How to Access and Save a "Mobile Fax" Scan, after "Sent"

[Songbill]

I used the Mobile Fax function of my HP Deskjet 4100 Series to scan and send a Fax. The receiver confirms they got it. However, I can't find a way to retrieve and save the pdf file, which is still showing in the Mobile Fax function of my HP Smart app and account. When I click on the + sign at "Files and Cover Sheet" under "Sent", I can see the 5 pages of the pdf file but there seems no way to download or save it to my computer or identify where the pdf file is stored. When I did the scan in "Mobile Fax" mode of my HP printer, where did it create and store the pdf? Is it stored in the printer's memory? How do I access and save it to my PC?

[VikramTheGreat · Accepted solution]

Hi @Songbill,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

Thank you for posting your query. I will be glad to help you.

It seems that you’re not alone; many HP Mobile Fax users have asked the same thing. Here’s what’s happening, and what you can and can’t do:

1. There’s No Downloadable File Stored

HP confirms that once a fax is sent via the Mobile Fax feature, the actual PDF isn’t saved automatically in your HP Smart account or on your printer. What you see is just a small preview, and there’s no native “Download” button for the sent fax.

2. How to Save the Fax Before or After Sending

A. Scan First, Save, Then Fax

1. In HP Smart, go to Scan (use either your phone’s camera or the printer’s scanner).
2. Save the scan as a PDF to your device or cloud storage.
3. Use Mobile Fax to send that PDF file.
   This way, you’ll have a secure copy before sending.

B. Edit and Forward Sent Fax

1. In HP Smart, open the Mobile Fax section and go to Sent.
2. Tap the fax entry and choose "Edit and Forward".
3. Instead of sending, select a local printer or email destination to save a copy.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have an amazing day!
 

Did we resolve the issue? If yes, please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!

Regards,

VikramTheGreat

[Songbill]

Thank you for your detailed answer. 

I now understand why there is no retrievable pdf file, just the little preview screen after hitting "Send".  Perhaps HP could modify the firmware or software on the Deskjet 4100 printer so that a user is not able to unintentionally scan and send a fax without first saving it as a pdf file on their computer.

Thanks again for your reply.

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @Songbill,

Thank you for your thoughtful reply and for taking the time to share this feedback. We’re glad the explanation helped clarify why there isn’t a retrievable PDF file when using the scan-to-fax workflow, and only the preview is shown after selecting Send.

Your suggestion is completely valid and well-reasoned. We understand how helpful it would be if the DeskJet 4100 firmware or HP Smart software required users to save the scanned document locally as a PDF before sending a fax, as this would help prevent accidental sends and give users a permanent copy for their records.

While we’re not able to make firmware or software changes directly through support, please be assured that your feedback will be passed along to the appropriate product and development teams as a feature request. Input like yours is important and helps influence future improvements to HP products and software behavior.

In the meantime, the recommended workaround is to first scan and save the document as a PDF to your computer, then attach and send that file via the fax option. This ensures you always retain a copy before transmission.

Thank you again for your constructive feedback and for choosing HP. If you have any other suggestions or need assistance in the future, we’re here to help.

Take care and have an amazing day!
 

Did we resolve the issue? If yes, please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!

Regards,

VikramTheGreat