Some common faxing questions, like can you fax from a phone or can you successfully fax with an app, still pop up.
The fact is you can fax from your smartphone or tablet using a fax app. These apps are available for both iPhone and Android users, and they make it easier to send or receive documents without relying on a fax machine.
As long as you’re connected to the internet, you can fax from almost anywhere and keep your files right on your device.
So if you’re curious about how fax apps work or want to know what to look for, this guide covers everything you need to know, including which one stands out as the best fax app for iPhone.
How Fax Apps Work
A fax app lets you send and receive faxes without using a fax machine or printer. Instead of printing a document, you upload a file from your phone, enter the fax number, and send it directly through the app.
The app converts your document into a format that fax systems can read, so even if the recipient is using a traditional fax machine, they still get a clean, readable copy.
Most fax apps also assign you a temporary or permanent fax number. This lets you receive faxes directly to your phone. When someone sends a fax to that number, you get it as a PDF file in the app or by email, depending on the app settings.
Some apps go beyond basic faxing and include features like:
✔️Auto-document scanning using your phone’s camera
✔️ Cloud storage integration to attach files from platforms like Dropbox or Google Drive
✔️ Electronic signature support so you can sign documents on the spot
✔️ PDF editing and page management features for cleaning up scanned files before sending
The whole process takes just a few taps, and you never need to print, scan, or physically send a document. It works well for professionals who deal with paperwork but don’t want the hassle of old-school fax machines.
Pros of Using Fax Apps
đź‘Ś No Need for a Fax Machine
A fax app eliminates the need for a fax machine or printer to send and receive a document. You don’t have to set anything up or waste time troubleshooting a landline.
Instead, you just open the app, upload a file, and send it off, right from your phone. It simplifies the process and cuts out the hassle of dealing with extra devices you don’t need.
đź‘Ś You Can Fax From Anywhere
You don’t need to be at a desk to get work done. A fax app lets you send documents from home, at the airport, or even in a coffee shop between meetings.
As long as you have a stable connection, you can fax from wherever you are. It’s a simple fix for anyone managing work on the move, especially freelancers, sales teams, or remote professionals.
đź‘Ś Incoming Faxes Arrive as PDFs
When someone sends you a fax, you don’t need to check a machine or scan anything. The file shows up on your phone as a clean, readable PDF. From there, you can save it, share it, or forward it to the right person. This keeps your workflow fast and makes it easier to handle paperwork from your inbox instead of your printer tray.
đź‘Ś Built-In Features That Help You Work Faster
Many fax apps do more than just send files. They also come with features like electronic signatures, document scanning, and cloud storage access. You can take a photo of a printed document, crop the edges, sign it on your phone, and fax it out within a few minutes. This is a huge time-saver when you’re working with contracts, forms, or records that need to move quickly.
đź‘Ś You Can Keep Digital Records
Gone are the days of rifling through storage bins. Each fax sits in a searchable archive you can label, tag, or favorite. So, when finance needs last year’s invoice, typing a quick keyword surfaces the right file without a dusty paper chase. Some apps even let you organize by date or folder, which makes it easier to stay on top of your records.
đź‘Ś Cuts Down on Paper Waste
When you fax through an app, you don’t have to print a copy for every transaction. You only print what’s truly needed. This small shift in routine reduces your paper usage, which helps cut down on unnecessary waste, which is particularly helpful in settings like clinics, schools, or law firms where faxing eats through stacks of paper every week.
đź‘Ś Great for Emergencies and Last-Minute Needs
When someone asks for a form urgently, say a signed agreement, ID, or official letter, you don’t need to scramble. A fax app allows you to quickly send the document. It’s a practical backup when email isn’t accepted and time is tight.
Cons of Using Fax Apps
❌ Free Plans Usually Come With Limits
Most fax apps offer a free version, but it rarely has everything you need. You may get a limited number of pages per month or a temporary fax number that expires. If you plan to fax often or need to receive documents regularly, you’ll likely need to upgrade to a paid plan.
❌ Some Documents Still Require Originals
Even though most businesses accept digital faxes, some situations still call for hard copies. For example, a courthouse or government office may ask for a physical document with an ink signature. A fax app helps you send files quickly, but it won’t replace official forms that need to be submitted in person.
❌ Extra Features May Cost More
Features like custom fax numbers, more storage, or faster delivery are often locked behind a subscription. The base app gets the job done, but if you need more advanced options, expect to pay for them. That can add up over time if faxing becomes a regular part of your work.
Features to Look for in a Fax App
Not every fax app works the same way. Before you install one, it helps to know what features actually make the process easier, and which ones are worth paying for.
Easy File Upload
Look for an app that makes it simple to upload files from your phone. You should be able to attach a scanned document, saved PDF, or image from your gallery in just a few taps without having to use other apps or deal with file issues.
Built-In eSigning
If you handle forms often, it helps to have an app that lets you sign documents on the spot. Instead of printing and scanning, you just tap, add your signature, and send it out in one go.
Cloud Integration
Apps with Dropbox, iCloud, or Google Drive access let you fax documents straight from your storage. This cuts out extra steps and keeps all your files in sync, especially if you work across multiple platforms.
Document Scanning
A solid fax app should let you scan paperwork using your phone’s camera. The best ones auto-crop and adjust for lighting, so you don’t have to worry about blurry edges or unreadable text.
Dedicated Fax Number
Receiving faxes is just as important as sending them. Apps that give you a dedicated fax number make it easier for clients or partners to send you files directly. This is especially helpful if faxing is part of your regular work routine.
Archive and File Management
You’ll want an app that keeps the faxes you send and receive in one place. Bonus points if it lets you label or tag them for easy searching. That makes it easier to find past records and avoid duplicate sends.
What is the Best Fax App For iPhone?
If you’re searching for the best fax app for iPhone, FaxBurner is a standout option. While most fax apps cover the basics, our app gives you more, without locking features behind a paywall. It’s built for iPhone users who want to send and receive documents without needing a fax machine, printer, or scanner.
With the free plan, you get a temporary fax number, and any incoming faxes are delivered straight to your email as PDFs. The app also includes built-in document scanning, cloud storage access, tagging features, and a simple interface that works right from your phone. And if you need more pages or a permanent number, you can upgrade at any time.
FaxBurner vs Traditional Faxing
Final Thoughts
Fax apps have changed the way we fax today. You no longer need a printer, scanner, or landline to send or receive documents. Everything happens on your phone or tablet. It’s fast and clean and removes the delays that come with printing, scanning, and searching for a machine when you’re short on time.
They also reduce costs since you don’t have to deal with hardware, supplies, or maintenance. So if you’re looking for a simple, cost-effective way to get started, FaxBurner gives you exactly that. With our free plan, you get a temporary fax number, incoming faxes delivered as PDFs, and an app that works straight from your iPhone; no setup required.
Try FaxBurner today and see how easy faxing can be.
FAQs on Fax Apps
Can I fax without using a machine?
Of course you can. A fax app lets you send and receive documents directly from your phone. Instead of printing anything, you upload the file, enter a fax number, and the app delivers it. Any incoming faxes are delivered to your inbox as PDFs.
Can I fax from my iPhone without an app?
Yes, with FaxBurner, you don’t even need the app to get started. Our email-to-fax service lets you send faxes directly from your inbox. Just attach your document, send it to the assigned number, and you’re done, all without opening the app.
Is there really a free fax app?
Yes. With FaxBurner’s free plan, you can send up to five faxes for the lifetime of the account and receive up to twenty-five pages every month. If you need more, you can always upgrade to one of our affordable plans to send and receive additional pages.
Do fax apps support file formats beyond PDFs?
Yes. Most fax apps accept PDFs, JPGs, PNGs, DOC files, and scanned documents. You can also snap a photo of a form with your phone and fax it after cropping or adjusting the image.
Can I sign a document inside a fax app before faxing it?
You can. Many apps include a built-in signature feature. Just tap the file, add your signature, and fax the signed copy without switching to another app or printing anything.
What makes one fax app better than another?
The best fax apps make the process easier, not just possible. Look for things like cloud storage access, clear file previews, tagging, and easy PDF delivery. The more features you get in one place, the less time you spend managing paperwork.
