How to Connect the HP LaserJet Ultra M106w Printer to Wi-Fi: 3 Proven Methods + Troubleshooting

Laser printer HP LaserJet Ultra M106w — a compact and productive device for the home or small office, but its main advantage is its wireless printing support. However, many users encounter difficulties when first connecting to a Wi-Fi network: the printer doesn't find the network, constantly asks for a password, or doesn't respond to commands at all. In this article, we'll look into this. all current connection methods (including hidden functions), as well as typical errors and their solutions.

Feature of the model M106w — the lack of a screen, which complicates configuration via the control panel. But that's not a problem: we'll show you how to get by without a display using buttons on the body, mobile application HP Smart or even alternative method via USBIf your router supports WPS, connection will take less than a minute!

Important: This instruction is valid for printer firmware versions 2022.05.24 and laterIf your device was released before 2021, some menu items may differ - check the software version in the section Reports → Configuration.

1. Preparing the printer and Wi-Fi network for connection

Before setting up, make sure your printer and router meet the minimum requirements:

• 📶 Wi-Fi standard: The printer only supports 802.11b/g/n on frequency 2.4 GHz. Networks 5 GHz or Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) won't fit.
• 🔒 Encryption type: only WPA2-PSK (AES) or WPA3-Personal. Outdated WEP not supported.
• 📡 Router signal: the printer must be within range 5–7 meters from the router (without obstacles such as concrete walls).
• ⚡ Nutrition: the printer must be plugged into a power outlet without surge protectors - they can block control signals.

If your router is in the mode 5 GHz, temporarily activate the network 2.4 GHz (usually this is done in the wireless network settings, item Band Selection). On some router models (for example, TP-Link Archer C6) networks 2.4 And 5 GHz are separated automatically - look for the SSID with the suffix _2G or _2.4G.

⚠️ Attention: Printer HP LaserJet Ultra M106w does not support guest networks and networks with hidden SSIDIf your Wi-Fi is hidden, temporarily make it visible in your router settings.

Before connecting, reset the printer's network settings (if it has already tried connecting to another network):

1. Turn on the printer and wait until it completes initialization (the power indicator is green).
2. Press and hold the button Wi-Fi (with antenna icon) on 10 secondsuntil the wireless indicator starts flashing orange.
3. Release the button and the printer will return to factory network settings.

2. Method 1: Connecting via WPS (fastest)

If your router supports the technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) is the easiest way to connect—without entering a password. Most modern routers (for example, ASUS RT-AX55, Keenetic, Zyxel Keenetic) have a WPS button on the back panel.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Make sure WPS is enabled on your router (check the section in the web interface Wireless Network → WPS).
2. Press and hold the button on the printer Wi-Fi on 3 secondsuntil the indicator starts flashing blue quickly.
3. For 2 minutes press the button WPS on the router (usually it is signed or marked with an icon 🔄).
4. Wait until the Wi-Fi light on the printer turns on green (this will take up to 30 seconds).

If the indicator continues to flash orange or red, repeat the process. Possible reasons for failure:

• 🕒 Timeout expired (WPS only works for 2 minutes after activation on the printer).
• 🔌 The router does not support WPS or the function is disabled in the settings.
• 📶 The printer is too far from the router (the signal is weaker) -70 dBm).

⚠️ Attention: Some providers (eg Rostelecom or Beeline) disable WPS by default for security reasons. In this case, use the method through the control panel or app. HP Smart.

3. Method 2: Connecting via the control panel (without the app)

If WPS isn't available, you can connect manually using the buttons on the printer. This method requires entering the SSID and password, but doesn't require a smartphone or PC.

Algorithm of actions:

1. Turn on the printer and wait until it initializes (the power indicator is green).
2. Press and hold the button Wi-Fi on 5 secondsuntil the wireless network indicator starts blinking blue and orange alternately - this is the setup mode.
3. Click the button Cancel (red cross) once — the printer will start searching for networks.
4. Wait until the indicator light starts flashing green (at least one network found). Click Wi-Fi again to start selecting a network.
5. Use the buttons ↑ And ↓ (arrows) to select your SSID. Confirm your selection with the button OK (check mark).
6. Enter your Wi-Fi password using the arrow keys (case sensitive). To switch between letters/numbers, use the button. #.
7. Confirm your password by pressing the button OK and wait for the connection (the Wi-Fi indicator will turn green).

If the printer does not find your network:

• 🔍 Make sure the network not hidden (SSID is broadcast).
• 📡 Check that the router is working in the mode 2.4 GHz (the printer doesn't see it) 5 GHz).
• 🔄 Restart your router and printer, then try searching again.

Important: The HP LaserJet Ultra M106w printer does not support special characters in the Wi-Fi password (for example, !@#$%). If your password contains them, temporarily change it to a combination of letters and numbers.

How to enter a password without a screen?

Use the arrow keys (↑/↓) to select a character and the OK key to confirm. For example, to enter "Q," press ↑ 17 times (alphabetical order: A=1, B=2, ..., Q=17). To switch to numbers, press #.

4. Method 3: Connecting via the HP Smart app (for smartphones)

Application HP Smart (available for Android And iOS) simplifies setup, especially if you don't want to manually enter your password using buttons. Download it from the official stores:

• 📱 Google Play (Android)
• 🍎 App Store (iOS)

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Install the app and allow access to Wi-Fi And Bluetooth.
2. Turn on the printer and make sure it is close to your smartphone (within range) 1–2 meters).
3. Launch HP Smart and press Add a printer.
4. Select Setting up a new printer → HP laser printer.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions: the app will automatically find the printer via Wi-Fi Direct (temporary network) and will offer to connect to your main Wi-Fi.
6. Enter your network password when prompted.

If the application does not find the printer:

• 🔄 Restart your printer and smartphone.
• 📱 Turn on Bluetooth on the phone - it is needed for initial synchronization.
• 🚫 Make sure that the phone is turned off airplane mode or VPN.

After successful connection, the application will prompt you to register the printer in the service HP Instant Ink (optional) If you don't need an ink subscription, skip this step.

5. Alternative method: Connecting via USB (if Wi-Fi doesn't work)

If all the previous methods did not work, you can temporarily connect the printer to the computer via USB and configure Wi-Fi via drivers HPThis method requires a PC with Windows 10/11 or macOS.

Instructions for Windows:

1. Connect the printer to the computer with a cable USB (included in the kit).
2. Download the driver from official HP website (select your OS).
3. Install the driver and follow the prompts of the installation wizard. At this stage Connection type select Wireless network.
4. Enter your Wi-Fi SSID and password when prompted.
5. After setup, disconnect the USB cable - the printer will save the Wi-Fi settings.

For macOS The process is similar, but the driver is downloaded from Apple website (chapter HP Printer Drivers).

⚠️ Attention: Once connected via USB, the printer may automatically switch to the mode USB printing, ignoring Wi-Fi. To restore wireless mode, restart the printer and wait until the Wi-Fi indicator turns green.

6. Common mistakes and their solutions

Even after a successful connection, the printer may still operate erratically. Let's look at the most common issues and how to fix them:

If the printer is connected, but the computer does not see it:

1. Check that the printer and PC are in one network (for example, both are connected to a router TP-Link_1234).
2. Update your printer drivers via device Manager (Printers → Update Driver).
3. Add the printer manually by IP address:

   Control Panel → Devices and Printers → Add a printer → Add by TCP/IP address

7. Optimize Wi-Fi for stable printing

To avoid connection problems in the future, configure your router and printer according to these recommendations:

• 📶 Wi-Fi channel: Use a fixed channel 1, 6 or 11 (They are less susceptible to interference). Automatic channel selection can lead to connection interruptions.
• 🔄 Opening hours: Set the router mode 802.11n (and not 802.11b/g/n) for better data transfer speed.
• 🔒 Safety: Turn it off WPS Once configured, it is a vulnerable protocol.
• ⚡ Nutrition: Connect the printer to the power outlet via surge protector (For example, APC SurgeArrest).

To check the signal quality:

1. Print it out Network Configuration Report (press and hold the button Cancel on 5 seconds, then select Reports → Network Configuration).
2. Find the line Signal Strength. Optimal value: from -50 to -70 dBmIf less -75 dBm, move the printer closer to the router.

If you have a dual-band router, you can create a separate network for the printer:

1. Log into your router's web interface (usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
2. Go to Wireless Network → Guest Network.
3. Create a new network with a name like, HP_Printer, and the password from 8-12 characters (without special characters).
4. Connect the printer to this network (according to the instructions in Method 2).

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

❓ Is it possible to connect the HP LaserJet Ultra M106w to Wi-Fi without a router (for example, to a laptop in access point mode)?

Technically yes, but with some caveats:

• The laptop should distribute the network in the mode 2.4 GHz (Not 5 GHz).
• The access point must use WPA2-PSK (AES).
• The printer may turn off if the laptop goes into sleep mode.

For stable operation, it is better to use a full-fledged router.

❓ Why does the printer connect to Wi-Fi but not print from my phone?

Possible reasons:

1. It's turned off on the phone. Wi-Fi or included airplane mode.
2. Application HP Smart does not have permission to access the network (check permission settings).
3. The printer has been added to blacklist router (check MAC filtering in the router settings).

Solution: Restart your phone and printer, then re-add the device to HP Smart.

❓ How do I reset my printer's Wi-Fi settings if I forgot the password?

Do it full reset of network settings:

1. Turn on the printer.
2. Press the buttons Cancel And Wi-Fi simultaneously on 10 seconds.
3. Release when all indicators flash red.

After the reset, the printer will return to factory settings and you will be able to connect again.

❓ Can this printer be connected to a public network (for example, in a cafe or office)?

No, a printer. HP LaserJet Ultra M106w does not support:

• Network with port access (where login/password is required in the browser).
• Network with 802.1X (corporate authentication).
• Network with isolation of clients (where devices cannot see each other).

In such cases, use USB connection or ask your network administrator for a static IP for the printer.

❓ How do I update my printer firmware for better Wi-Fi compatibility?

Instructions:

1. Download the latest firmware from HP website (enter model) LaserJet Ultra M106w).
2. Connect the printer to the PC via USB.
3. Run the firmware file and follow the instructions of the update wizard.
4. Do not turn off the printer during the process (it will take ~5 minutes).

After the update, reset your Wi-Fi settings and reconnect.