Can I receive a fax without a fax machine?

Yes. A virtual fax number routes incoming faxes through cloud servers that convert the analog signal to a PDF and email it to you. The sender uses their regular fax machine and notices no difference on their end.

How do I get a fax number to receive faxes?

Sign up for an online fax service like mFax.to, choose a local or toll-free number, and set your delivery email. The whole process takes under 2 minutes. See our [best online fax services guide](/blog/best-online-fax-services/) for a comparison of top providers.

Is receiving faxes online HIPAA compliant?

It can be. You need a provider that uses TLS/256-bit encryption for transmission and storage, and that will sign a Business Associate Agreement (BAA). Check our [HIPAA compliant fax guide](/blog/hipaa-compliant-fax/) for a detailed breakdown.

Can multiple people receive the same fax?

Yes. Most online fax services let you forward incoming faxes to multiple email addresses simultaneously — useful for team inboxes or backup notifications.

What happens if someone sends a fax to my number while I'm offline?

Nothing is lost. Cloud fax servers receive the fax 24/7 and queue it for delivery. You'll get the PDF in your email as soon as the service processes it, regardless of whether you're online.

How to Receive a Fax Online: Virtual Fax Number Setup (2026)

No fax machine? No problem. Get a virtual fax number in 2 minutes and receive documents as PDFs delivered straight to your email inbox or phone. Works with any sender's fax machine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I receive a fax without a fax machine?: Yes. A virtual fax number routes incoming faxes through cloud servers that convert the analog signal to a PDF and email it to you. The sender uses their regular fax machine and notices no difference on their end.
How do I get a fax number to receive faxes?: Sign up for an online fax service like mFax.to, choose a local or toll-free number, and set your delivery email. The whole process takes under 2 minutes. See our [best online fax services guide](/blog/best-online-fax-services/) for a comparison of top providers.
Is receiving faxes online HIPAA compliant?: It can be. You need a provider that uses TLS/256-bit encryption for transmission and storage, and that will sign a Business Associate Agreement (BAA). Check our [HIPAA compliant fax guide](/blog/hipaa-compliant-fax/) for a detailed breakdown.
Can multiple people receive the same fax?: Yes. Most online fax services let you forward incoming faxes to multiple email addresses simultaneously — useful for team inboxes or backup notifications.
What happens if someone sends a fax to my number while I'm offline?: Nothing is lost. Cloud fax servers receive the fax 24/7 and queue it for delivery. You'll get the PDF in your email as soon as the service processes it, regardless of whether you're online.