HP LaserJet Pro MFP M126nw: Setup Guide and Troubleshooting Tips

Choosing the right printer can feel overwhelming, especially when you need a dependable, multi-functional device that integrates smoothly into your workflow. The frustration of unclear WiFi setups, missing drivers, or toner issues can disrupt productivity at critical moments. Without key features like wireless printing from your phone, you might feel restricted. That’s where the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M126nw shines. This all-in-one solution offers wireless connectivity, powerful scanning capabilities, and efficient toner usage—ideal for busy professionals and home users alike. In this guide, we’ll cover its specifications, setup, and troubleshooting tips for a seamless experience.

1. HP LaserJet Pro MFP M126nw

The HP LaserJet Pro MFP M126nw is a compact, multi-functional printer that combines printing, scanning and copying capabilities into one printer. The laser technology ensures clear text and professional-quality documents, making it a great choice for both home and office use.

Key Features:

Wireless Printing: This enables you to print from your smartphone or laptop without cables.

Compact Design: Ideal for small spaces, measures just 420 x 365 x 254 mm.

High-Speed ​​Printing: Prints up to 20 pages per minute, increasing efficiency.

Energy Efficiency: Comes with HP Auto-On/Auto-Off technology to save power.

2. HP LaserJet Pro MFP M126nw Specifications

The specifications given below will tell you whether this printer is for you or not? So that you can know your requirement

Print Quality

• Print Technology: Monochrome Laser

• Print Speed: Up to 20-22 pages per minute (ppm)

Paper Handling

• Input Tray: Holds up to 150 sheets

• Output Tray: Capacity of 100 sheets

• Supported Paper Sizes: A4, A5, A6, B5, C5, DL, and custom sizes

Connectivity Options

• Hi-Speed USB 2.0

• Ethernet

• Wireless 802.11b/g/n

Monthly Duty Cycle

• Maximum: Up to 8,000 pages

• Recommended: Between 250–2,000 pages

Dimensions and Weight

• Size: 420 x 365 x 254 mm

• Weight: 8 kg

3. Toner Cartridge Information

The toner cartridge is a vital component of any laser printer, without it no laser printer can print, and understanding how it works with the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M126nw can save you both time and money.

Compatible Toner Cartridge Models

The HP 88A Black Original LaserJet Toner Cartridge (CC388A) is for the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M126nw Printer. This toner cartridge is crafted to produce crisp text and maintain reliable print quality from start to finish.

Toner Yield

• Standard Yield: The HP 88A cartridge can print up to 1,500 pages, depending on the type of content (text/image) being printed.

• Cost Efficiency: Using genuine HP cartridges will increase the life of your printer and prevent issues like leaks or poor print quality. Even the most affordable cartridges sometimes do not work properly and the material used to make them is not good so they can cause problems later on.

Replacing the Toner Cartridge

Below are the steps on how to replace the toner cartridge in M126nw

1. Turn off the printer and up the scanner unit.

2. Open the cartridge door and If the old cartridge is installed, hold it and pull it a little upwards and then towards you.

3. Unbox the new cartridge, remove the protective seal and insert it into the slot until it clicks into place.

4. Insert the cartridge by holding it upright and pressing it down then remove the cartridge and lower the scanner unit

4. Printer Settings for HP LaserJet Pro MFP M126nw

The HP LaserJet Pro MFP M126nw comes with various features that let you tailor its settings to fit your unique requirements. Whether you're fine-tuning print quality, selecting paper handling options, or the printer's settings menu provides numerous choices to enhance performance and efficiency. Here’s a summary of the main printer settings you can modify:

Print Quality Settings

The print quality of HP LaserJet Pro MFP M126nw can be adjusted up or down so that your printer's cartridges work less and you can produce more prints. It has a few modes namely Draft mode, Standard mode, and High mode. Let's see how to use them.

• Standard Quality: Suitable for everyday printing, providing good results for most text documents.

• High Quality: Best for print jobs requiring clear, detailed text and images. Use this setting for presentations or marketing materials where quality is a priority.

• Draft Mode: Ideal for printing large volumes of documents quickly and cost-effectively. The print quality is reduced, but the speed is increased, making it a great option for internal documents.

To adjust the print quality settings:

1. Go to the Printer Settings on your computer or mobile device.

2. In the Print dialog box, find the Quality section and select your preferred option.

Paper Handling Settings

The HP LaserJet Pro MFP M126nw offers flexibility when it comes to paper handling. You can select different paper sizes and types depending on your needs, and the printer can handle a variety of paper formats, such as letter, legal, and A4.

• Paper Size: You can choose from various paper sizes such as A4, A5, B5, and others. Adjust the paper size according to the document you want to print.

• Paper Type: Select the appropriate paper type (e.g., plain paper, bond paper, etc.) to ensure the best print quality.

• Tray Settings: The printer comes with a standard paper tray that holds up to 150 sheets. Make sure to load the paper correctly and avoid overfilling the tray to prevent jams.

To adjust paper handling settings:

1. Access the printer settings on your computer.

2. Choose the Paper or Layout tab, where you can modify the paper size and type based on your needs.

Scan Settings

The HP LaserJet Pro MFP M126nw also allows you to customize scanning settings. Whether you are scanning documents to your computer or sending them directly to an email address, or you need to scan a document in any format.

• Scan Resolution: You can choose the resolution for your scans. For basic text documents, a resolution of 300 dpi (dots per inch) is sufficient. If you need higher-quality scans for photos or detailed graphics, you can adjust the resolution up to 1200 dpi.

• Scan Format: You can select the file format for your scanned documents, such as PDF, JPEG, or TIFF. Choose PDF for multi-page documents and JPEG for image scans.

• Scan Destination: You can set the default destination for your scanned files, such as your computer, email, or cloud storage.

To adjust scan settings:

1. On the printer’s control panel, navigate to Scan Settings or use the HP Smart app for more advanced options.

2. Select the appropriate resolution, file format, and destination for your scan.

Energy and Power Settings

The HP LaserJet Pro MFP M126nw includes a PowerSave feature to help save energy and cut down on operating costs. This printer can automatically switch to a low-power mode after being inactive for a while, which helps lower electricity usage.

• Auto-off Mode: The printer can be set to turn off automatically after a certain period of inactivity.

• Sleep Mode: When the printer is in sleep mode, it consumes less energy, but it's still ready to print when you need it.

• Wake Time: You can configure how quickly the printer wakes up from sleep mode when a print job is sent.

To adjust power settings:

1. Go to the Settings menu from the printer’s control panel.

2. Select Energy Settings to modify auto-off and sleep mode preferences.

Security Settings

The HP LaserJet Pro MFP M126nw comes with various security features to protect your printer and data. You can adjust these settings to limit access to the printer, manage network access, and prevent unauthorized users from printing.

• Password Protection: Set a password for the printer’s settings to prevent unauthorized changes to the configuration.

• Admin Control: Enable Administrator Mode to restrict access to certain functions of the printer.

• Network Encryption: Make sure your printer is connected to a secure network by enabling WPA2 encryption for wireless connections.

To adjust security settings:

1. From the printer’s control panel, access the Security menu.

2. Enable password protection, admin control, and other security features as needed.

Firmware and Driver Updates

You should always keep your printer's firmware and drivers updated so that you do not face any new features and problems.

• Firmware Updates: Regular firmware updates can fix bugs, improve performance, and add new features to your printer.

• Driver Updates: Check for the latest printer drivers on the HP website to ensure that your computer can communicate properly with the printer.

To update firmware and drivers:

Go to the HP Support website, search for your printer model, and download the latest drivers and firmware updates for installation.

5. Printer Driver Download

Drivers play a crucial role in printing from the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M126nw. When you install it on a new laptop or computer, the driver typically downloads automatically. However, you may encounter issues when trying to print various documents. To ensure smooth printing, it's essential to have the complete driver installed. Let's explore how to do this.

Where to Download the Driver

You can download the official HP LaserJet Pro MFP M126nw driver from the HP Support Website. Follow these steps:

1. Visit the HP Support website.

2. Click on support >> Software & Drivers

3. Type "HP LaserJet Pro MFP M126nw" into the search bar.

4. Select the appropriate driver based on your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux).

5. Click on download.

Driver Compatibility

• Windows: Supports Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10, and 11.

• macOS: Compatible with macOS versions 10.13 (High Sierra) and later.

• Linux: HP provides HPLIP (HP Linux Imaging and Printing) for Linux users.

How to Install the Driver

1. For Windows Users:

   • Download the driver file.

   • Open the downloaded file and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation.

   • Connect the printer via USB or WiFi when prompted.

2. For macOS Users:

   • Download the driver package.

   • Open the file and follow the installation steps.

   • Add the printer from System Preferences then click on Printers & Scanners.

3. For Linux Users:

   • Download and install the HPLIP package.

   • Follow the terminal instructions to complete the setup.

Common Issues During Installation

• Driver Not Found: Ensure that you have downloaded the correct driver for your operating system, including the right-bit version (32-bit or 64-bit).

• Installation Freezes: Temporarily disable antivirus software and retry.

• Printer Not Detected: Verify that your USB cable is properly connected to both the device and the printer. If you're using a wireless connection, make sure your Wi-Fi router is powered on, and try restarting the printer.

With the correct driver installed, you can unlock all the functionalities of your HP LaserJet Pro MFP M126nw, ensuring smooth and efficient operation.

6. Scanner Setup Guide

The HP LaserJet Pro MFP M126nw printer offers scanning capabilities as well. It comes with a user-friendly scanning software called HP Scan, which installs automatically when you set up the driver.

Position the Document

1. Flatbed Scanning: Open the scanner lid and place the document face down on the glass, aligning it with the marked edges.

2. Using the Document Feeder (if applicable): Place the document face up in the automatic document feeder (ADF).

Connect the Printer to Your Computer

• Via USB Cable: Ensure the USB cable is securely connected between the printer and your computer.

• Via WiFi: Confirm that the printer and computer are connected to the same wireless network.

Open Scanning Software

You can use the following tools depending on your system:

• Windows Users:

  • Use the HP Scan software

  • Navigate to Start > Search HP Scan.

• macOS Users:

  • Use Preview or the HP Easy Scan application.

Configure Scanning Settings

Before scanning, configure the following options:

• Resolution: Choose between 300 dpi for standard scans or 1200 dpi for high-quality scans.

• File Format: Save as PDF for documents or JPEG for images.

• Destination Folder: Specify where the scanned files should be saved on your computer.

Perform a Test Scan

1. Initiate the scan from the software or by pressing the Scan button on the printer.

2. Check the scanned output on your computer.

Advanced Options

• Scanning to Email: Configure email settings in the HP Smart app to send scanned documents directly via email.

• Scanning to Cloud: Use third-party cloud storage services (like Google Drive or Dropbox) integrated with the HP Smart app.

Troubleshooting Scanner Setup Issues

• Scanner Not Responding: Restart both the printer and your computer.

• Poor Scan Quality: Ensure the scanner glass is clean and free of dust.

• No Scan Button on Printer: Use the software to initiate scans if the button is unavailable.

By following this guide, your HP LaserJet Pro MFP M126nw will be fully set up for scanning, making it a valuable tool for both personal and professional tasks.

7. WiFi Setup for HP LaserJet Pro MFP M126nw

Setting up WiFi on your HP LaserJet Pro MFP M126nw allows you to print wirelessly from any device connected to the same network. Here’s how to set it up step by step:

Wireless Setup with WPS Button for HP LaserJet Pro MFP M126nw

Setting up your HP LaserJet Pro MFP M126nw wirelessly using the WPS button is simple and quick. Here's how you can do it:

1. Prepare Printer and Router
   Ensure your router supports WPS and that your printer is turned on.

2. Enable Wireless on Printer
   On the printer control panel, press the Wireless icon to open the wireless menu.

3. Press the WPS Button on Your Router
   Press the WPS button on your router within 2 minutes of selecting wireless setup on the printer.

4. Connect the Printer
   On the printer, press OK to start the connection. The printer will automatically connect to the router.

5. Confirmation
   Once connected, the printer’s wireless light will stay solid. You can print a network configuration page to once verify the connection.

Wireless Setup with Network for HP LaserJet Pro MFP M126nw

Here’s how to connect your HP LaserJet Pro MFP M126nw to your Wi-Fi network:

1. Turn on the Printer
   Power on your printer and ensure it’s within range of your Wi-Fi network.

2. Access Wireless Setup
   On the printer's control panel, tap the Wireless icon and select Wireless Setup Wizard.

3. Choose Your Network
   Choose your Wi-Fi network connection (SSID) from the available list and press OK.

4. Enter Password
   Enter your Wi-Fi password router then OK to confirm.

5. Check Connection
   Once connected, the wireless light will stay solid.

Now your printer is connected and ready for wireless printing!

Troubleshooting WiFi Setup

• Printer Not Finding Network:

  • The Wi-fi router is powered on and the printer is in range.

  • Ensure your printer is within the WiFi signal range.

  • Check if the printer’s wireless adapter is enabled.

• Incorrect Password:

  • Double-check the password entered and try again.

  • If needed, reset the printer's network settings and repeat the process.

• Connection Fails:

  • Restart the printer and router, then attempt the connection again.

With WiFi set up, you can now print from anywhere in your home or office without the need for physical connections, increasing convenience and flexibility.

8. Wireless Setup for Mobile Devices

Printing wirelessly from your mobile devices can boost productivity and make things more convenient. The HP LaserJet Pro MFP M126nw supports wireless printing for both iOS and Android devices, allowing you to easily print documents, images, and even web pages straight from your phone or tablet. Here’s how to get it set up:

Install the HP Smart App

To print wirelessly from your mobile device, you'll need the HP Smart app. This app is available for both iOS (App Store)and Android (PlayStore) devices.

• For iOS (iPhone/iPad) Users:

  1. Open the App Store on your iOS device.

  2. Search for "HP Smart" and download the app.

• For Android Users:

  1. Open the Play Store on your Android device.

  2. Search for "HP Smart" and install the app.

Connect Your Mobile Device to the Printer

1. Go to printer and press on the setting button of the printer.

2. Press the right button until the network setup appears.

3. Turn on the WiFi directly and if you want to set a password then it is not required for security also.

4. Open your phone's WiFi setting and connect the printer.

5. Open the HP Smart application on your mobile or tablet device.

6. The app should automatically detect printers on the same WiFi network.

7. If the printer doesn’t appear, tap on the plus (+) icon in the app and select Add Printer.

8. Follow the on-screen prompts to connect the app to your HP LaserJet Pro MFP M126nw via WiFi.

Set Up Print Settings

Once your printer is connected to the app, you can easily customize your print settings. The HP Smart app allows you to:

• Choose the print quality (standard or high).

• Select the paper size and orientation (portrait or landscape).

• Choose to scan or print multiple pages.

Start Printing

1. Once your settings are configured, select the document or image you wish to print from your phone or tablet.

2. Tap the Print button, and your HP LaserJet Pro MFP M126nw will print the document wirelessly.

Print from Cloud or Email (Optional)

HP Smart also allows you to print from cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive. You can print directly from your email by attaching the document and selecting the printer from the app.

Troubleshooting Wireless Printing from Mobile Devices

• Printer Not Detected:

  • Ensure your mobile device and printer are on the same WiFi network.

  • Restart both your printer and mobile device.

  • Ensure that WiFi Direct is disabled on your printer if it is connected via a local network.

• Poor Print Quality:

  • Check the paper and ink levels.

  • Adjust the print quality settings in the app for better output.

• Print Job Stuck or Failed:

  • Restart the printer and try again.

  • Check the printer queue for pending jobs and clear it if necessary.

By setting up wireless printing on your mobile device, you gain the freedom to print from anywhere in your home or office without the need for a computer.

9. Common Problems and Solutions

Despite being a reliable and efficient printer, the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M126nw may occasionally encounter issues. Fortunately, most of these problems are easy to resolve with a few simple troubleshooting steps. Here are some common issues and their solutions:

The printer Not Connecting to the WiFi

One of the most common issues users face is the printer failing to connect to the WiFi network.

Solutions:

• Check Network Settings: Make sure the printer and your device are connected to the same WiFi network.

• Restart Your Router and Printer: Power cycle your router and printer to reset any network issues.

• Reconfigure WiFi Settings: If the network password has changed or the printer was disconnected, you may need to re-enter the network settings. Use the Wireless Setup Wizard to reconnect.

• Ensure Router Compatibility: Check that your router’s frequency is compatible with the printer (the M126nw supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, but sometimes certain routers may cause conflicts).

Print Jobs Stuck in Queue

If print jobs are stuck in the print queue, it can cause delays and frustration. This issue is typically related to communication problems between the printer and the computer or device.

Solutions:

• Cancel and Restart Print Job: Open the print queue from your computer and cancel any stuck jobs. Then, resend the print job.

• Restart the Printer: Power off the printer from the on/off switch, wait a few seconds, and then power it back on. This can often resolve communication issues.

• Update Printer Drivers: Make sure you have the latest drivers installed on your computer to avoid compatibility problems.

Poor Print Quality (Smudges or Faded Prints)

Poor print quality, such as faded prints or smudges, is often caused by toner or paper-related issues.

Solutions:

• Check Toner Levels: Low toner can cause faint prints. Replace the toner cartridge if needed.

• Use the Correct Paper: Make sure you're using the appropriate paper type for the print job. Certain papers may not be compatible with laser printing and could cause smudging.

• Clean the Printer: Use a soft cloth to clean the printer, especially around the toner and paper feed areas.

• Adjust Print Quality Settings: In the printer settings, adjust the print quality to High for sharper results.

Printer Not Responding to Scan Commands

If the printer is not responding to scan requests or you can’t scan from your computer, there could be several reasons behind it.

Solutions:

• Ensure Proper Connections: If you’re using a USB connection, ensure it’s securely connected. For wireless scanning, confirm that both the printer and the computer are connected to the same WiFi network.

• Check the Scanner Driver: Make sure you have the latest scanner driver installed. If needed, download and install it from the HP Support website.

• Restart the Printer: Restarting the printer and your computer can often resolve communication issues.

• Test with Another Device: Try scanning from a different computer or mobile device to see if the issue is with the specific device or the printer.

Paper Jams

Paper jams are another common issue, especially when using the automatic document feeder (ADF) or handling multiple pages.

Solutions:

• Clear Jammed Paper: Open the printer’s rear door or front panel and carefully remove any jammed paper. Be gentle to avoid tearing the paper inside.

• Check Paper Path: Make sure the paper is loaded correctly and the paper tray isn’t overfilled. Also, ensure the paper is the right type and size.

• Clean Rollers: Dust or debris on the rollers can cause paper jams. Clean them gently using a soft cloth and some water.

Slow Printing

Sometimes, the printer may print slowly, which can be frustrating if you need quick results. This is often related to settings or network issues.

Solutions:

• Check Print Quality Settings: If the printer is set to high-quality print mode, it may slow down the process. Switch to a lower-quality setting for faster printing.

• Ensure Sufficient Memory: If the printer is handling large print jobs, try breaking them into smaller segments. Also, check that the printer has enough memory to process large files.

• Update Firmware and Drivers: Make sure that both the printer firmware and drivers are up to date for optimal performance.

Unable to Print from Mobile Device

If you're unable to print wirelessly from your mobile device, it could be caused by connectivity or app-related issues.

Solutions:

• Check WiFi Connection: Ensure that your mobile device and the printer are on the same WiFi network.

• Restart Devices: Restart both the printer and your mobile device to refresh the connection.

• Reinstall the HP Smart App: If the app is not functioning properly, try uninstalling and reinstalling it.

• Check for App Updates: Make sure you're using the latest version of the HP Smart app for compatibility with your printer.

No Display on Printer Screen

If your printer’s display screen is blank, it may indicate a power or hardware issue.

Solutions:

• Check Power Supply: Ensure the printer is properly plugged in and powered on. Try connecting it to a different outlet if necessary.

• Clean Panel Cable: Open the left side cover and clean the flat cable with an eraser.

Printer Making Unusual Noises

If your HP LaserJet Pro MFP M126nw is producing unusual sounds while printing, it may be due to various mechanical problems.

Solutions:

• Check for Obstructions: Open the printer and inspect for any paper or debris that might be obstructing the rollers or moving parts.

• Clean the Printer: Accumulated dust inside the printer can cause unusual noises. Use a soft cloth or cotton to clean the internal components.

• Check Toner Cartridge: Noises can occur if the toner cartridge is not installed correctly or is faulty. Consider reinstalling or replacing it.

Final Thoughts

The HP LaserJet Pro MFP M126nw is a dependable and versatile printer, but like any device, it may face issues occasionally. Luckily, many of these problems can be easily resolved with some troubleshooting steps. If you're unable to resolve an issue on your own, feel free to reach out to HP support for further assistance. By familiarizing yourself with these common problems and their solutions, you can help ensure your printer operates at its best, making your printing tasks more seamless and efficient.

FAQs for HP LaserJet Pro MFP M126nw

1. How do I connect the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M126nw to Wi-Fi?
You can connect the printer to Wi-Fi using the Wireless Setup Wizard or the WPS button on your router. Access the wireless settings on the printer, choose your network, and enter the Wi-Fi password to complete the setup.

2. What type of toner does this printer use?
The HP LaserJet Pro MFP M126nw uses the HP 88A Black Original LaserJet Toner Cartridge (CC388A).

3. Can I print from my smartphone?
Yes, you can print wirelessly from your smartphone using the HP Smart app or the built-in mobile printing features like Wi-Fi Direct.

4. How do I install the printer driver?
You can download the driver from the official HP Support website. Follow the installation prompts to connect the printer to your computer.

5. Why is my printer not connecting to Wi-Fi?
Ensure the Wi-Fi is enabled on both the printer and router, the password is entered correctly, and the printer is within the Wi-Fi range. Restart the router and printer if the issue persists.

6. Does the printer support duplex printing?
The HP LaserJet Pro MFP M126nw supports manual duplex printing, which means you’ll need to manually flip the pages.

7. What is the print speed of this printer?
The printer can print up to 20 pages per minute (ppm) for A4 size paper.

8. Can I scan documents using this printer?
Yes, the printer includes a built-in scanner that supports scanning resolutions up to 1200 dpi.

9. How do I resolve paper jams?
Turn off the printer, remove the jammed paper carefully, and ensure the paper tray is not overfilled or loaded improperly. Restart the printer after clearing the jam.

10. Does the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M126nw support Mac devices?
Yes, this printer is compatible with macOS.