This article explains how to send a fax right from the desktop version of Gmail and the mobile app.

What to Know

  • First, sign up for a service that supports faxing by email.To send a fax in a new email, enter the recipient’s fax number in the To field followed by the fax provider’s domain before sending.

Sending a Fax From Gmail

Once you’ve signed up for an online service that supports faxing by email, the next step is to compose and send your fax. The Gmail address that you plan on faxing from must be the same email address on file with your fax provider. If not, your transmission attempt will likely be rejected.

  • Create a new email message in Gmail, either within the app or the browser-based interface, by clicking on or tapping the Compose button.
  • Enter the recipient’s fax number (including area code) in the To field, followed by your fax provider’s domain. For example, if you have an eFax account and are sending a fax to 1-212-555-5555, you would enter the following: 12125555555@efaxsend.com. This domain value (in this case, efaxsend.com) is specific to your individual fax service, so you must verify its exact syntax before completing this step.
  • You can now incorporate the fax contents, which need to be within an attached file. Multiple formats are supported, including DOC, JPG, PDF, and TXT, among others. Most fax services allow multiple attachments, the contents of which are often combined when the fax is sent. In a browser, click on the Attach files button, represented by a paper clip and located towards the bottom of the New Message interface. If you’re using the Gmail app instead, tap the paper clip icon found in the upper right-hand corner of the screen.
  • As with a traditional fax message, you can also include a cover letter when sending a fax from Gmail. Type the desired content for the cover letter in the message’s body, just as if you were sending a standard email.
  • Once you’re satisfied with both your cover letter and attachment(s), hit the Send button. Your fax should be transmitted instantly, although the speed is somewhat dependent on the third-party provider. Confirmation of this fax transmission is typically available within your fax service’s user interface.

The specific steps you need to follow will vary slightly depending on the fax service you use.

Create a new email message in Gmail, either within the app or the browser-based interface, by clicking on or tapping the Compose button.

Enter the recipient’s fax number (including area code) in the To field, followed by your fax provider’s domain. For example, if you have an eFax account and are sending a fax to 1-212-555-5555, you would enter the following: 12125555555@efaxsend.com. This domain value (in this case, efaxsend.com) is specific to your individual fax service, so you must verify its exact syntax before completing this step.

You can now incorporate the fax contents, which need to be within an attached file. Multiple formats are supported, including DOC, JPG, PDF, and TXT, among others. Most fax services allow multiple attachments, the contents of which are often combined when the fax is sent. In a browser, click on the Attach files button, represented by a paper clip and located towards the bottom of the New Message interface. If you’re using the Gmail app instead, tap the paper clip icon found in the upper right-hand corner of the screen.

As with a traditional fax message, you can also include a cover letter when sending a fax from Gmail. Type the desired content for the cover letter in the message’s body, just as if you were sending a standard email. 

Once you’re satisfied with both your cover letter and attachment(s), hit the Send button. Your fax should be transmitted instantly, although the speed is somewhat dependent on the third-party provider. Confirmation of this fax transmission is typically available within your fax service’s user interface.

Most services allow a certain number of faxes to be sent for free, but you might need to purchase credits, tokens, or a subscription to send a fax from Gmail. These requirements typically vary from provider to provider. 

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