Modern printing devices have long ceased to be bulky units that require a mandatory cable connection to a computer, and the model HP LaserJet MFP M28 has become a shining example of this evolution. Wireless data transmission allows equipment to be placed anywhere in an office or apartment within router coverage, freeing up the workspace from unnecessary wires. However, initial setup wireless connection often causes difficulties for users who are not familiar with the features of the service software.
The process of integrating a printer into a local network requires a series of steps, which may vary depending on the operating system of your computer or mobile device. It is important to understand that M28 And M31 These are functionally identical models, differing only in the external design of the control panel, so the procedure is the same for both. In this article, we'll cover all available configuration methods in detail, including using a USB cable for initial network parameter transfer, which is the most reliable method.
Before you begin setting up, you need to make sure that your router is working properly and is transmitting an internet signal, and that your printer is filled with toner and ready to use. Connection stability The signal quality directly depends on the location of the device, so it's recommended to place the MFP no further than 10-15 meters from the router, avoiding thick concrete walls and strong sources of electromagnetic interference. Proper equipment preparation at the outset will save you time and frustration during the setup process.
Preparing equipment and checking network parameters
The first step before starting to manipulate the software is to physically check the device's condition. Make sure that HP LaserJet MFP M28 The device is plugged into a power source and is turned on, as indicated by the power indicator. If the device was previously used with another computer or on a different network, it is recommended to reset the network settings to avoid IP address conflicts and old connection profiles.
To reset the network settings to factory defaults, press and hold the wireless button and the cancel button simultaneously for 3 seconds. After this, the wireless indicator will begin flashing, indicating the printer is in connection standby mode and ready to receive new configuration data. This is a critical step that is often missed when attempting to connect to a device with "garbage" in its memory.
⚠️ Note: Resetting your network settings will delete all previously saved passwords and configurations. Make sure you know the exact name of your WiFi network (SSID) and its password, as they will be required for re-authorization.
Next, check what frequency your home network operates on, as most budget printer models, including the series M28/M31, only support the range 2.4 GHzIf your router broadcasts both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks under the same name, you may have trouble detecting your device. Therefore, for initial setup, it's best to temporarily separate the networks or use guest mode with only 2.4 GHz support.
Method 1: Classic setup via USB cable and HP Smart
The most reliable and manufacturer-recommended method is to use a temporary USB connection to transfer network settings. To do this, you'll need a USB AB (printer) cable, which is often not included but is the industry standard. Connect one end of the cable to the port on the back of the printer, and the other to an available USB port on your computer or laptop.
After physical connection, you need to download and run the utility HP Smart, which can be found on the manufacturer's official website or in the Microsoft Store. The program will automatically detect the connected device and prompt you to continue the installation by selecting "Set up a new device" or "Add a printer." During the installation, select the "Wireless" or "WiFi" connection type, although the cable will still be physically connected.
The software will automatically read your current WiFi network settings (name and encryption type) and transfer them to the printer via USB. At this point, you may be prompted to confirm the data transfer or enter a password if one isn't saved in the system. After the configuration is successfully transferred, the software will notify you that you can disconnect the USB cable, as the printer has already switched to network mode.
☑️ USB Setup Preparation Checklist
It's important to note that when transferring settings, the computer must be connected to the same WiFi network to which you plan to connect the printer. If the laptop is connected via a LAN cable while you're trying to configure the printer's WiFi, routing errors may occur, and the device simply won't see the target wireless network.
Method 2: Connecting via WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup)
If your router supports WPS and has a dedicated physical or software button, the connection process can be significantly simplified. This method allows you to connect devices without manually entering a password, which is especially convenient if you're using a smartphone or tablet without a keyboard. On the router, press and hold the WPS button for a few seconds until the security indicator starts blinking.
Immediately after activating the search mode on the router, press and hold the wireless button on the printer control panel for two minutes. HP LaserJet MFP M28 Continue until the indicator light starts blinking. The device will automatically find a WPS-protected network and exchange encryption keys. The wireless indicator on the printer will stop blinking and turn solid, indicating a successful connection.
What to do if WPS doesn't work?
If the indicator continues to blink or turns orange, the handshake failed. This could be caused by a timeout (try again sooner), incompatible security protocols (WPS only works with WPA/WPA2 Personal), or the devices being too far apart. Try moving the printer closer to the router.
It's worth noting that the WPS method doesn't work with all encryption types and can be disabled in the router's default security settings due to potential protocol vulnerabilities. If the first attempt fails, it's a good idea to switch to the app-based method, as it provides more detailed error information.
Using the HP Smart mobile app for iOS and Android
Owners of smartphones and tablets can set up printing without using a PC, however, for the initial configuration of the series M28/M31 It is still recommended to have a computer or use Bluetooth Smart mode if it is supported by a specific device version. Download the app HP Smart from the App Store or Google Play and register with an HP ID, which is a mandatory requirement for full functionality.
The app will prompt you to add a new printer. If the device is already turned on and in setup mode (WiFi indicator is blinking), your smartphone may find it automatically via Bluetooth. In this case, the app will offer to transfer the Wi-Fi settings stored on your phone directly to the printer, similar to a USB cable, but over the air.
If automatic detection doesn't occur, select the option to add the printer manually in the app and follow the on-screen instructions. You may need to temporarily connect to the printer's direct network (HP-Setup-xx) to transfer the passwords from your home router. After this, the phone will reconnect to your primary network, and the printer will appear in the list of available devices.
Wireless Status Indicator Table
Understanding the signals emitted by the wireless LED indicator is key to self-diagnosing problems. The color and blinking pattern indicate the current status of the WiFi module and help determine where the problem occurred.
| Indicator status | Color | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Turned off | - | Wireless is disabled or the device is turned off |
| Flashing blue | Blue | Setup mode: The printer is ready to connect, but is not connected to the network. |
| It's on constantly | Blue | Successful connection: the printer is linked to the router and ready to print. |
| Flashing orange | Orange | Connection error: Incorrect password, weak signal, or network failure |
If you see a steady orange light, this indicates that the printer is unable to obtain an IP address from the router's DHCP server. In this case, check the MAC address filtering settings on the router or try rebooting both devices.
Installing drivers and completing configuration in the OS
Once the printer is connected to the network, the operating system should detect it automatically. In Windows 10 and 11, simply go to "Devices and Printers" and click "Add a printer." The system will find the device on the network and prompt you to install drivers. However, for advanced functionality (scanning, toner monitoring), it's best to use the full driver package.
Download the full software package from the official website by selecting the exact model HP LaserJet MFP M28w or M31wDuring the installation process, select the "Network" or "Wireless" connection type, and the installation wizard will automatically find the printer on your local network using its IP address. Make sure your firewall isn't blocking the connection to the new device.
⚠️ Please note: Operating system interfaces and driver versions are subject to update. If the standard installation procedure doesn't work, check the manufacturer's support website for current requirements, as older drivers may not work correctly with new Windows updates.
For macOS users, the process is even simpler: open "System Preferences," go to "Printers & Scanners," and click the plus sign. Your printer should appear in the list labeled "Bonjour" or "Secure AirPrint," which means it's ready to print without installing additional drivers, as it uses Apple's built-in protocol.
Diagnosing and solving common problems
A common problem is when the computer doesn't see the printer on the network, even though the printer's indicator light is blue. This may be due to the PC and printer being on different subnets, for example, if the router has "Guest Mode" enabled for the printer, but the computer is on the main network. Make sure both devices are connected to the same SSID (network name).
Another common issue is the printer going into deep sleep and not responding to print requests. In the printer properties in Windows, you can disable power saving or set a schedule to keep the printer awake during working hours. It's also worth checking whether your antivirus software is blocking the network port used for printing.
If nothing helps, perform a full reset of the printer's network settings (hold down the wireless and cancel buttons) and repeat the setup procedure again, after first removing the old device from the list of printers in the operating system.
Can HP M28/M31 connect to a hidden WiFi network?
Yes, this is possible, but only through WPS or a temporary USB connection where you manually enter the hidden network name in the HP Smart app. Automatic network discovery won't find the network if it doesn't broadcast its SSID.
Does this printer support printing from a phone without a router?
Yes, the WiFi Direct function allows you to connect to the printer directly from your smartphone, but in this case, the phone will lose access to the Internet via WiFi (only mobile Internet will remain).
What is the maximum WiFi range of the HP LaserJet M28?
In line-of-sight conditions, the range can reach up to 30 meters, but in a typical apartment with walls, reliable reception is usually provided within 10-15 meters from the router.
Do I need to change the printer's IP address after setup?
Usually no, the router will assign the address automatically. However, for stable operation in the office, it's recommended to assign the IP address in the router settings (Static DHCP), linking it to the printer's MAC address.