Ooma Core VoIP Phone System User Manual

Product Overview

The Ooma Core VoIP Phone System provides free home phone service, eliminating monthly phone bills. It offers reliable, crisp acoustic performance similar to a landline, along with essential calling features.

This system includes the Ooma Hub and Ooma Scout, designed to work with your high-speed internet and existing home phones.

Image: The Ooma Core VoIP Phone System, showing both the Hub and the smaller Scout unit.

Key Features

• Free US Calling: Call anyone, anytime, anywhere in the U.S. without charge.
• Phone Number Flexibility: Choose a new number anywhere in the U.S. or transfer an existing number for a one-time charge.
• Caller-ID: See the name and number of who is calling (caller-ID compatible phone required).
• Call-Waiting: Switch to a new incoming call when you are already on the line.
• Voicemail: Access your messages remotely from any phone or web browser.
• Voicemail Notifications: Receive notifications via email or text when incoming messages arrive.
• Broadband Answering Machine: Listen to messages hands-free with the built-in speaker.
• Online Ooma Lounge: Hear messages and control your preferences online.
• Call Logs: Check your calling history online; filter and sort to find the call you are looking for.
• Enhanced 911: Emergency personnel are automatically given your registered address when you dial 911 (subject to availability).
• Free In-Network Calling: Call another Ooma customer anywhere in the world for free.
• Outbound Caller Name: Have your name show up when you call out (other party must have caller-ID with name feature).
• Caller-ID Blocking: Use *67/*82 to block or display your caller-ID/name for outgoing calls.
• Anonymous Call Blocking: Automatically block anonymous calls from ringing your phone.
• Call Return: Return the last incoming call by dialing *69.
• Landline Backup: Automatic fallback during power/Internet outages or 911 calls (requires basic landline to be plugged-in).
• Prepaid International Calling: Make low-cost international calls starting at only a penny per minute.
• Directory Assistance: Make 411 calls at $0.99 per call.

Image: A closer view of the Ooma Hub and Scout units, highlighting their compact design.

Ooma Premier Features (Optional)

Ooma Premier offers enhanced calling features for an enriched home phone experience. A free 60-day trial is included with your system.

• Free Number Porting: Transfer an existing number for free with an annual subscription to Ooma Premier.
• Personal Blacklist: Blacklist unwanted callers to prevent them from being able to reach you.
• Community Blacklist: Harness the power of the Ooma community to block unwanted callers before they've tried to call you.
• Call Forwarding: Forward your calls to your mobile phone when you are away from home.
• Multi-Ring: Simultaneously ring your Ooma number and your mobile phone, or any number you choose.
• Message Screening: Screen your calls by listening in as a caller is leaving their message.
• Voicemail Forwarding: Have your voicemail automatically forwarded to email.
• Instant Second Line: Make a second call even when someone else is on the phone (requires Ooma Scout).
• Enhanced Call-Waiting: Answer an incoming call even when someone else is on the phone (requires Ooma Scout).
• Three-Way Conferencing: Conference two lines together at a push of a button.
• Send to Voicemail: Transfer a call to voicemail at a touch of a button.
• Do Not Disturb: Transfer all incoming calls directly to voicemail at a touch of a button.
• Personal Numbers: Select additional phone numbers in any calling area in the US.
• Directed Ringing: Configure your personal number to only ring on your private extension (requires Ooma Scout).
• Private Voicemail: Create private voicemail and Lounge accounts dedicated to a personal number (requires Ooma Scout).
• Distinctive Ringing: Control the ring pattern based on a personal number.

Image: Top-down view of the Ooma Hub and Scout, showing the control buttons and speaker grilles.

Setup Guide

Setting up your Ooma Core VoIP Phone System is designed to be quick and straightforward. Most users can complete the setup in less than 15 minutes.

What You Need:

• High-speed fixed-line Internet connection (cable, DSL, fiber-optic) with at least 256 Kbps upstream network speed (384 Kbps recommended).
• A corded or cordless home phone.
• Your Ooma Hub and Ooma Scout devices.
• Included Ethernet cable, phone cables, phone splitter, and AC adaptors.

Basic Connection Steps:

1. Connect your Ooma Hub to your internet modem using the provided Ethernet cable. The Hub typically connects between your modem and your router.
2. Connect your existing home phone to the "PHONE" port on the Ooma Hub.
3. If using the Ooma Scout for an additional line or extension, connect it to a phone jack in another room and plug a phone into the Scout.
4. Plug in the AC adaptors for both the Ooma Hub and Ooma Scout to power them on.
5. Wait for the system to initialize. The Ooma logo on the Hub will turn solid blue when ready.
6. Follow the on-screen or voice prompts for initial activation and phone number selection/porting via the Ooma Lounge online.

For detailed setup diagrams and specific configurations (e.g., behind a router), refer to the official Ooma support website or the User Guide PDF available via the support section.

Operating Instructions

Making and Receiving Calls:

• To Make a Call: Pick up your connected phone. You will hear the Ooma dial tone. Dial the desired phone number.
• To Receive a Call: Your phone will ring as usual. Pick up the handset to answer.

Voicemail Access:

• From Your Phone: Press the "Envelope" button on your Ooma Hub or Scout, or dial *99 from your connected phone.
• Online: Access the Ooma Lounge via a web browser to listen to messages, manage settings, and more.

Using Call Features:

• Caller-ID Blocking: Dial *67 before a call to block your caller-ID for that call. Dial *82 to unblock.
• Call Return: Dial *69 to return the last incoming call.
• Do Not Disturb: Press and hold the "Envelope" button on your Ooma device for two seconds to activate/deactivate.
• Message Screening: When a call goes to voicemail, the message will play through the Ooma device's speaker. Pick up the phone to interrupt and take the call.

Maintenance

The Ooma Core VoIP Phone System requires minimal maintenance. Keep the devices in a clean, dry environment, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.

• Ensure proper ventilation around the Ooma Hub and Scout units.
• Periodically check all cable connections to ensure they are secure.
• Clean the exterior of the devices with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosols.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your Ooma Core VoIP Phone System, consider the following common solutions:

• No Dial Tone:
  • Check all power and network cable connections.
  • Ensure your internet connection is active and stable.
  • Restart your Ooma Hub by unplugging and replugging its power adapter.
• Poor Voice Quality:
  • Verify your internet speed meets the minimum requirements (256 Kbps upstream).
  • Ensure your Ooma Hub is connected directly to your modem or in the recommended network configuration.
  • Check for other high-bandwidth activities on your network (e.g., streaming, large downloads) that might be affecting call quality.
• Voicemail Issues:
  • Confirm the "Envelope" button on your device is not stuck or damaged.
  • Log into the Ooma Lounge online to check voicemail settings and access messages.

For more comprehensive troubleshooting, visit the Ooma online support site, consult their customer forums, or contact their support team directly.

Specifications

General Product Specifications:

• Product Dimensions: 11 x 5.5 x 13.75 inches
• Item Weight: 5.8 pounds
• Color: Gray
• Telephone Type: Cordless (refers to compatible phones, not the Ooma unit itself)
• Answering System Type: Digital
• Recording Capacity: 15 minutes
• Compatible Devices: VoIP services, computer systems, devices integrating with Ooma system

Warranty and Support

Warranty Information:

The Ooma Core VoIP Phone System comes with a one-year limited warranty. Additionally, a 30-day money-back guarantee is offered.

Customer Support:

For further assistance, detailed articles, diagrams, tips, and FAQs, please visit the official Ooma online support site. You can also engage with the Ooma customer forum or contact their support team directly.

An official User Guide in PDF format is available for download: Ooma Core User Guide (PDF)