How to Fax from iPhone: The Complete Guide (2026)

Need to send a fax but don’t own a fax machine? You’re not alone. Faxing from iPhone is easier than most people think — and you don’t need any bulky hardware to do it. Whether you’re sending medical forms, legal contracts, or real estate documents, your iPhone can handle it all in just a few taps.

In this guide, you’ll learn every method available to fax from your iPhone — from dedicated apps to email-to-fax — so you can pick the one that fits your situation best.

Can You Fax Directly from an iPhone?

iPhones don’t have a built-in fax feature, but that doesn’t mean you’re stuck. Apple’s iOS makes it surprisingly simple to fax using third-party apps or email-to-fax services. You can scan a document with your camera, upload it, and have it delivered to any fax machine in minutes — no phone line needed.

Method 1: Use a Fax App (Easiest Way)

The most straightforward way to fax from iPhone is through a dedicated fax app. Apps like iFax, Fax.Plus, eFax, and FaxBurner turn your iPhone into a portable fax machine. Most offer a free tier for occasional use and paid plans for regular faxing.

Step-by-Step: How to Fax Using Fax.Plus on iPhone

1. Download Fax.Plus from the App Store and create a free account.
2. Tap Send Fax and enter the recipient’s fax number (include country code for international).
3. Tap Add File — you can scan a document with your camera, import from the Files app, iCloud, Google Drive, or Dropbox.
4. Optionally, add a cover sheet with sender information.
5. Tap Send. You’ll receive a confirmation notification when the fax is delivered.

Fax.Plus supports PDF, Word, Excel, JPG, and PNG files. All transmissions are encrypted using AES, SSL, and TLS protocols, and the service is HIPAA, GDPR, and SOC 2 compliant — ideal for medical and legal documents.

Step-by-Step: How to Fax Using iFax on iPhone

1. Download iFax from the App Store — no account required for basic use.
2. Open the app and tap the compose icon.
3. Enter the recipient’s fax number in the To field.
4. Attach your document by scanning with the camera or importing from cloud storage.
5. Choose transmission quality (Standard works best for most documents).
6. Tap Send. Delivery typically takes around one minute per page.

Method 2: Scan First with the Notes App, Then Fax

If you have a paper document, Apple’s built-in Notes app is great for scanning before faxing. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open Notes on your iPhone and create a new note.
2. Tap the camera icon and select Scan Documents.
3. Align the document — the camera will auto-capture it and adjust edges.
4. Save the scan. You’ll get a clean PDF ready for faxing.
5. Tap the Share icon and select your fax app (e.g., Fax.Plus or iFax) from the share sheet.
6. Enter the recipient’s fax number and send.

Alternatively, you can use the Files app — tap the three-dot menu, choose Scan Documents, and the scanned file saves directly to your chosen folder.

Method 3: Send a Fax via Email (No App Needed)

Many fax services let you send faxes through email, so you don’t even need to install a new app. Here’s how it works with a service like eFax or Fax.Plus:

1. Sign up for an email-to-fax provider like eFax or Fax.Plus.
2. Open your Mail or Gmail app on iPhone.
3. Compose a new email and attach your document.
4. In the To field, enter the recipient’s fax number followed by the provider’s domain — for example: 14155551234@send.efax.com
5. Hit Send. The service converts your email into a fax and delivers it.

This method is handy when you’re already working in your email and don’t want to switch apps.

Best Fax Apps for iPhone: Quick Comparison

Not all fax apps are equal. Here’s a quick overview of the most popular options:

• iFax — No account needed, military-grade 256-bit encryption, HIPAA compliant. Serves over 5 million users. Best for healthcare, legal, and government documents. Fast delivery (~1 min/page).
• Fax.Plus — Free plan includes 100 pages. Supports PDF, Word, Excel, and images. Works on iPhone, iPad, and web. Strong security certifications (HIPAA, GDPR, ISO 27001, SOC 2). Best all-around choice.
• eFax — Lets you upload up to 20 documents (100MB total) per fax. Includes OCR technology and unlimited cloud storage. Plans start at $15/month. Best for businesses.
• FaxBurner — Permanently free tier with 5 outbound faxes per month and a disposable fax number. Best for occasional personal faxing with no subscription.
• FaxFree — Scan documents with built-in camera, import from Photos or cloud, sign and edit before sending. One free fax included; subscription required after.

How to Receive a Fax on iPhone

Receiving faxes works through the same apps. Most services assign you a dedicated fax number when you sign up (free temporary numbers or permanent numbers with paid plans). Incoming faxes are delivered to your app’s inbox and stored in the cloud, so you can access them anytime.

To receive faxes with Fax.Plus, for example, you get a fax number from one of 50+ countries. Incoming documents appear in your dashboard and trigger a push notification on your iPhone.

Is It Safe to Fax from iPhone?

Yes — leading fax apps use 256-bit AES and TLS encryption to protect your documents in transit and in storage. Faxes are considered HIPAA compliant, which is why doctors, hospitals, law firms, and government offices still rely on them. For sensitive documents, always use a trusted network (avoid public Wi-Fi) and choose an app with verified HIPAA compliance like iFax, Fax.Plus, or eFax.

Tips for Faxing from iPhone Successfully

• Always double-check the recipient’s fax number, including the country and area code.
• If the recipient’s line is busy, most apps retry automatically — delivery can take up to 10 minutes.
• For cleaner scans, use good lighting and make sure the document is flat.
• Add a cover sheet if you’re sending to a business — it helps confirm who the fax is for.
• For international faxes, include the country code (e.g., +44 for UK, +81 for Japan).
• Save recipient numbers as contacts in your fax app for quick repeat sends.

Frequently Asked Questions