How to send a fax from your phone in the UK
Short answer: install a fax app, scan or upload your document, enter the fax number in international format (for a UK number, +44 followed by the number without its leading 0), send it and wait for the delivered status. You don't need a fax machine or a landline.
How to send a fax from your phone
- Get a fax app. Install a fax app such as FAX: send from phone from the App Store or Google Play.
- Prepare the document. Scan the pages with the camera or upload a PDF. Use black and white and make sure the text is sharp.
- Add a cover page. Add a cover page with the recipient's name, your name and contact details, the date and the number of pages.
- Enter the number. Type the fax number in international format: +44, then the number without its first 0.
- Send and confirm. Send the fax and wait for a delivered status before you rely on it.
Formatting UK and international fax numbers
| Number as written | Enter in the app | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 020 7946 0000 (London) | +44 20 7946 0000 | Drop the leading 0 after +44 |
| 0161 496 0000 (Manchester) | +44 161 496 0000 | Same rule for every UK area code |
| (212) 555-0100 (New York) | +1 212 555 0100 | US and Canada use country code +1 |
| 01 99 00 12 34 (Paris) | +33 1 99 00 12 34 | Most European numbers also drop the leading 0 |
The example numbers above are from ranges reserved for drama and examples, so they don't belong to anyone.
Common reasons a fax fails
- Wrong number format: missing country code or an extra 0 after it.
- Busy line or the machine is off: wait a few minutes and resend from your history.
- It's a phone number, not a fax number: confirm the number with the recipient.
- Poor scan quality: faint or grey scans become hard to read when faxed; rescan in black and white.
Alternatives to faxing
Before you fax, ask whether the recipient will accept a signed PDF by email or a secure upload. If they insist on fax, a fax app is the quickest option for occasional use. Businesses that send and receive faxes every day are better served by an online fax service with a dedicated number, such as faxB2B (currently for customers in the US and Canada).
Frequently asked questions
Can I send a fax from my phone for free?
Fax apps are usually free to download, but sending typically needs a subscription or credits, because each fax is delivered over the phone network. Check the price in the app store before you send.
Can I receive faxes on my phone?
Receiving needs a fax number of your own. Many fax apps focus on sending; online fax services offer dedicated numbers and an inbox for received faxes.
Do faxes still count as signed documents?
Many organisations accept a faxed signed document as a valid copy, but the rules depend on the organisation and the type of document. Ask the recipient if you are unsure.