Google Voice Fax: Everything You Need to Know

Integrating fax capabilities with modern technology like Google Voice can streamline your workflow, offering convenience and efficiency.

In this guide, we'll explore how to fax using Google Voice, from setup to sending and receiving faxes.

We'll also highlight why Google Voice faxing is beneficial and address common questions.

What is Google Voice Fax?

Google Voice is a telecommunications service by Google that provides a unique phone number for calling, texting, and voicemail.

While Google Voice itself doesn't support traditional faxing directly, it can be paired with online fax services to send and receive faxes.

This integration allows you to use your Google Voice number to manage faxes, combining modern communication methods with traditional faxing.

Setting Up a Google Voice Fax Number for Faxing

Step 1: Create a Google Voice Account

1. Sign Up: Go to the Google Voice website and sign in with your Google account. If you don't have a Google account, create one.
2. Choose a Number: Select a new Google Voice number or port your existing fax number.
3. Verify: Complete the verification process by linking your Google Voice number to your phone.

Step 2: Select an Online Fax Service

Choose an online fax service that supports Google Voice. Popular options include eFax, MyFax and RingCentral Fax.

Make sure that the company you pick offers number porting if you plan to use your Google Voice number for faxing.

Step 3: Link Your Google Voice Number to the Fax Service

1. Unlock Your Google Voice Number: Go to Google Voice settings and unlock your number for porting (a small fee may apply).
2. Initiate Porting: Contact your chosen fax service and provide the necessary information to port your Google Voice number.
3. Confirm Transfer: Follow the instructions from your fax service to complete the transfer process.

Sending Fax with Google Voice

1. Compose Your Fax: Prepare your document in a compatible format (PDF is commonly used).
2. Use the Fax Service: Log in to your online fax service account.
3. Send via Email: If the fax service supports email-to-fax, send fax by composing an email, attaching your document, and sending it to the recipient's fax number in the service's format.
4. Confirm: You should receive a confirmation from the fax service once the fax is successfully sent.

Receiving Fax with Google Voice

1. Configure Fax Service: Log in to your fax service account and set it to forward incoming faxes to the Gmail account associated to the Google Voice number.
2. Set Up Notifications: Ensure notifications are enabled in both your fax service and Google Voice settings to alert you of incoming faxes.
3. Access Faxes: View incoming faxes directly from your email or the fax service’s web portal.

Transferring Your Google Voice Number Step-by-Step

1. Choose an Online Fax Service

• Research and select an online fax service that supports number porting and suits your needs.

2. Check Number Porting Eligibility

• Ensure that your Google Voice number is eligible for porting. Most online fax services have a tool on their website where you can check this.

3. Unlock Your Google Voice Number

Before you can port your Google Voice number, you need to unlock it:

• Go to the Google Voice website and sign in to your account.
• Click on the settings gear icon and select "Voice number".
• Find the option to unlock your number and follow the instructions. There is a small fee for unlocking the number.

4. Gather Required Information

Most fax services will require the following information to port your number:

• Your Google Voice account number (typically your Google Voice number).
• PIN or password associated with your Google Voice account.
• Personal information such as your name, address, and email.

5. Initiate the Porting Process with Your Chosen Fax Service

• Contact your chosen fax service provider and request to port your Google Voice number.
• Provide the required information and follow the provider’s specific instructions for the porting process.

6. Confirm the Porting Request

• Once you submit your porting request, your fax service provider will communicate with Google Voice to complete the transfer.
• This process may take a few days to a week. You should receive updates from your fax service provider regarding the status of your porting request.

7. Verify Successful Transfer

• After the porting process is complete, verify that your Google Voice number is successfully transferred to your fax service.
• Test by sending and receiving a fax to ensure everything is functioning correctly.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Porting Delays: If the porting process is taking longer than expected, contact your fax service provider for an update.

Incorrect Information: Ensure that all the information provided during the porting process is accurate. Incorrect details can cause delays or failures in the porting process.

Service Disruption: Be aware that there might be a short period during the porting process when your number is not functional. Plan accordingly to minimize disruptions. In any case, reputable fax services provide a temporary fax number to cover this period.

Why Should You Fax Using Google Voice?

1. Unified Communication: Manage calls, texts, voicemails, and faxes from a single number.
2. Cost-Effective: Eliminate the need for a separate phone line and fax machine.
3. Convenience: Send and receive faxes from anywhere with internet access, using mobile fax apps.
4. Professionalism: Maintain a consistent contact number for clients and business partners.
5. Environmentally Friendly: Reduce paper usage by managing faxes digitally.

Faxing with a Google Voice number offers a modern solution to an old communication method, combining the convenience of digital communication with the reliability of faxing. By integrating Google with an online fax service, you can streamline your workflow, save costs, and maintain a professional image.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I fax directly from Google Voice?

A: No, Google Voice does not support direct faxing, because it uses VOIP technology. You need to use an online fax service that can work with your Google Voice number, these use FOIP (Fax Over IP).

Q: Is it expensive to set up Google Voice fax?

A: Setting up Google Voice is free, but there may be costs associated with unlocking your number for porting and subscribing to an online fax service.

Q: Are there any limitations to faxing with Google Voice?

A: The primary limitation is that you cannot fax from Google Voice directly. You must use a compatible online fax service.

Q: Can I keep my existing Google Voice number for faxing?

A: Yes, you can port your existing Google Voice number to your chosen fax service if it supports number porting.