What is fax forwarding?

Fax forwarding is a feature that automatically routes incoming faxes to a destination you choose — typically an email address, cloud folder, or another fax number — instead of printing to a physical machine. The incoming fax signal is converted to a digital file (PDF or TIFF) and delivered instantly.

How do I forward a fax to my email?

Sign up with an online fax service that supports fax-to-email (such as mFax, eFax, or Fax.Plus), get a virtual fax number, and configure your email address in the account settings. All incoming faxes will then arrive as PDF attachments in your inbox. See our [best online fax services](/blog/best-online-fax-services/) guide for options.

What is the difference between fax forwarding and fax number porting?

Forwarding redirects calls from your existing number to a new destination while keeping the number at its original carrier — you pay two providers and only one call can be active at a time. Porting permanently transfers your number to a new carrier so the old line is cancelled. Porting is better for long-term setups; forwarding is a quick temporary bridge.

Is fax forwarding HIPAA compliant?

It can be, but only if the fax service encrypts transmissions in transit and at rest, maintains audit logs, and signs a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) with your organization. Not all services offer this by default — see our [HIPAA compliant fax guide](/blog/hipaa-compliant-fax/) for the requirements.

Can I forward faxes to multiple email addresses?

Yes — most online fax services allow you to add multiple delivery addresses. eFax, for example, supports up to five email addresses per fax number. mFax Business lets you configure delivery preferences at the team or user level.

Fax Forwarding: Complete Guide (2026)

Fax forwarding automatically routes incoming faxes to your email, cloud storage, or another fax number — no physical machine required. This complete guide covers how fax forwarding works, the different types, how to set it up, and which services do it best in 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is fax forwarding?: Fax forwarding is a feature that automatically routes incoming faxes to a destination you choose — typically an email address, cloud folder, or another fax number — instead of printing to a physical machine. The incoming fax signal is converted to a digital file (PDF or TIFF) and delivered instantly.
How do I forward a fax to my email?: Sign up with an online fax service that supports fax-to-email (such as mFax, eFax, or Fax.Plus), get a virtual fax number, and configure your email address in the account settings. All incoming faxes will then arrive as PDF attachments in your inbox. See our [best online fax services](/blog/best-online-fax-services/) guide for options.
What is the difference between fax forwarding and fax number porting?: Forwarding redirects calls from your existing number to a new destination while keeping the number at its original carrier — you pay two providers and only one call can be active at a time. Porting permanently transfers your number to a new carrier so the old line is cancelled. Porting is better for long-term setups; forwarding is a quick temporary bridge.
Is fax forwarding HIPAA compliant?: It can be, but only if the fax service encrypts transmissions in transit and at rest, maintains audit logs, and signs a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) with your organization. Not all services offer this by default — see our [HIPAA compliant fax guide](/blog/hipaa-compliant-fax/) for the requirements.
Can I forward faxes to multiple email addresses?: Yes — most online fax services allow you to add multiple delivery addresses. eFax, for example, supports up to five email addresses per fax number. mFax Business lets you configure delivery preferences at the team or user level.