It is impossible to imagine a modern office or home office without wireless printing. Model HP LaserJet Pro MFP M132fw It remains one of the most popular solutions due to its reliable laser technology and compact size. However, initial network connection setup often presents difficulties for users unfamiliar with the HP menu system.
In this article, we'll take a detailed look at all the available methods for activating the Wi-Fi module. You'll learn how to use it correctly. WPS, configure it via USB cable, or use Wireless Direct. Proper configuration will allow you to print documents from any device on your network without the hassle of cables.
Before you begin, make sure your router is working properly and you know the password for your wireless network. LaserJet Pro M132fw supports safety standards WPA2, which guarantees the security of transmitted data. Setting up the equipment takes no more than five minutes, but will save hours of troubleshooting down the road.
Equipment preparation and compatibility testing
The first step is to physically prepare the device. Make sure the MFP is plugged in and turned on using the power button. The indicators on the panel should light up, indicating it's ready for use. If the device was previously used with a cable, disconnect the USB cable from the computer before beginning the network setup.
It is important to check whether your router supports the required standards. Although HP M132fw It operates in the 2.4 GHz band; some modern routers may have separate networks (SSIDs) for different frequencies. Make sure you know the exact network name and password, including case-insensitive letters.
⚠️ Important: Ensure the MFP and computer are within range of a strong signal during setup. Interrupting the connection during driver installation may result in port configuration errors.
For successful installation, you will also need administrator rights on your computer. If you are using a corporate network, you may need to contact your system administrator to obtain MAC addresses printer and whitelisting it.
☑️ Check before setup
Method 1: Setup via WPS button
The fastest method of connection is using technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup). This method is ideal if your router has a dedicated physical button or a WPS software module in the web interface. You won't need to enter the password manually.
On the control panel HP LaserJet Pro MFP M132fw Find the button with the wireless antenna icon. Press and hold it for 3-5 seconds until the wireless indicator starts blinking. This means the printer is searching for a network.
Within two minutes, press the WPS button on your router. If your router doesn't have a physical button, access its settings through a browser and activate WPS programmatically. The printer will automatically receive the SSID and encryption key.
- 📡 Press the Wireless button on the printer panel.
- 🔘 Activate WPS on your router within 2 minutes.
- ✅ Wait until the Wi-Fi indicator on the MFP stops flashing and lights up steadily.
- 🖨️ Print a network report to check the status.
Once successfully connected, the wireless indicator will glow solid blue. If it continues to blink, the connection has not been established, and you should repeat the process, ensuring you are within the specified timeframe.
Method 2: Using USB cable (Setup Wizard)
If WPS isn't available, the most reliable option is initial setup via USB cable. This method allows drivers to automatically transfer Wi-Fi settings to the device. You'll need a Type AB cable, which is often included, but it's best to have a spare on hand.
Download the full driver and software package from the official HP website. Run the installation file and follow the on-screen instructions. When prompted to select a connection type, select Wireless network connection.
At a certain point, the installer will ask you to connect a USB cable. Do so only when prompted. The installation wizard will automatically detect the device and prompt you to select your Wi-Fi network from the list of available ones.
Sequence of actions:Run the installer → Select "Wireless connection" → Connect USB when prompted → Select SSID → Enter the password → Disconnect the cable.
After transferring the settings, the program will prompt you to disconnect the USB cable. From this point on M132fw will work independently. The computer will switch to the virtual port created for the network printer.
Method 3: Setting up via the control panel (Without a PC)
A universal method that doesn't require a computer or the WPS button on the router. You can enter network parameters directly using the buttons on the MFP. This method requires careful attention, as the password is entered using the navigation buttons.
Press the Wireless button on the front panel. If the indicator light is flashing, press and hold the Cancel button (the cross) until the Power and Wireless indicators start flashing simultaneously. This will initiate Network Restore Mode.
Use the arrow keys < And > to navigate the menu displayed on the small monochrome screen. Find your network name (SSID) in the list. To enter the password characters, use the same navigation buttons to select a letter and the OK (or #) to confirm.
| Action | Button on the panel | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Enter the menu | Wireless (hold) | The indicators are flashing |
| Select a letter | < | Previous character |
| Select a letter | > | Next symbol |
| Confirmation | # or OK | Entering a password symbol |
This method may seem tedious (tedious) for complex passwords, but it guarantees a connection even if the drivers aren't installed. After entering all the characters, select "Done" or "Connect."
Using HP Wireless Direct
Technology HP Wireless Direct Allows you to connect mobile devices (smartphones, tablets) directly to the printer without using the main router. This creates a dedicated Wi-Fi hotspot within the MFP itself.
To activate, press the wireless button on the control panel. If the function is not active, go to the network settings menu (by holding the wireless button) and enable the option. Wireless DirectThe printer will create a network with a name like HP-Print-xx-LaserJet M132.
Connect to this network from your phone or laptop. The default password is usually found on a sticker on the back of the device or on the configuration page. Please note that this connection may cause the device to lose internet access if it doesn't support dual-channel mode.
⚠️ Please note: When using Wireless Direct, printing speed may be slower than through the main router, and some scan-to-cloud features may not be available.
This mode is ideal for guest printing or working in areas where the main Wi-Fi is congested or unavailable. It's also useful for initial setup if other methods fail.
Installing drivers and software
Once successfully connected to the network, you need to install the drivers on your computer. While Windows 10 and 11 often automatically detect the device, full functionality (scanning, toner level monitoring) requires the full package. HP Smart or classic drivers.
It is recommended to use the application HP Smart, available in the Microsoft Store or Mac App Store. It will automatically detect M132fw on the local network. If the printer is not found, make sure the computer and the MFP are on the same subnet.
For corporate environments or older operating systems, manual IP address setting may be required. Print a network configuration report (while holding the wireless button) to find the current IP address Devices. Add the printer manually via "Devices and Printers" -> "Add a Printer" -> "The printer I want is missing" -> "By TCP/IP address."
What should I do if my computer can't see my printer on the network?
Make sure Bonjour is enabled on your computer and printer (for Windows, this is often Apple Bonjour or HP Discovery). Also, check if your firewall is blocking the printing ports (usually 9100). In rare cases, assigning a static IP address to your router can help.
Diagnostics and troubleshooting
Even with proper setup, problems may still occur. The most common symptom is the printer showing as "Offline" or "Unavailable." First, check if the blue Wi-Fi light on the control panel is lit. M132fwIf it is blinking, the connection with the router has been lost.
Try resetting your network settings. To do this, press and hold the wireless and cancel buttons simultaneously for 3 seconds. This will reset all network settings to factory defaults, and you can start setup again.
If the problem persists, check the frequency range. HP LaserJet Pro MFP M132fw The printer only operates in the 2.4 GHz band. If your router only broadcasts 5 GHz or combines them into a single network with 5 GHz as the priority, the printer may not see the network.
- 🔄 Restart your router and printer one by one.
- 📶 Make sure 802.11b/g/n protocol is enabled.
- 🔒 Check the encryption type (must be WPA2-AES).
- 📄 Print the configuration page to analyze the logs.
⚠️ Note: HP router interfaces and firmware versions are subject to update. If standard methods don't work, check the official documentation on the manufacturer's website for your specific firmware version.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I find the IP address of my HP M132fw printer?
To obtain an IP address, press and hold the Wireless button on the control panel for 5-10 seconds until the light starts blinking. Then press the Resume (Paper) button. The printer will print a network configuration report, which will list the address (e.g., 192.168.1.45) in the IPv4 section.
Does M132fw support 5GHz?
No, model HP LaserJet Pro MFP M132fw The printer is equipped with a Wi-Fi module that operates exclusively in the 2.4 GHz band. Make sure your router broadcasts a network in this range, or enable the 2.4 GHz guest network to connect the printer.
Is it possible to connect a printer without a disk?
Yes, the included disc is optional. You can download the latest drivers from the official HP website or use the built-in Windows/MacOS tools to install the basic driver. For advanced features, it's best to use the HP Smart app.
What does a flashing blue Wi-Fi indicator mean?
A blinking blue light indicates the wireless module is enabled, but the printer is not connected to the network (hasn't received an IP address or has lost connection with the router). A steady light indicates a successful connection.