Nowadays, it’s really easy to sign a PDF on your phone or any device and send it through
email. However, not everyone is okay with getting documents this way – sometimes, you
may need to send them via fax.
But did you know? You can’t turn your smartphone into a fax machine. Instead, you’ll have to
use a special app that sends the fax for you. It’s a bit like how sometimes you fax from your
computer.
What You Need to Know About Mobile Fax Apps?
Keep in mind, though, free faxing apps don’t really exist. Any app you find will likely charge
you if you’re going to fax more often. You might get to send a few pages for free, but that’s
about it.
There is also a positive side to paperless faxing applications. The main advantage is a
complete set of everything necessary to work with a fax. That is, you can scan a document,
edit it, sign it and fax it from your phone. Then you will even receive a notification of receipt.
We will not discuss the obvious advantages of faxing on the go, but it is important to mention
security. The mobile application allows you to send secure faxing thanks to powerful
encryption systems.
How To Send a Fax Online From a Mobile Device?
Gone are the days when you needed to be near a traditional fax machine to send important
documents. Your smartphone can handle the task with ease, using a simple mobile fax
application. Whether it’s a contract, invoice, or a letter, you can send it anytime, anywhere.
Here’s how:
1. Download a Mobile Fax Application
There are a dozen fax apps in the app store. Everything is individual here, everyone decides
for themselves which app to fax to choose. I have repeatedly heard good reviews about fax from iPhone fax and we use it at work. Alternatively, you can start there. Select the one that
suits your needs best and download it from your phone’s respective app store.
2. Sign Up for an Account
Once you’ve installed your chosen app, the next step is to register. This typically requires an
email address or phone number. Note that payment details may be necessary if you plan to
upgrade for additional features, including receiving faxes.
It’s worth mentioning that while sending faxes may be free, a premium account is usually
required to receive them.
3. Initiate a New Fax
Launch the app and begin the process of creating a new fax. You’ll enter the destination fax
number, ensuring you include the correct area and country codes. Then, simply attach the
document that you want to fax. For added professionalism, you can also attach a cover
page.
4. Review and Transmit
Before sending, take a moment to preview the fax. This step is crucial to verify that all the
information and attachments are accurate. Once everything is in order, tap the send button
confidently.
5. Await Confirmation
Upon a successful transmission, you’ll see a confirmation notification on your screen.
Alternatively, you can set up the app to send a confirmation to your email for record-keeping.
Advantages of Fax
Contrary to the common belief that email has completely taken over document sharing in the
digital age, fax machines remain relevant. Many businesses and individuals continue to rely
on fax technology for transmitting sensitive information securely. Below, we explore several
reasons for the enduring use of fax communication.
● Faxing Is Backward Compatible: Despite numerous technological advancements,
fax machines have maintained backward compatibility since the invention of the first
fax machine in 1964. This means that even older fax machines can still effectively
communicate and share documents using the latest faxing protocols.
● Faxing Is Secure: Fax machines communicate via telephone lines, which are
generally more secure against hacking and spamming compared to public internet
connections. When a fax is sent, it establishes a dedicated end-to-end
communication channel, making the transmission more resistant to tampering or
interception compared to internet-based communication protocols.
● Faxes Are Legally Binding: In many U.S. states, contracts or legal agreements
signed through faxed signatures hold legal validity and are enforceable.
● Faxing Is Compliant: In industries with stringent regulatory requirements such as
healthcare and finance, compliance is essential. Fax technology, being HIPAA
compliant for healthcare data transmission, ensures that sensitive information like
personal healthcare data can be safely shared. Similarly, in finance, where regulatory
compliance is paramount, faxing remains a compliant mode of transmitting sensitive
financial information, meeting the industry’s rigorous standards.
Conclusion
Despite the advent of newer technologies, fax remains a reliable, secure, and swift method
for transmitting and receiving documents. With the progression of technology, the traditional
fax machine has been augmented by the ability to dispatch faxes directly from computers
and mobile devices, allowing for continued convenience and compliance.