Setting up a wireless connection for office equipment can often be a nerve-wracking experience, especially when you don't have an Ethernet cable handy and the device doesn't have a full touchscreen. HP LaserJet MFP 135w This compact monochrome MFP is controlled via a minimalist interface with buttons and LED indicators, requiring the user to be attentive and clearly understand the sequence of actions. The lack of a display is compensated for by a blinking logic that must be correctly interpreted for successful synchronization with the router.
Unlike more expensive models, there is no option to enter a password directly from the device's panel, so all communication with the network occurs either through the automatic WPS protocol or through a temporary direct connection to the computer. Wi-Fi Direct Standard USB cable setup methods remain the most reliable ways to integrate a printer into a home or office network. Proper setup will allow access to printing from smartphones, tablets, and laptops without the need for permanent physical cable connections.
Before activating the module, make sure your MFP is plugged in and within range of a strong signal. Your router should broadcast at 2.4 GHz, as most budget HP models don't support the 5 GHz standard for initial setup. The key is knowing the password for your Wi-Fi network, which you will need to enter on your computer or smartphone during the pairing process.
Preparing equipment and checking network compatibility
The first step is to check the physical condition of the device and your wireless network settings. HP 135w Printer The scanner is sensitive to signal quality, so it's recommended to place it no further than 5-7 meters from the access point, avoiding shielding obstacles such as metal cabinets or microwave ovens. Make sure the cartridge is installed and the scanner lid is tightly closed, as some models block network functions when the lid is open.
It's important to understand the difference between the wireless module's operating modes. The device can operate in infrastructure mode (via a router) or in standby mode. Wi-Fi Direct (direct connection to the device). For full functionality in an office or home environment where multiple users need internet access simultaneously, infrastructure mode is required. If the wireless indicator is blinking, it means the module is active, but the connection to the router is not established.
⚠️ Important: If your router broadcasts the same network name (SSID) for both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz (Smart Connect) frequencies, setup may not work correctly. Temporarily separate the networks in your router settings or connect your computer to the 2.4 GHz network to complete the setup process.
Check for a free USB Type A port on your computer or laptop. The cable should be high-quality, preferably shielded, and no longer than 1.8 meters to avoid interference during initial configuration. Using cheap cables without ferrite filters may result in interrupted driver transmission.
Setup method via WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup)
The fastest way to connect HP LaserJet MFP 135w Wi-Fi is connected using WPS technology, if your router supports it. This method automatically transfers network settings (name and password), eliminating the need to enter them manually. On the front panel of the MFP, look for a button with an antenna or a wireless network icon.
Press and hold the wireless button on the printer for 3-5 seconds until the light starts flashing. Within two minutes of doing this, press the WPS button on your router. This is usually located on the back panel or side, and can sometimes be combined with the reset button, so be careful not to reset the router to factory settings.
- 📡 Press the WPS button on the router and wait until the security indicator stops blinking.
- 🖨️ Activate the search mode on the printer by holding down the corresponding key.
- 🔗 Wait until the Wi-Fi indicator on the MFP lights up solid blue or green.
- 💻 Check the list of devices in the router to see if a new client has appeared.
If the connection is established successfully, the wireless network indicator will stop blinking and remain lit. This means that IP address Obtained automatically via the router's DHCP server. If the blinking continues for more than 2 minutes or goes into standby mode, the handshake protocol failed, and you should try the USB cable method.
Setup via USB cable and HP software
The most reliable method to ensure all necessary drivers and utilities are installed is via USB connection. To do this, you'll need to download the full software package from the official HP support website. Find your model HP LaserJet MFP 135w in the list of products and select your operating system.
Run the downloaded installation file. During the installation process, the program will prompt you to select a connection type. Select "Wireless." At a certain point, the installer will ask you to connect a USB cable. At this point, connect the MFP to the computer and power it on if it was turned off.
HP Smart Installer / Full Feature Software -> Connection Type: Wireless -> Follow the on-screen instructionsThe program will automatically detect the device and transfer the Wi-Fi network settings your computer is already using. Once the data transfer is successful, the installer will prompt you to disconnect the USB cable. At this point, the printer will switch to offline network mode.
☑️ Checking driver installation
It's worth noting that after disconnecting the cable, the computer may lose connection to the printer for a short time while the network interfaces are being switched. This is normal. Ensure that there are no remaining virtual ports in Windows or macOS that conflict with the network address.
Using the HP Smart app for mobile devices
HP's modern ecosystem is betting on mobile apps HP Smart, which is available for iOS and Android. This method is ideal if you don't have a computer with a USB port nearby. Before beginning setup, make sure your smartphone is connected to the same Wi-Fi network you plan to connect the printer to.
Launch the app and tap "Add Printer" or the "+" icon. The app will begin searching for devices on the network. If the printer is new or has been reset, it may appear as "Not configured" or have "Setup" in its name. Select your device from the list.
During the setup process, the app may ask you to temporarily switch to the printer's direct network to transfer the password from the main router. Follow the instructions on your smartphone's screen. Once the setup process is complete, your phone will return to the main network, and the printer will be able to access the internet.
| Parameter | Default value | Recommended value |
|---|---|---|
| Security protocol | WPA2/WPA3 | WPA2-Personal (AES) |
| Signal frequency | 2.4 GHz / 5 GHz | 2.4 GHz |
| DHCP mode | On | Enabled (automatic IP) |
| WPS timeout | 120 seconds | Do not change |
Wi-Fi Direct mode for printing without a router
If there is no router in the room or the Internet is temporarily down, you can use the technology Wi-Fi DirectIn this mode, the printer automatically creates an access point to which your devices can connect. This is convenient for quickly printing documents from your phone while traveling for work or at a meeting.
To activate this mode, press the wireless button on the MFP panel. If the indicator light is on but not blinking, this mode may already be active. To print from a phone, look for a name beginning with "DIRECT-HP-135w" (or similar) in the list of available networks. The default password is often found on a sticker on the back of the device or in a printable configuration report.
⚠️ Please note: When connecting via Wi-Fi Direct, your smartphone may lose internet access as it switches to the printer's local network. Some modern phones support simultaneous operation, but this depends on the device model.
To manage Wi-Fi Direct settings, such as changing the name or password, use the web interface (EWS). Enter the printer's IP address in the browser's address bar. If you're connected directly, the address may be static, such as 192.168.223.1, but it's best to check the network report for the exact address.
Diagnosing problems and printing a configuration report
If the connection fails, the first step should be diagnostics. On the panel HP LaserJet MFP 135w There's no screen, so the primary means of obtaining information is printing reports. To print a network configuration report, press and hold the Cancel button (the cross) or a combination of buttons (depending on the firmware version, often holding the wireless button for more than 5 seconds) until the indicators respond.
In the resulting document, find the Wireless section. It will show the connection status, the SSID of the network you're connected to (or attempting to connect to), and the IP address. If the IP address begins with 169.254.xx, this means the device was unable to obtain an address from the router (APIPA), and the connection was not established.
- 🔍 Check if the SSID in the report matches the name of your network.
- 🔑 Make sure your password doesn't contain mixed-up letter cases or symbols.
- 📶 Check the signal strength (RSSI) in the report; if it's below -70 dBm, move the printer closer to the router.
- 🔄 Try rebooting your router and printer at the same time.
A common issue is MAC address filtering on the router. If you have whitelisted devices enabled, you need to add the printer's MAC address (indicated in the configuration report) to the allowed addresses on the router. Problems can also arise if you use complex characters in your Wi-Fi password; try temporarily simplifying the password to test it.
Reset network settings
To completely reset the printer's network settings to factory defaults, turn off the device. Press and hold the wireless and cancel buttons simultaneously. Turn on the printer, holding both buttons for about 10-15 seconds until all the lights flash simultaneously. This will return the network module to its initial configuration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why can't my HP 135w printer see my 5GHz Wi-Fi network?
Model HP LaserJet MFP 135w The device is equipped with a wireless module that operates exclusively in the 2.4 GHz band. 5 GHz networks have a shorter range but higher speed, but this device is physically unable to detect them. Make sure your router is broadcasting a 2.4 GHz network and that it isn't hidden.
How can I find out the IP address of my printer if I can't print a report?
If you can't print reports, you can try to find the device via the command line. Enter arp -a In the Windows command line, search for the address corresponding to the HP manufacturer. The IP address is also often displayed in the HP Smart app under the device settings or in the router's web interface in the client list.
Can this printer be connected to a hidden network (Hidden SSID)?
Connecting to hidden networks on this model is difficult or impossible without using WPS or a USB cable with manual configuration, as there is no keypad for entering the network name. It is recommended to make the network visible to simplify the pairing process, and then, if necessary, hide the SSID, although this may reduce connection stability.
What should I do if the wireless light is orange?
An orange light usually indicates a connection error or idle mode. If it's flashing orange, the device is attempting to connect or waiting for WPS input. If it's solid orange, there may be a configuration error or a faulty Wi-Fi module. Try resetting your network settings.