VTech VS122-16 Cordless Phone with Bluetooth
Quick Start Guide
Important Safety Instructions
- Read and understand all instructions.
- Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product.
- Unplug before cleaning; use a damp cloth.
- Do not install base higher than 2 meters.
- Avoid use near water or in wet areas.
- Do not place on unstable surfaces.
- Avoid extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, and other electrical devices. Protect from moisture, dust, corrosive liquids/fumes.
- Ensure ventilation openings are not blocked.
- Operate only from the indicated power source.
- Do not place anything on the power cord; avoid placing where it can be walked on.
- Never insert objects into slots; never spill liquid.
- Do not disassemble; refer servicing to authorized facilities.
- Do not overload outlets or extension cords.
- Unplug and refer servicing if cord/plug is damaged, liquid spilled, exposed to rain/water, product malfunctions, dropped, or performance changes.
- Avoid using during electrical storms.
- Do not use to report gas leaks near the leak. Avoid sparks in flammable environments.
- Only place handset to ear in normal talk mode.
- Power adapter orientation: vertical or floor mount.
- Pluggable equipment socket-outlet must be near and accessible.
- Use only specified batteries (BT183642/BT283642). Do not dispose of batteries in fire; they may explode. Dispose of used batteries properly.
- Avoid using batteries in extreme temperatures, with incorrect types, in fire/hot oven, mechanically crushed/cut, high temperature environments, or low air pressure.
- Use only the included adapter; incorrect polarity/voltage can cause damage.
- Nameplate is at the bottom or near the product.
Battery Precautions: Use only provided or equivalent batteries. Do not dispose of in fire. Handle with care to avoid short circuits. Charge only as specified.
Cardiac Pacemaker Precautions: Keep wireless phones at least 6 inches from pacemakers. Do not place directly over the pacemaker. Use the ear opposite the pacemaker.
About Cordless Telephones: Conversations may be intercepted. Base must be connected to a working outlet not controlled by a wall switch. Power interruption prevents calls. Avoid placing base near TVs/VCRs to prevent interference.
ECO mode: Reduces power consumption for optimal battery performance.
Install & Setup
What's in the box
Your telephone package contains the following items. Save your sales receipt and original packaging for warranty service.
- Handset
- Telephone Base
- Power Adapter
- Telephone Cord
- Battery Pack
- User's Manual
Install the battery
Description: The battery pack (2.4V Ni-MH) is installed in the handset. Ensure correct orientation (THIS SIDE UP).
Warning: DO NOT BURN OR PUNCTURE BATTERIES. Made in China.
Connect and charge
Connect the telephone cord to the base and the phone jack. Connect the power adapter to the base and a wall outlet.
Battery indicators
Indicator | Status | Action |
---|---|---|
Screen is blank, or shows Put in charger and flashes. | Battery has no charge or very little charge. Handset cannot be used. | Charge without interruption (at least 30 minutes). |
Screen shows Low battery and flashes. | Battery has enough charge for short use. | Charge without interruption (at least 30 minutes). |
Screen shows HANDSET X. | Battery is charged. | To keep the battery charged, place it in the handset charger when not in use. |
Overview
Handset Buttons
- [Menu]: Press to show menu options. While in menu, press to select or save.
- [Smart Call Blocker]: Quick access to Smart call blocker.
- [End Call]: During a call, press to hang up.
- [Back/Cancel]: While in a menu, press to return to the previous menu, or press and hold to return to idle mode without changes. Press to delete digits while predialing.
- [Silence Ringer]: While the phone is ringing, press to silence temporarily. Press and hold to erase the missed call indicator when the handset is not in use.
- [Speakerphone]: Press to make or answer a call using the speakerphone. During a call, press to switch between speakerphone and earpiece.
- [Phonebook]: Press to review the phonebook when the phone is not in use.
- [Scroll Up/Down]: Press p/q to scroll up/down in menus, phonebook, caller ID log, or redial list. While entering names/numbers, press to move cursor left/right.
- [Volume Up/Down]: During a call or message playback, press p/q to increase/decrease listening volume.
- [Tone Dialing]: Press to switch to tone dialing during a call if you have pulse service.
- [Dialing Pause]: While entering numbers, press and hold to insert a dialing pause.
- [Case Change]: While entering names, press to change the next letter to upper or lower case.
- [Redial]: Press repeatedly to view the last 10 numbers dialed.
- [Caller ID Options]: When reviewing a caller ID log entry, press repeatedly to view other dialing options.
- [Space]: Enter space character during text editing.
- [Mute]: During a call, press to mute the microphone.
- [Delete Entry]: While reviewing the redial list, directory, or caller ID log, press to delete an individual entry.
- [Backspace]: While predialing, press to delete digits.
- [Answer Call]: Press to make or answer a call. During a call, press to answer an incoming call when you receive a call waiting alert.
- [Cell Call]: Press to make, answer, or end a cell call.
- [Add '1']: When reviewing a caller ID log entry, press repeatedly to add or remove '1' in front of the telephone number before dialing or saving.
- [Voicemail]: Press and hold to set or dial your voicemail number.
Base Buttons
- [Answering System]: Press to turn the answering system on or off.
- [Page Handset]: Press to page the system handset.
- [Delete Message]: Press to delete the playing message. Press twice to delete all old messages when in idle.
- [Volume Up]: Press to increase listening volume during a call or message playback. Press to increase telephone base ringer volume when the base is not in use.
- [Volume Down]: Press to decrease listening volume during a call or message playback. Press to decrease telephone base ringer volume when the base is not in use.
- [Next Message]: Press to skip to the next message.
- [Repeat Message]: Press to repeat the playing message.
- [Previous Message]: Press twice to play the previous message.
- [Play Messages]: Press to play messages.
- [Stop Playback]: Press to stop playing messages.
Handset Display Icons
- Battery Low: Handset battery is low and needs charging.
- Battery Charging: Handset battery is charging.
- Battery Charged: Handset battery is fully charged.
- ECO: ECO mode activates automatically to reduce power consumption when the handset is within range of the telephone base.
- Voicemail: New voicemail received from your telephone service provider.
- Home Line In Use: Displays when Home line is in use.
- Bluetooth Paired: Bluetooth device is paired and active.
- Bluetooth/Cell Line In Use: Bluetooth device / Cell line is in use.
- NEW: There are new caller ID log entries.
- ANS ON: Answering system is on.
- Time (e.g., 10:30PM): Displays time with AM and PM.
- Ringer Off: Handset ringer is off.
- MSG #: Handset displays the current message number being played and the total number of new/old messages recorded.
Base Display
- Flashes quickly: Incoming call.
- Flashes: Another telephone sharing the line is in use.
- On: Line is in use.
- On: Handset is charging in the telephone base or charger.
- Message Indicator: Shows the number of messages and other information of the answering system or telephone base.
Configure Your Phone
Set the Date and Time
- Press [Menu] to enter the main menu in idle.
- Press p/q to scroll to "Set date/time", then press [Select].
- Press p/q to select the month, then press [Select].
- Press p/q to select the date, then press [Select].
- Press p/q to select the year, then press [Select]. (You can also use dialing keys to enter 2-digit numbers.)
- Press p/q to select the hour, then press [Select].
- Press p/q to select the minute, then press [Select].
- Press p/q to select AM or PM.
- Press [Select] to save the settings.
Set Handset LCD Language
- Press [Menu] to enter the main menu in idle.
- Press p/q to scroll to "Settings", then press [Select].
- Press [Select] again to select "LCD language".
- Press p/q to scroll to English, Français, or Español, then press [Select].
- Press [Select] to save your selected language.
- Tip: If you accidentally change the language, press MENU then enter 364.
Set Handset Ringer
- Press [Menu] to enter the main menu in idle.
- Press p/q to scroll to "Ringers", then press [Select].
- Press p/q to scroll through "Home volume", "Home ringtone", "Cell volume", and "Cell ringtone".
- Ringer Volume: After selecting Home or Cell volume, press p/q to adjust the volume level, then press [Select]. To turn the ringer off, press q until Ringer Off is displayed.
- Ringtone: After selecting Home or Cell ringtone, press p/q to select your preferred ringtone (10 melodies), then press [Select].
Smart Call Blocker (SCB)
Smart Call Blocker filters robocalls and unwanted calls while allowing welcome calls. For other unknown home calls, you can block, screen, or forward them to the answering system.
Note: SCB screening applies to incoming home calls only. All incoming cell calls ring through. Add cell numbers to the block list to block them.
Turn Smart Call Blocker On or Off
SCB is set to ON and allows all incoming calls by default.
- Press [Menu] to enter the main menu in idle.
- Press p/q to scroll to "Smart call blk", then press [Select].
- Press p/q to scroll to "SCB On/Off", then press [Select].
- Press p/q to scroll to "On" or "Off", then press [Select].
If you turn off SCB, all incoming calls will ring, including those in your block list.
Set Up Allow List / Block List / Star Name List
Add Numbers Manually
- Press [Menu] to enter the main menu in idle.
- Press p/q > Smart call blk > [Select].
- To Block List: Press p/q > Block list > [Select].
- Press p/q > Add new entry > [Select].
- Enter a telephone number (up to 30 digits), then press [Select].
- Enter a name (up to 15 characters), then press [Select].
- Repeat Step 4 to add another contact.
To Allow List: Follow steps 1-2, then: Press p/q > Allow list > [Select]. Then follow steps 4-6.
To Star Name List: Follow steps 1-2, then: Press p/q > Star name list > [Select]. Then follow steps 4-5 (only name is entered).
Add Numbers from Caller ID Log
- Press [Caller ID Log] in idle.
- Press p/q to locate the desired entry, then press [Select].
- To Block List: Press p/q > To Block list > [Select] twice.
- To Allow List: Press p/q > To Allow list > [Select] twice.
- To Star Name List: Press p/q > To Star name list > [Select] twice.
Call Categories and Control
Call Category | Call Control and Options |
---|---|
Unwelcome calls (Numbers saved in block list) | The telephone blocks these calls from ringing through. |
Welcome calls (Numbers saved in allow list, phonebook, or not in block list; Caller ID names in star name list) | The telephone allows these calls to get through and ring. |
Cell calls | All incoming cell calls ring through by default. Add number to block list to block. |
Unknown calls (for home calls only) (Calls without numbers, e.g., "out of area" or "Private") | Choose one of five profile options:
|
Uncategorized calls (With absent caller ID number, numbers not found in lists, or names not in star list) | Handled based on the selected profile setting. |
Set Profile
Choose from 5 profile options to quickly set up Smart Call Blocker:
- Press [Menu] > p/q > Smart call blk > [Select].
- Press p/q > Set profile > [Select].
- Press p/q to select a profile:
- Screen unknown: Screen all unknown home calls.
- Screen robot: Screen robocalls.
- Allow unknown: Block calls on block list only (default).
- Unknown to Ans. Sys.: Forward all unknown home calls to the answering system.
- Block unknown: Block all unknown home calls.
- Press [Select] to confirm the profile.
Add a Screened Number to Block/Allow List
If "Screen unknown" or "Screen robot" is active, the phone screens calls. After the caller responds, the phone rings. You will then be prompted:
- Press 1 to answer the call.
- Press 2 to answer and always allow this number. (Adds to Allow List)
- Press 3 to block this number. (Adds to Block List)
- Press 4 to send this call to the answering system.
- Press * to repeat these options.
Note: Unknown home calls without caller ID information will not have options 2 or 3. For cell calls, only options 1 and 4 are available.
Block Caller During a Call
While on a call, press [Menu] > [Block Number] to end the call and add the number to the block list.
Unblock a Telephone Number
- Press [Menu] > p/q > Block list > [Select].
- Press [Review], then press p/q to browse entries.
- When the desired entry displays, press [Select] on the handset, then press [Select] to confirm.
Caller ID
If you subscribe to Caller ID service, caller information appears after the first or second ring. The log stores up to 50 entries (number up to 24 digits, name up to 15 characters).
Review Caller ID Log Entries
Press [Menu] > p/q to browse entries.
Save a Caller ID Log Entry to Phonebook
- Press [Menu] > p/q to scroll to the desired entry.
- Press [Select] > To Phonebook > [Select].
- Edit the number if needed, then press [Select].
- Edit the name if needed, then press [Select].
Dial a Caller ID Log Entry
- Press [Menu] > p/q to scroll to the desired entry.
- Press [Dial] or [Speakerphone] to dial.
Delete a Caller ID Log Entry
- Press [Menu] > p/q to scroll to the desired entry.
- Press [Delete Entry] (handset) or [Delete Message] (base).
Phonebook
The phonebook stores up to 1,000 entries, shared by all handsets and the base. Each entry can have a number up to 30 digits and a name up to 15 characters.
Add a Phonebook Entry
- Press [Menu] to enter the main menu in idle.
- Press p/q > Phonebook > [Select].
- Press [Select] to choose "Add new entry".
- Enter the number, then press [Select]. Enter the name, then press [Select].
Review Phonebook Entries
Press [Menu] > p/q to review entries.
Dial a Phonebook Entry
When your desired entry displays, press [Dial] or [Speakerphone] to dial.
Delete a Phonebook Entry
When your desired entry displays, press [Delete Entry] (handset) or [Delete Message] (base). Press [Select] to confirm.
Answering System
About Answering System and Voicemail
The telephone has a built-in answering system and supports voicemail service from your provider (subscription may apply).
Feature | Built-in Answering System | Voicemail Service |
---|---|---|
Supported by | Telephone System | Telephone Service Provider |
Subscription | No | Yes |
Fee | No | May apply |
Answer Incoming Calls | After 4 rings (default), adjustable. | Usually after 2 rings, adjustable via provider. |
Storage | Telephone Base | Server or System |
Display New Messages | Handset: "XX new messages". Base: "XX". Base beeps every 10 seconds if alert tone is on. | Handset: NEW icon. |
Retrieve Messages | Press [Answering System] on base; or press [Menu] > Play messages on handset; or access remotely with an access code. | Press [Menu] on handset, enter provider's access number. |
Turn On/Off Built-in Answering System
- Handset: Press [Menu] > p/q > Answering sys > [Select] > Press p/q > Answer on/off > [Select] > Press On or Off > [Select].
- Base: Press [Answering System].
Message Playback
- Handset: Press [Menu] > Play messages > [Select].
- Base: Press [Play Messages].
Options During Message Playback
- Skip a message: Press 6 (Handset) or [Next Message] (Base).
- Repeat message: Press 4 (Handset) or [Repeat Message] (Base).
- Play previous message: Press 4 twice (Handset) or [Previous Message] twice (Base).
Set Number of Rings
Set your answering system to answer calls earlier than your voicemail service.
- Press [Menu] > p/q > Answering sys > [Select].
- Press p/q > Ans sys setup > [Select].
- Press p/q > # of rings > [Select].
- Press p/q to scroll to the desired number of rings, then press [Select].
Delete All Messages
- Press [Menu] > p/q > Answering sys > [Select].
- Press p/q > Delete all old > [Select].
Bluetooth Setup
Use a Bluetooth-enabled cell phone with your VS122-16 by pairing and connecting it to the telephone base. The base and handsets can make/answer calls on the cell phone line. Keep your cell phone within 15 feet of the base for optimal performance.
Add a Cell Phone
- Press and hold [Bluetooth Button] on the base to activate pairing. The light flashes when ready.
- Turn on Bluetooth on your cell phone and scan for "VTech DECT 6.0". Confirm pairing when prompted.
- Once paired, the base light illuminates, and Bluetooth icon displays on the handset.
Pairing steps may vary by cell phone. Follow on-screen prompts.
Auto Connection
Cell phones may disconnect if Bluetooth is off, phone is off, or out of range. Ensure Bluetooth is on and the phone is close to the base for automatic reconnection.
Review Cell Device List
- Press [Menu] > p/q > Bluetooth > [Select].
- Press p/q > Device list > [Select].
Download Phonebook
Download up to 1,000 entries from your cell phone's phonebook. Ensure the cell phone is paired, connected, and the handset battery is charged for at least 10 minutes. Place the cell phone next to the base during download.
- Press [Menu] > p/q > Bluetooth > [Select].
- Press p/q > Download PB > [Select].
- Press p/q to scroll to your preferred device, then press [Select].
The handset displays "Downloading..." and then "Entries added: XXX" upon completion.
Tips: Some cell phones don't support SIM card download; transfer contacts to phone memory first. Some data may not transfer (e.g., home, mobile, work numbers). Some cell phones require confirmation key press.
Technical Specifications
Feature | Specification |
---|---|
Frequency Control | Crystal controlled PLL synthesizer |
Transmit Frequency | Handset: 1921.536-1928.448 MHz | Telephone base: 1921.536-1928.448 MHz |
Channels | DECT channel: 5 |
Nominal Effective Range | Maximum power allowed by FCC and IC. Actual range varies by environmental conditions. |
Power Requirement | Handset: 2.4 V DC, 400mAh, Ni-MH battery | Base: 6V DC @ 450mA |
Power Adapter | Output 6V DC @ 450mA (Base). Max. of PS1 or LPS. | Output: 6V@400mA (Charger). Max. of PS1 or LPS. |
Memory | Phonebook: 1000 locations (up to 30 digits, 15 characters) | Caller ID log: 50 locations (up to 24 digits, 15 characters) | Call block: 1000 entries |
Bluetooth® word mark and logos are owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and used under license by VTech Holdings Limited.
* Includes licensed Qaltel™ technology. Qaltel™ is a trademark of Truecall Group Limited.
ENERGY STAR® program recognizes energy-saving products. This product meets latest energy efficiency guidelines.
Limited Warranty
What is Covered
VTech warrants the Product and accessories to be free from defects in material and workmanship for ONE (1) YEAR from the date of purchase, when used normally and according to instructions. This warranty applies to products purchased and used in the USA and Canada.
What VTech Will Do
VTech will replace a materially defective product with new or refurbished parts/products at its option. Replacement typically takes 30 days. The warranty also applies to replacement products for 90 days or the remainder of the original warranty, whichever is longer.
What is Not Covered
- Misuse, accident, shipping damage, improper installation, neglect, inundation, fire, water, or liquid intrusion.
- Contact with liquid, rain, extreme humidity, heavy perspiration, sand, dirt, etc., unless damage is due to failure to secure waterproof elements or product is beyond specifications.
- Damage from unauthorized repair, alteration, or modification.
- Problems caused by signal conditions, network reliability, or antenna systems.
- Use with non-VTech accessories.
- Removal or alteration of warranty/serial number stickers.
- Products purchased, used, serviced, or shipped from outside the USA/Canada, or used for commercial/institutional purposes.
- Products returned without valid proof of purchase.
- Charges for installation, setup, or external system repair.
How to Get Warranty Service
USA: Visit www.vtechphones.com or call 1 (800) 595-9511.
Canada: Visit phones.vtechcanada.com or call 1 (800) 267-7377.
Note: Review the user's manual before calling for service.
You are responsible for shipping costs to the service location; VTech covers return shipping.
What to Return
- Entire original package and contents with a description of the malfunction.
- Valid proof of purchase (sales receipt) identifying product model and date.
- Your name, complete mailing address, and telephone number.
Other Limitations
This warranty is the complete agreement. VTech provides no other warranties. State/Provincial laws may grant additional rights. Implied warranties are limited to one year. VTech is not liable for indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages.
Regulatory Information
RBRC® Seal
VTech participates in the RBRC® program for recycling nickel-metal hydride batteries. Contact 1 (800) 8 BATTERY® for information.
FCC, ACTA, and IC Regulations
FCC Part 15: This equipment complies with Class B digital device requirements. It may cause interference if not installed correctly. Users should try to correct interference by reorienting antennas, increasing separation, or connecting to a different circuit. Modifications not expressly approved can void authority to operate.
FCC Part 15 Conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference. (2) This device must accept any interference received.
RF Exposure: The handset may be safely held against the ear. The base should be used with parts of the user’s body other than hands at least 20 cm (8 inches) away.
Canadian Compliance: Complies with CAN ICES-3 (B)/NMB-3(B).
FCC Part 68 and ACTA: Complies with FCC Part 68 and ACTA requirements. Product identifier format: US:AAAEQ##TXXXX. Ringer Equivalence Number (REN) is encoded in the identifier. Sum of RENs should not exceed 5.0. May not be used with Party Lines. Ensure connection does not disable alarm equipment.
Industry Canada: Contains licence-exempt transmitter(s)/receiver(s). Complies with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada's licence-exempt RSS(s). Operation is subject to two conditions: no harmful interference, and acceptance of received interference. Privacy of communications may not be ensured. REN is 1.0.
California Energy Commission (CEC) Battery Charging Testing
Instructions are for CEC compliance testing only. Activating CEC mode disables all functions except battery charging. Follow specific steps involving unplugging/plugging the adapter and pressing the FIND HS button to activate/deactivate.
Support Information
Scan the QR code for support information.
US Support: Visit www.vtechphones.com for registration, enhanced warranty support, and product news.
Canada Support: Visit phones.vtechcanada.com for product news.
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
© 2021 VTech Communications, Inc. | © 2021 VTech Technologies Canada Ltd. All rights reserved. 08/21. VS122-16_QSG_V1.0