Why did Apple Drop Fax Modem Support with Sierra?

Here are instructions on how to reinstall usb fax modem support on Mac OS Sierra: Reinstall USB Fax Modem Capabilities on Sierra. It simply involves copying a few files from a previous El Capitan install. It works on my system, and the working fix is persistent after the 10.12.3 upgrade.

I filed a bug report and was told that Sierra supports multi-function printer faxing, but not "legacy" fax modems.

Personally, I have no interest in adding more peripheral clutter when all I need is a sub-$15 modem and a phone cord, especially when the fix is copying over a few files.

If dropping support for fax modems affects you negatively, please take the time to issue feedback at Apple's website, https://www.apple.com/feedback/macosx.html.

Here are instructions on how to reinstall usb fax modem support on Mac OS Sierra. They simply involve copying a few files from a previous El Capitan install. It works on my system, and the working fix is persistent after the 10.12.3 upgrade.

I filed a bug report and was told that Sierra supports multi-function printer faxing, but not "legacy" fax modems.

Personally, I have no interest in adding more peripheral clutter when all I need is a sub-$15 modem and a phone cord, especially when the fix is copying over a few files.

If dropping support for fax modems affects you negatively, please take the time to issue feedback at Apple's website, https://www.apple.com/feedback/macosx.html.

I gave feedback to Apple. I tried clicking on your link, but it says "Access to this place or content is restricted." My medical office desperately needs to return to using our fax modems. Email won't suffice because of federal HIPAA laws. We need to fax directly from Word documents to medical records software in other offices. Multifunction printers are cumbersome for our purposes. The one computer I upgraded to Sierra can't fax at all now. I will never be able to upgrade the OS on our other computers unless they return to supporting fax modems.

See the gist link in the message above yours.

ScottInCalifornia wrote:

I gave feedback to Apple. I tried clicking on your link, but it says "Access to this place or content is restricted." My medical office desperately needs to return to using our fax modems. Email won't suffice because of federal HIPAA laws. We need to fax directly from Word documents to medical records software in other offices. Multifunction printers are cumbersome for our purposes. The one computer I upgraded to Sierra can't fax at all now. I will never be able to upgrade the OS on our other computers unless they return to supporting fax modems.

There hasn't been fax modem support since Apple stopped including a modem/telephone port on the computers. You can still try using a USB connected modem for faxing.

I used to have an icon for my Zoom USB modem, so I could print directly to the fax-modem. Too bad, now that is all gone with Sierra.

I work in a healthcare related office. Yes, faxing is still used and no, online faxing is not an option. In reality, one may dispute security, revolutionizing the world and perhaps, deeming this technology as prehistoric. However, these problems are real and cannot be over seen by simply removing features from new operating systems.

A major problem of just using other faxing alternatives are the patterns of problems recognized within different applications. Fax/Printer/Scanner combos are some of the worst alternatives, as they lack in computing skills that impact the time of fixing these issues.

I've been using El Capitan & Yosemite with no issues since the beginning of the year. In fact, when using Windows 8 through 10, I began to notice consistencies of errors when receiving faxes. It turned out that windows replaced drivers - unknowingly, causing months of headaches. After switching to OS X, there have been no issues with this problem. It's cost affective and very simple for most small IT techs.

Now with MacOs, it seems that healthcare facilities/offices are to be concerned with standard faxing practices. I don't see faxes as a thing of the past. I just find myself today, working with technologies that are standardized in real world industries.

I just hope Apple understands it's industries and their demands.

Suggest sending feedback to http://www.apple.com/feedback/macosx.html

If enough customers complain, maybe they'll restore support?

Sorry to be a bummer, but I doubt native fax modem support will be restored. I do want to chime in with a "why do they do that?" comment, tho. It's easier to understand with a hardware feature (like, say, an iPhone headphone jack), there could be good manufacturing reasons; but it's not like fax modem support takes up any actual space, a few K of file space, maybe (or maybe I don't know what I'm talking about).

The article here seems to state that Apple has even removed the possibility of a 3d-party solution. Don't understand it.

I think I'll use this as an excuse to replace my printer, which hasn't a fax, and also isn't AirPrint-aware.

If you send and receive faxes infrequently here is a workaround that is free, albeit, cumbersome.

To send faxes:

http://faxzero.com/

Fax PDF or doc or multiple pages. Can use cover sheet.

Free Fax

• Free!

• FaxZero branding on the cover page

• Maximum 3 pages + cover

• Max 5 free faxes per day

To Receive Faxes:

https://www.efax.com/efax-help-center/efax-plans/efax-free

eFax Free™ Features

• 10 Inbound Fax Pages

• 0 Outbound Fax Pages

• No Electronic Signature

• Free Mobile App for Receiving Only

• Large File Sharing (15 sends per month, up to 300MB at a time, files will save for 30 days, alert when opened)

Follow These 3 Quick Steps to View a Fax in eFax MyAccount

1. Sign Up for eFax

After you’ve activated your eFax account, you can start receiving faxes immediately at your new eFax number, or the number you ported in.

2. Log in to eFax MyAccount

Now that your eFax service is up and running, login to your eFax MyAccount fax portal to easily view incoming faxes anytime, anywhere.

3. Find & Click on Your Fax

In your eFax MyAccount portal, you’ll automatically see your received faxes Inbox. Just click on the fax you want to view, then download or forward it.

Follow these 3 Simple Steps to View a Fax in Your Email

https://www.efax.com/how-it-works/how-to-receive-faxes-by-email

Years ago you could install an eFax app that would open the email fax attachment so you could read it. I don't recall if it ever worked with Mac or if it stopped working after Snow Leopard. But I think you cannot use it now. But, you can still get faxes as email attachments. This serves as your notification (since you cannot open the attachment) to log in to the eFax website & read & D/L your Fax. For some reason some of the email faxes arrive as PDF which can easily be read but, most do not & cannot be opened on Mac.

HTH