Step-by-Step Tutorial: How to Connect HP LaserJet Pro MFP M126nw to Mobile Hotspot

Printing on the go has become a necessity for many, and connecting your HP LaserJet Pro MFP M126nw to a mobile hotspot can be a lifesaver. Whether you’re working remotely, attending a conference, or simply need to print something while away from your home or office network, this guide will walk you through the process step-by-step.

Why Connect Your HP LaserJet Pro MFP M126nw to a Mobile Hotspot?

Connecting your printer to a mobile hotspot offers several advantages:

• Print from anywhere: You’re no longer limited to printing only when connected to your home or office network.
• Flexibility: Use your printer in diverse locations, from coffee shops to hotels.
• Convenience: Eliminate the need for wired connections, allowing for easy setup and portability.

Prerequisites:

Before you begin, ensure you have the following:

• HP LaserJet Pro MFP M126nw printer: Make sure your printer is powered on and ready to connect.
• Mobile device with a hotspot: You’ll need a smartphone or tablet that can create a mobile hotspot.
• Mobile hotspot password: You’ll need the password for your mobile hotspot to connect the printer.

Step 1: Enable Your Mobile Hotspot

1. Locate the hotspot settings: On your mobile device, navigate to the settings menu. The exact location may vary depending on your device and operating system.
2. Enable the hotspot: Look for the “Hotspot” or “Tethering” option and enable it.
3. Set a password: If you haven’t already, create a strong password for your mobile hotspot. This will prevent unauthorized access.

Step 2: Connect Your Printer to the Mobile Hotspot

1. Access the printer’s control panel: Locate the display screen on your HP LaserJet Pro MFP M126nw.
2. Navigate to the wireless settings: Use the navigation buttons to find the “Wireless” or “Network” settings.
3. Select “Wireless Setup Wizard“: This will initiate the process of connecting to a wireless network.
4. Choose your mobile hotspot: From the list of available networks, select the name of your mobile hotspot.
5. Enter the password: When prompted, type in the password you set for your mobile hotspot.
6. Confirm connection: The printer will attempt to connect. Once successful, you’ll see a confirmation message on the display screen.

Step 3: Verify the Connection

1. Print a test page: To ensure the connection is working properly, print a test page. This will help you verify that the printer can communicate with your mobile device.
2. Check the printer’s status: On the control panel, look for an icon indicating that the wireless connection is active.
3. Access printer settings: If you’re using a mobile app to manage your printer, check if you can access its settings and functions.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you’re having trouble connecting your HP LaserJet Pro MFP M126nw to your mobile hotspot, try the following:

• Restart your printer and mobile device: Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve connection issues.
• Check your hotspot password: Ensure you’ve entered the correct password for your mobile hotspot.
• Move closer to your mobile device: If you’re too far away from your mobile device, the signal strength may be weak.
• Disable any other wireless networks: If you have multiple wireless networks in your area, they may interfere with the connection.
• Update your printer’s firmware: Outdated firmware can sometimes cause connectivity problems.

Additional Tips

• Use a strong password for your mobile hotspot: This will help protect your network from unauthorized access.
• Monitor your data usage: Mobile hotspots use your mobile data plan, so be mindful of your usage.
• Keep your mobile device charged: Ensure your phone or tablet has enough battery life to maintain the hotspot connection.

Printing from a Mobile Device

Once your printer is connected to your mobile hotspot, you can print from your mobile device using a variety of methods:

• HP Smart App: This free app allows you to print, scan, and manage your printer from your smartphone or tablet.
• Cloud Printing: Some printers support cloud printing, allowing you to print documents directly from your email or cloud storage services.
• Other printing apps: There are numerous third-party printing apps available that can connect to your printer over a wireless network.

Wrapping Up: Staying Connected and Productive on the Go

Connecting your HP LaserJet Pro MFP M126nw to a mobile hotspot provides a convenient and flexible printing solution for those who need to print on the go. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily set up your printer and enjoy the freedom of printing from anywhere.

Basics You Wanted To Know

Q: Can I connect multiple devices to my mobile hotspot simultaneously?
A: Yes, you can usually connect multiple devices to your mobile hotspot at the same time. However, the number of devices you can connect may vary depending on your mobile plan and device capabilities.
Q: How much data does printing use?
A: The amount of data used for printing depends on the size and complexity of the document. A simple text document may use a small amount of data, while a large image or document with graphics can use significantly more.
Q: What if I can’t find my mobile hotspot in the list of available networks?
A: Ensure your mobile hotspot is enabled and that your printer is within range. If you still can’t find it, try restarting both your printer and mobile device.
Q: Is it safe to connect my printer to a public Wi-Fi network?
A: Connecting to a public Wi-Fi network can be risky, as it may not be secure. If you must connect to a public network, ensure you’re using a secure connection (look for the padlock icon in your browser) and avoid accessing sensitive information.