AT&T 1856 Corded Speakerphone with Digital Answering System

Introduction

This user manual provides comprehensive instructions for the installation, operation, and maintenance of your AT&T 1856 Corded Speakerphone with Digital Answering System. Please read this manual thoroughly before using your new telephone to ensure proper functionality and to take full advantage of its features. Keep this manual for future reference.

Important Safety Information

When using your telephone equipment, basic safety precautions should always be followed to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and injury to persons, including the following:

• Read and understand all instructions.
• Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product.
• Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning.
• Do not use this product near water, such as a bathtub, wash bowl, kitchen sink, or laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near a swimming pool.
• Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand, or table. The product may fall, causing serious damage to the product.
• Avoid placing the telephone in areas with extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, or other heat-producing appliances.
• This product should be operated only from the type of power source indicated on the marking label. If you are not sure of the type of power supply to your home, consult your dealer or local power company.
• Do not allow anything to rest on the power cord. Do not locate this product where the cord will be abused by persons walking on it.
• Never push objects of any kind into this product through the slots in the cabinet as they may touch dangerous voltage points or short out parts that could result in a risk of fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid of any kind on the product.
• To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not disassemble this product. Take it to a qualified service facility when service or repair work is required. Opening or removing covers may expose you to dangerous voltages or other risks. Incorrect reassembly can cause electric shock when the product is subsequently used.
• Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified service personnel under the following conditions:
  • When the power supply cord or plug is damaged or frayed.
  • If liquid has been spilled into the product.
  • If the product has been exposed to rain or water.
  • If the product does not operate normally by following the operating instructions. Adjust only those controls that are covered by the operating instructions. Improper adjustment of other controls may result in damage and will often require extensive work by a qualified technician to restore the product to normal operation.
  • If the product has been dropped or the cabinet has been damaged.
  • If the product exhibits a distinct change in performance.

Package Contents

Verify that your package contains the following items:

• AT&T 1856 Corded Speakerphone with Digital Answering System
• Handset
• Coiled Handset Cord
• Telephone Line Cord
• AC Power Adapter
• Wall Mount Bracket (optional)
• User Manual (this document)

Setup

Follow these steps to set up your AT&T 1856 telephone:

Front view of the AT&T 1856 phone, showing the handset, keypad, LCD display, and various function buttons. The speaker button is illuminated in pink, indicating it is active.

1. Connect the Handset

1. Plug one end of the coiled handset cord into the jack on the bottom left side of the telephone base.
2. Plug the other end of the coiled handset cord into the jack on the bottom of the handset.

2. Connect the Telephone Line Cord

1. Plug one end of the telephone line cord into the TEL LINE jack on the back of the telephone base.
2. Plug the other end of the telephone line cord into a telephone wall jack.

3. Connect the AC Power Adapter

1. Plug the small end of the AC power adapter into the DC IN 9V jack on the back of the telephone base.
2. Plug the large end of the AC power adapter into a standard electrical wall outlet.
3. Ensure the power adapter is securely plugged in. The phone requires an electrical outlet for full functionality, including the digital answering system.

4. Initial Setup and Clock Setting

Upon first power-up or after a power outage, the display may prompt you to set the clock. Refer to the "Clock Reset" button and the "DISPLAY/DIAL" and "CID" navigation buttons for setting the time and date.

Basic Operation

Making a Call

• Lift the handset or press the SPEAKER button.
• Dial the desired phone number using the keypad.
• To redial the last number, press the REDIAL button.

Answering a Call

• When the phone rings, lift the handset or press the SPEAKER button.

Ending a Call

• If using the handset, place it back in the cradle.
• If using the speakerphone, press the SPEAKER button again.

Adjusting Volume

• During a call, use the VOLUME button (rocker switch) on the right side of the phone to adjust the listening volume.

Mute Function

• During a call, press the MUTE button to temporarily silence your microphone. The other party will not hear you.
• Press MUTE again to resume the conversation.

Digital Answering System (DAS)

The AT&T 1856 features an all-digital answering system with approximately 19 minutes of recording time, including announcements and incoming messages. It also includes Message Guard technology to protect messages during power outages.

Setting Up Your Answering System

• Press the TAS SETUP button (located on the left side, above CID SETUP).
• Follow the voice prompts to record your outgoing announcement and set the number of rings.

Playing Messages

• Press the PLAY/STOP button (circular button on the top right of the keypad).
• Use the SKIP (forward arrow) and REPEAT (backward arrow) buttons to navigate messages.
• Press DELETE to erase the current message.

Call Screening

While an incoming message is being recorded, you can listen to the caller's message through the speaker. If you wish to speak to the caller, simply lift the handset or press the SPEAKER button.

Caller ID Features

This phone is Caller ID and Call Waiting capable, requiring subscription to these services from your local telephone company.

Viewing Caller ID History

• When the phone is idle, press the CID ▲ or CID ▼ buttons to scroll through the Caller ID log.
• The display shows the caller's name and number (if available).
• A NEW CALL indicator light will illuminate when new calls are received.

Dialing from Caller ID Log

• While viewing a Caller ID entry, press DISPLAY/DIAL to dial the displayed number.

Deleting Caller ID Entries

• While viewing a Caller ID entry, press the REMOVE button to delete it.

Memory and Speed Dial

The phone features three one-touch memory buttons (M1, M2, M3) and a 9-number speed dial.

Programming One-Touch Memory Buttons (M1, M2, M3)

1. Press the PROG/MEM button.
2. Enter the phone number you wish to store (up to 24 digits).
3. Press the desired memory button (M1, M2, or M3).
4. A confirmation tone will sound.

Using One-Touch Memory Buttons

• Lift the handset or press SPEAKER.
• Press the desired memory button (M1, M2, or M3). The stored number will be dialed automatically.

Programming Speed Dial Numbers (0-9)

1. Press the PROG/MEM button.
2. Enter the phone number you wish to store.
3. Press the desired keypad digit (0-9) to assign it as a speed dial location.
4. A confirmation tone will sound.

Using Speed Dial Numbers

• Lift the handset or press SPEAKER.
• Press the PROG/MEM button, then the desired speed dial digit (0-9). The stored number will be dialed.

Maintenance

To keep your telephone clean and in good condition:

• Wipe the telephone with a soft, slightly damp cloth.
• Do not use harsh cleaning agents or abrasive materials.
• Avoid spraying liquids directly onto the phone.

Troubleshooting

If you experience issues with your AT&T 1856 phone, refer to the table below for common problems and solutions.

Specifications

• Model: AT&T 1856
• Type: Corded Speakerphone with Digital Answering System
• Answering System: All-digital, 19 minutes recording capacity
• Memory: 3 one-touch memory buttons (M1, M2, M3), 9-number speed dial
• Caller ID: 50 name/number history (requires subscription)
• Display: LCD with adjustable contrast
• Power: AC power adapter (operates during power failure for basic calls, DAS requires power)
• Mounting: Desk or wall mountable
• Dimensions (L x W x H): 7.5 x 5 x 6.25 inches
• Weight: 1.5 pounds

Warranty and Support

AT&T products are designed for reliability and performance. For warranty information or technical support, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official AT&T support website. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase.

For further assistance, you may contact AT&T customer support directly. Contact details are typically available on the manufacturer's website or in the product packaging.