Virtual fax and internet fax, explained

A virtual fax, also called an internet fax or online fax, lets you send a fax without owning a fax machine. You upload a file, and a fax service dials the receiving fax machine for you.

FastFax lets you send a fax online from your phone or computer for as little as 2¢ a page, with no subscription. US fax numbers only, up to 100 pages per fax.

How virtual faxing works

A regular fax machine scans paper and sends it over a phone line. A virtual fax service does the same job in the cloud: your document is turned into fax pages, the service calls the receiving fax number over the phone network, and the pages print out (or land in a digital fax inbox) on the other side. The person receiving it can't tell the difference.

What you need

• A phone, tablet or computer with a web browser
• Your document as a PDF or a photo, or paper you can photograph
• The recipient's fax number

No phone line, no toner, no fax machine, and nothing to install.

Sending vs. receiving

Some virtual fax services also give you your own fax number to receive faxes, usually on a monthly plan. FastFax is for sending: it's built for people who need to fax documents out without paying every month. If you also need to receive faxes, a monthly fax-number service is the better fit.

Sending a virtual fax with FastFax

1. Upload a PDF or photo, or scan pages with your camera.
2. Type the US fax number and, if you want, add a cover page.
3. Check the preview and tap Send.
4. Follow the status until it says Delivered, then download your confirmation.

You pay per page, from 2¢ a page with the 1,000-page pack, and a failed fax gives its pages back automatically.

Questions