How to Fax Documents From Your iPhone

The simplest way to fax from iPhone

You can fax directly from your iPhone using the built-in Notes app, Mail, or a third-party fax service. The easiest route depends on what you're faxing and whether you already have a fax number to send to. If you have a document in Notes, Mail, or Photos, you can convert it to a PDF and email it to a fax-to-email service, which then sends it as a fax. Alternatively, dedicated fax apps like eFax, HelloFax, or Fax Burner let you send faxes directly from your phone without needing a traditional fax machine.

The trade-off is simple: built-in methods are free but require a few extra steps, while fax apps are faster but usually charge a monthly fee or per-fax cost. Most people find the free email-to-fax route works fine for occasional faxing, but if you send faxes regularly, a dedicated app saves time.

Key Takeaways

You can fax from iPhone using Mail or Notes by converting documents to PDF and emailing them to a fax-to-email service.
Dedicated fax apps like eFax or HelloFax are faster but charge monthly fees or per-fax costs, typically $5 to $20 per month.
To fax a physical document, photograph it with your iPhone camera, then convert the image to PDF before sending.
Fax-to-email services work by converting your email into a fax on the receiving end, so the recipient gets a traditional fax transmission.

Faxing using Mail and a fax-to-email service

A fax-to-email service is a free or low-cost way to send faxes from your iPhone. Services like eFax, MyFax, and Fax.Plus provide you with a fax number and let you send faxes by emailing a document to a special address. You compose an email, attach your PDF or image, send it to the service's fax address, and they convert it into a fax transmission to the recipient's fax machine.

To use this method, open Mail on your iPhone, create a new message, and attach the document you want to fax. The recipient's fax number goes in the subject line or email body, depending on the service's instructions. Most services provide a format like "faxnumber@servicename.com" — for example, "5551234567@efax.com". Send the email, and the service handles the rest.

The main limitation is that you need to sign up for an account first, which takes a few minutes. Some services offer a free tier with limited faxes per month, while others charge per fax. Check the service's pricing page before you sign up to know what you'll pay.

Converting documents and photos to PDF on iPhone

Before you can fax a document, you need it in PDF format. If the document is already digital — a Word file, a scanned receipt, or a photo — you can convert it on your iPhone using the Files app or Notes app.

To convert a photo to PDF, open the photo in your Photos app, tap Edit, then tap the three dots menu and select "Markup". Use the Markup tools to sign or annotate if needed, then tap Done. Tap Share, then tap "Mail". In the Mail compose window, the photo will appear as a PDF attachment. You can then send it to your fax-to-email service.

If you have a document in Notes, open the note, tap the three dots menu at the top right, and select "Collaborate" or "Share". Choose "Mail" and the note will open as a PDF in a new email. Attach it and send to your fax service. For documents in other apps like Word or Google Docs, open the document, tap Share or Export, and choose "Mail" — most apps will automatically convert to PDF when you do this.

Using dedicated fax apps

Fax apps like eFax, HelloFax, and Fax Burner are built specifically for sending and receiving faxes on your phone. You download the app, create an account, and can send a fax in seconds without converting to PDF or using email. The app handles all the formatting and transmission automatically.

These apps typically charge between $5 and $20 per month for a basic plan, or let you pay per fax (usually $1 to $3 per fax). Some offer a free tier with a limited number of faxes per month. The advantage is speed and simplicity — you open the app, select your document, enter the fax number, and send. The disadvantage is the recurring cost if you fax regularly.

To use a fax app, download it from the App Store, sign up for an account, and follow the app's instructions to add a payment method. Most apps let you import documents from your Photos, Files, Mail, or cloud storage like Google Drive or Dropbox. Once you've added a document, enter the recipient's fax number and send.

Faxing a physical document from your iPhone

If you need to fax a physical document — a contract, a receipt, or a printed letter — photograph it with your iPhone camera first. Open the Camera app, position the document in good lighting, and take a photo. Make sure the entire document is in frame and the text is readable.

Once you have the photo, convert it to PDF using the method described above (open in Photos, use Markup, then share via Mail). Then send the PDF to your fax-to-email service or open a fax app and import the photo directly. Some fax apps have a built-in camera feature that lets you photograph a document and send it as a fax without leaving the app.

For best results, use good lighting and hold the phone steady. If the photo is blurry or the text is hard to read, the recipient may have trouble reading the fax. Take a few photos and choose the clearest one.

Understanding fax-to-email services and how they work

A fax-to-email service acts as a middleman between your email and a traditional fax machine. When you email a document to the service, their system converts your email into a fax signal and sends it to the recipient's fax number. On the receiving end, the recipient's fax machine prints out your document just as if you had sent it from a physical fax machine.

The recipient does not need to use email or have any special setup — they just receive a fax on their fax machine as usual. This is why fax-to-email services are useful: they let you send faxes from your iPhone to anyone with a fax machine, without needing a fax machine yourself.

Most services also let you receive faxes by email. When someone sends a fax to your fax number, the service converts it to a PDF and emails it to you. This is useful if you need to receive faxes but do not have a physical fax machine.

Choosing between free and paid fax methods

If you fax occasionally — a few times a month or less — a fax-to-email service is usually the best choice. Many offer a free tier or charge only for the faxes you send, so you pay nothing if you do not use it. The downside is that each fax takes a few extra steps (converting to PDF, opening Mail, sending to the service).

If you fax regularly — multiple times a week — a dedicated fax app saves time and is worth the monthly cost. You can send a fax in under a minute, and the app handles all the formatting. Apps also let you store fax history, schedule faxes for later, and receive faxes by email, which free services may not offer.

Consider your usage before you commit to a paid app. If you are unsure, start with a free fax-to-email service and switch to an app later if you find yourself faxing more often.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fax directly from my iPhone without an app or email?

Not directly — your iPhone does not have a built-in fax function like a fax machine does. You must either use a fax app or convert your document to PDF and email it to a fax-to-email service. Both methods take just a few minutes.

What if the recipient does not have a fax machine?

If the recipient has email, ask them for their email address instead and send the document directly. Fax-to-email services only work if the recipient has a fax machine or a fax number. If they do not, email is faster and simpler.

Do I need to pay for a fax app?

Not always. Many fax apps offer a free tier with a limited number of faxes per month, and fax-to-email services like eFax often have free plans. You only pay if you exceed the free limit or want additional features like fax scheduling or cloud storage.

How long does it take to send a fax from iPhone?

Using a fax app, usually under a minute once you have the document ready. Using email and a fax-to-email service, it takes a few minutes to convert the document to PDF and compose the email. The actual transmission time is usually a few seconds once you hit send.

Can I receive faxes on my iPhone?

Yes, if you use a fax app or fax-to-email service that offers receiving. When someone sends a fax to your fax number, the service converts it to a PDF and emails it to you, or stores it in the app. You can then view and download it on your iPhone.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.