How to Fax From Printer: 2 Ways (Plus Great Online Alternative)

Faxing is still used by some offices for sending proposals and contracts. If you’re like me, you no longer have a dedicated fax machine. Here’s how to fax from your printer.

Most multifunction printers are fax-enabled, allowing you to fax directly from your printer. You can fax either via the phone line or online from your printer. Here’s how to fax from a printer: determine if your printer is fax-enabled. Then follow the instructions below.

As an alternative, you can use an online fax service, skipping the hardware requirement for faxing from home.

Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about how to fax from a printer.

Is Your Printer Fax-Enabled?

Not every printer can fax, even with the following tutorial. Here’s how to tell if your printer is enabled for use as a fax machine.

1. The easiest way to determine if your printer is fax-enabled is to look for the “Fax” button. Many printers are multifunction units – that copy, scan, and fax – in addition to printing.
2. If your printer has a scan/copy bed, there is a good chance it will be able to fax. Sometimes you won’t see a specific button, but the option to fax is likely in the menu.
3. Look for a telephone jack, usually in the back, near the power cord. This will indicate that it has fax capabilities.

4 Ways to Fax a Fax

There are four ways to send a fax. The first option, using a multifunction printer, is the only way to fax from a printer.

1. Multifunction Printer: These are supercharged printers that can also fax, copy, and scan. Most also collate and will print transfers and stickers. You can fax either via the phone line or via WiFi.
2. Fax Machine: You can still find stand-alone fax machines. The easiest option for faxing is to have a dedicated fax machine.
3. Online Fax Service: There are numerous options. Over the years, I’ve tried numerous services. Some of these include eFax and RingCentral.
4. Copy Shop: You can save the investment in hardware and go to your local copy or print shop and have them fax for you. Some public libraries also offer this service. This is a good option if you are only sending the occasional fax.

Faxing Without a Phone Line: The last two options in the list (online fax service and copy shop) are two ways to fax without a phone line.

I-Fax vs iFax

While these sound similar, I-Fax and iFax are quite different.

• What is I-Fax? I-fax is an internet fax. This function allows WiFi-connected printers to communicate via the internet (using an email medium) to send/receive faxes. Both Brother and Canon printers are enabled for this service. Here’s how to send and receive I-Faxes on Canon. This is a confusing platform.
• What is iFax? Is an online business fax service that allows you to fax without a fax machine. Similar services include eFax Corporate, RingCentral, MetroFax, and MyFax. This is a popular service with millions of users. Get a free account with no credit card required. No fax or fax-enabled printer is required for online fax service.

5 Steps: How to Fax From Printer

Follow these five steps below to learn how to send a fax from a fax-enabled multifunction printer. 

1. Turn On the Printer

Please ensure the power cord is firmly inserted into the printer, and then take the prongs and insert them into the electrical outlet. Next, turn on the printer by pressing the power button.

Let the printer run through its boot-up process before proceeding to the next step. While waiting for the boot-up process to finish, clear the tray of any extra papers and use a microfiber cloth to clean the scanner attachment on the printer.

2. Connect to a Phone Jack or WiFi

To send your fax, you’ll need access to a phone line or an internet connection.

• Faxing By Phone: After the printer is plugged in and turned on, you need to check the phone connection. This should be checked whenever setting up a new printer.
• Faxing Online: If you’re using the I-Fax function need to check the internet connection. You can accomplish this by plugging your printer into your router or connecting it to a wireless network. 

3. Place Your Document in the Feeder

Take the documents you want to fax and place them into the feeder on the printer.

Make sure to remove any staples or paper clips holding the document together. Additionally, double-check that the pages are facing the right way.

The printer will have a label (arrow) on the feeder indicating which way to place the papers.

4. Enter the Recipients’ Fax Number

On the physical menu on the printer or the printer’s associated software, enter the number you want to send the fax to.

Depending on the printer and where you live, you’ll probably need to include the area code. 

5. Send the Fax

You can press send when you are confident that you prepared the documents appropriately and have entered the correct number. You can either do this on the printer or via the printer’s software on your computer. 

After you press send, you will hear one of three sounds. If you hear a busy signal, you will need to try again later. If you hear someone’s voice, you will have to wait until they accept the fax, or you will need to reenter the correct number. Finally, if you hear high-pitched sounds, you are successfully sending your fax.  

Facts about Faxing

These are some commonly asked questions about how to fax from a printer. 

What Is a Fax?

A fax, also commonly referred to as a facsimile, is a machine that converts a document’s content into digital signals and transmits it to another device.

What Do I Need To Send a Fax Using a Printer?

You need basic technology if you want to fax from a printer.

1. You will need a fax-capable printer and either a phone line or WiFi connection.
2. If sending by WiFi, your fax-capable printer needs to be connected to the computer, and you must have any appropriate driver software installed on the computer. And both will need a connection to your wireless internet router.

A fax-capable printer often has a “fax” button on the menu. Alternatively, you may need to install an after-market kit to make your printer fax capable.

But even if you don’t see the Fax button, you might still be able to fax from it.

How to Send a Fax Online?

If you are running into problems with your printer and need to send a fax out as soon as possible, you can use online faxing services instead.

You can access these programs on the internet on your computer or your smartphone, and as long as you have an internet connection, you can send and receive faxes on your device.

Your Turn

Faxing from a printer is a convenient way to send documents to others. Whether you are sending or receiving a document, faxing is a quick and straightforward way to get your work done.

If you are looking for a reliable printer that can handle your fax needs, check out the many online options.

How did it go for you? Let me know the setup you successfully used!