In today’s digital age, sending documents electronically has become second nature. However, despite technological advancements, faxing is still widely used in many industries such as healthcare, law, and government.
The good news is that you no longer need a traditional fax machine to send documents.
With your iPhone, you can send a fax anytime and anywhere. This guide will show you step-by-step instructions on how to send a fax from your iPhone using the different methods and tools available.
Why Faxing is Still Relevant
Before we dive into the process, it’s worth understanding why faxing remains relevant despite the proliferation of email and other digital communication methods.
Faxing provides a higher level of security for transmitting sensitive information such as contracts, medical records, or legal documents. Many organizations prefer or require faxing because it’s considered more secure than email, which can be vulnerable to hacking and phishing attacks.
Faxing is also a legal requirement in certain sectors.
For instance, in healthcare, faxing complies with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which ensures patient privacy. As a result, knowing how to fax from your iPhone can save time and streamline your professional tasks.
How to Send a Fax from Your iPhone
Using a Fax App
The easiest and most convenient way to send a fax from your iPhone is by using a fax app. These apps allow you to scan documents, attach files from your phone or cloud storage, and send them to a fax number directly from your device.
1. Download a Fax App
To get started, you need to download a reliable fax app from the App Store. Some popular options include:
- iFax: Known for its simple interface and robust features, iFax allows you to send faxes quickly. It offers options for monthly subscriptions or pay-per-fax services.
- eFax: A widely used app that lets you send and receive faxes using your iPhone. It also integrates with cloud storage services like Google Drive and Dropbox.
- FaxBurner: A free fax app for your iPhone with options for both sending and receiving faxes.
Once you’ve selected an app, download and install it on your iPhone.
2. Sign Up or Log In
After downloading the app, create an account if required. Many fax apps offer a free trial or pay-per-fax options, while others require a subscription. If you’re using the service for a one-time fax, pay-per-use apps like iFax may be a better choice.
Subscription services, on the other hand, are ideal if you need to send or receive faxes regularly.
3. Upload Your Documents
Once your account is set up, it’s time to prepare your document for faxing. Most fax apps allow you to upload documents in multiple ways, including:
- Scanning a physical document: Many fax apps have a built-in scanning feature that lets you use your iPhone’s camera to scan documents and save them as PDFs.
- Attaching a file from cloud storage: You can attach documents from Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud, or other cloud storage services.
- Attaching a file from your phone: If the document is already saved on your iPhone, simply attach it from your files or photos.
4. Enter the Fax Number
Next, enter the recipient’s fax number.
Most apps will automatically add the necessary prefixes, so you just need to input the number as you would for a phone call. Ensure that the number is correct, especially if you’re sending an international fax, as different countries may require specific dialing codes.
5. Send the Fax
Once your document is attached and the fax number is entered, press the “Send” button.
Some apps provide real-time updates on the fax status, letting you know when it has been successfully transmitted. Depending on the size of the document and the recipient’s machine, the fax may take a few minutes to send.
Sending a Fax via Email-to-Fax Service
Another way to send a fax from your iPhone is by using an email-to-fax service.
This option is useful if you frequently send faxes and prefer to work through email. Many fax service providers, such as eFax or MyFax, allow you to send a fax by attaching a document to an email, and the service will handle the conversion.
1. Sign Up for an Email-to-Fax Service
You need to subscribe to an email-to-fax service that supports sending faxes via email. After signing up, the service will assign you a unique email address linked to a fax number.
2. Compose a New Email
Once you have an account, open the Mail app on your iPhone and compose a new email. In the “To” field, enter the recipient’s fax number followed by the email domain provided by your fax service.
3. Attach the Document
Attach the document you want to fax to the email. Most services support common formats such as PDF, Word, or image files. You can upload the file from your phone’s storage or cloud storage services.
4. Send the Email
Once the document is attached and the fax number is correctly entered, click “Send.” The fax service will convert your email into a fax and send it to the recipient’s fax machine. You will typically receive a confirmation email once the fax is successfully delivered.
Conclusion
Sending a fax from your iPhone has never been easier.
With the rise of fax apps and email-to-fax services, you no longer need access to a traditional fax machine. Whether you need to fax a contract, a legal document, or other important papers, the steps outlined in this guide will help you send a fax quickly and securely using your iPhone.
The convenience of mobile faxing ensures that you can stay productive on the go, meeting the demands of both personal and professional tasks.