Modern multifunctional devices (MFPs) allow you to significantly increase the efficiency of work in the office or at home, eliminating the need to pull unnecessary wires. Model HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28w It has become one of the most popular solutions due to its compact size and wireless printing support. However, initial setup of the router connection often presents difficulties for users unfamiliar with HP drivers.
In this article, we'll walk you through the entire process of integrating a printer into your local network. You'll learn how to properly prepare your equipment, what software What's necessary for initial configuration and how to avoid common mistakes? Proper setup will ensure stable operation of the device and allow printing from any device within network range.
Before proceeding with the software, make sure your MFP is physically ready for use. This includes unpacking, removing all shipping tape, and installing the cartridge. Only after completing these basic procedures should you proceed with setup. wireless module.
Preparatory stage before setting up the network
The success of the entire connection operation depends 90% on the correct preparation of the equipment. Wireless interface The printer must be activated, and the device must be located within a strong signal range of your router. Avoid placing the MFP in niches or behind metal objects, as this can significantly reduce connection quality.
First, plug the device into a power outlet and press the power button. Wait for the self-test to complete, which will be indicated by the Ready indicator light stopping. If the exclamation point icon is illuminated or the wireless indicator is blinking, this is normal for a new device that doesn't yet have any network profiles saved.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure your router is broadcasting in the 2.4 GHz range. Model HP LaserJet Pro M28w does not support the 5 GHz frequency, so if you have a dual-band router, you will need to select a network with a 2.4 GHz frequency or temporarily disable band splitting in the router settings.
You will also need a computer or smartphone that is already connected to the same Wi-Fi network to which you plan to connect the printer. For initial setup, it is best to use a PC running Windows or macOS, since mobile applications have limited functionality for the initial configuration of complex security parameters.
- 📶 Make sure you know the exact name of your Wi-Fi network (SSID) and its password.
- 🔌 Check that the device is connected to a power supply and turned on.
- 💻 Prepare a computer with internet access to download drivers.
Resetting network settings on a printer
If the device was previously used or setup was interrupted, incorrect data may remain in memory. To begin a clean configuration, it is recommended to perform reset network settingsThis will reset the wireless module to factory settings and avoid conflicts when searching for a new network.
To perform a reset, locate the wireless or antenna button on the device's control panel. Press and hold this button for a few seconds until the indicators begin flashing simultaneously. Some firmware versions require both buttons to be pressed simultaneously. Wireless communication And Cancel.
Reset combination: Hold the Wi-Fi button + Cancel button (5 seconds)After a successful reset, the wireless indicator should start flashing blue. This means the device is in discoverable mode and ready to pair. If the indicator isn't flashing or remains orange, repeat the process, ensuring you hold the buttons for the appropriate amount of time.
What to do if resetting doesn't help?
If the standard reset procedure doesn't activate setup mode, there may be a temporary system failure. Try completely powering down the printer by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then repeat the power-on and reset procedure.
Using the HP Smart Utility to connect
The most reliable and modern way to configure is to use the official software. HP SmartThis utility automatically detects your device on a local network or via USB cable and helps transfer Wi-Fi settings to it. You can download the installation file from the official support website by entering your device model.
Run the installation and follow the on-screen instructions. When prompted to select a connection method, select "Wireless Connection." If the utility doesn't find the printer automatically, it will offer to connect the device to the computer via USB cable for the initial transfer of network settings.
During setup, the program will ask you for permission to use your location. This is a mandatory requirement for operating systems. Android And iOS, and is also relevant for Windows 10/11, since applications need access to the list of available Wi-Fi networks to transfer them to the printer.
- 📥 Download the HP Smart package from the official website or Microsoft Store.
- 🔍 Start searching for a new printer in the app.
- 🔐 Enter your Wi-Fi network password in the window that appears.
⚠️ Attention: Antivirus software or the built-in Windows firewall may be blocking printer detection. If HP Smart doesn't detect your device, try temporarily disabling third-party antivirus software or allowing the app access to private and public networks.
After the settings are transferred, the printer will attempt to connect to the router. The wireless indicator will stop blinking and turn solid blue, indicating a successful connection. You can now disconnect the USB cable if you used it for setup.
Alternative method: WPS connection
If your router supports the technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup), you can connect your printer without entering a password or using a computer. This method is most convenient if you don't have a cable handy or are setting up the device from a tablet. Check your router for a WPS button.
Press and hold the WPS button on the router for 2-3 seconds until the corresponding indicator flashes. Immediately after, within 2 minutes, press and hold the wireless button on the control panel. HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28wThe devices will automatically exchange encryption keys.
| Parameter | Standard Method (HP Smart) | WPS method |
|---|---|---|
| The need for a PC | Desirable | Not required |
| Entering a password | Required | Automatically |
| Speed of setup | Average | High |
| Reliability | High | Depends on the router |
It's worth noting that the WPS method doesn't work with all providers and router models, as some operators disable this feature for security reasons. If the printer's indicator doesn't turn blue after two minutes, automatic pairing was unsuccessful, and you should use the software method.
Installing drivers and software
Once the printer is connected to Wi-Fi, the operating system may automatically install basic drivers. However, for full functionality of all features, including scanning and toner level monitoring, installation is required. complete driver packageBasic drivers often do not allow you to control device settings.
Go to the official HP support page and enter your model M28wThe system will prompt you to download the full software package. During the installation, select the "Wireless" connection type and wait for the device to complete its network search. The computer and printer must be on the same subnet.
It's important to install the drivers immediately after connecting to Wi-Fi, while the blue indicator light is still on. If a search error occurs during installation, check if you're using a guest Wi-Fi network. Devices on guest networks are often isolated from each other, preventing communication between the PC and the printer.
- 💻 Download the full driver package from the manufacturer's website.
- 🛠 Run the installation and select the "Network" connection type.
- ✅ Wait until all components, including utilities, are installed.
☑️ Checking successful installation
Diagnosing and resolving connection problems
Even with proper configuration, situations may arise where the printer stops responding or loses connection to the router. A common cause is a change in the device's IP address, unless the router has reserved a static address for the MFP. A dynamic address change can cause the computer to lose the path to the device.
For diagnostics, use the built-in page EWS (Embedded Web Server). Enter the printer's IP address in the browser's address bar. You can find this address by printing a configuration report: press and hold the Copy Cancel button until the indicators flash and the printer prints a technical data sheet.
If your printer shows as "Offline" in the print queue, try removing the device from the Windows printer list and re-adding it using a new IP address or hostname. Also, make sure the Windows print service is running and not blocked by power saving settings.
⚠️ Attention: Router interfaces and printer firmware versions may be updated. If the steps above don't help, check the current conditions and compatibility of your software version in the support section of the manufacturer's official website, as network protocol implementation details may change.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can the HP M28w be connected to a 5GHz network?
No, model HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28w The device is equipped with a wireless module that operates only in the 2.4 GHz frequency range. To connect, ensure your router broadcasts in this range and, if necessary, combine the network names (SSIDs) for 2.4 and 5 GHz or select the 2.4 GHz network from the list of available ones.
What should I do if my computer can't see my printer via Wi-Fi?
First, check that both devices are connected to the same network. Make sure "Public Network" mode isn't enabled on your computer, which could block device discovery. Try temporarily disabling your firewall or running the built-in Windows print troubleshooter.
How to find a printer's IP address without a computer?
You can print a network configuration report directly from the device's control panel. To do this, press and hold the Cancel button (the cross) for a few seconds until the printer starts printing. The report will list the current IP address in the "IPv4" section.
Is a USB cable required for continuous operation?
No, the USB cable is only required for the initial setup of Wi-Fi password sharing unless you're using the WPS method. Once the wireless connection is successfully set up, you can remove the cable, and the printer will operate independently on the network.
Is it possible to print from a phone without the Internet?
Yes, if your router and printer are connected to each other, internet access is not required for printing. However, internet access is required for the initial driver installation and the HP Smart app.