To fax to a phone number from your smartphone, you need a third-party fax app or an online fax service because iPhones and Android phones do not have a built-in fax feature. The process is simple: choose a document, enter the recipient's fax number, and send it through the app, which handles the conversion and transmission over the internet.
How to fax to a phone number from your smartphone
Since your smartphone lacks a native fax function, you must use a dedicated fax app from the App Store or Google Play, or a web-based fax service. These tools give your device the virtual fax capability it needs. The general workflow involves selecting or scanning a document, entering the recipient's fax number, and sending the fax, with the app managing the connection to the recipient's fax machine.
Step 1: Choose a fax app or online service
Open the App Store on your iPhone or Google Play on your Android phone and search for a fax app. Many options are available, and they typically support sending faxes to numbers in the USA, Canada, and many international locations, with some also supporting toll-free numbers. These services provide the virtual fax line needed to send documents to a traditional fax machine. Supported iPhone versions vary by app, including iOS 12.0 or later, iOS 13.0 or later, iOS 15.0 or later, iOS 16.6 or later, and iOS 18.0 or later. Some apps are listed as 'Only for iPhone,' while others also support iPad. One documented flow says: create an account, select or scan a document, tap 'Add document' if the file is already on the iPhone, enter the fax number, then send.
Step 2: Prepare your document
You can prepare a document by scanning a physical page with your phone's camera or by selecting a file already on your device. Most fax apps let you pull documents from your photo library, iCloud Drive, Dropbox, Google Drive, or the Files app. Supported file types commonly include PDF, DOC, JPG, PNG, TIFF, and HTML. Many apps automatically enhance the scan with image processing, color correction, and noise removal to make the pages clearer before sending. One app says a user can pick a previously sent fax or create a new document before sending.
Step 3: Enter the recipient's fax number
In the app's recipient field, type the full fax number exactly as you would dial it. For numbers in the United States, add a "1" before the area code. For international faxes, include the country code and area code, following the standard rules for international calling codes and dialing. Remember that this must be a dedicated fax line number, not a regular voice phone line, or the transmission will fail.
Step 4: Send the fax and confirm delivery
Before sending, preview the document in the app to check its appearance and ensure no private information is visible. Then tap the send button. After transmission, monitor the app for a delivery confirmation or status report. This report tells you whether the fax was successfully received by the recipient's fax machine, giving you peace of mind that your document arrived.
What if I need to use a traditional fax machine?
If you have access to a physical fax machine, you can send a fax directly. The machine will handle the rest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I send a fax to any phone number?
No, you can only send a fax to a phone number that is connected to a dedicated fax line or a fax service. A standard voice line will not receive the fax transmission.
What file types can I fax?
Some apps also accept Microsoft Word documents (.doc or .docx) and image files.
Do I need a cover page?
A cover page is not required by most fax apps or services.
Can I receive a fax on my phone number?
Yes, you can receive faxes on a phone number if you use an online fax service that provides a virtual fax number. The service converts incoming faxes into digital files that you can view on your smartphone.
Is there a page limit when faxing from a smartphone?
Page limits vary by app and service. Some apps may have limits, while others allow you to send multiple pages. Check the specific app's details for any restrictions.
