trying to set up my new hp m234dwe with wps but it's not connecting. wireless light just keeps blinking.

Diagnosis

The failure of the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M234dwe to connect via Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) is typically caused by a "handshake timeout" or a frequency mismatch between the printer's wireless radio and the router's broadcast. When the wireless light blinks continuously, the printer is in "Discovery Mode," searching for a router that has explicitly opened its security gate. If the router's WPS window closes (which often happens in as little as 30 to 60 seconds) before the printer sends its request, the connection fails and the printer reverts to a searching state. Furthermore, the M234dwe is designed for HP+ integration, meaning it frequently attempts to validate its cloud status during the initial handshake. If your router is using a combined 2.4GHz and 5GHz band (Band Steering), the printer may struggle to lock onto the 2.4GHz signal required for its hardware, causing the WPS process to hang indefinitely. You can confirm this by checking if other 2.4GHz-only legacy devices are struggling to connect to the same network.

How to Fix It

To successfully execute a WPS connection on the M234dwe, you must follow a precise timing sequence to ensure the printer and router are synchronized.

1. Power cycle both devices. Turn off the printer and unplug your router for 30 seconds. Plug the router back in and wait for the internet light to turn solid. Power the printer back on.
2. Ensure the printer is within 5 to 10 feet of the router for the initial setup to avoid signal attenuation.
3. On the printer's control panel, locate the Wireless button. Press and hold the Wireless button for exactly 3 to 5 seconds until the wireless light begins to blink rapidly. This indicates the printer is actively broadcasting a WPS request.
4. Immediately move to your router. Locate the WPS button (sometimes labeled as "Wi-Fi" or "Push Button"). Press and hold this button for 3 to 5 seconds. Note that on some routers, a quick press is sufficient, but a 3-second hold ensures the WPS mode is activated.
5. Return to the printer. Watch the wireless light. It will blink for up to two minutes. Once the handshake is successful, the blinking will stop and the light will remain solid blue.
6. If the light stays solid, the connection is established. You can now proceed with the HP Smart app setup on your mobile device to finalize the "e" series cloud activation.

If That Didn't Work

• Use the HP Smart App Setup: Bypass WPS entirely. Reset the printer's network settings by pressing and holding the Wireless and Cancel buttons simultaneously until the Power light flashes. Open the HP Smart app on a smartphone connected to your 2.4GHz network, select "Add Printer," and let the app push the Wi-Fi credentials directly to the printer via Bluetooth/Temporary Wi-Fi.
• Separate Your Wi-Fi Bands: Log into your router's admin panel (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1). Disable "Smart Connect" or "Band Steering." Give the 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks different names (e.g., "Home_Wifi_2.4" and "Home_Wifi_5"). Connect the printer specifically to the 2.4GHz band.
• Manual IP Assignment: If the printer connects but doesn't communicate, use a USB cable to connect the printer to a PC. Access the Embedded Web Server (EWS) by typing the printer's IP address into a browser and manually assign a Static IP address to prevent the connection from dropping after a DHCP lease renewal.
• Disable Router Firewall Temporarily: Some high-security router firewalls block WPS requests. Temporarily set your router's firewall to "Low" or "Medium" during the setup process, then move it back to "High" once the wireless light is solid.

Heads Up

• HP+ Requirement: Because this is the "e" model (M234dwe), the printer requires a constant internet connection to function. If the wireless connection drops, the printer may enter a "Blocked" state and refuse to print until connectivity is restored.
• Avoid WPA3: The M234dwe may struggle with WPA3 security protocols. Ensure your router is set to "WPA2-PSK (AES)" for maximum compatibility.
• Firmware Updates: Immediately after connecting, check for firmware updates via the HP Smart app. HP frequently releases patches that improve the stability of the wireless radio on the Pro series.
• WPS Security Risk: Be aware that WPS is a known security vulnerability. Once your printer is connected, it is a best practice to disable the WPS feature in your router settings to prevent unauthorized access to your network.