HP Laser 178nw Wireless Multifunction Printer - Grey
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Product Information
Full details
The HP Laser 178nw is designed for small to medium businesses and home offices needing reliable color laser printing, copying, and scanning. Its key benefit is delivering sharp text and crisp color graphics at an affordable price point, with the convenience of wireless and mobile printing. A caveat to be aware of is its dynamic security feature, which may affect compatibility with non-HP or refilled cartridges.
All features
| Colour | Grey |
|---|---|
| Series | Laser 178nw |
| Model Part Number | 4ZB96A |
| Brand | HP |
Extended Product Information
FAQs
What is the maximum print size this printer supports?
The maximum print size is 216 x 356 mm, which corresponds to standard A4 and US Letter sizes.
Does this printer support automatic duplex printing?
This printer supports manual duplex printing, meaning you will need to manually re-insert the pages to print on the second side. It does support duplex scanning.
What operating systems are compatible with the HP Laser 178nw?
It is compatible with Windows 8, Windows 10, Windows 11, and macOS versions 10.11 El Capitan through 10.14 Mojave.
Can I print directly from my smartphone without a Wi-Fi network?
Yes, you can connect your smartphone or tablet directly to the printer via Wi-Fi Direct to print without accessing a network.
What is the warranty period for this printer?
HP offers a one-year limited hardware warranty for this printer. For more details, visit the HP support website.
How do I check the toner levels?
Toner levels can be checked through the printer's control panel or via the HP Smart app on your computer or mobile device.
What are the included cartridge yields?
The included toner cartridges typically yield around 700 pages for color (CMY) and 1000 pages for black. Replacement cartridges have higher yields.
Can I use refilled or third-party toner cartridges?
The printer features dynamic security measures. While reused HP chips and circuitry enable the use of reused cartridges, non-HP chips or electronic circuitry may be blocked. Periodic firmware updates maintain these measures.
Troubleshooting
Printer is not turning on
Ensure the power cord is securely connected to both the printer and a working power outlet. Check if the power switch is in the 'on' position.
Wireless connection issues
Verify that your Wi-Fi network is active and within range. Restart your router and the printer. Re-run the Wi-Fi setup wizard on the printer.
Print quality is poor (streaks, smudges, faded text)
Check the toner levels and replace cartridges if low. Clean the print heads using the printer's maintenance utility. Ensure you are using appropriate paper type and quality settings.
Paper jams frequently
Carefully remove any jammed paper, ensuring no small pieces are left behind. Check that the paper is loaded correctly in the tray and does not exceed the maximum capacity. Use paper that meets HP's specifications.
Cannot print from mobile device
Ensure your mobile device is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the printer. Confirm that the HP Smart app or required mobile printing service (AirPrint, Mopria) is installed and enabled.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Delivers high-quality laser prints with sharp text and vivid color graphics.
- Offers essential multifunctionality (print, copy, scan) for home and small office needs.
- Supports various mobile printing technologies for convenient printing from smartphones and tablets.
- Includes both Wi-Fi and Ethernet for flexible network connectivity.
- Compact design fits easily into most workspaces.
- Affordable price point for a color laser multifunction printer.
Cons
- Dynamic security feature may restrict the use of non-HP or refilled cartridges.
- Color print speeds are relatively slow (4 ppm) compared to black and white speeds (18 ppm).
- Manual duplex printing requires user intervention to flip pages for double-sided printing.
- Internal memory is limited to 128 MB, which may affect performance with very large or complex print jobs.
- Resolution is standard for its class (600 x 600 DPI), not ideal for professional photo printing.
Setup, Compatibility & Care
Setup:
- Unpack the printer and remove all protective tapes and packing materials.
- Install the included toner cartridges following the on-screen prompts or quick start guide.
- Connect the printer to your network using either the Ethernet cable or Wi-Fi setup.
- Download and install the HP Smart app on your computer or mobile device for guided setup and printing.
Compatibility:
- Operating Systems: Supports Windows 8, Windows 10, Windows 11, and macOS versions 10.11 El Capitan through 10.14 Mojave.
- Mobile Printing: Compatible with Apple AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, and Mopria Print Service.
- Cartridges: Designed to work with HP cartridges. Note the dynamic security feature which may impact the use of third-party or refilled cartridges.
Care:
- Keep the printer in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures (10-30°C operating).
- Clean the exterior with a soft, damp cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners.
- Periodically clean the scanner glass with a lint-free cloth to ensure optimal scan quality.
- Refer to the printer's manual for detailed maintenance instructions, including replacing toner and clearing paper jams.