Jump to Key Sections
Fax machines have been around since the 1960s but are no longer as commonly used. However, faxing is still a prevalent means of communication, especially among businesses and government agencies.
Sending a fax from an iPhone was not possible until recently. Now, you can easily send a fax from your iPhone without any additional hardware. This feature provided by various faxing apps is easy to use and can save you time and effort.
This blog post will guide you through different methods of sending a fax from your iPhone, providing you with step-by-step instructions and pros and cons for each method. We have also listed some bonus tips to help you make the most of faxing on your iPhone.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Send a Fax from iPhone
While email and text messages are more convenient than faxing, there are still situations where sending a fax is necessary, such as:
– Sending legal documents or contracts that require a signature
– When the recipient requests a fax in lieu of email
– When the organization or company prefers to receive information via fax
Therefore, having the ability to send a fax from your iPhone can be extremely helpful, especially when you are on the go.
Method 1: Using the Built-in Fax Feature in iPhones
Many newer iPhones come with a built-in fax feature that is a part of the built-in Notes app. Here are the steps to use this feature:
1. Open the Notes app on your iPhone
2. Create a new note and tap on the "+" icon in the bottom center.
3. Select the "Scan Documents" option.
4. Take a picture of the document you want to fax and crop as needed.
5. Once you are done with the scanning, tap on the "Send" icon.
6. Select the "Fax" option and fill in the recipient’s information, including their fax number, and a subject line if needed.
7. To preview the fax click on "Preview" and finally click on "Send"
Pros:
– The built-in fax feature on iPhone is free to use.
– There is no need to install any third-party apps.
– Sending a fax through the Notes app is easy to use.
Cons:
– The built-in fax feature may not be available on older iPhone models.
– The process may be time-consuming if you need to send multiple pages.
Method 2: Using a Faxing App
Using a faxing app is another easy way to send a fax from your iPhone. There are many faxing apps to choose from, but two of the most popular options are FaxZero and eFax.
Here are the steps to use FaxZero:
1. Download and install the FaxZero app on your iPhone.
2. Open the app and select the "Send Fax" option
3. Fill in the recipient’s information, including their fax number, the subject line, and the text message (if necessary)
4. Take a picture of the document you want to fax using your iPhone’s camera, and ensure the image is in focus and well-lit.
5. Crop the image as needed and preview the fax before sending.
6. Finally, tap on the "Send" button to send your fax.
Pros:
– Faxing apps are usually free to download and easy to set up.
– They let you send faxes from anywhere at any time
– You can fax multiple pages at once, which is more practical than some other methods.
Cons:
– Services such as FaxZero might be limited by the number of pages you can print for free
– Some apps will charge you a fee, depending on the pages you are sending.
– The image-quality may not be up to par using a faxing app.
Method 3: Using Scannable App by Evernote
Scannable app by Evernote is another free third-party app that lets you scan documents and fax them directly from your iPhone.
Here are the steps to use Scannable:
1. Download and install the Scannable app by Evernote on your iPhone.
2. Open the app and allow it to access your iPhone’s camera.
3. Scan your document using the iPhone’s camera.
4. Crop the image as desired and adjust the picture clarity, if necessary.
5. Once you are done, tap the "Share" button and select the "Fax" option.
6. Fill in the recipient’s information, including their fax number, and hit the "Fax" button to send.
Pros:
– Scannable is a free app that you can download from the App Store.
– The app is easy to use and provides excellent quality scans.
– You can fax multiple pages, making it practical for businesses or longer documents.
Cons:
– The app doesn’t allow you to add a cover sheet, which might be necessary for a formal or legal transaction.
– The process can be time-consuming if you’re sending multiple pages of documents.
Method 4: Using FaxFile
Another app you can consider for sending faxes from your iPhone is FaxFile. FaxFile is a paid app, but it is cheaper than most alternatives.
Here are the steps to use FaxFile:
1. Install the FaxFile app on your iPhone and launch it.
2. Choose the "+” button and select the "Add Files" option to upload the document you want to fax.
3. Click on the "Send Fax" option and fill in the recipient’s information, including their fax number, and a subject line if needed.
4. Preview the fax and send it by clicking the "Send" button.
Pros:
– FaxFile is reasonably priced. It’s cheaper than most other premium fax apps.
– The app can fax a wide range of file types, including PDFs and Microsoft Word documents.
Cons:
– The image quality might not be as good as other apps.
– The app may not be compatible with all fax machines.
What to Do If You Can’t Send A Fax from iPhone
If, after trying the above methods, you find that you are still unable to send a fax from your iPhone, here are a few things you can do:
1. Check your internet connection: ensure that your iPhone is connected to a stable internet connection.
2. Check the recipient’s fax number: check to ensure that you’ve entered the correct recipient’s fax number.
3. Try using a different app: if one app is not working, there are many other faxing apps you can try.
Bonus Tips
1. Always preview your fax before sending to ensure that it is complete, clear, and focused.
2. Use the highest quality of resolution and contrast settings while scanning the doc when faxing important documents, as it can make a significant difference.
3. Convert any non-PDF document to a PDF format before sending the fax. PDFs are supported by almost all fax machines and apps, and they maintain the formatting and layout of the original document.
5 FAQs
Q1: Can I send a fax for free?
A: Yes, some apps and services provide a limited number of pages that you can send for free.
Q2: How long does it take to send a fax from an iPhone?
A: It usually takes a few seconds to send a fax, depending on its size and the app used.
Q3: Can I receive a fax on my iPhone?
A: Yes, there are apps available that provide you with a temporary fax number, and you can receive faxes on your iPhone like a regular fax machine.
Q4: What if I need to send a fax internationally?
A: Many apps and services support international faxing, but you need to check if the country you are sending to is on their list.
Q5: Do I need a fax machine to send a fax from my iPhone?
A: No, you don’t need a fax machine to send a fax from your iPhone.
Final Thoughts
Sending faxes may seem outdated, but it is still a prevalent means of communication, especially in the professional world. iPhone users can now send faxes directly from their phones without any additional hardware or complicated procedures. With the various options provided by the various faxing apps available for iPhone, it is now easier to send faxes from wherever you are. With the step-by-step guide in this article, you’ll be able to send a fax from your iPhone in no time.