A failed fax transmission means lost time and effort. Imagine needing to fax an important document only to get a transmission error. By sending a test fax, you can figure out whether your fax machine is working or if there’s something wrong with your landline connection. On top of this, sending a test fax is also a great way to test your machine’s status. You can send test fax right after troubleshooting some issues. It also helps you determine whether your fax machine’s printer is printing properly and if there aren’t any paper jams in the ADF (automatic document feeder).
If you know someone with a fax machine, you can ask to send a test fax to that fax number. If not, you can also refer to your machine’s official guide. Since fax machines vary by brand and model, they may require specific guidelines for sending test faxes. Another way is to try and send a test fax to the following numbers:
HP Test Fax Service: 1-888-HPFAXME (1-888-473-2963)
Canon Test Fax Number: 1-855-FX-CANON (1-855-392-2666)
Brother Test Fax Number: 1-877-268-9575
To send a test fax to any of these numbers, you need to do the following:
- Send a one-page monochrome fax document to 1-888-HPFAXME. You can also send it to the other numbers.
- Make sure to include your full 10-digit phone number in the fax header. Don’t forget to include the area code.
- If your fax is successful, you should be able to receive a return fax within five to seven minutes. If not, there could be something wrong with your phone line or fax machine.
With iFax, sending a test fax is optional. It’s also easier to know whether you’ve successfully sent a fax since it will automatically update and mark your fax message as “delivered.”