Google Voice is a fantastic service with a wide array of functions. It provides call forwarding and voicemail services. Additionally, it gives you the option to send and receive calls, voice messages, and text messages from around the world.
Nevertheless, even though the service was launched over a decade ago (in 2009), there are still some misconceptions about it floating around until this day. Many people are still unsure of what features they can use and how to use them correctly.
This situation is not an isolated occurrence as many other Google services (e.g., Google Docs, Gmail account) are often a source of confusion for inexperienced internet users as well.
One thing with which many people often struggle is faxing. Is receiving faxes using your Google Voice number possible? Is this process complicated? Are fax services that work over the Internet, like Faxburner a viable alternative to standard faxing?
In this article, you will find answers to these questions and more! Without further ado, get ready to learn more about sending faxes using Google Voice.
Can You Fax From Google Voice?
Since you have already read this article’s title, you probably know the answer to this question. However, things are not as simple as they may seem at first glance.
First of all, Google Voice was never intended to be a substitute for a fax machine. What is more, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology was never meant to process fax transmissions. Thus, if you want to treat Google Voice as a more suitable fax machine, you will find multiple obstacles along the way.
A much simpler and faster solution is to turn to online fax services and get a new fax number or “downgrade” your Google Voice number to a standard fax number. However, the latter will render your Google Voice number unable to receive or send calls (but will allow you to send and receive faxes).
By going this route, you can save yourself some trouble. Nonetheless, if you would like to fax with Google Voice, there are other methods you can use. If you are interested in learning more about them, read on.
The Cumbersome Method
If you want to use your Google Voice Number to its full extent and receive faxes from time to time, this method will be ideal for you. It requires from you a Google Voice account (obviously), a landline telephone (with connection to landline telephone services), and a dedicated fax machine or a computer with a fax modem.
This method is not the easiest thing in the world. Additionally, it has no guarantee of working. However, if you would like to try it out, follow these steps:
Step 1: Connect the landline service to the fax machine’s phone jack. Then link your landline telephone with Google Voice number. This procedure will allow you to make calls with your phone by using your Google Voice number.
Step 2: In order to send a fax, you need to use your phone or press the tone button on your fax machine. Then, call your Google Voice number and enter your voicemail pin and number. Wait for an automated assistant to answer, press number 2 on the keypad, and make a new outgoing call.
Now, all it takes is to type the number of the fax machine that will be receiving your documents. When the other fax machine answers the call, you are good to go. Ta-da, you have sent fax!
The Easier Method
This method is not cost-free, as getting things done sometimes requires us to put money on the table. In this case, the money commitment comes in buying a product — an adapter, to be precise.
To send and receive faxes using this method, you will need all the things we used previously besides a conventional landline service. This time around, the star of the show will be a particular device, our adapter. This adapter will allow you to handle sending and receiving a fax with ease.
You need to plug the adapter to the fax machine or a computer with a fax modem. Set up the device so that it can use your Google Voice number, and you are good to go. Now you can send and receive faxes without the need to “downgrade” your Google Voice number!
The Bottom Line
Hopefully, now you know how you can send and receive fax by using Google Voice! Remember that faxing is still an essential part of communication globally, not only for a specific business line. Furthermore, it can help you in staying connected with your clients in current trying times.
Which option from the presented you will decide upon is up to you. Each of them has its drawbacks and benefits. Feel free to do what seems like the best option for you.
Do not be afraid to use an online fax service or try other methods that will enable you to transfer documents from one place to another. Perhaps there are better practices than trying to send and receive fax using Google Voice after all? Good luck!
