How to Send Fax from Gmail
Gmail is the biggest free email provider in the World. Millions of people use it on a daily basis to communicate for personal and business purposes. But did you know that you can also use your Gmail account to send faxes?
With the help of email-to-fax services we can finally take faxing to the next level and say goodbye to slow and bulky fax machines of the past. In this guide you'll learn how to send a fax with Gmail using just a few easy-to-follow steps. Read on and learn all about it.
How to Send a Fax from Gmail
Gmail faxing is easier and faster than you may think. If you know how to send a simple email from Gmail, you've already got 90% of the process down. There are only a few minor differences that you have to keep in mind when you send faxes over a Gmail address. First, the recipient's number goes on the TO field in an email format. The other is that the actual contents of your fax are the attachments.
To send a fax from Gmail:
- Create a new email message by clicking on COMPOSE both in Gmail's desktop site or when using their mobile app.
- Enter the recipient 10-digit fax number (with area code) in the TO field. You'll need turn this number into an email address by adding @provider.com at the end. For example, if you use RingCentral with a sample number (1-222-333-3333) you need to enter this: 12223333333@rcfax.com. You can add up to 50 recipients at the same time separated by commas, like a common email. Don't forget to add the country code or area code if needed.
- Add the cover page text using the Subject line. The layout of the cover page will depend on the settings on your fax service account. You can also attach a customized cover page to the email. In that case just leave the field empty.
- Attach the files you want to fax. For this step, just click on the paperclip icon (lower area of the composing screen in the desktop version) and pick a file from your computer. You can attach formats like PDF, JPG, TXT or DOC. For a full list of compatible formats refer to your service's support page. It's also possible to attach multiple files in a single fax transmission, but there's a limit on the size of files.
- Press Send button. It doesn’t take more than a few minutes to fully transmit the document. Once it's done, you'll receive a confirmation message on your Gmail account with the transmission details on your inbox, including the date/time, sender's phone number and extension, name of the recipient and the result of the transmission.
If there's a error while sending a fax, your service will try re-sending it until it is successful. It's very unusual to get an error message, but if you do get one it will detail what went wrong during the process so you can fix it or contact the customer support if you fax area.
Can I Send Fax from Gmail Free?
Yes, as matter of fact, most online fax providers let you get started completely free of charge. Depending on the service of your choice, you can send fax from Gmail free for a period of 14-30 days. These free trials accounts come with all features enabled, including your own virtual fax number, which will come in handy when receiving faxes.
We recommend starting off with a reputable service like RingCentral or eFax. This way you can test all the advanced features included in an account, and can send your first fax online without hassles.
Is Sending Fax from Gmail Safe?
One of the primary concerns when faxing via Gmail is the potential interception of data during transmission. To safeguard against this risk, Gmail fax services employ secure communication protocols, such as SSL/TLS encryption, which encrypts data during transit. This encryption ensures that the content of the fax remains protected from eavesdropping and unauthorized interception by malicious actors.
Moreover, reputable fax service providers implement secure and redundant data centers, safeguarding your faxes against physical breaches and data loss. Regular security audits and compliance checks help maintain a high level of security and give users peace of mind when transmitting confidential information.
If you work in the healthcare industry you can fax online while keeping compliance with HIPAA regulations.
Final Words
Learning how to send fax from Gmail will give you an edge over other companies that use traditional faxing methods, and will let you enjoy the benefits of having a Gmail email account. You’ll cut the time you spend faxing, while breaking away from all the issues that plagued fax machines, like paper jams and poor document quality.
Your email to fax number allows you to receive faxes as well, and enjoy additional integration with Google Drive and Google docs.
In the end, Gmail faxing will help you save money that used to be spent in equipment, supplies and additional fax lines.
Paolo Basauri is a seasoned expert in technology, widely recognized for his insightful articles and expertise in the field of faxing. With a passion for cutting-edge advancements, he delves into the latest tech trends, demystifying complex concepts for readers of all backgrounds.