Do People Still Fax Use Fax Machines in 2026
Updated Dec 18th, 2025 - 4 min read
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With communication shifting toward instant messaging, cloud platforms and AI-enhanced tools, it’s common to wonder, “do people still fax?”, and “why do people still use fax?”
The reality is that faxing remains essential across many industries. Although consumer use has dropped and that fax machines are hard to come by, businesses continue to rely on fax for compliance, security and the safe exchange of legally binding documents.
This article breaks down why fax still matters, the sectors that continue to use it, and how Notifyre’s online fax service serves as a better alternative than the traditional fax machine.
Why Do People Still Fax?
Despite the rise of email and other messaging platforms, faxing remains relevant. Here are some of the reasons why people still fax:
1. Fax is Secure & Compliant
Security and compliance are the main reasons why people still fax. Industries with strict privacy regulations such as healthcare and finance still rely on fax because:
Fax is considered more tamper-resistant than email
It provides point-to-point transmission
If you choose an online service such as Notifyre, it aligns with standards like ISO 27001
2. Fax is Legally Accepted
Courts, government agencies and regulated industries continue to accept faxed documents as legally binding. Faxing provides:
A reliable audit trail
Proof of fax transmissions
Immediate, date-stamped delivery
3. Fax is Not Limited by Infrastructure Limitations
In regions where broadband connectivity is inconsistent, or firewalls block email attachments, faxing remains a dependable alternative. Reliable fax delivery can make a huge difference for medical institutions who are awaiting test results, diagnostic reports, and patient refferals.
4. Fax Interoperability
Many legacy systems (e.g., laboratory systems, pharmacy networks, legal offices) still integrate with fax workflows, making it difficult to fully eliminate faxing in many industries.
The Shift From Hardware to Online Faxing
One of the biggest changes in recent years isn’t whether people fax, it’s how they fax. Traditional fax machines are steadily being replaced by online fax services that fit modern business operations. This shift is driven by:
1. Digital Transformation Across Industries
As organisations streamline document workflows, many are fax modems and other hardware in favor of online platforms that integrate more easily with existing systems and software.
2. Hybrid & Remote Work Environments
With teams now working from multiple locations, relying on a physical fax machine is no longer practical. Online faxing allows staff to fax from a computer or smart device, supporting distributed workforces.
3. Cost Efficiency & Reduced Maintenance
As also mentioned above, no need for hardware!
4. Better Workflow Visibility
Online fax solutions provide unified dashboards where teams can monitor activity, track document status and manage high-volume communications more effectively. This improves coordination and reduces manual follow-up.
Do People Still Fax?
Yes, but not how they used to. Overall 2025 data shows the following:
The market for fax machines is shrinking as more people and businesses switch to digital forms of communication (Data Insights Market, 2025).
The online fax market is forecast to grow steadily at a compound annual growth rate of about 6.8 %, increasing its market size from USD 2.88 billion to USD 5.18 billion between 2026 and 2035 (Business Research Insights, 2025).
These only show that faxing hasn’t disappeared, it has evolved.
What Industries Still Use Fax in 2026?
Fax is commonly used across sectors that prioritize privacy, compliance and verified document transmission:
Faxing is still widely used for:
Patient referrals
Lab results
Prescription orders
Insurance documentation
In healthcare settings, fax accounts for roughly 70 % of all communication and up to 90 % when including Electronic Health Record (EHR) linked faxing (Codes Health, 2025).
Law offices rely on fax for:
Filing time-sensitive documents
Submitting signed agreements
Retaining secure document records
Pharmacists still fax:
Prescription transfers
Doctor’s orders and authorizations
Insurance and reimbursement documentation
Faxing continues to support:
Loan documentation
Authorization forms
Secure identity verification processes
Many government agencies still accept and issue documents via fax due to strict compliance requirements and legacy workflows.
Why Businesses Are Moving to Online Fax Solutions Like Notifyre
While traditional fax machines are still used, many organisations have moved to secure, cloud fax services such as Notifyre for a more efficient, modern experience. Here are some of the benefits:
Send fax from any device
Send and receive faxes using your computer, laptop, mobile or tablet. No fax machine required.
Secure, compliant communication
Notifyre supports stringent industry requirements, including:
HIPAA compliance
ISO 27001 certification
Every industry receives the same high level of protection.
Real-time reporting & audit trails
Access delivery confirmations, transmission logs and fax activity tracking instantly.
Scalable for all business sizes
From small clinics to enterprise organisations, Notifyre provides:
No hardware, no maintenance
Online faxing removes the need for:
Physical machines
Paper and ink
Phone line rentals
Machine repairs
Fax Machines vs Online Fax Services in 2026
| Feature | Notifyre Online Fax | Fax Machines |
|---|---|---|
| Hardware Required | No | Yes |
| Security | Enterprise grade security & compliance | Varies by machine, not as secure |
| Cost | Pay as you go | High maintenance |
| Accessiblity | Anywhere, any device | Only where the machine is located |
| Audit Trail | Full digital logging | Paper receipts |
| Integration | API and platform integrations | Difficult |
Online faxing clearly supports modern workflows more efficiently.
Fax Is Still Here! But Fax Technology Has Evolved
Fax machines may be fading, but faxing itself continues to thrive, now powered by digital, cloud-based technology. Instead of relying on outdated devices, businesses are adopting platforms that offer greater security, mobility and efficiency.
Notifyre enables this shift by providing a modern faxing experience that integrates seamlessly into existing workflows, allowing organisations to send and receive critical documents with confidence in 2026 and beyond.
Modernise How You Fax in 2026
Faxing hasn’t disappeared, it’s evolved. Notifyre lets you send and receive secure faxes online without relying on outdated machines, phone lines, or manual workflows.
Fax From Email
Create a new email, attach your fax document and enter the recipient’s fax number.
Explore Email To Fax Enterprise Fax Gateway
Access our comprehensive REST API documentation and scale your messaging, fast!
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