December 1, 2022  |   

Faxing is suitable for companies that need to send confidential information to their clients and business partners because it is secure and fast. Nowadays, it's possible to send a fax via the internet, so you no longer have to buy expensive equipment like a fax machine and paper. But can you fax from Gmail? Read on to find out how to set up your online fax account.

Can You Fax from Gmail? 

Using a traditional fax machine isn't necessary anymore because you can send and receive faxes directly from your Gmail account. To get started, sign up with an online fax provider. Choose a company that allows you to send your first fax for free, so you can find out whether their service is suitable for you. When you've learned how to compose and send a fax, you'll sign up for a monthly plan.

Most providers allow you to use their platform to send and receive faxes, but you can also integrate your online fax service with Gmail. Once you've done this, you'll be able to send and receive faxes in your inbox, and the process will be just as easy as composing an email.

What Equipment Do I Need?  

You don't need to purchase any equipment or install special software to send online faxes on your desktop or laptop. However, most providers have their own app. You'll install this on your cell phone, tablet, and mobile devices, so you can send and receive faxes from anywhere.  

Why Use Fax Instead of Email? 

If faxing is so similar to sending an email, why can't you just keep using your normal email service? Although email works well for day-to-day communication, it isn't suitable for sending sensitive documents because there isn't usually any end-to-end encryption. This means that third parties can access private information about your company or clients.

That's why so many healthcare institutions, law firms, banks, and real estate agents still send faxes. When you use a reputable online fax provider, you can be sure that your documents are properly encrypted and they can only be opened by the intended recipient.

Can You Use a Free Service? 

There are several websites that offer free faxing services. Although these can be a good starting point, they aren't suitable for businesses that frequently use fax. Usually, free sites don't provide you with a phone number, so you can only send faxes, but you can't receive them. They might limit the number of pages you're able to send each month, and they sometimes put advertisements on your message, which makes your company look unprofessional.

There is also no guarantee that a free fax service is secure, so your documents might not be end-to-end encrypted. To avoid these issues, reach out to a professional online fax provider like aFax. You'll pay a small monthly fee, but you'll be able to send hundreds of pages, and your data will be protected.

What Phone Number Is Best? 

When you first sign up, your fax provider will prompt you to choose a phone number. If you'd like to appear friendly and approachable, and your business is located in a certain geographical area, a local number is best. Toll-free numbers, which aren't tied to a certain area, are more anonymous because your location can't be deduced from them. They are ideal for companies that sell their product or service all over the world.

Faxing from GMail is as easy as sending a regular email, but it is much more secure. Get in touch with us at aFax to find out more about our online fax services. We allow you to send your first fax for free, directly from our website, so you can test drive our services before signing up.