If you are new to the world of multi-function printing, you may want to learn how to fax from a printer without a phone line. Many of the best printers, after all, are all-in-one designs that double as capable fax machines. So what are the various issues that impact the faxing component of the best all-in-one printers, and how can you fax without a dedicated phone line? Keep reading to find out.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Many multi-function printers include a fax machine as part of the feature set, along with a scanner and copy machine.
- Some of these fax machines require an outside analog landline to fax documents, and many consumers no longer have access to these lines.
- Find a printer that offers digital fax capabilities or use third-party online fax services on a mobile device to get the job done.
Multi-Function Printer Fax Machine Issues
Fax machines may not be as omnipresent as in decades past, but they are still important in some scenarios, which is why many consumers look for top-tier printers for Mac. Unfortunately, many fax machines rely on landlines, and many people no longer have landlines, which leads some to learn how to use a printer with a smartphone.
Insider Tip
Your home may actually have a landline somewhere. Plug a phone in and find out for yourself.
Not having a landline can lead to fax machine issues, just as out-of-date software leads people to wonder why printers won’t scan. This could be an issue even if you have purchased a high-quality printer for Chromebook. It could also be an issue if you have purchased a high-end Bluetooth printer. Luckily, there are workarounds to get over the landline issue, so you can conduct that digital printer vs laser printer review.
How to Send a Fax From an All-in-One Printer Without a Landline
Each printer is different in how it integrates fax machine technology, so these tips may only apply to some. Still, here are some fairly universal troubleshooting steps to fax without a landline.
Shop Wisely
Not all multi-function printers require a landline to send faxes, as manufacturers understand that analog phone lines have become rarer with each passing year. Shop around for an all-in-one model with a digital fax machine that uses the Internet to carry out its task. This is your quickest loophole out of this landline problem. Read the fine print before making a purchase and look for “no landline required” in the advertising materials.
STAT: A printer has to have fax capabilities to be able to fax documents, so it’s necessary first to determine if your printer is fax-enabled. Multifunction printers usually have “fax” buttons sitting next to the scanner. (source)
Use an Online Fax Service
If you can’t find a printer with digital fax capabilities, you can use one of the many third-party online services available to modern consumers. Just download the app to your smartphone, computer, or tablet, and follow the on-screen prompts. As a note, this will circumvent your printer entirely, though you may need the scanning function to put the document into a digital format.
