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How to fax with a Canon printer
Here is how to fax with a Canon printer, from connecting the phone line to sending your first page. Only certain Canon models can fax, mostly all-in-one PIXMA and imageCLASS or MAXIFY models with a fax function, so check that yours has a Fax button or menu first. fax-from-computer.com put together this guide to walk through setup, sending from the panel or a computer, common problems, and what to do if you have no phone line.
Get Started NowCanon printer fax: check your model and connect the line
Look for a Fax key on the control panel or a fax icon on the touchscreen, and a phone jack labelled LINE on the back. Canon printer fax features need an analog phone line connected to that LINE port. If you also want a phone on the same line, plug it into the EXT port.
Run the fax setup in the printer menu to enter your fax number, header name, date and receive mode. Your model's manual on Canon's support site has the exact menu names.
How to fax on canon printer control panel
The steps below fit most fax-capable Canon all-in-ones; menus vary slightly by model.
- Load the document face down on the glass or face up in the document feeder.
- Press the Fax button or tap Fax on the touchscreen.
- Enter the recipient's fax number with the keypad, including any prefix for an outside line.
- Choose black and white or adjust resolution if needed.
- Press Black or Start to send.
- Check the activity report or print a transmission report to confirm it went through.
How to fax from printer canon software on a computer
If you want to know how to fax from a canon printer without printing the document first, many Canon models support PC faxing with the Canon fax driver on Windows or the fax feature in the macOS print dialog. Install the full driver package for your model, open the document, choose Print, select the Canon fax driver or fax option, enter the number and send. The printer still dials out through its phone line.
How do you fax on a canon printer when it fails?
Most failures come from the line or the settings rather than the printer.
- Confirm a dial tone on the line and that the cord is in the LINE port, not EXT
- On VoIP or DSL, try lowering the transmission speed in fax settings, and use a DSL filter if needed
- Turn off ECM if pages fail partway
- Check the error code in the activity report against the Canon manual
- Make sure the receive mode is set correctly if you are not getting faxes
Canon printer fax without phone line
A Canon printer fax without phone line is not possible on its own, because the built-in fax modem needs an analog line to dial. If you do not have a line, you can still use the Canon to scan your pages to a PDF, then send that file as a fax online.
FaxToFax.com works in any browser on your computer, with nothing to install. Upload the PDF, JPG or PNG, enter the number and send, then keep the time-stamped delivery receipt. You also get a local or toll-free US or Canadian number with an encrypted browser inbox. Plans are Personal at $4.99 for the first month, then $18.99 a month for 200 pages, and Business at $14.99 for the first month, then $39.99 a month for 500 pages and 5 users. You can cancel online anytime.
- Scan your document on the Canon to your computer as a PDF.
- Open FaxToFax.com and sign in.
- Upload the PDF, enter the fax number and send.
- Check for Delivered status and the receipt.
How to Fax With a Canon Printer: Step-by-Step Guide: questions
Do all Canon printers fax?
No. Only models with a fax function, usually labelled with a Fax button and a LINE port, can send faxes.
Can I fax from a Canon printer without a phone line?
Not directly. Scan to PDF and send it with an online fax service instead.
How to fax from a canon printer using my laptop?
Install Canon's full driver package, print to the Canon fax driver, enter the number and send. The printer still needs its phone line.
Why does my Canon fax keep failing?
Check the line, lower the fax speed, turn off ECM and look up the error code in your manual.
Can a Canon printer fax in color?
Some models can send color faxes to compatible machines, but most faxes are sent in black and white.
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