When you don't want to spend the extra money on a second phone line dedicated to a fax machine but need the capability to send and receive faxes, you can use a phone and a fax machine on a single line. The fax machine usually screens calls to see if they are voice calls, then signals you if you need to pick up the phone. However, some fax machines allow you to set a delay to give you time to answer before the fax does.

Step 1

Plug your fax machine into the wall phone outlet using a standard phone cable. Use the "Incoming" port on the fax, or the one with the fax symbol above it.

Step 2

Plug your phone into the "Outgoing" port on the fax, which often has a phone symbol above it.

Step 3

Plug in your fax machine and turn it on. Scroll through the menu to locate the "Modes" option and choose "Fax/Tel" mode. This tells the fax machine to answer the phone and determine whether the call is a fax or voice call. If it's a voice call, the fax machine should notify you with a special ring.

Step 4

You can also set up the ring delay option if your fax is equipped with it. Under the menu, choose the "Settings" tab or similar option and select "Fax Settings." Look for the option that lets you set up the way the fax receives messages, often "Setup Receive," and select "Ring Delay." Choose the number of rings that should occur before the fax answers. This gives you an opportunity to answer the phone before the fax does.


  • Using the Fax/Tel option usually means you can't use voice mail on your phone. If you need voice mail, set your machine in Manual mode instead. When you pick up the phone and hear a fax tone, press "Start" on your fax machine and hang up your receiver to allow the fax machines to communicate. The fax machine won't automatically answer; you must always manually press "Start" to receive a fax in this mode. However, this might be a better option if you receive fewer faxes than voice calls.
  • You can use a splitter to separate one line into two connections. Plug the splitter into the wall telephone outlet. Connect the phone cord from the fax machine into one side of the splitter. Connect the phone cord from a landline phone to the other side of the splitter.

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