The best printers often do much more than simply ink words onto a page. Printers now handle many tasks, like scanning, faxing, and copying. But for these functions to work, it requires the right setup. Below, we’ll focus on the faxing elements as we explain how to hook up a fax machine with a cable modem.
Our coverage of the best all-in-one printers hits on a broad range of topics.
We also have an article that describes how to disassemble a printer. If after disassembling the printer, you can’t fix the issue, be sure you know how to dispose of the printer properly,
How to Connect an All-In-One Printer/Fax to a Modem
Connecting to your cable modem is very easy, whether using an all-in-one device or having a traditional fax machine. All you need is a telephone cable and modem, and you’re set.
Insider Tip
To know if you should fax the paper face up or face down, look for a small logo near the feeder tray; if the paper has lines (indicating text), fax face up. If not, fax face down.
Although, if you’re wondering how to fax from a printer without a phone line, that’s a different ball of wax. Thankfully, our resource guides can help you.
Additionally, if you want some more guides on connecting your print/fax devices, we have another article explaining how to connect a printer with an ethernet cable.
STEP 1 Determine What Type of Phone Cord Is Needed
Most of the time, any phone cable will work, especially with modern devices. However, some need a cable with a specific number of pins. To figure this out, check your user manual.
STEP 2 Set Up Printer/Fax Hardware
- Plug in your machine’s power cord.
- Plug the telephone cable into the modem where it says “Phone Line 1.”
- Then run another telephone cable into the wall’s phone jack.
- Then take the telephone cord and plug it into the “Line” plug.
- Don’t plug the cord into the “Ext” jack. There will also likely be a USB port for connecting the printer and scanner.
STEP 3 Set Up Telephone and Answering Machine (If Desired)
If there’s a telephone you would like to connect to, take another telephone cable and put it into the extension jack. Then, plug the other end of the cord into the answering machine’s “Ext” jack. Then take another telephone cord and plug it into the phone.
