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Amplified Corded/Cordless Phone with Answering System, Big Buttons, Extra-Loud Ringer & Smart Call Blocker
SN5147
Manuals & Documentation
Product Video
Frequently Asked Questions
Tip 1 of 1
For message recording, your telephone has a Built-in answering system, and it also supports Voicemail service offered by your telephone service provider(subscription is required, and fee may apply).
The main differences between them are:
BUILT-IN ANSWERING SYSTEM VOICEMAIL SERVICE SUPPORTED BY Telephone system Telephone service provider SUBSCRIPTION No Yes FEES No May apply ANSWER INCOMING CALLS •After 3 rings by default.
•It can be changed via handset or the telephone base menu.•Usually after 2 rings.
•It can be changed by contacting your telephone service providerSTORAGE Telephone base Server or System DISPLAY NEW MESSAGE • Handset - XX new messages
• Telephone base - XX new messages• Handset - 
and New voicemail
• Telephone base -
RETRIEVE MESSAGES • Press PLAY/STOP on the telephone base; OR
• Press MENU, and then select Play messages on the handset; OR
•Access remotely with an access code• Press 
on the dialpad, and enter an access number from your telephone service provider.Based on the above information, if you want to...
Use the built-in answering system to record your messages
Your Voicemail service can bundle in your telephone plan. As such, you would need to contact your telephone service provider to disable it.
*TIP: Can I switch back to Voicemail service if I want to?
As long as your telephone plan includes the Voicemail service, you can still re-enable it through your service provider.Use the voicemail service to record your messages
Simply turn off the Built-in answering system at any time, and you can use the Voicemail service only.Use both the Built-in answering system and the Voicemail service to record messages
By default, the Voicemail service is usually set to answer after 2 rings, while your Built-in answering system is set after 3 rings. Please check with your telephone service provider to learn how to set your voicemail settings.Suggest to set your Built-in answering system to answer calls at least 2 rings earlier than your Voicemail service. In other words, if your answering system sets to answer after 3 rings (by default), then you need to set the Voicemail service to answer after 5 rings.
What happened is that if you on a call or the answering system is already recording, and you receive ANOTHER incoming call, then the third caller is able to leave a Voicemail message.
On the other hand, if you are not on a call nor the answering system is recording, the incoming caller can leave a message directly to the Built-in Answering system.
Why won’t the handset CHARGE light turn on when I place it in the base or charger?
Tip 1 of 5
Confirm proper installation of the telephone base and charger power adapters, and handset battery. You should only use the VTech power adapters provided with your telephone. Make sure the power adapters are connected to working electrical outlets that are not controlled by a wall switch.Tip 2 of 5
When placing the handset in the base or charger, confirm that the charge contacts are making a good connection. The charging battery icon is displayed and, on selected models, the CHARGE light illuminates on the handset while it charges.
You should allow 16 hours to fully charge the handset battery. For optimum daily performance, return the handset to its telephone base or charger when not in use.Tip 3 of 5
Please make sure that the cords (power and telephone line) are plugged into the channels on the bottom of the base. If the cords are not properly installed, the base will not sit level and the phone may not charge properly.Tip 4 of 5
Dirty charge contacts on the telephone base and handset could prevent the batteries from charging. Clean the handset and base charge contacts using a pencil eraser or a cloth to eliminate deposit accumulation.Tip 5 of 5
Make sure that the battery cover is properly secured on the handset. If the battery cover is not correctly installed, it may prevent the handset from charging.
Why don’t I get a dial tone on my handset?
Tip 1 of 6
Confirm proper installation of the telephone base and charger power adapters, and handset battery. You should only use the VTech power adapters provided with your telephone. Make sure the power adapters are connected to working electrical outlets that are not controlled by a wall switch.Tip 2 of 6
Ensure the telephone cord is securely installed at the base and the wall jack. Or try another telephone cord.Tip 3 of 6
Move the handset closer to the base. The operating range may vary with environmental conditions and time of use. There may be places within your environment that a cordless phone will not work well. If the problem only occurs in certain areas of your environment, you can conclude that there is nothing wrong with the phone. Consider trying a phone that operates on a different wireless frequency.Tip 4 of 6
Make sure your handset is registered to the base unit. Refer to the Adding and registering handsets procedure in the User’s Manual.Tip 5 of 6
If you have connected this telephone to a phone jack that has not been used before, or that has not been used in sometime, there may be problems with this jack that you are not aware of. Use a telephone jack that you know is in proper working order.Tip 6 of 6
If the other phones in your home are having the issue, the problem could be related to the telephone wiring in your home, or with your local telephone service. Please call your service provider for further assistance.
Why doesn’t my telephone ring when I receive calls?
Tip 1 of 2
If the phone does not ring at all, you may have the ringer turned off. The handset and base have independent ringer programming.
To adjust the handset ringer volume:
Step 1: Press MENU/SELECT on the handset when it is not in use.
Step 2: Press ▲DIR or ▼CID to display Ringers, then press MENU/SELECT.
Step 3: Ringer volume is highlighted. Press MENU/SELECT.
Step 4: Press ▲DIR or ▼CID to adjust the ringer volume. A sample of each ringer volume plays as you scroll through the choices. At the lowest setting, the ringer is silent and Ringer off is displayed on the handset.
Step 5: Press MENU/SELECT to confirm your selection.
Step 6: Press and hold OFF to return to the idle screen.
To adjust the base ringer volume, press VOL ▲ or ▼ on the base when it is idle.Tip 2 of 2
If you have an excessive number of devices sharing the same telephone line, it may impact the ability of your telephone(s) to ring. Disconnect all other telephones from the line to see if this phone will now ring. If it does, reconnect one phone at a time until the ringing problem returns. You have now determined the maximum number of phones that can share the line.
My telephone handset appears to be dead. What should I do?
Tip 1 of 1
If your handset responds in any way (beeps, displays a message on the screen, etc.) then it is not dead. Please review the Frequently Asked Questions list to check for a more specific symptom to your problem.
A common cause for dead handset symptoms is a dead battery. We recommend that you initially charge the handset battery for 16 hours. If the handset does not hold a charge or seems dead, we suggest the following:
• Please verify that the handset battery(s) is securely plugged into the back of the handset.
• Check that there is power to the base and charger. If there is power and the handset is cradled face up, the CHARGE light on the handset will be on, and/or the battery icon will be displayed.
Tip 1 of 2
Move the handset closer to the base. The operating range may vary with environmental conditions and time of use. There may be places within your environment that a cordless phone will not work well. If the problem only occurs in certain areas of your environment, you can conclude that there is nothing wrong with the phone. Consider trying a phone that operates on a different wireless frequency.Tip 2 of 2
You may have a line problem. To test for a line problem, test your unit at another location such as your neighbor’s or relative’s house. If your unit works at another location, contact your local telephone company.
Why do calls fade/cut in and out when I’m using this phone?
Tip 1 of 3
If you subscribe to DSL service for this telephone line, DSL filters must be plugged into EVERY phone jack that has a phone. The DSL signal can cause static/noise, squealing (similar to fax tones), caller ID disruption and other issues on your line. DSL filters block the high frequency DSL signals from being transmitted to the telephone. If you are not using the DSL filters provided by the telephone company, this will cause static/noise and possibly caller id issues on your phones.
In most cases, we recommend you connect the plug end of the DSL filter into the telephone jack, then connect a telephone cord between the filter and your phone.
Please contact your service provider to obtain DSL filters and installation information.Tip 2 of 3
Move the handset closer to the base. The operating range may vary with environmental conditions and time of use. There may be places within your environment that a cordless phone will not work well. If the problem only occurs in certain areas of your environment, you can conclude that there is nothing wrong with the phone. Consider trying a phone that operates on a different wireless frequency.Tip 3 of 3
Excessive background noise will cause a speakerphone to fade in and out. Try controlling the background noise by turning off any audio devices near the speakerphone. Also, try to avoid interrupting the person at the other end of the conversation while they are speaking. If background noise cannot be controlled, you should terminate speakerphone operation and return to normal handset mode.
Tip 1 of 2
Confirm proper installation of the telephone base and charger power adapters, and handset battery. You should only use the VTech power adapters provided with your telephone. Make sure the power adapters are connected to working electrical outlets that are not controlled by a wall switch.Tip 2 of 2
Move the handset closer to the base. The operating range may vary with environmental conditions and time of use. There may be places within your environment that a cordless phone will not work well. If the problem only occurs in certain areas of your environment, you can conclude that there is nothing wrong with the phone. Consider trying a phone that operates on a different wireless frequency.
How do I register a new accessory handset to the base?
Tip 1 of 1
Charge the new handset before attempting registration.
The unregistered handset will display: To register HS...see manual. If you do not see this message, lift the handset from its charger for a few seconds, then place it back in the charger.
Now, place the handset in the Base. The handset will first display Registering, followed by Registered. The newly registered handset will be assigned the lowest extension number not previously assigned to another system handset. If registration is not successful, remove the handset from the base, then repeat the above process.
Why am I unable to dial out using this telephone?
Tip 1 of 1
You may be dialing before the handset has fully established a link with the base. Make sure you verify presence of dial tone before dialing. It may help to wait a few seconds after handset is turned on before you begin dialing.
My speakerphone fades in and out. What can I do to fix this?
Tip 1 of 2
Excessive background noise will cause a speakerphone to fade in and out. Try controlling the background noise by turning off any audio devices near the speakerphone. Also, try to avoid interrupting the person at the other end of the conversation while they are speaking. If background noise cannot be controlled, you should terminate speakerphone operation and return to normal handset mode.Tip 2 of 2
When using a speakerphone, you should be reasonably close to the base (or handset) in order to hear and be heard. The optimum distance will depend on room acoustics and noise levels. It is always a good idea to control ambient noise in your environment when using a speakerphone.
How do I set the day and time on my telephone ?
Tip 1 of 1
To set the date and time, complete the following steps:
Step 1: Using the handset, when the phone is not in use, press MENU/SELECT.
Step 2: Press ▲DIR or ▼CID until you see Set date/time. Next, press MENU/SELECT.
Step 3: Press ▲DIR or ▼CID to select the month, then press MENU/SELECT; or use the dial pad to enter the month.
Step 4: Press ▲DIR or ▼CID to select the date, then press MENU/SELECT; or use the dial pad to enter the date.
Step 5: Press ▲DIR or ▼CID to select the year, or use the dial pad to enter the year; then press MENU/SELECT.
Step 6: Press ▲DIR or ▼CID to select the hour, then press MENU/SELECT; or use the dial pad to enter the hour.
Step 7: Press ▲DIR or ▼CID to select the minute, then press MENU/SELECT; or use the dial pad to enter the minute.
Step 8: Press ▲DIR or ▼CID to select AM or PM.
Step 9: Press MENU/SELECT. You will hear a confirmation beep.
Step 10: Press and hold OFF to return to the idle screen.
Why won’t my Answering System record any messages?
Tip 1 of 6
Make sure your answering system is On. At the base, press ANS ON/OFF until you hear Calls will be answered and the button illuminates; OR,
Step 1: Using a system handset when it is not in use, press MENU/SELECT. Press ▼CID until you see >Answering Sys.
Step 2: Press MENU/SELECT again. Press ▲VOL+ or ▼CID until you see >Answer ON/OFF.
Step 3: Press MENU/SELECT, then press ▲VOL+ or ▼CID until you see >ON.
Step 4: Press MENU/SELECT. You will hear a confirmation tone.
Step 5: Press and hold OFF to return to the idle screen.Tip 2 of 6
The volume for your Telephone Answering System may be turned down too low to hear any recorded messages. Press the VOL ▲ button to turn up the volume.Tip 3 of 6
Your answering system is full. Old messages must be deleted in order for the system to accept new messages.
To delete a single message: While the message is playing at the Base, press DELETE.
To delete all messages: While the phone is idle, at the Base, press DELETE twice.
You can also delete messages using a system handset. While listening to a message on the handset, press 3. To delete all old messages, when the handset is not in use, press MENU/SELECT to access the ANS. SYSTEM menu, then select the DEL ALL OLD option.Tip 4 of 6
If you have voicemail service in addition to your answering system, your callers’ messages may be going into voicemail before your answering system picks up the call. Program your voicemail to pick up at least 2 rings greater than the number of rings your answering system is set to answer the call.Tip 5 of 6
The answering system will cease recording a message if the caller’s voice is barely audible. It will also cease recording if a message exceeds the maximum time permitted. For more information, consult your User’s Manual.Tip 6 of 6
You may need to reset the Telephone Answering System. Complete the following steps to reset the Telephone Answering System:
Step 1: Disconnect the power to the telephone base.
Step 2: Wait a few minutes and then reconnect the power to the telephone base.
Step 3: Set the day and time.
Tip 1 of 1
Press ►PLAY/■STOP to play messages at the Base. New messages, if any, will be played first.
Press ►PLAY/■STOP to stop message playback.
You can also play messages on a system handset. When the handset is not in use, press MENU/SELECT twice to play your messages.
How do I record an announcement on my answering system ?
Tip 1 of 1
To record your announcement (greeting):
Step 1: Using a system handset when it is not in use, press MENU/SELECT.
Step 2: Press ▼CID until you see >Answering Sys.
Step 3: Press MENU/SELECT. You will see >Announcement.
Step 4: Press MENU/SELECT, then press 7 to begin recording. Speak into the handset as if you were on a call.
Step 5: Press 5 to stop recording. Your announcement will be played for you.
Step 6: Press and hold OFF to return to the idle screen.
Why am I not receiving caller ID on my phone?
Tip 1 of 4
Caller ID and Call Waiting ID are subscription services, available from most local telephone service providers. You must subscribe to these services in order for the features to work on your phone. Contact your local telephone service provider for more information.
In addition, your caller must be calling from an area that supports caller ID.
Both you and your caller’s telephone service provider must use compatible caller ID systems.
If you subscribe to DSL service for this telephone line, DSL filters must be plugged into EVERY phone jack that has a phone. The DSL signal can cause caller ID disruption, static, noise and other issues on your line. DSL filters block the high frequency DSL signals from being transmitted to the telephone. If you are not using the DSL filters provided by the telephone company, this will cause static/noise and possibly caller id issues on your phones.
In most cases, we recommend you connect the plug end of the DSL filter into the telephone jack, then connect a telephone cord between the filter and your phone.
Please contact your service provider to obtain DSL filters and installation information.
Caller ID and Call Waiting ID may not be available for every call. Common reasons are incompatibilities between your and your caller’s service, transmission errors and answering calls before the ID data is received.Tip 2 of 4
Disconnect all other equipment on the phone line, as the problem may be caused by a different product than your phone. Reconnect your equipment, one unit at a time, until you determine the cause of the problem.Tip 3 of 4
Disconnect all other devices that have Caller ID capability. If the problem stops, there is an incompatability with one or more of your units.Tip 4 of 4
As your local telephone company provides the caller ID information, contact them if the problem persists.
Tip 1 of 1
Once you have listened to all new messages in your voice mail box, the voice mail indicators on your phone will turn off after you end your call. If the indicators remain on after you have reviewed all new messages, you can manually turn off the indicators:
Step 1: Press MENU/SELECT.
Step 2: Press ▲ or ▼ until Settings is selected.
Step 3: Press MENU/SELECT. Next, press ▲ or ▼ until Clr voicemail is selected.
Step 4: Press MENU/SELECT. Turn off indicator? or Reset VM Icon? or Reset Voicemail Indicator? is displayed. Press MENU/SELECT to confirm.
Step 5: Press and hold OFF to return to idle mode.
NOTE: This procedure only turns off the indicators. It does NOT delete any messages currently stored in your voice mail box.
How to store/add a photo speed dial entry?
Tip 1 of 1
To store a photo speed dial entry.
1.Press MENU on the cordless handset in idle mode to enter the main menu.
2.Press ▲ or ▼ to scroll to Direct memory, then press SELECT.
3.Press ▲ or ▼ to scroll to M1, M2, M3, or M4, and then press SELECT twice.
4.When the handset display NUMBER:, use the dialing keys to enter the number (up to 30 digits).
5.Press SELECT to move on to enter the name. The handset displays NAME:.
6.Use the dialing keys to enter the name (up to 15 characters). Additional key presses show other characters of that particular key. The first character of every word is capitalized.
7.Press SELECT to save. You hear a confirmation tone.
How to edit a photo speed dial entry?
Tip 1 of 1
To edit a photo speed dial entry.
1.Press MENU on the cordless handset in idle mode to enter the main menu.
2.Press ▲ or ▼ to scroll to Direct memory, then press SELECT.
3.Press ▲ or ▼ to scroll to M1, M2, M3, or M4, and then press SELECT.
4.Press ▲ or ▼ to scroll to EDIT,then press SELECT.
5.Use the dialing keys to edite the number(up to 30 digits),then press SELECT to move on to edit the name.
6.Use the dialing keys to edit the name (up to 15 characters),then press SELECT to save.You will hear a confirmation tone.
Why won’t the battery(s) in my telephone handset hold a charge?
Tip 1 of 3
Confirm proper installation of the telephone base and charger power adapters, and handset battery. You should only use the VTech power adapters provided with your telephone. Make sure the power adapters are connected to working electrical outlets that are not controlled by a wall switch.Tip 2 of 3
When placing the handset in the base or charger, confirm that the charge contacts are making a good connection. The charging battery icon is displayed and, on selected models, the CHARGE light illuminates on the handset while it charges.
You should allow 16 hours to fully charge the handset battery. For optimum daily performance, return the handset to its telephone base or charger when not in use.Tip 3 of 3
Make sure you are using the battery supplied with your phone. If you are replacing the battery and you need assistance, refer to our VTech Battery Finder. If a battery for your model is unavailable, you can search the internet using the key words cordless phone batteries for an on-line supplier. If you prefer to purchase locally, you can look for a replacement battery at your area consumer electronics retailers. It is recommended that you take your present battery with you to insure your replacement is the correct size and has the correct plug (where applicable) and specifications.
Tip 1 of 1
Despite your VoIP box shows full signal strength, there could still be no dial tone/ display Line in Use/ etc. This may due to the abnormality of signal and voltage levels. Follow this short video to reset your VoIP box and its connected devices.
(For non-IS8151 series - all other models) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXbXl4froUc&t=25s
(For IS8151-X series) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJ9PNkwBzfE&t=3s
[Background]
• VoIP box connected via SIM/ LAN connection.
• Some VoIP boxes have displays and some not. While displays show steady ON and ready, you might still experience with no dial tone sound/ display Line in Use.[To Reset]
• Some Power off button does not fully power off the unit. It only put the VoIP box in standby mode. To truly power off, unplug the power adapter of your VoIP box.
• Disconnect all devices from the box. After a moment, reconnect your power adapter, and then press power button to turn ON.
• Wait until the VoIP box is steady ON and ready.
• Connect your telephone cable from your Telephone base to your VoIP box.REMINDER!!!
• Make sure you didn't connect the telephone cable from the Telephone wall outlet to VoIP box telephone port!!! Doing so will not damage the device, but it will affect the call function and becomes unusable. This is why you experience no dial tone, Line in Use with busy tone, etc.
• During power outage, your landline phone will not be available since it requires external electric power despite your VoIP box has a backup battery.If this situation persists, contact your VoIP / VoIP box service provider for further support.