Error Messages

When your receive a callback from Phaxio notifying you of a failure, it will contain two values that can help you understand what went wrong: an error_code and an error_type.

The error_type will give you a general idea of why the operation failed, whereas the error_code describes the issue in more detail. Below we list the error_codes for the API, segmented by their corresponding error_type.

The 5 Phaxio error types:

documentConversionError messages

Description:
documentConversionErrors usually occur when there is a problem with one of the files you posted.
Message Description, possible causes
There was a problem in converting and merging files to the output file format.
There was a problem in converting and merging files to the output file format. Contact Phaxio support.
Could not access the url you provided.
The string_data URL you provided is invalid
There was a problem storing the file you provided.

lineError messages

Description:
There was a problem with the phone line. The call could not be placed.
Message Description, possible causes
The call dropped prematurely
Congestion
Ring Timeout
Busy
Immediate Hangup
No answer from the fax machine.
Incompatible destination
Phone number not operational
Telephony error
Problem establishing connection
The Receiving Phone Number Is Not Operational
Call rejected
No route available
Telephony Error There was an issue communicating with the receiving line.
Number changed
No answer from the fax machine
Network Error

faxError messages

Description:
A problem occured during the fax communication process.
Message Description, possible causes
There was an error communicating with the far side.
Far end cannot receive at the size of image
No response after sending a page
Disconnected after permitted retries
Received no response to DCS or TCF
Timed out waiting for the first message
Timed out waiting for initial communication
Unexpected message received
The HDLC carrier did not stop in a timely manner
Received a DCN from remote after sending a page
Received bad response to DCS or training
Far end cannot receive at the resolution of the image
The remote fax machine failed to respond
Failed to train with any of the compatible modems
Invalid response after sending a page
Fax machine incompatibility
The remote fax machine hung up before receiving fax
Telephony error There was an error during the setup of the call. The fax may have been transmitted successfully, but unfortunately we can't tell.
Unexpected DCN while waiting for DCS or DIS
Telephony Error
Insufficient funds to send fax and not able to auto recharge: There was a problem charging your credit card. Please check your payment information and try again.
No answer (The Receiving Machine May Be Out Of Paper)
Unexpected DCN after EOM or MPS sequence
Transmission error after page break
Fax protocol error
Far end is not compatible
Manually canceled by user
Canceled automatically because timeout exceeded
Timed out waiting for receiver ready (ECM mode)
Can't cancel the fax, it's already complete!
Received a DCN while waiting for a DIS
There was an error communicating with the far side
Unexpected command after page received

fatalError messages

Description:
Something went wrong internally on our systems. This should occur very infrequently.
Message Description, possible causes
Could not send the file to the fax server for spooling
There was a problem in the final stages of sending your fax. Contact Phaxio support.
Error 500 - There was a problem in processing your request

generalError messages

Description:
Similar to fatalError but higher prioity. As soon as one of these occurs, rest assured that we're looking into it immediately and will follow up with what went wrong.
Message Description, possible causes
General error. Contact Phaxio support.
Insufficient funds to send fax and not able to auto recharge.
Insufficient funds to send fax and not able to auto recharge: Cannot autorecharge. There have been 4 or more failed billing attempts for this card.