Some of you may have faced the dreaded moment: you’re just about finished making a special meal or treat and you realize you’re out of an ingredient. Can you substitute baking powder for baking soda? Garlic salt for fresh, minced cloves? Ground up flaxseed for eggs? Perhaps, but the finished dish may not be exactly right.

This is very similar to the answer of the popular question, “Can you fax with MagicJack?” MagicJack is a service that allows you to make free phone calls, and since faxing has conventionally been linked with phone service, many wonder if you can fax with MagicJack. Perhaps, but the finished fax transmission may not be exactly right.

MagicJack is problematic when it comes to faxing, and we’ll explain why. In the end, you’re probably better off using an online fax service.

How MagicJack Works with Faxing

When you sign up with MagicJack, you’ll receive a device with a standard phone jack that connects to your computer or router. MagicJack operates as a voice over internet protocol (VoIP) service, similar to Google Voice or Skype, allowing you to make free calls throughout the United States and Canada using the internet instead of the old-fashioned public switched telephone network (PSTN).

The difference between using the internet instead of the PSTN has to do with how the data is transmitted. Both take analog data, convert it to a digital signal, compress these signals, and divide them into smaller pieces. With VoIP, these pieces are sent through a packet-switched network on the internet instead of a circuit-switched one. Once the packets are delivered, the data is changed back into voice for the recipient. These transmissions travel back and forth so quickly that a fluid conversation results.

Conventional fax machines, on the other hand, take a scanned image, convert it to electronic pulses, transmit those pulses through a phone line, and change those impulses back into the original document. It sounds very similar to how the phone service over the internet works. And, yes, technically, you should be able to fax with MagicJack. However, the company itself admits you may face reliability issues.

MagicJack Fax Issues and How to Resolve Them

Can You Connect A Fax Machine To Magicjack For Sending And Receiving Faxes?

According to MagicJack, you can connect your fax machine with its software and modem to the MagicJack device. The company suggests that, before sending a fax, you try to make a phone call. If everything is working properly for a phone call, send a test fax to check quality and receptivity. Even after taking these steps, MagicJack says it cannot guarantee that fax documents will successfully be transmitted through its service each and every time.

Steps for Using MagicJack for Fax

You can test your connection to try and get MagicJack working. Follow these steps for using Magic Jack for fax.

Step 1: Make sure MagicJack is working

Test whether the MagicJack fax setup is working by connecting it to a regular telephone and making and receiving a call. If the connected telephone can place calls, the phone connection is working.

Step 2: Connect the fax machine to MagicJack

With the connection confirmed, set up your fax machine or computer with a fax modem and software and connect it to MagicJack in the same way you’d connect to a regular telephone line.

Step 3: Try it out

Test the connection by trying to send a fax using the fax machine or computer. For more information, check out FaxAuthority’s guide to testing a fax machine.

Step 4: Adjust the settings on the fax machine

If the connection doesn’t work, you can adjust the fax machine settings to simplify the signal through the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service. Firstly, set the fax machine’s baud rate to the lowest possible setting, then set the error correction mode to off. 

These changes should help the fax signal be understood as it transmits through the VoIP system. However, not all fax machines have these settings, and this option won’t apply if you’re using a computer.

Step 5: Try it again

Repeat step 3 to test the connection again. If the test still doesn’t work, return the baud rate and ECM to the original settings.

Why are MagicJack faxes potentially unreliable? VoIP technology was designed to transmit phone calls over the internet, not faxed documents. Original fax machines were created to function on analog networks, not on a digital one, making VoIP technology somewhat incompatible with conventional fax technology.

In addition, there is often more variability in the quality of a given VoIP signal, which means that connections and transmissions are not as reliable as on a conventional analog network. Add to that the fact that you’ll probably need to use a splitter to connect both your phone and your fax machine to the MagicJack fax device at the same time, leading to further distortions of the end product.

If you’re having issues trying to fax with MagicJack, here are some troubleshooting ideas:

• Try plugging your fax machine directly into your MagicJack device if a splitter is degrading image quality.
• Fax fewer pages at one time and find another avenue to send graphically dense documents.
• Use a wifi connection to connect your MagicJack system.
• Do not run MagicJack on 3G, 4G or Air Card because the device requires high-speed connectivity and these signals are not compatible.
• Adjust your modem speed on your fax machine, beginning at the lowest setting and slowing moving higher until the quality is acceptable.
• Make sure your error correction mode is turned to the “off” setting.
• For important documents, you may want to make a follow-up phone call to the recipient and make sure the fax was received and readable.

More Reliable Alternatives to MagicJack Fax

Although MagicJack can be used reliably for free internet phone calls and perhaps an occasional fax here and there, you may want to consider more reliable ways to send and receive faxes through the internet on a regular basis. Many internet faxing services like eFax are available today to help you do just that without the need of extra hardware.

The bottom line is that today’s businesses still demand faxed documents as a means of communication, and being able to operate effectively and reliably in such an environment is still necessary. Online faxing is a cost-effective and convenient method to exchange fax documents with those suppliers, customers or stakeholders who require them. Easily fax a pdf online in minutes through your computer or phone.

In addition, internet faxing is less expensive and cumbersome than MagicJack, which requires you to print out your document and feed it through a conventional fax machine. Recoup the dollars spent on equipment, toner and paper as well as the time it takes to shuffle the paper while increasing fax quality and reliability.

Visit eFax.com to explore its many value-added features, including digital signature, toll-free or local phone numbers, and free online storage, to name just a few. Sign up for an account today for reliable, affordable and high-quality internet faxing.

FAQs Related to Fax with MagicJack

Does MagicJack support encrypted fax transmissions?

No, MagicJack doesn’t support encrypted fax transmissions, which means the faxes you send through the service may not be private and your confidential data could go missing.

What security measures does eFax offer that MagicJack does not have for fax transmissions?

eFax is the world’s leading online fax provider and offers top-of-the-range security measures to protect your data and users. eFax Protect ensures online fax messages are kept confidential and secure and meet regulatory compliance standards, such as HIPAA, GLBA, SOX, PCI, 256-bit TLS encryption and Tier-3 secure servers. Our flexible, scalable and secure cloud-based service streamlines fax processes and reduces overall fax costs.

How easy is it to switch from MagicJack to eFax?

It’s easy to switch from MagicJack to eFax and swap your bulky, costly fax machine for highly reliable, cost-effective online faxing. eFax also offers value-added features like digital signatures, toll-free or local phone numbers, and free online storage. Switch to eFax now to start faxing online.

eFax Content Team

The 80s was a remarkable decade marked by Ronald Reagan’s presidency, big hair, and Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” However, it was also the era that saw the birth of much of the technology we enjoy today, including personal computers and cellphones. In this article, we’ll take a trip down memory lane as we delve into the top tech of the decade and their modern-day counterparts.

Fax Machines

There used to be a time when you couldn’t visit a home or office without seeing a fax machine. Though a great option for transmitting documents, they weren’t all that convenient. Faxing could be slow or incomplete, and fax pages could print out blurry, out of order or not at all.

Many industries still rely on the fax today, and bulky fax machines are being kicked to the curb in favor of internet faxing. Sending a fax online eliminates the troubles of a 1980s fax machine, and it can be done with any computer, tablet or smartphone.

Answering Machines​

Back in the 1980s, an answering machine was your only hope if you weren’t around to catch a call. Sure, it might eat your messages or fail to pick up calls, but at least you took comfort in thinking it had you covered.

Nowadays, voicemail is built right into smartphones and office phones, making it easier for you to retrieve and keep track of messages, from wherever you may be. And virtual answering services take things yet a step further, with features like voicemail transcription.

Floppy Disks

Before there was “the cloud,” there was the floppy disk – a storage medium used to hold a limited amount of data (a mere 110 KB for the 5-1/4 inch disk, and 1.4 MB for the 3.5-inch version). While convenient for transferring computer files, the biggest downside to the floppy disk was that it wasn’t always easy to determine which version was compatible with your PC. Plus, the initial formatting process could take hours to complete.

Today, cloud sharing lets you electronically share, transfer, and co-author computer files using any internet-enabled device. Cloud storage also allows you to back up and share as much data as you’d like – a huge advantage over the disks of the ‘80s.

Pagers

Commonly referred to as “beepers,” pagers were the mobile devices of their time. These little gadgets clipped onto your belt and displayed a caller’s number across the screen when you were being “beeped” …and that’s about it. It was then up to you to find a pay phone in order to call back.

Mobile phones have of course replaced this tech in the modern day, so you can receive calls, texts, emails and other notifications right in your pocket. The only beeping going on is your phone letting you know about one of these messages.

Cassette Tapes

It used to be that if you wanted to listen to your favorite band, you had to have a physical copy of their music – like on a cassette tape. And since cassettes were double-sided, you also had to flip the tape over when one side finished playing.

Today, on-demand music streaming services have all but replaced cassette tapes (and physical copies of music altogether). Now, you can stream music on your cellphone, tablet or computer, preselecting songs for instant playback or repeating your favorite tracks ad nauseam. And who wouldn’t want to access virtually any song at the press of a button?

Polaroid Cameras

Polaroid pictures were the only real option for instantly viewing your photos in the ‘80s. Yeah, you may not have enjoyed carrying around a clunky Polaroid camera, and sure, you may not have liked the size and shape of the photos, but it was neat!

The popularity of the Instagram app today has done more than just replace the Polaroid – it has driven new interest in this vintage technology. If you want to go old school, instantly printed photos are still an option, but for the rest of us, snapping a selfie with Instagram and just as quickly posting it online will give us the same instant gratification.

VHS/VCR

Remember renting a VHS tape from Blockbuster? It was one of the best ways to watch a newly-released movie at home in the 1980s. The VHS player/VCR was a staple in most households, and it allowed for recording TV shows onto tapes to watch later, too. How convenient!

Much like music, movies and TV have now gone digital, so they can be watched on-demand online. Streaming video services like Netflix and Hulu have sent VHS/VCR down the path of the Dodo.

Cellular Phone

A piece of ‘80s tech that only few could afford at the time, the cellphone takes the cake. Like most technologies, it started out big and awkward before being streamlined into the powerhouse it is today.

Every one of the tech items listed here can now be found on a smartphone (either built in or as an app). In fact, you could argue the cellphone is the single most important innovative technology of the last century. Just try going a day without one, and see for yourself.

eFax Content Team

Introduction

As a business in regulated industries such as healthcare, finance, and legal, sharing sensitive information safely is challenging. Faxing remains one of the best ways to share information while complying with privacy regulations such as HIPAA.

But how do you send or receive faxes when you don’t have a fax machine? Luckily, there are a few options available. The UPS fax service is ideal because it offers you many locations to choose from, depending on the one most convenient to you.

But how do you send or receive faxes when you don’t have a fax machine? Luckily, there are a few options available. The UPS fax service is ideal because it offers you many locations to choose from, depending on the one most convenient to you, with a relatively affordable fax cost at each UPS location.

Pro Tip: Traditional faxing can be challenging. However, our eFax digital faxing solution allows you to fax from anywhere, anytime, and for a low monthly fee. Our 24 hour fax service lets you send and receive faxes from anywhere on your smartphone, computer, or tablet.

Sign up for eFax today and reduce your costs with our digital faxing solutions.

Does UPS Offer Fax Services?

Yes. UPS offers faxing services, and you can fax at various outlets nationwide. However, not every UPS store offers the service, and the UPS fax cost may vary by location.

You’ll need to call your preferred store first and ask if they offer faxing and scanning. If they do, be sure to inquire about the fax charges to avoid any surprises and book an appointment to secure a spot. Sometimes, the faxing service can be busy, and you’ll have to wait for another customer to finish.

Requirements to Use the UPS Fax Service

You’ll need the following to send a fax via UPS faxing service:

• All the physical documents you want to send
• Cover sheet if you have any (the UPS also has them)
• The recipient’s fax number 
• The area code if you are faxing outside the state
• Payment for the faxing service.

Also Read: Can You Fax Documents at Walmart?

How Much Does it Cost to Fax at UPS? 

Fax charges at UPS can be high. If you are faxing locally, you’ll pay $1 for the first page of your document and $1 for every extra page.

• For regional or national faxing, the price is $2 for the first page and $1 for every additional page. 
• If you need to fax internationally, the cost is usually $3 for the first page and $3 for every extra page. 

Here’s a quick table showing the cost to fax at UPS:

It’s worth noting that the UPS fax cost can vary from one store to another, depending on the location or state. 

Additionally, your faxing budget should include the cost of time and gas for driving to and from the most convenient store.

5 Simple Steps to Send a Fax from UPS

Now that we are done with the basics, let’s see how you can send a document using the UPS fax service:

1. Search for a UPS Store Near You

A quick search on Google or Google Maps can show you various UPS stores near you, which you can then check further to see if they have faxing services.

We’ll talk a bit more about finding these stores later.

2. Visit the Store

Once you find and confirm that your chosen UPS outlet has a fax machine open to the public, visit it and tell the attending associate you need to fax. Be sure to ask about the cost of faxing as well before proceeding. 

3. Give the Associate the Required Details

The staff member or associate will ask you to provide the recipient’s fax number and area code if you are using UPS fax services to send a fax out of the state.

Provide a fax cover sheet if you have it.

4. Wait for the Associate to Fax for You

Depending on the store, you can use the fax machine yourself. Most UPS stores will run the fax for you. If so, give the attending associate your document so they can initiate the faxing.

Once the machine establishes a connection, the fax transmission time is about 30 seconds. Your waiting time will depend on the number of pages in your document.

5. Pay the Required Fee

Once your document has been faxed successfully, pay the necessary fee for the service. If the first attempt failed, you might have to wait a bit more for the associate to try faxing again.

While sending a fax using UPS is fairly simple, you can send one faster and more securely with eFax. Sign up for our service today to send and receive faxes from anywhere! You can even electronically sign your documents before sending them, quickly attach files from the cloud to your virtual faxes, and much more.

eFax: A Reliable & Cost Effective Alternative to UPS Fax Services

Traditional faxing is not an ideal solution in many ways. Modern faxing is an even better solution, and eFax is the best UPS fax alternative.

Here’s how the eFax stacks up against UPS fax:

Learn more about the features of eFax and how you can send and receive virtual faxes in minutes!

How to Find a UPS Fax Store Near You

There are several ways to find a nearby UPS store:

• Search on Google or Google Maps for “UPS store near me” in your area. For example, “UPS fax store near me in Raleigh, North Carolina.”
• Use UPS’s Store Locator on the company website. In the locator’s search bar, enter your ZIP code, city, or state, then click the “Search” button. Click “View Local Page” to see the store’s list of services.

• Use the store locator on the UPS Store app.
• Use the UPS Store online directory and search further for the stores in your neighborhood that offer faxing and scanning.

Going Beyond UPS Fax

Faxing at UPS stores is a convenient option for occasional use; however, it can become expensive for frequent faxing. Each fax incurs a cost, which can add up quickly. For individuals or businesses requiring frequent faxing, eFax online faxing offers a more cost efficient solution. eFax online fax services provides easy access from any device, anytime and anywhere.

Send Faxes Anytime, Anywhere with eFax – No Fax Machine Needed

Now you know how the UPS fax service works, how to send a fax, and how much it will cost. It’s also easy to find a nearby store that offers the service.

Since online faxing is much better than traditional faxing, you’ll want a safer solution that lets you store files online for free and comply with industry regulations such as HIPAA.

That’s where eFax comes in! Learn more about what eFax is and how it works!

eFax Content Team

Some people think of fax machines the same way they think about Keith Richards — they’re in awe of the longevity against all odds. The truth is, sending faxes is still a core part of life for many businesses, and while the technology has evolved, the humble fax still remains a ripe target for office-based humor. 

Let’s face it: the fax machine is meme-friendly. It straddles the generation gap, it confuses most people and it even sounds funny. There’s no shortage of funny jokes and memes about fax machines. Even as we move toward electronic faxes and away from the retro facsimile, you can rest assured that Twitter, and the internet in general, will keep us laughing about this common and perplexing device.

Here are the 20 best fax memes and funny fax jokes about offices we’ve seen lately.  

eFax is No Joke

As we have proven here, the humble fax machine is an easy target for office jokes, but your fax service doesn’t need to be a laughing stock. eFax makes it easy to send and receive faxes without the cost of operating a fax machine or landline. All you need is a computer, an eFax account and a few minutes of setup to convert your office to a more modern and convenient way of faxing.

Sign up for eFax and start your modern fax journey today.

eFax Content Team

The black fax prank is a prank in which an attacker faxes one or more entirely black pages to a company with the intent of inconveniencing the company, wasting their ink and toner, and potentially disabling their fax machine. Once the attacker begins faxing black pages, the recipient’s fax machine will continue to print black pages until it is completely drained of ink and turns off.

There are many situations in which businesses may receive an anonymous black fax. Black faxes may be sent by:

• Disgruntled employees targeting your business
• Individuals retaliating against businesses for sending junk faxes
• Organizations targeting other organizations, as in the case of United States of America v. Stop Huntingdon Animal Cruelty USA, Inc.

While it may seem like a harmless prank to some, it can completely disable a company’s fax machine, making it difficult for them to communicate and conduct business.

The black fax attack has been used in the past to harass large corporations, government institutions, and small businesses alike. Anonymous black faxes can be difficult to track, making it easy for pranksters to target businesses with little repercussions.

How the Black Fax Prank Impacts Businesses

Black faxes impact businesses in a few key ways.

First and foremost, black faxes can cost businesses money as they waste paper, toner, and ink. In some cases, the fax machine itself may break down due to being overloaded by faxes.

If the fax machine does break down or you run out of toner and ink due to the prank, you may not be able to conduct business or communicate with others until you’re able to replace your fax machine or purchase new materials. During the attack, you may also not be able to operate your fax machine as it is busy processing the black faxes.

Avoid Black Faxes with eFax

Anyone who knows your fax number can send black faxes, and with a traditional fax machine, this prank can result in significant expenses.

But with online fax services like eFax, businesses can minimize the impact that pranks like this one have on their companies.

With eFax, faxes are sent directly to your eFax account, giving you the ability to review faxes before printing them. If someone tries to spam you with black faxes, you can delete them without having to print them. This way, you don’t have to worry about wasting your paper, toner, or ink.

eFax makes it easy for businesses to send and receive faxes without having to worry about being victims of attacks like the black fax prank.

eFax Features & Benefits

eFax helps businesses minimize their risk of suffering damages from black fax pranks and similar attacks, but the benefits don’t stop there.

eFax offers users a wide range of great features and benefits that help them save money, save time, and boost productivity.

More Ways to Fax

eFax gives you multiple ways to send and receive faxes online. Users can send and receive faxes on desktop with their eFax account, through the eFax Messenger app, or fax via email. As long as you have access to the internet, you can always send faxes with eFax.

Mobile App

Don’t have access to your desktop or laptop? With the eFax mobile fax app, you can receive, sign, and send faxes right from your smartphone or tablet.

Toll-Free & Local Fax Numbers

Toll-free fax numbers help your business establish a national presence, while local fax numbers help you stay in touch with your local community. eFax members can choose either a toll-free or local fax number depending on the needs of their business.

Online Fax Storage

When you use eFax, you can store your faxes online and easily retrieve them at any time. You can tag your faxes with keywords to find them easily, and you can quickly find and download your stored faxes 24/7 through the eFax online portal or mobile app.

Cloud Storage

eFax integrates seamlessly with popular cloud storage platforms like Google Drive, iCloud, and Dropbox. Whenever you need to send a fax, you can quickly grab files from these cloud storage apps on your phone and attach them to your fax.

Electronic Signatures

eFax helps businesses and professionals streamline their document workflows with easy electronic signatures. You can sign documents directly from your phone, tablet, or computer, and return them in a matter of minutes, making it easier than ever to close deals and respond quickly to customers and clients.

After following these steps, eFax will securely deliver your fax to the intended recipient.

Large File Sharing

You can use eFax to share files with clients and coworkers that are too large to send via email, such as high-res images and videos or work presentations, to up to 20 recipients at a time.

Find Faxes Fast

eFax makes it as easy as possible to organize and locate your faxes. Search for faxes by keyword, recipient name, date, or tag to find documents as quickly as possible.

FAQs

What is the black fax prank?

The black fax prank is a type of denial of service attack in which the attacker faxes one or multiple entirely black pages to a recipient, usually a business or government institution.

This prank can quickly drain the recipient’s toner and ink, resulting in monetary damages for the recipient. In some cases, the black fax prank can even cause the recipient’s fax machine to completely break down.

Is there any way to avoid the black fax prank?

The black fax prank may not be completely avoidable, but with online fax services like eFax, you can significantly mitigate the damages and inconveniences that it causes.

Since online fax services deliver faxes electronically, you can review your documents before printing them, making it easy to weed out spam faxes and avoid wasting materials.

Is it safe to send faxes online?

Yes, sending faxes online is safe to do. Online fax services implement several safety measures, including two-factor authentication, encryption, and more, to protect your private documents and information from falling into the wrong hands.

Sign Up Today

eFax makes it easy to send and receive faxes without being vulnerable to pranks like this one.

eFax Content Team

If you’ve ever had to fax your financial records to your accountant at tax time, then you’ve probably experienced the panicked feeling that can come out of having to use an old-fashioned fax machine.

Well, you’re not alone. Many of us have had the experience of looking down at an important document and wondering if faxing is the best option for sending it.

So, why does sending faxes inspire such abject terror in so many of us? The fax machine doesn’t exactly make faxing simple. In fact, nothing makes faxing more burdensome and inconvenient than the technology itself.

Imagine this situation: You’re standing there feeding your financial records into the document feeder. Since fax pages transmit separately, you’re forced to load each page one by one. Your foot is tapping by the time you notice that the last page has jammed in the machine and, as a consequence, the fax transmission is automatically cancelled.

It’s. Time. To. Start. Over. Again. (Cue feelings of abject terror.)

In order to understand faxing, let’s take a look at the origins of fax technology, the direction it’s currently headed, and the brighter future ahead for cloud faxing.

The Origins of Faxing

Invented by Alexander Bain in 1842, the early fax machine worked by printing messages onto metallic surfaces. Initially a commercial failure, the fax machine proved to be a legal nightmare, as Bain was forced to repeatedly protect his patent against similar inventions.

However, as governments and other organizations began to prize faxing in the early 20th Century as a way to securely transmit documents, maps and other confidential data, the view of the fax machine changed considerably.

Newspapers and the military could send and receive time-sensitive information faster than ever before, without the threat of interference from unwanted third parties. It was an extremely useful tool that organizations benefited almost exclusively from for the greater part of the 1900s.

The Era of the Fax Machine

It wasn’t until the end of the 20th Century that faxing would gain widespread adoption. In fact, it wasn’t until fax machines were manufactured for general use and prices slashed that sales, among consumers and small business owners, skyrocketed.

By the early 1980s, there were more fax machines in homes and offices than in large organizations. By the end of the decade, several million fax machines were in use.

However, this widespread success wouldn’t last. By the 2000s, the fax machine was on the decline, with  fewer consumers purchasing it. The rise of multifunction devices made the old-fashioned fax machine appear archaic.

Although faxing was still used in many corporate offices, it was no longer considered the ‘be all and end all’ technology that it once was. The internet now offered email as an alternative, and some opted for other document transfer services, like a same-day messenger.

Modern Day Faxing

By 2007, cloud computing revolutionized information and communication technology. Within only a few years, faxing had all but shifted from the fax machine to the internet and, ultimately, to fax apps.

The fax machine used by public relation firms, advertisers, and small business owners rely on paper being in their hands of their clients. Small towns in rural areas might have poor internet capability and rely on their landlines to deliver important messages. Despite many businesses leaving fax machines out of their modern office setups, the fax machine persists.

With faxing still alive and well, many industries rely on it for its practicality. Online faxing has transformed the way faxes are sent and received, making it just as convenient as email. No longer are physical machines and paper required. In accordance with federal regulations, many cloud fax companies have made vast improvements to online faxing apps that can run on computers and even smart phones. Now, consumers can easily send their financial records digitally across a secure channel. Online portals help manage all cloud fax transmissions, and only those authorized to use the accounts have access. Furthermore, businesses can send invoices and other confidential company documents. It’s a win-win for everyone.

Living in a Mobile World

The internet and mobile apps have changed the way consumers and professionals fax. Faxing can now be done anywhere, any time, with ease.

It’s no surprise, really, that faxing has ended up on your phone, right in your pocket – just like everything else.

References:

Baraniuk, C. (February 25, 2015). Why the fax machine isn’t quite dead yet. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20150224-why-the-fax-machine-wont-die

eFax Content Team