Setup & Installation

HP LaserJet Pro M404dn Driver Installation & WiFi Setup Guide 2024

2024-12-15•Printer Support Team

The HP LaserJet Pro M404dn is a reliable monochrome laser printer perfect for home and office use. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know: driver installation, WiFi setup, paper jam troubleshooting, and toner replacement. Whether you're setting up your HP LaserJet Pro M404dn for the first time or troubleshooting issues, this guide has you covered.

HP LaserJet Pro M404dn Driver Download

Download the latest HP LaserJet Pro M404dn drivers from HP's official website:

  1. Visit support.hp.com
  2. Enter "LaserJet Pro M404dn" in the search box
  3. Select your operating system (Windows 10/11 or macOS)
  4. Download the HP Universal Print Driver or Full Feature Driver
  5. Run the installer and follow the setup wizard

Installing HP LaserJet Pro M404dn Drivers on Windows

Method 1: HP Smart App (Recommended)

  1. Download HP Smart from Microsoft Store
  2. Open HP Smart and click "Add Printer"
  3. Select "Set up a new printer"
  4. HP Smart will automatically detect and install HP LaserJet Pro M404dn drivers
  5. Follow on-screen instructions to complete setup

Method 2: Manual Driver Installation

  1. Download HP LaserJet Pro M404dn driver package from HP website
  2. Extract the downloaded file
  3. Run setup.exe as Administrator
  4. Select "Install Printer Driver"
  5. Choose connection type (USB, Network, or Wireless)
  6. Complete the installation wizard

HP LaserJet Pro M404dn Driver Issues & Fixes

Issue: "Driver Not Found" Error

Solution:

  1. Uninstall existing HP LaserJet Pro M404dn driver from Device Manager
  2. Restart your computer
  3. Download fresh driver from HP website
  4. Install driver in Administrator mode

Issue: HP LaserJet Pro M404dn Shows Offline

Solution:

  1. Check printer is powered on and connected
  2. Go to Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners
  3. Right-click HP LaserJet Pro M404dn → "Use printer online"
  4. Update HP LaserJet Pro M404dn driver if issue persists

Issue: Print Jobs Stuck in Queue

Solution:

  1. Open Services (Windows + R, type services.msc)
  2. Find "Print Spooler" → Right-click → "Restart"
  3. Clear print queue: Control Panel > Devices and Printers > HP LaserJet Pro M404dn > See what's printing
  4. Delete stuck print jobs

Updating HP LaserJet Pro M404dn Drivers

  1. Open HP Smart or visit HP Support website
  2. Check for HP LaserJet Pro M404dn driver updates
  3. Download latest driver version
  4. Uninstall old driver first (optional but recommended)
  5. Install new HP LaserJet Pro M404dn driver
  6. Restart computer and printer

HP LaserJet Pro M404dn Network Driver Setup

For network-connected HP LaserJet Pro M404dn printers:

  1. Ensure HP LaserJet Pro M404dn is connected to network
  2. Print network configuration page from printer control panel
  3. Note the HP LaserJet Pro M404dn IP address
  4. On Windows: Settings > Devices > Add printer > Add printer using IP address
  5. Enter HP LaserJet Pro M404dn IP address
  6. Select "HP Universal Print Driver" or specific M404dn driver

HP LaserJet Pro M404dn Driver for Mac

  1. Download HP LaserJet Pro M404dn driver from HP website (macOS version)
  2. Open downloaded .dmg file
  3. Run HP Easy Start or installer package
  4. Follow installation wizard
  5. Add HP LaserJet Pro M404dn in System Preferences > Printers & Scanners

Part 2: HP LaserJet Pro M404dn WiFi Setup & Wireless Connection

The HP LaserJet Pro M404dn supports wireless printing, allowing you to print from any device on your network. This section shows you how to connect your HP LaserJet Pro M404dn to WiFi and troubleshoot wireless connection issues.

HP LaserJet Pro M404dn WiFi Setup Requirements

  • HP LaserJet Pro M404dn printer powered on
  • WiFi network name (SSID) and password
  • 2.4GHz WiFi network (HP LaserJet Pro M404dn doesn't support 5GHz)
  • Computer or mobile device on same network

Method 1: HP Smart App WiFi Setup

  1. Download HP Smart app on your phone or computer
  2. Open HP Smart and tap "Add Printer"
  3. Select "Set up a new printer"
  4. Choose "HP LaserJet Pro M404dn" from discovered printers
  5. Enter your WiFi network password
  6. Wait for HP LaserJet Pro M404dn to connect (1-2 minutes)
  7. Verify connection status in HP Smart app

Method 2: Printer Control Panel WiFi Setup

  1. On HP LaserJet Pro M404dn control panel, press Setup button
  2. Navigate to "Network" or "Wireless Setup Wizard"
  3. Select "Wireless Setup Wizard"
  4. HP LaserJet Pro M404dn will scan for available WiFi networks
  5. Select your WiFi network from the list
  6. Enter WiFi password using printer keypad
  7. Wait for HP LaserJet Pro M404dn to connect to WiFi
  8. Print network configuration page to verify connection

Method 3: WPS Setup (If Supported)

  1. Press and hold WPS button on your router for 2-3 seconds
  2. Within 2 minutes, on HP LaserJet Pro M404dn control panel, navigate to "Network" > "WiFi Protected Setup"
  3. Select "Push Button" method
  4. HP LaserJet Pro M404dn will automatically connect to WiFi

HP LaserJet Pro M404dn WiFi Connection Issues

Issue: HP LaserJet Pro M404dn Not Connecting to WiFi

Solutions:

  • Ensure HP LaserJet Pro M404dn is within range of WiFi router
  • Check you're using 2.4GHz WiFi (not 5GHz)
  • Verify WiFi password is correct
  • Restart HP LaserJet Pro M404dn and router
  • Reset HP LaserJet Pro M404dn network settings and try again

Issue: HP LaserJet Pro M404dn Shows "Wireless Not Connected"

Solutions:

  1. Print network configuration page from HP LaserJet Pro M404dn
  2. Check WiFi status and signal strength
  3. If disconnected, reconnect using WiFi Setup Wizard
  4. Update HP LaserJet Pro M404dn firmware if available
  5. Check router settings (firewall, MAC filtering)

Issue: Can't Find HP LaserJet Pro M404dn on Network

Solutions:

  • Ensure HP LaserJet Pro M404dn and computer are on same WiFi network
  • Check HP LaserJet Pro M404dn is powered on and connected
  • Disable VPN or proxy that might block network discovery
  • Add HP LaserJet Pro M404dn using IP address instead
  • Install HP LaserJet Pro M404dn driver on your computer

Adding HP LaserJet Pro M404dn to Windows

  1. Go to Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners
  2. Click "Add a printer or scanner"
  3. Select "Add printer using IP address"
  4. Enter HP LaserJet Pro M404dn IP address (from network configuration page)
  5. Select "HP Universal Print Driver"
  6. Complete setup wizard

HP LaserJet Pro M404dn Mobile Printing

Print from your phone or tablet to HP LaserJet Pro M404dn:

  1. Install HP Smart app on your mobile device
  2. Ensure mobile device and HP LaserJet Pro M404dn are on same WiFi
  3. Open HP Smart app and select HP LaserJet Pro M404dn
  4. Choose document or photo to print
  5. Tap "Print"

HP LaserJet Pro M404dn Network Troubleshooting

  • Print Network Configuration: From control panel, print network configuration page to view IP address and connection status
  • Reset Network Settings: If connection fails, reset HP LaserJet Pro M404dn network settings and reconfigure
  • Update Firmware: Check HP website for HP LaserJet Pro M404dn firmware updates
  • Check Router Settings: Ensure router allows device-to-device communication

Part 3: HP LaserJet Pro M404dn Paper Jam Fix & Troubleshooting

Paper jams are common in the HP LaserJet Pro M404dn, but most can be cleared quickly. This section shows you how to fix paper jams in your HP LaserJet Pro M404dn and prevent them from happening again.

HP LaserJet Pro M404dn Paper Jam Locations

Paper can jam in several areas of the HP LaserJet Pro M404dn:

  • Input tray: Paper feed area
  • Duplex unit: Double-sided printing mechanism
  • Output area: Where printed pages exit
  • Fuser area: Internal heating component

How to Clear HP LaserJet Pro M404dn Paper Jam

Step 1: Turn Off Printer

  1. Press Power button on HP LaserJet Pro M404dn
  2. Wait for printer to fully power down
  3. Unplug power cord from wall outlet
  4. Wait 30 seconds before proceeding

Step 2: Remove Paper Tray

  1. Pull out paper tray from HP LaserJet Pro M404dn
  2. Remove any paper from tray
  3. Check for torn paper pieces
  4. Inspect paper path for obstructions

Step 3: Open Access Doors

  1. Open front access door on HP LaserJet Pro M404dn
  2. Open rear access door if available
  3. Look for visible paper jams
  4. Use flashlight to see inside paper path

Step 4: Remove Jammed Paper

Important: Always pull paper in the direction of paper flow. Never force or pull backward.

  1. Gently grasp jammed paper
  2. Pull slowly in direction paper would normally travel
  3. If paper tears, remove all pieces
  4. Check for small paper fragments
  5. Remove any torn pieces with tweezers if needed

Step 5: Check Duplex Unit (If Equipped)

  1. Open duplex access door on HP LaserJet Pro M404dn
  2. Check for paper in duplex unit
  3. Remove any jammed paper carefully
  4. Close duplex access door securely

Step 6: Reassemble and Test

  1. Close all access doors on HP LaserJet Pro M404dn
  2. Reinsert paper tray with fresh paper
  3. Ensure paper guides are properly adjusted
  4. Plug in power cord
  5. Turn on HP LaserJet Pro M404dn
  6. Print a test page to verify issue is resolved

HP LaserJet Pro M404dn Paper Jam Error Messages

Error 13.XX.XX (Paper Jam)

This error indicates a paper jam in HP LaserJet Pro M404dn. Follow the clearing steps above.

Error 13.01.XX (Input Tray Jam)

Paper jam in input tray area of HP LaserJet Pro M404dn:

  1. Remove paper tray
  2. Check for paper stuck in feed mechanism
  3. Remove jammed paper
  4. Reload paper properly

Error 13.02.XX (Duplex Unit Jam)

Paper jam in duplex unit of HP LaserJet Pro M404dn:

  1. Open duplex access door
  2. Remove jammed paper from duplex unit
  3. Check for torn paper pieces
  4. Close door and retry printing

Preventing HP LaserJet Pro M404dn Paper Jams

  • Use correct paper: Use paper recommended for HP LaserJet Pro M404dn (20-32 lb bond paper)
  • Don't overload tray: Don't exceed maximum paper capacity
  • Adjust paper guides: Ensure paper guides fit paper width snugly
  • Check paper condition: Don't use wrinkled, torn, or damp paper
  • Remove old paper: Replace paper that's been in tray for extended periods
  • Clean paper path: Periodically clean HP LaserJet Pro M404dn paper path
  • Proper storage: Store paper in dry, flat location

HP LaserJet Pro M404dn Paper Jam Still Not Fixed?

If paper jams persist in your HP LaserJet Pro M404dn after following these steps, there may be a mechanical issue:

  • Worn or damaged paper feed rollers
  • Faulty fuser assembly
  • Duplex unit malfunction
  • Internal component damage

Part 4: HP LaserJet Pro M404dn Toner Issues & Replacement

The HP LaserJet Pro M404dn uses HP 85A black toner cartridges. This section covers HP LaserJet Pro M404dn toner replacement, troubleshooting low toner errors, and fixing print quality issues.

HP LaserJet Pro M404dn Toner Cartridge

The HP LaserJet Pro M404dn uses:

  • HP 85A Black Original Toner Cartridge (standard yield: ~2,600 pages)
  • HP 85X Black High-Yield Toner Cartridge (high yield: ~6,500 pages)

HP LaserJet Pro M404dn Low Toner Warning

When HP LaserJet Pro M404dn toner is running low, you'll see:

  • Warning message on printer display: "Toner Low" or "Replace Toner"
  • Faded or light print quality
  • Notification in HP Smart app
  • Warning in print queue or driver software

How to Replace HP LaserJet Pro M404dn Toner

Step 1: Prepare New Toner Cartridge

  1. Purchase genuine HP 85A or HP 85X toner cartridge
  2. Remove toner from packaging
  3. Remove protective tape from toner cartridge
  4. Gently shake toner cartridge 3-4 times to distribute toner

Step 2: Access Toner Area

  1. Turn on HP LaserJet Pro M404dn
  2. Open front access door
  3. Wait for toner carriage to move to replacement position
  4. If carriage doesn't move, printer may need to cool down

Step 3: Remove Old Toner Cartridge

  1. Grasp old HP 85A toner cartridge firmly
  2. Pull straight out of HP LaserJet Pro M404dn
  3. Set old cartridge aside (recycle if possible)
  4. Check for toner spills inside printer

Step 4: Install New Toner Cartridge

  1. Remove new HP 85A toner from packaging
  2. Remove all protective tape
  3. Insert new toner cartridge into HP LaserJet Pro M404dn
  4. Push firmly until it clicks into place
  5. Ensure toner cartridge is fully seated

Step 5: Close and Test

  1. Close front access door on HP LaserJet Pro M404dn
  2. Printer will automatically recognize new toner
  3. Wait for HP LaserJet Pro M404dn to calibrate (30-60 seconds)
  4. Print a test page to verify print quality

HP LaserJet Pro M404dn Toner Error Messages

Error: "Toner Cartridge Not Detected"

Solutions:

  1. Remove and reinsert HP 85A toner cartridge
  2. Ensure toner cartridge is fully seated
  3. Check for damaged toner cartridge contacts
  4. Clean toner cartridge contacts with dry cloth
  5. Try different HP 85A toner cartridge if available

Error: "Toner Cartridge Incompatible"

HP LaserJet Pro M404dn only accepts HP 85A or HP 85X toner cartridges. Ensure you're using the correct model.

Error: "Toner Low" (But Cartridge is New)

Solutions:

  1. Remove and shake HP 85A toner cartridge
  2. Reinstall toner cartridge
  3. Reset toner level in HP LaserJet Pro M404dn settings (if available)
  4. Print several pages to allow toner to distribute

HP LaserJet Pro M404dn Print Quality Issues

Faded or Light Prints

Causes and Solutions:

  • Low toner: Replace HP 85A toner cartridge
  • Economy mode enabled: Disable in printer settings
  • Toner not distributed: Shake HP 85A cartridge and reinstall
  • Drum unit issue: May need professional service

Streaks or Lines in Prints

Solutions:

  1. Remove HP 85A toner cartridge and inspect for damage
  2. Clean printer interior (especially around drum area)
  3. Replace HP 85A toner cartridge if damaged
  4. Run printer cleaning cycle from HP LaserJet Pro M404dn menu

HP LaserJet Pro M404dn Toner Tips

  • Use genuine HP toner: Compatible toners may cause issues
  • Store properly: Keep HP 85A toner in cool, dry place
  • Shake before installing: Distributes toner evenly
  • Recycle old cartridges: HP offers recycling programs
  • Monitor usage: Check toner level regularly in HP Smart app

Need Help with Your HP LaserJet Pro M404dn?

If you're experiencing any issues with your HP LaserJet Pro M404dn - whether it's driver problems, WiFi connection issues, paper jams, or toner replacement - our expert technicians can help. We provide remote support to install drivers, configure wireless settings, troubleshoot paper jams, and assist with toner replacement. Call +1-888-423-7757 for 24/7 assistance.