Diagnosis
The HP LaserJet Pro MFP M234dwe is designed as an "HP+" printer, which heavily pushes the HP Smart app for initial onboarding. When you attempt to bypass the app, you are essentially trying to trigger a handshake between the printer's wireless NIC (Network Interface Card) and the router's WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) protocol. The root cause of connection failure in this process is usually a timeout in the "Listening" state or a mismatch in security protocols (WPA2 vs WPA3) that the printer cannot negotiate without the app's guidance. To confirm the printer is actually in pairing mode, look at the status LED on the control panel. If the wireless light is blinking rapidly, it is actively searching for a WPS signal. If it is blinking slowly or is off, the printer is either in a dormant state or has timed out, meaning any button presses on the router will be ignored because the printer is no longer "listening" for the handshake.
How to Fix It
To connect your M234dwe via WPS without using the HP Smart app, follow these precise steps to ensure the handshake is successful:
- Power on the printer and ensure it is within 10 feet of your router to avoid signal attenuation during the initial pairing.
- Locate the Wireless button (the antenna icon) on the printer's control panel. Press and hold this button for exactly 3 to 5 seconds. Release it once the Wireless light begins to blink rapidly. This puts the printer into "WPS Discovery Mode."
- Immediately move to your router. Press and hold the WPS button (usually labeled as a double-arrow icon or explicitly "WPS") for 3 to 5 seconds. Note: Some routers require a quick press, while others require a hold; if the WPS light on the router doesn't start flashing, try a longer hold.
- Return to the printer and watch the Wireless LED. The blinking will continue for up to 2 minutes while the devices exchange security keys.
- Once the Wireless light stops blinking and remains a solid blue/white, the connection is established.
- To verify the connection without the app, press the Information (i) button on the printer. This will print a Network Configuration Page. Look for "Connection Status: Connected" and the assigned IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.XX).
If That Didn't Work
- Manual IP Configuration via Embedded Web Server (EWS): If WPS fails, the printer often broadcasts a temporary "Setup" SSID (e.g., HP-Setup-M234dwe). Connect your laptop directly to this Wi-Fi network, open a web browser, and type 192.168.223.1 into the address bar. This opens the EWS where you can manually enter your Wi-Fi SSID and password in the Network tab.
- Frequency Band Conflict: The M234dwe can struggle if your router uses "Smart Connect" (merging 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands). Access your router settings and temporarily disable the 5GHz band or create a separate 2.4GHz Guest Network. Attempt the WPS process again on the 2.4GHz band only.
- Hard Network Reset: If the printer has cached old network credentials, WPS will often fail. Turn the printer on, press the Wireless button and the Cancel (X) button simultaneously for 5 seconds. The printer will restart, clearing the network stack and allowing a fresh WPS attempt.
- WPS Version Mismatch: Some modern routers use WPA3 security, which is incompatible with the older WPS standard used by this printer. Log into your router and ensure the security mode is set to "WPA2-PSK (AES)" rather than "WPA3 Only."
Heads Up
- HP+ Requirement: Even if you connect the printer to Wi-Fi via WPS, the "e" series (M234dwe) requires an active internet connection and an HP account to function. If you bypass the app for setup, you may still be prompted to register the device via a browser to enable printing.
- Static IP Advice: To prevent the printer from "disappearing" from your computer after a router reboot, use the EWS (192.168.223.1) to assign a Manual/Static IP address.
- Firmware Updates: Wireless stability is significantly improved in later firmware versions. Once connected, check the "Maintenance" section of the EWS to ensure the printer is up to date.