Can You Fax From Gmail? Learn About Your Options Here

Faxes are becoming less common, especially since people can attach documents to emails and send them in seconds. However, certain industries, such as health care and law enforcement, still rely heavily on the ability to send faxes. If you need to do it, you’re probably looking for the most convenient and accessible options. Can you fax from Gmail or another email provider? Does sending a fax through email cost anything? Keep reading to find out. 

Fax From Gmail Is Not a Native Option 

Google’s developers are working hard to make Gmail better all the time. Some of the newer features include the ability to “snooze” an email to deal with it later, as well as suggested replies that make it easier and faster to compose some types of messages. 

That said, there’s no built-in feature to fax from Gmail. Even so, there’s no need to invest in a fax machine. Instead, you can send a fax online through a third-party service. 

Fax From Gmail or Another Service Via a Specialized Provider

The internet is full of options for people who want to fax with their computers. However, it’ll be easiest if you think carefully about your must-have needs or preferences.

For example, do you need to fax things frequently or just every once in a while? What’s your budget for sending a fax through Gmail or another popular platform? Do you plan to send confidential details in your fax?

It’s also smart to think about how comfortable you feel using a new service. Would you prefer to choose a provider that offers a free trial? Answering questions like these helps you narrow down the possibilities and feel more confident in your ultimate choice. 

Use a Chrome Extension to Fax From Your Computer 

Maybe you’re a Google fan and want to focus on using the company’s products when faxing. Although sending a fax from Gmail itself is out of the question, you can do the next best thing. 

More specifically, several online fax services have Google Chrome extensions. You may still need to pay the third-party provider in these instances. However, the main benefit of installing a Chrome extension is that the add-on usually streamlines the steps of sending a fax. 

If you send emails on your Android device, you may already know that Gmail is one of the best apps for doing so. Since the companies offering fax extensions often focus on usability, you may find a new favorite add-on in what they provide, too. 

Before choosing a Chrome extension to fax or for any other reason, read the details carefully. They’ll tell you how the extension works and what permission it requires. Understanding that is a great first step in staying secure. 

Become More Familiar With Online Fax Services

Spend some time browsing the websites of companies offering online fax capabilities. Doing that is a good way to start creating a shortlist of options you may want to try. Some even have step-by-step instructions for how to fax from Gmail after signing up for their service. 

Many of them aim to make it even more convenient for users by allowing them to fax from their smartphones as well as computers. That could be ideal if you fax frequently and often get things done away from your home or work computer. Most people have their smartphones within arm’s reach at any time. It’s handy to send a fax just by launching an app and following a few steps. 

Consider Pay-As-You-Go Options for Faxing

Maybe you can only recall a few times you’ve had to fax things over the past several years. Even so, having an option that fits that occasional need is still helpful.

In such cases, look for possibilities offered by pay-as-you-go online faxing companies. They typically charge a flat rate each time you use the service, making it easy to calculate total costs. 

Be Careful With Free Fax Services

The old saying warns that you get what you pay for. That’s typically true with online services that let you fax from Gmail or by using similar methods on your computer or smartphone. 

Most companies charge a modest fee. That said, you’ll often find that companies seemingly offering complimentary faxes place advertisements on them. That might not be a problem if you’re faxing to a friend or someone else for a purely casual reason. However, it won’t look professional when faxing to a businessperson. 

Find a Service to Fax From Gmail Today

You have plenty of options for sending a fax with your computer or smartphone. Take some time to learn about the specific companies, and you’ll be well on your way to sending faxes in minutes.