connecting fax printer to phone

[bengalman417]

How to connect HP Fax printer to an answering machine through a modem.

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @bengalman417 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

I understand how important it is to get your fax printer working smoothly with your phone line and answering machine. Let’s walk through the connection process together step by step. 

Thank you for any effort you’ve already put into setting this up—it can feel a little tricky, but we’ll make it clear and simple.

 

Steps to Connect HP Fax Printer with Answering Machine through a Modem

Turn off all devices
Power down your fax printer, answering machine, and modem before making any connections. This prevents electrical interference and ensures a clean setup.

Connect the phone line to the modem

• Plug the telephone line from the wall jack into the modem’s “Line” port.
• This is the main line that carries both voice and fax signals.

Connect the fax printer to the modem

• Use a second phone cord to connect the modem’s “Phone” or “Tel” port to the fax printer’s “Line” port.
• This allows the fax printer to share the same line.

Connect the answering machine

• Plug another phone cord from the fax printer’s “Ext” or “Telephone” port into the answering machine’s “Line” port.
• This way, incoming calls first pass through the fax printer, then to the answering machine.

Reconnect your telephone (optional)

• If you want a phone handset connected, plug it into the answering machine’s “Phone” port.
• This ensures you can still answer calls manually.

Power on and test

• Switch on the modem, fax printer, and answering machine.
• Call your number from another phone to confirm: the answering machine should pick up after the set number of rings, and the fax printer should detect fax tones when present.

Adjust fax settings

• On the fax printer’s control panel, set the Answer Mode to “Fax/Tel” or “Automatic.”
• Configure the Rings to Answer so the fax picks up before the answering machine if you expect frequent faxes.
• If voice calls are more common, set the answering machine to pick up first, and the fax printer will detect fax tones after.

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye