Imagine you're running late for a crucial meeting, and you need to send a fax urgently. Gone are the days when this meant scrambling to find a physical fax machine. Welcome to the modern era where your Gmail account becomes your virtual fax machine. In this digital age, where efficiency is key, sending a fax directly from your Gmail can not only save time but also streamline your entire communication process.
This article will guide you through the seamless process of sending faxes from your Gmail account, transforming the once-dreaded task into a simple click-and-send operation.
Does Gmail Has Faxing Capabilities?
Let's get one thing straight: Gmail itself won't let you hit 'send' on a fax directly from your inbox. Google isn't in the fax game, but don't lose hope just yet! There's a clever workaround that turns your Gmail into a fax machine.
Enter third-party providers – the unsung heroes who bridge the gap between your email and the world of faxing. By teaming up with these services, you can hitch a Google fax number right to your Gmail account.
But here's the catch: picking the right Gmail fax service provider isn't just a click away decision. It's crucial because this provider will be the maestro orchestrating the symphony between your email and your fax communications. Choose wisely, and you'll transform your Gmail into a powerhouse of productivity, where sending faxes becomes as easy as sending an email.
Send a Fax from Gmail in 5 Steps
Ready to turn your Gmail into a fax machine? Here's how you can do it without Google's help.
Since Google doesn't offer a fax service, we're going to enlist the aid of third-party providers. We've got our eyes on eFax, which offers a 7-day free trial and is perfectly synced with Gmail – but don't worry, there are stellar alternatives like Fax.Plus or RingCentral if you want to explore. Let's dive into the simple steps to start faxing from your email:
- Create an account with an online fax service. These services are the only way to link fax to Gmail. Google doesn't have a fax service, so we need the help of a third party provider.
- Compose a new email message.
- Enter the recipient's fax number, including the country code/area code on the TO field of the email message. Then, add @ and the domain of your fax service next to it. It should look like this: faxnumber@faxservice.com For instance, if you need to send a document to the number 1-343-777-5555 using eFax, this is what you would need to type on the TO field: 13437775555@efaxsend.com.
- Type your cover page text on the Subject field. This is the page that precedes the actual fax and may contain additional information about the document.
- Attach the files that are going to be faxing. Services work with dozens of different formats including popular ones such as PDF, DOC, XLS, JPG, TIFF and TXT. To attach the file(s) , click on the paperclip icon (Attach files) on the bottom of the composing window. Mobile app users will find this icon on the top-right corner of the screen.
- Click on the Send button.
Once you send a fax from Gmail, you'll receive a confirmation message containing all the details of the transmission. A copy of the the confirmation message will also be available on your Gmail fax service's dashboard.
This is an example what the top of your Gmail composing screen should look:
Recommended Online Fax Services
We've been on a mission, diving deep into the world of online fax services, putting them through their paces right here in our office. We've scrutinized them for speed, security, and how seamlessly they blend with Gmail and Google's suite of tools. After countless tests, here's our curated list of the cream of the crop.
Ready to revolutionize your fax game without spending a dime upfront? Dive in by signing up for a free trial with any of these top picks. It's your chance to experience the future of faxing – fast, secure, and flawlessly integrated with your Google ecosystem.
eFax. This is the biggest Gmail fax provider out there, with numbers available in multiple countries and cities. Once you pick your number, it can be linked to any Gmail address. It is fully compatible with Gmail and other free email services as well. eFax's mobile app is the best one in the market, letting fax from pretty much anywhere.
RingCentral Fax. This company has a fax from email solution as a stand-alone product or as part of their virtual office suite, RingCentral Office. With years in the market, this company is always including new features to online fax. They provide coverage in the US, Canada and UK.
Is Faxing from Gmail Safe?
When you opt for a top-tier email fax service, you're not just sending documents; you're safeguarding them with fortress-like security. The providers we recommend don't mess around when it comes to your privacy and security. They're decked out with the highest security certifications, including the gold standard of HIPAA compliance.
These services employ some serious tech to keep your faxes safe. We're talking about 256-bit Advanced Encryption Standards that make your documents virtually impenetrable. And when those documents travel over the internet, they're wrapped in the protective layers of Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and Transport Layer Security (TLS), ensuring your sensitive information stays confidential from start to finish. With these guardians, your faxes are not just delivered; they're delivered securely.
FAQ
Q: Can I Send Fax From Gmail for Free?
Yes. You can start faxing at no cost through a free trial account with an online fax service. These free trials usually last between 14-30 days and are a great way to test how things work.
Q: Can I Also Send Fax Using My Mobile Phone?
Yes. All the online fax services we have recommended have their own mobile fax apps that make it very easy to fax using a smartphone. You can also fax from your Gmail mobile app by following the steps detailed in this guide.
Q: Can I Send Fax From Gmail using a Mac Computer?
Yes. This method is all web-based, which means that you can use a Mac or Macbook to fax, following the same steps.
Final Words
Gone are the days of waiting in line at the office or worrying about the reliability of physical fax machines. Now, you have the power to manage your communications from any corner of the globe, with just an internet connection and your Gmail account.
Choose the right online fax service, and start your journey towards a clutter-free, efficient workspace. Whether it's for personal use or to revolutionize your business operations, online fax services await to elevate your daily tasks. Embrace the change, and let's fax into the future together!