faxfromcomputer.ca › Resources › How to fax from a computer in Canada without a phone line
How to fax from a computer in Canada without a phone line
Older ways of faxing from a computer needed a fax modem plugged into a landline, plus software such as Windows Fax and Scan. Few Canadian homes or offices have a spare landline any more, and many new computers have no modem at all. This faxfromcomputer.ca guide shows you how to fax from any Windows PC, Mac or Chromebook with just an internet connection, and get a Canadian fax number for replies.
Get Started NowWhy the old methods no longer fit
- Windows Fax and Scan still exists on some versions of Windows, but sending a fax with it needs a fax modem connected to a phone line, or a fax server on your network.
- Macs dropped built-in fax modem support years ago.
- A landline used only for fax costs money every month, and you can only send or receive from wherever it is plugged in.
- Many internet phone services do not handle fax calls reliably.
The modern option: fax from your browser
An online fax service handles the phone network for you. You upload a document through a website, the service sends it as a normal fax, and replies arrive in an online inbox. faxfromcomputer.ca recommends FaxToFax.com because it runs in any modern browser, so it works the same on Windows, macOS, ChromeOS or Linux, with nothing to install.
You choose a local fax number in your area code, for example in Toronto, Calgary or Halifax, or a toll-free number. FaxToFax also offers numbers in the US, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Set up in four steps
Once active, add two-step verification for extra protection, especially if others use the same computer.
- Go to FaxToFax.com in Chrome, Edge, Safari or Firefox.
- Enter your email address.
- Type in the one-time code sent to your email. There is no password to create.
- Pick your fax number and activate your account.
Send your first fax
- Save the document as a PDF, PNG or JPG. Most programs can do this through File, Save As or Export, or by printing to PDF.
- Sign in and start a new fax.
- Attach the file, or type a short letter in the editor on your letterhead.
- Add a cover page with the recipient's name, your phone number and the page count.
- Enter the recipient's 10-digit fax number, including the area code.
- Confirm the number on the check screen and send.
- Wait for the status to show Delivered, then download the time-stamped delivery receipt if you need it for your records.
Receiving faxes on your computer
Faxes sent to your number arrive in a private, encrypted inbox in your browser, and you get in-app and browser alerts. Documents are never emailed, so you sign in to view or download them. Received pages count toward your monthly plan pages, so a 3-page fax uses 3 pages.
The Personal plan is $4.99 for the first month, then $18.99 a month, with 200 pages (sent and received) and one user. If you share faxing with colleagues, the Business plan includes 500 pages, five users and a shared inbox for $39.99 a month after a $14.99 first month. Check the pricing page for currency and taxes, and remember you can cancel online any time.
Fax from a Computer Without a Phone Line: questions
Can I fax from my computer without a modem?
Yes. An online fax service such as FaxToFax sends the fax for you over the phone network, so your computer only needs an internet connection and a browser.
Does Windows Fax and Scan work without a phone line?
Not for sending faxes on its own. It needs a fax modem connected to a phone line or a fax server. A browser fax service avoids that requirement.
Can I fax from a Chromebook?
Yes. Because FaxToFax is web-only, it works in Chrome on a Chromebook just as it does on Windows or a Mac.
Can I keep my old fax number when I drop the landline?
Not with FaxToFax yet, as number porting is not available. You choose a new Canadian number during setup and tell your contacts about it.
More guides on faxfromcomputer.ca
Send a fax to China from Canada ›
Dialing code +86, 55 plan pages per page, and the best time to send.
Send a fax to Pakistan from Canada ›
Dialing code +92, 3 plan pages per page, and the best time to send.
Send a fax to Peru from Canada ›
Dialing code +51, 1 plan page per page, and the best time to send.
Get a Quebec fax number ›
12 area codes (263, 354, 367, 418…) and how to get a local number.
Get a Washington, D.C. fax number ›
2 area codes (202, 771) and how to get a local number.
Get a South Dakota fax number ›
1 area code (605) and how to get a local number.
More from faxfromcomputer.ca
How it works ›
Step by step: get a number, send, receive and track faxes with faxfromcomputer.ca.
Pricing ›
faxfromcomputer.ca plans from $4.99 for the first month, extra numbers and faxing abroad.
Security ›
Encryption, audit log and the compliance programs behind faxfromcomputer.ca.
FAQ ›
Answers to the questions people ask most about faxfromcomputer.ca.
Guide ›
A step-by-step guide to sending your first fax with faxfromcomputer.ca.
Resources ›
Country guides, fax numbers by state and province, and how-to guides on faxfromcomputer.ca.
Start faxing online with faxfromcomputer.ca
Get your fax number in minutes and send your first fax today. $4.99 for your first month, cancel online any time.
Get Started Now →