Setting up a printer can either feel like a smooth symphony or a frustrating puzzle—depending on how much guidance you’ve got. The HP LaserJet Pro 400 printer series is built for performance, reliability, and simplicity, but the first-time setup can still be tricky if you’re not familiar with the steps.
This guide will walk you through every detail—from unboxing your printer to completing your first print—so you can get your HP LaserJet Pro 400 running flawlessly in minutes.
Introduction: Why the HP LaserJet Pro 400 Stands Out
The HP LaserJet Pro 400 is one of HP’s most popular compact business printers, designed to deliver fast, crisp, and professional-quality prints. Known for its energy efficiency, wireless capabilities, and high print speeds, it’s ideal for small to medium-sized businesses and home offices.
Some models in the LaserJet Pro 400 family include:
- HP LaserJet Pro 400 M401
- HP LaserJet Pro 400 MFP M425
- HP LaserJet Pro 400 Color MFP M475
- HP LaserJet Pro 400 MFP M426 (next-gen variant)
No matter which variant you own, the setup steps are largely similar—involving hardware installation, driver setup, and network configuration.
What You Need Before Setup
Before you dive in, make sure you’ve got everything handy:
- The HP LaserJet Pro 400 printer
- Power cable
- USB cable (for wired setup)
- Active Wi-Fi network (for wireless setup)
- Computer or laptop with internet access
- HP Smart App or HP Easy Start software
Having all these in place saves you from running around mid-setup.
Unboxing and Hardware Setup
Let’s start with the basics—getting your printer physically ready.
Step 1: Unbox Carefully
- Place the printer box on a flat surface.
- Cut open the top flaps and remove all packaging materials.
- Lift out the printer gently — it’s heavier than it looks.
- Remove all protective tapes, plastic films, and foam inserts from the printer’s interior and exterior.
Step 2: Load Paper
- Pull out the input tray from the bottom front section.
- Adjust the paper width guides to match your paper size.
- Insert plain A4 or letter-sized paper into the tray.
- Push the tray back in securely.
Step 3: Install the Toner Cartridge
- Open the front toner access door.
- Take the toner cartridge out of its packaging.
- Gently shake the cartridge 4–5 times to distribute toner evenly.
- Remove the protective seal from the cartridge.
- Insert it into the slot until it clicks in place.
- Close the front door.
Step 4: Power On
- Plug in the power cable to the rear of the printer.
- Connect it to a power outlet.
- Press the Power button to turn it on.
—you’ll - Wait for the printer to initialize — you’ll hear some mechanical sounds as it calibrates.
When the control panel or touchscreen lights up, you’re ready to move to software setup.
Software and Driver Installation
Here’s where the real action happens—connecting your printer to your computer or network.
Option 1: Using the HP Smart App (Recommended)
HP Smart is the easiest way to manage and connect your LaserJet Pro 400 to your device—it works on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.
Steps:
- Download the HP Smart App from:
- HP Official Site
- Microsoft Store
- App Store (iPhone/iPad)
- Google Play Store
- Launch the app and sign in with or create an HP account.
- Click on “Add Printer”.
- Select HP LaserJet Pro 400 from the list of available printers.
- Choose your connection type:
- Wi-Fi Setup (for wireless)
- USB Connection (for wired)
- Ethernet (for office networks)
- Follow the on-screen instructions to finish the setup.
Once connected, the app will automatically install the latest drivers and firmware for optimal performance.
Option 2: Using HP Easy Start Software (Manual Setup)
If you prefer a traditional setup, HP Easy Start is your go-to.
Steps:
- Visit 123.hp.com or support.hp.com/drivers.
- Type your printer model: HP LaserJet Pro 400.
- Download the HP Easy Start or Full Feature Software.
- Run the installer and follow the prompts.
- Choose your preferred connection type.
- Complete the driver installation.
After setup, print a test page to confirm successful installation.
Connecting the Printer (Wi-Fi, USB, or Ethernet)
You can connect your HP LaserJet Pro 400 in three main ways—let’s break down each.
A. Wireless Connection (Wi-Fi Setup)
If you want a clean, cable-free setup:
- On the printer control panel, go to Network Settings > Wireless Setup Wizard.
- Select your Wi-Fi network name from the list.
- Enter your Wi-Fi password.
- Wait for the printer to connect—a confirmation message or Wi-Fi icon will appear on the screen.
- On your computer, open the HP Smart app and add the printer.
Once done, your devices will communicate wirelessly—no USB cable needed.
B. USB Connection
Prefer a stable wired connection? Here’s how:
- Connect one end of the USB cable to your printer and the other to your computer.
- Windows or macOS should automatically detect and install the driver.
- If it doesn’t, use the HP Smart App or HP Easy Start to manually install it.
USB setup is perfect for single-PC use or private setups where Wi-Fi access isn’t required.
C. Ethernet (Wired Network Connection)
For office networks or multiple users:
- Connect an Ethernet cable from your printer’s port to your router.
- The printer will automatically obtain an IP address.
- On your computer, open the HP Smart App and add the printer using the IP address.
This method ensures consistent speed and reliability—great for heavy-duty printing environments.
Print, Scan, and Copy Configuration (For MFP Models)
If you’ve got the HP LaserJet Pro 400 MFP model, you get additional features—scanning, copying, and faxing. Let’s configure those too.
To Set Up Scanning:
- Open the HP Smart App or HP Scan software.
- Place your document face-down on the scanner glass.
- Choose Scan > Document or Photo.
- Adjust the resolution and file type as needed (PDF, JPEG, etc.).
- Click Scan, then Save or Share.
To Set Up Copying:
- Load the document on the scanner glass.
- Use the printer’s control panel.
- Select Copy and set the number of copies.
- Press Start to begin.
Printing a Test Page
Testing ensures everything’s in sync. Here’s how to do it:
- On Windows:
- Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers.
- Right-click your printer > Printer Properties > Print Test Page.
- On macOS:
- Open System Preferences > Printers & Scanners.
- Select your printer > Open Print Queue > Printer > Print Test Page.
If the page prints cleanly, congratulations—your setup is complete!
Troubleshooting Common Setup Issues
Even the best printers sometimes act up. Let’s troubleshoot a few common hiccups:
Problem 1: Printer Not Found on Network
- Ensure Wi-Fi is active and connected.
- Restart both the printer and router.
- Reconnect using the Wireless Setup Wizard.
- Temporarily disable firewall or VPN during setup.
Problem 2: Printer Offline
- Check if the printer is powered on.
- For USB users, reinsert the cable.
- For Wi-Fi, ensure it’s on the same network as your computer.
- On Windows, open Devices and Printers, right-click your printer, and select “Use Printer Online.”
Problem 3: Poor Print Quality
- Remove and reseat the toner cartridge.
- Clean the inside of the printer with a lint-free cloth.
- Check for smudged or faded prints—you might need a new toner.
Problem 4: Paper Jam
- Power off the printer.
- Open the access door and gently pull out jammed sheets.
- Avoid tearing the paper; use both hands to pull evenly.
- Close all trays properly and restart the printer.
Updating Firmware and Drivers
Keeping your HP LaserJet Pro 400 updated ensures smooth operation and security.
- Open the HP Smart App or HP Support Assistant.
- Go to Settings > Printer Maintenance > Firmware Update.
- If an update is available, download and install it.
Firmware updates often improve connectivity, add new features, and fix bugs.
Tips to Optimize Printer Performance
Now that your setup is running perfectly, here’s how to keep it that way:
- Use genuine HP toner cartridges for best results.
- Print regularly to prevent toner clogging.
- Keep firmware updated monthly.
- Clean the printer rollers every few weeks.
- Store paper in a cool, dry place to avoid jams.
- Use the HP Smart App to monitor toner levels and order replacements.
Why Choose the HP LaserJet Pro 400?
If you’re wondering why this printer still remains a favorite among small business owners, here’s the reason—it’s a perfect balance of speed, quality, and longevity.
- Print speed: Up to 35 ppm (pages per minute)
- Monthly duty cycle: Up to 50,000 pages
- Resolution: 1200 x 1200 dpi for sharp text
- Energy saving: Auto on/off and duplex printing features
- Connectivity: Supports USB, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi Direct
Whether you’re printing invoices, client reports, or marketing materials, the LaserJet Pro 400 delivers results that look like they came from a high-end print shop.
Final Thoughts
Setting up the HP LaserJet Pro 400 printer might seem technical at first, but once you follow the right steps, it’s smooth sailing. With its business-grade performance, simple configuration, and reliable build, this printer is made to last years with minimal maintenance.
So, whether you’re using it for your startup, home office, or corporate setup — the HP LaserJet Pro 400 will stand as your silent workhorse, churning out high-quality prints day after day.
And remember — good printing begins with good setup. Take the time to do it right once, and it’ll save you hours of troubleshooting later.