶) simultaneously for 10 seconds. After rebooting, repeat the setup.

    6. Configuring the router for stable printer operation

    Sometimes connection issues aren't related to the printer, but to your router settings. Here's what you can do to optimize them:

    • 📶 Wi-Fi channel: If you have a lot of devices on your network, choose a less crowded channel (for example, 1, 6, or 11 in the 2.4 GHz band). You can do this in your router settings (192.168.1.1 → Wireless Settings).
    • 🔄 Opening hours: set the mode 802.11n (or b/g/n). Modes 802.11ac or Wi-Fi 6 The printer does not support it.
    • 🔒 Encryption type: The printer only works with WPA2-PSK (AES). If you have it enabled WPA3 or TKIP, change security settings.
    • 🔄 DHCP: Make sure the DHCP server is enabled on your router (it automatically assigns IP addresses to devices). If the printer doesn't receive an IP address, set it manually in the printer's web interface.

    To check the signal quality, you can use the test print of the settings page (hold Cancel for 5 seconds). In the section Wireless look at the parameter Signal Strength:

    • Excellent (80-100%) - the signal is ideal.
    • Good (60-80%) - rare breaks are possible.
    • Fair/Poor (less than 60%) - you need to move the printer or router.
    ⚠️ Attention: if your router supports the function "Fast switching between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz" (For example, Smart Connect (On ASUS routers), disable it. The printer cannot automatically switch between bands and may lose connection.

    7. Security: How to protect your printer on the network

    Printers are often a vulnerable link in a home network. Here's how to secure them. HP LaserJet Pro M125r NW:

    • 🔐 Change the administrator password: By default, the printer's web interface (EWS) is not protected. Set a password in the settings. Security → Administrator Password.
    • 🌐 Disable unnecessary protocols: in the section Networking → Protocols leave only IPv4 And HTTPProtocols like IPv6, SNMP or Telnet can be turned off.
    • 📡 MAC address filtering: In your router settings, allow connection only for the MAC address of your printer (indicated on the sticker on the back).
    • 🔄 Firmware updates: Check the HP website regularly for updates. Outdated software may contain vulnerabilities.

    If the printer is used in an office, we also recommend:

    • Tune VLAN for the printer (if the router supports it).
    • Disable Wi-Fi Direct (if not used) to prevent unauthorized connection.
    • Turn on Firewall in the printer settings (Security → Firewall).

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about connection

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

    Please check the following points:

    1. Make sure your computer and printer are on the same network (for example, both are connected to a router). TP-Link_1234).
    2. In Windows, go to Settings → Devices → Printers & Scanners and press Add a printer. Select The printer you need is not in the list → Add a printer by TCP/IP address and enter the printer IP (you can find it out from the test page).
    3. Temporarily disable Windows Firewall and antivirus software - they may be blocking device detection.
    Is it possible to connect a printer to Wi-Fi without a router (directly to a computer)?

    Yes, but only through Wi-Fi DirectTo do this:

    1. On the printer, press and hold the button Wi-Fi Direct (📱) 3 seconds until the indicator starts flashing.
    2. On your computer, find the network named DIRECT-xx-HP LaserJet Pro M125 and connect to it. The password is on the sticker on the back of the printer.
    3. Install the printer as a network printer in Windows.

    Restrictions:

    • In this mode, the printer will not be accessible to other devices.
    • Print speed may be lower than via a router.
    My printer is slow to print or keeps freezing. What's causing this?

    Delays when printing over Wi-Fi are usually caused by:

    • Weak signal: Check the signal strength on the test page. If it's less than 60%, move the printer closer to the router.
    • Network congestion: Turn off other devices for a while (especially those that download files or stream videos).
    • Incorrect router settings: turn it off QoS (traffic prioritization) or add the printer to the list of priority devices.
    • Drivers: Uninstall the current printer driver in Windows and reinstall it from official HP website.
    How do I reset my printer to factory settings?

    For a full reset:

    1. Turn off the printer.
    2. Press and hold the buttons Cancel (❌) and Start (▶️).
    3. Without releasing the button, turn on the printer.
    4. Continue holding the buttons for another 10 seconds until all indicators light up.
    5. Release the buttons - the printer will reboot and reset all settings.

    After the reset, you will need to reconfigure your language, date/time, and network connection.

    Is it possible to connect the printer to a public network (for example, in a cafe or hotel)?

    Technically yes, but there are some nuances:

    • If the network requires authorization via a web page (for example, entering a login/password), the printer will not be able to connect - it does not support such schemes.
    • In networks with MAC filtering You will need to register the printer's MAC address with your network administrator.
    • Print speed may be slow due to bandwidth limitations.

    Recommendation: For printing in public places, it is easier to use a USB cable or Wi-Fi Direct (if allowed).

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