Email-to-fax services let you send a fax by attaching a document to an email

You can send a fax without a fax machine by using an email-to-fax service. These services convert your email and attachments into a fax and deliver it to a standard fax number. You compose an email as usual, attach your document, send it to a special fax number formatted as an email address, and the service routes it to the recipient's fax machine.

The process takes minutes and works from any device with email access — your phone, tablet, or computer. No software installation or special hardware is required. Most services charge per fax or offer monthly plans, though some offer a limited number of free faxes each month.

Key Takeaways

  • You send a fax by composing an email to a fax number formatted as an address (like 5551234567@efax.com), attaching your document, and hitting send.
  • The document must be in a format the service accepts, usually PDF, Word, or image files — check your service's list before you send.
  • Most services deliver the fax within minutes, though some may take longer during high-volume periods.
  • You need to know the recipient's fax number and country code if they are outside the United States.
  • Services like eFax, Fax.plus, and HelloFax are common options, each with different pricing and features.

How to format the email address for a fax number

The recipient's fax number becomes the email address you send to. If the fax number is 555-123-4567, you would send the email to 5551234567@efax.com (or the domain your service uses). Remove any dashes, parentheses, or spaces from the fax number — use only the digits.

If the fax is outside the United States, include the country code at the start. A fax in Canada with number 416-555-1234 would be formatted as 14165551234@efax.com. The country code for Canada is 1, the same as the United States. For other countries, look up the country code (for example, the United Kingdom is 44, Mexico is 52) and place it before the area code and number.

Some services use different domain names. eFax uses @efax.com, Fax.plus uses @fax.plus, and others may vary. Check your service's documentation for the exact format before you send.

What file types and sizes work

Most email-to-fax services accept PDF, Microsoft Word (.doc and .docx), images (JPG, PNG, TIFF), and sometimes Excel files. PDF is the safest choice because it preserves formatting exactly as you created it. If you have a scanned document or photo, convert it to PDF first using your phone's camera app (most have a document scan feature) or a free online converter.

File size limits vary by service. Many allow files up to 10 or 20 megabytes, which is large enough for most documents. If your file is larger, compress it or split it into multiple emails. Check your service's size limit in their help section or terms before you send a large attachment.

Do not send executable files (.exe, .bat) or compressed archives (.zip, .rar) — most services reject these for security reasons. If you need to send multiple pages, combine them into a single PDF rather than attaching separate files.

Step-by-step process for sending a fax by email

Open your email client on your phone, tablet, or computer. Compose a new message. In the "To" field, enter the fax number formatted as an email address (for example, 5551234567@efax.com). Leave the subject line blank or write something brief — fax machines do not display email subjects.

In the message body, write a brief cover note if needed, though many fax services skip the body text and send only the attachment. Attach your document by clicking the attachment button (usually a paperclip icon) and selecting the file from your device. Once the file is attached, click Send.

The email-to-fax service receives your message, converts the attachment to fax format, and routes it to the recipient's fax machine. Most services deliver within a few minutes. Some send you a confirmation email when the fax is delivered; others send a notification only if delivery fails.

Delivery time and confirmation

Most email-to-fax services deliver within 5 to 15 minutes during normal business hours. Delivery can be slower during evenings, weekends, or if the recipient's fax machine is offline or out of paper. Some services queue the fax and retry automatically if the first attempt fails.

Check your email for a delivery confirmation. Many services send an automatic receipt showing the date, time, and number of pages sent. If you do not receive a confirmation within an hour, log into your service account and check the sent fax history. If the fax shows as failed, the service usually tells you why — the number was invalid, the machine was busy, or the connection timed out.

If delivery fails, verify the fax number is correct and try again. Some fax machines require a specific tone or handshake that can take longer to establish; resending usually works on the second attempt.

Common issues and how to fix them

If your fax does not go through, the most common cause is an incorrect fax number. Double-check every digit, including the country code if applicable. Call the recipient and confirm their fax number before you send again.

If the fax arrives but the formatting looks wrong — text is cut off, images are blurry, or pages are out of order — the issue is usually with the original file. Convert the document to PDF if it is not already, or rescan it at a higher resolution. Some services have a preview feature that shows you how the fax will look before it sends; use this to catch formatting problems.

If your service says the file type is not supported, convert it to PDF using an online tool or your device's built-in converter. If the file is too large, compress it or split the document into smaller sections and send multiple faxes.

Choosing between different email-to-fax services

Popular services include eFax, Fax.plus, HelloFax, and Google Fax (through Google Voice in some regions). Each charges differently — some offer a small number of free faxes per month, others charge per fax (usually $1 to $3), and some offer monthly subscriptions for frequent users. Compare the pricing model that fits how often you fax.

Some services also let you receive faxes by email, which is useful if you need two-way faxing. Others focus only on sending. If you need to receive faxes regularly, choose a service that offers both directions. If you only send occasionally, a pay-per-fax option may be cheaper than a monthly plan.

Check whether the service works in the countries where you need to send faxes. Most work within the United States and Canada easily, but international faxing may cost more or have restrictions. Read the service's coverage map or contact their support before you sign up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I send a fax to multiple numbers in one email?

Most services do not support multiple recipients in a single email. Instead, send separate emails to each fax number. Some services offer bulk faxing features if you have many recipients, but you usually need to set this up in their web portal rather than through email.

What if the recipient's fax machine is old or uses a different standard?

Email-to-fax services use standard fax protocols that work with nearly all fax machines, old or new. If a fax fails to deliver, the issue is usually the phone line or the machine being offline, not incompatibility. Resending usually works.

Do I need to create an account before I can send a fax?

Most services require you to sign up and create an account, even for a single fax. Some offer a free trial or a small number of free faxes without a credit card. Check the service's sign-up page to see what is required before you start.

Can I send a fax from my phone's email app?

Yes. Any email app on any device works the same way — compose an email to the fax number address, attach your document, and send. Make sure your document is in a supported format and that your phone has internet access.

What happens if the fax number is disconnected or wrong?

The service will attempt to deliver and then notify you that delivery failed. The notification usually explains why — the number was invalid, the line was busy, or the machine did not answer. Verify the number and try again, or contact the recipient to confirm their fax number is correct.