If you're a regular internet user, then you probably already have a Google account. You can use your account to access plenty of services, like Gmail, Workspace, and Google Meet, but at the moment there is no Google fax service. So how can you use Google to send a fax? Follow the simple steps below and you'll be sending and receiving faxes in no time.

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Turn Your Gmail Into a Google Fax Service 

Sending a fax using Gmail is simple. Once you've got a couple of things set up and figured out, it's just as easy as sending an email. There's no need for a separate app or to download anything new. You can send and receive faxes straight from your Gmail inbox.

3 Simple Things

To use your Gmail for faxing, there are 3 simple things that you will need. First, you need a Google account and a Gmail address, which is very simple to sign up for if you don't already have one. Next, you will need to know the fax number of your recipient and how to create a fax address.

The third thing you will need to fax using Gmail is an online fax provider. This service will act like a middleman and turn your emails into faxes, whether you are sending or receiving them. These 3 things together will allow you to use fax from anywhere that you can use email.

Get a Gmail Account

Most people that spend a lot of time online will already have a Google account to access their services. Even if you don't regularly use the address, if you have a Google account then you have a Gmail address.

If you don't have a Google account already, then it's very simple to sign up. Just visit gmail.com and follow the easy instructions.

Sign Up for an Online Fax Provider

This is a crucial step to turning your Gmail inbox into a fax service. An online fax provider will receive your document, sent from Gmail, and forward it as a fax to your recipient. They will give you their domain name so you can create fax addresses, and they will give you a fax number so you can receive fax documents as well.

Choosing an Online Fax Provider

There are plenty of fax providers to choose from, and the one you pick will depend on two things. First of all, you will need to consider how much faxing you need to do. Some providers are best for the occasional document and low page numbers, and others are better for businesses and regular faxing.

You will also need to consider prices. Most providers offer different packages depending on your needs, and the more you pay the more documents you can send. There is usually a free trial available, so you can give it a go before committing.

Get a Fax Number

Your online provider will also give you a fax number, so you can receive faxes to your Gmail account as well as send them. Some of the packages will provide more than one number, which is useful if you have employees that need to receive faxes individually.

You can choose between a local number and a toll-free number. Both have pros and cons, depending on your needs, so you can decide which one is right for you.

Sending a Fax

Once you have your Gmail account and your online fax provider in place, it is very easy to send a fax from your Gmail inbox.

Your Recipient's Fax Address

When you send a fax via email, you use a fax address rather than just a fax number. The address is made up of the fax number of your recipient, and the domain name of your online fax provider. They will give you this when you sign up, or it can usually be found on their website.

The fax address looks just like an email address. The easiest way to explain is by using an example. Let's say your recipient's fax number is 800-555-4444, and your provider's domain name is thisfaxdomain. The fax address in this case would be 8005554444@thisfaxdomain.com.

Compose Your Fax

You compose a fax with Gmail in exactly the same way you would compose an email. The fax address is entered in the same place as an email address. You can also easily include a title and a cover letter, that will print as the first page of your fax to introduce your document. The title is entered in the subject bar, and the text of your cover letter goes in the main body of the email.

Your main fax document can then be added as an attachment. Click on the paperclip icon and navigate to the desired file. The most common file type is a PDF, but others are accepted. Now just hit send. You will receive a confirmation from your online provider shortly afterward to let you know your document was sent successfully.

Receiving a Fax

All you need to do to receive a fax via Gmail is give the sender your fax number. They can send you a fax either from a machine or from their own Gmail account. It will arrive in your inbox just like an email, with the fax document as an attachment.

Start Faxing with Gmail Today

Now you know the simple steps to use your Gmail account for faxing, why not send a fax now and give it a try? All you need is a Gmail account and an online fax provider. Test Drive Our #1 Recommended Choice! 

Codemancy