Yes, you can call a fax number, but you won’t reach a person. Instead of a voice, you’ll hear a series of high-pitched tones. That sound means the line is set up to receive faxes, not take calls.
It might seem strange, especially with so many people using mobile phones and apps for everything. But fax numbers are still used in real estate, law, healthcare, and other industries that rely on documents being sent in a certain format.
So, what exactly happens when you call one? And why are fax numbers still in use at all? Let’s dig into this.
What Is a Fax Number, Exactly?
A fax number is a phone number that’s set up to send and receive documents instead of making voice calls. It connects to a fax machine or a digital fax service that can receive files.
Essentially, when you dial it, the system expects another fax device on the other end, not a person’s voice.
The format looks the same as a regular phone number. For example:
- Phone number: (212) 555-1234
- Fax number: (212) 555-5678
What sets them apart isn’t the number itself; it’s how it’s used and what answers the call. One goes to a person, the other to a fax system.
Some businesses use a dedicated line for faxes, which means that number only connects to a fax machine or fax software. Others might share one line for calls and faxes, but that setup often causes issues like calls might get picked up by a machine or drop completely if it’s not managed right.
Now with online faxing, you can have a virtual fax number that’s tied to an internet-based service like FaxBurner. It works without a phone line or hardware. Faxes sent to that number get delivered to your email or the app instead of printing out on paper.
What Happens When You Call a Fax Number?
If you call a fax number, you’ll hear a series of high-pitched tones, almost like a dial-up modem from the early 2000s. That’s the sound of the fax system trying to connect.
What’s actually happening?
- The fax machine or fax service is waiting for a signal from another fax device.
- If you’re not using one, the system can’t complete the handshake.
- The line stays active for a few seconds, then drops the call.
This process is automatic. Traditional fax machines use what’s called a CNG tone (calling tone) to start the process. Once both ends detect that signal, they begin exchanging data. But if you’re just calling from a regular phone, it doesn’t go anywhere.
With digital faxing, like FaxBurner, it works the same way but silently. The call doesn’t connect like a normal voice call; it either accepts a document or rejects the request.
Can You Talk to Someone Through a Fax Number?
No, you can’t use a fax number to talk to someone. It’s not set up for voice. If you try, you’ll either get those screechy fax tones or the line will just drop.
This trips people up when a business uses one number for both phone and fax. If it’s not configured the right way, the call might go to the fax system even when someone’s trying to speak. And if voicemail kicks in before the fax system does, the incoming fax might fail too.
For example, let’s say a law office uses one number for everything. If a client calls and the fax picks up first, they won’t reach the receptionist. If someone tries to fax a document and it hits voicemail instead, the transmission might not go through.
The bottom line is that if the number is tied to a fax line, don’t expect anyone to answer because no one can.
Why You Can’t Use a Fax Number for Voice Calls
Fax numbers aren’t designed for conversation. If you call one, you won’t hear a person on the other end, just fax tones or silence before the call cuts off. That’s because the line is programmed to expect data, not dialogue.
Things get messy when a business tries to use one number for both voice and fax. If the line isn’t configured properly, calls can end up routed to a fax system. That means callers get stuck, and incoming faxes might fail if voicemail picks up instead.
Take a small office, for example. If the receptionist steps away and voicemail is set to answer after two rings, incoming faxes might get blocked. And if a client calls and the fax system picks up, they never reach a human.
So, while using one number might seem like a cost-saving move, it often causes more confusion than it’s worth.
How Some Fax Machines Handle Phone Calls
Older all-in-one printers or fax machines sometimes come with a built-in phone. In those cases, you can pick up the receiver and make a voice call, but only if the line isn’t already used for faxing. It all depends on how the device is set up.
For example, a basic home office machine might let you switch between “fax” and “phone” modes. If the line is clear, you can make a regular call. But if a fax is coming in, the line becomes busy. There’s no way to do both at the same time unless there’s a second line or a smart switch system in place.
Some setups also involve VoIP (voice over internet protocol), which adds another layer of complexity. In setups where someone uses a fax number with VoIP, voice and fax signals travel over the same internet-based connection, making the right configuration even more important.
With online fax services, though, there’s no voice option at all. A virtual fax number doesn’t connect to a phone network; it only processes documents. So even if you try to call it, nothing happens. It’s built for faxes only.
Modern Faxing: How Online Fax Services Work
You don’t need a landline or a physical machine to fax anymore. Online fax services use virtual fax numbers that work through the internet. These numbers are set up to send and receive documents only, and they don’t support voice calls.
When someone sends a fax to your virtual number, the file shows up in your app or email, depending on the service you use. With FaxBurner, for example, you can fax a PDF right from your phone, upload a file from Google Drive or Dropbox, or even send one through email.
Unlike traditional fax lines, these numbers don’t ring or take voice messages. They’re made to handle files, not conversations.
You also get a few added features that make life easier:
- Send and receive faxes without a machine
- Add a digital signature to your document
- Use your email account to send a fax
- Access everything from your mobile device or desktop
It’s more flexible than using a physical fax machine and fits better with how people work today.
How to Avoid Faxing Mistakes
It’s easy to get mixed up when phone and fax numbers look the same. One simple call to the wrong number can waste time or cause confusion. If you’re trying to send a fax but dial a voice line, or call a fax number expecting to speak to someone, it’s not going to work.
It’s always a good idea to double-check before hitting send or placing a call. If you’re unsure, call the business’s main number first and ask them to confirm which line is for voice and which is for faxes.
Final Thoughts: Why Fax Numbers Still Matter Today
Even with all the digital tools out there, fax numbers haven’t disappeared. They’re still used in law, healthcare, government, and other fields that rely on documents being delivered in a consistent, trackable format.
What’s changed is how faxing happens. Services like FaxBurner make it possible to fax from your phone or laptop without touching a machine. You get a virtual fax number that works from anywhere, and you don’t have to worry about busy lines, paper jams, or wondering if a document went through.
But calling a fax number still works the same as it always has. It won’t connect you to a person, and it’s not a shortcut to customer support. That number is built to receive documents only.
So if you’re not sure what the number is for, take a second to double-check. It’s the simplest way to avoid delays and make sure your message gets to the right place.
FAQ: Calling Fax Numbers
What happens if I call a fax number by mistake?
You’ll either hear a series of high-pitched tones or the call will drop. The line is set to receive data, not voice, so the system doesn’t know how to handle your call.
How do I know if I’m calling a fax line?
Watch for signs like instant pickup with no voice, fax tones, or the number labeled “Fax” on a website. If it’s part of a digital fax service, it won’t connect like a regular call.
Can I use a fax number to talk to someone?
No, fax numbers are not built for voice communication. Even if the number looks like a phone line, it’s meant to receive documents only.
Do fax numbers work on mobile phones?
You can dial a fax number from a mobile phone, but you won’t reach a person. You’ll get tones or silence, just like with a landline.
Can I receive calls on my online fax number?
No, virtual fax numbers like those from FaxBurner don’t support voice calls. They only accept incoming faxes and deliver them digitally through an app or email.
