Product Support
Welcome to Product Support. Enter your model number to retrieve manuals, frequently asked questions (FAQs), troubleshooting tips, and additional resources.
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How To Find Your Model Number
Turn over the base of your product to locate the model number as illustrated in the image below.
900 MHz cordless phone with answering system
VT9152
Manuals & Documentation
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 IN USE/CHARGING light turn on when I place the handset in the base?
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Tip 1 of 6
Confirm proper installation of the telephone base power supply and handset battery. You should only use the VTech power supply provided with your telephone. Make sure the power supply is not connected to an electrical outlet that is controlled by a wall switch. Confirm that the electrical outlet that the telephone is plugged into is working. -
Tip 2 of 6
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 3 of 6
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 4 of 6
Make sure that the power cord is securely plugged into the base and electrical outlet. Make sure the electrical outlet is not controlled by a wall switch. -
Tip 5 of 6
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. -
Tip 6 of 6
If the answering system is not responding normally, you may need to reset your telephone system. Complete the following steps to reset the telephone system:
Step 1: Disconnect the power to the telephone base.
Step 2: Disconnect the handset battery(s).
Step 3: Wait a few minutes and then reconnect the power to the telephone base.
Step 4: Reconnect the handset battery(s).
Step 5: Wait about one minute for the handset to re-establish a link with the telephone base and then test the phone again.
NOTE: After resetting the telephone system, you will need to reset the clock.
To set the day and time, confirm that the answering system is turned on and then complete the following steps:
Step 1: At the handset, press ANS. MACHINE.
Step 2: Press MENU (the 4 key) until you hear Set Day and Time.
Step 3: Press SELECT until you hear the correct day; then press SET. The system will announce the current hour setting.
Step 4: Press SELECT until you hear the correct hour.
Step 5: Press SET. The system will announce the current minute setting.
Step 6: Press SELECT until you hear the correct minute.
NOTE: Pressing +10 (the 9 key) will increase the minutes in increments of 10.
Step 7: Press SET to confirm. The system will announce the new day and time setting.
Step 8: Press ANS. MACHINE to exit programming.
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Tip 1 of 6
Other electronic products (i.e., 802.11 wireless networking products, radios, radio towers, pager towers, cell phones, intercoms, room monitors, televisions, personal computers, kitchen appliances and other cordless phones) can cause interference with your cordless phone. Try installing your phone as far away as possible from these types of electronic devices. -
Tip 2 of 6
Other devices (fax and answering devices, for example) sharing the same line as your telephone may be source of the beeps or tones you are hearing. Disconnect these devices from the line and try your phone again. -
Tip 3 of 6
You may have a defective telephone cord. Try replacing cord between the jack and telephone base. -
Tip 4 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 5 of 6
If the answering system is not responding normally, you may need to reset your telephone system. Complete the following steps to reset the telephone system:
Step 1: Disconnect the power to the telephone base.
Step 2: Disconnect the handset battery(s).
Step 3: Wait a few minutes and then reconnect the power to the telephone base.
Step 4: Reconnect the handset battery(s).
Step 5: Wait about one minute for the handset to re-establish a link with the telephone base and then test the phone again.
NOTE: After resetting the telephone system, you will need to reset the clock.
To set the day and time, confirm that the answering system is turned on and then complete the following steps:
Step 1: At the handset, press ANS. MACHINE.
Step 2: Press MENU (the 4 key) until you hear Set Day and Time.
Step 3: Press SELECT until you hear the correct day; then press SET. The system will announce the current hour setting.
Step 4: Press SELECT until you hear the correct hour.
Step 5: Press SET. The system will announce the current minute setting.
Step 6: Press SELECT until you hear the correct minute.
NOTE: Pressing +10 (the 9 key) will increase the minutes in increments of 10.
Step 7: Press SET to confirm. The system will announce the new day and time setting.
Step 8: Press ANS. MACHINE to exit programming. -
Tip 6 of 6
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 won’t the battery(s) in my telephone handset hold a charge?
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Tip 1 of 5
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 2 of 5
Confirm proper installation of the handset battery. If the battery is missing or installed wrong, you will see this error message. The proper installation procedure for the battery is as follows:
Step 1: Align the two holes in the plug with the socket pins, then snap the plug into place.
Step 2: Place the battery in the compartment with the wires in the upper left corner.
Step 3: Replace cover by sliding it upwards until it clicks into place.
Step 4: Be sure to charge the battery in the handset for a minimum of 16 hours before using your phone. -
Tip 3 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. -
Tip 4 of 5
When placing the handset in the charging base, confirm that the charge contacts on the handset and base are making a good connection. The IN USE/CHARGING light on the base will be on while the handset is charging.
You should allow 16 hours to fully charge the handset battery. For optimum daily performance, return the handset to its telephone base when not in use. -
Tip 5 of 5
You may need to replace the handset batteries, especially if they have been in service for more than one year. To find replacements, refer to our VTech Battery Finder. If batteries for your model are 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 replacement batteries at your area consumer electronics retailers. It is recommended that you take your present battery with you to insure the replacements are the correct size and have the correct specifications.
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Tip 1 of 5
When using your phone, ensure that the base antenna is pointing up and the handset antenna is extended. NOTE: Not all models have adjustable antennas. -
Tip 2 of 5
Other electronic products (i.e., 802.11 wireless networking products, radios, radio towers, pager towers, cell phones, intercoms, room monitors, televisions, personal computers, kitchen appliances and other cordless phones) can cause interference with your cordless phone. Try installing your phone as far away as possible from these types of electronic devices. -
Tip 3 of 5
Since your cordless phone operates like a radio, there may be places within your environment where it may not perform as well as in other areas. In this case, there is nothing wrong with your phone. Try changing the channel while on a call with lots of static. To change the channel, press the CHAN button until the interference has been eliminated. -
Tip 4 of 5
To get better reception, try moving the telephone base to higher location. Relocate telephone base near a window if using telephone outside. -
Tip 5 of 5
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.
Message playback is too fast or too slow. How do I control playback speed?
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You can control the playback speed of your messages.
To slow down message playback, press and hold ‹ ‹ REPEAT while listening to your messages.
To speed up message playback, press and hold › › SKIP.
Playback speed returns to normal after you are finished with listening to messages.
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Tip 1 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 2 of 6
Confirm proper installation of the telephone base power supply and handset battery. You should only use the VTech power supply provided with your telephone. Make sure the power supply is not connected to an electrical outlet that is controlled by a wall switch. Confirm that the electrical outlet that the telephone is plugged into is working. -
Tip 3 of 6
Recradle the handset for 15 seconds, then lift the handset and press PHONE. -
Tip 4 of 6
Other electronic products (i.e., 802.11 wireless networking products, radios, radio towers, pager towers, cell phones, intercoms, room monitors, televisions, personal computers, kitchen appliances and other cordless phones) can cause interference with your cordless phone. Try installing your phone as far away as possible from these types of electronic devices. -
Tip 5 of 6
Since your cordless phone operates like a radio, there may be places within your environment where it may not perform as well as in other areas. In this case, there is nothing wrong with your phone. Try changing the channel while on a call with lots of static. To change the channel, press the CHAN button until the interference has been eliminated. -
Tip 6 of 6
If the answering system is not responding normally, you may need to reset your telephone system. Complete the following steps to reset the telephone system:
Step 1: Disconnect the power to the telephone base.
Step 2: Disconnect the handset battery(s).
Step 3: Wait a few minutes and then reconnect the power to the telephone base.
Step 4: Reconnect the handset battery(s).
Step 5: Wait about one minute for the handset to re-establish a link with the telephone base and then test the phone again.
NOTE: After resetting the telephone system, you will need to reset the clock.
To set the day and time, confirm that the answering system is turned on and then complete the following steps:
Step 1: At the handset, press ANS. MACHINE.
Step 2: Press MENU (the 4 key) until you hear Set Day and Time.
Step 3: Press SELECT until you hear the correct day; then press SET. The system will announce the current hour setting.
Step 4: Press SELECT until you hear the correct hour.
Step 5: Press SET. The system will announce the current minute setting.
Step 6: Press SELECT until you hear the correct minute.
NOTE: Pressing +10 (the 9 key) will increase the minutes in increments of 10.
Step 7: Press SET to confirm. The system will announce the new day and time setting.
Step 8: Press ANS. MACHINE to exit programming.
How do I access my answering system from a remote location?
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You can access your answering system to retrieve messages and perform other functions from a remote location. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Using a touch tone phone, dial the phone number to which the answering sysytem is attached.
Step 2: When the system answers, press #, followed by your two-digit Remote Access Code. The system will beep once and announce if you have new messages.
Step 3: Enter a remote command (see REMOTE COMMANDS in your Users Manual), or wait for the voice menu to guide you.
Step 4: To exit remote operation, press * 0.
For additional information, see REMOTE OPERATION OF YOUR ANSWERING SYSTEM in your Users Manual.
Why don’t I get a dial tone on my handset?
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Tip 1 of 10
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 10
Make sure that the power cord is securely plugged into the base and electrical outlet. Make sure the electrical outlet is not controlled by a wall switch. -
Tip 3 of 10
When placing the handset in the charging base, confirm that the charge contacts on the handset and base are making a good connection. The IN USE/CHARGING light on the base will be on while the handset is charging.
You should allow 16 hours to fully charge the handset battery. For optimum daily performance, return the handset to its telephone base when not in use. -
Tip 4 of 10
Confirm proper installation of the telephone base power supply and handset battery. You should only use the VTech power supply provided with your telephone. Make sure the power supply is not connected to an electrical outlet that is controlled by a wall switch. Confirm that the electrical outlet that the telephone is plugged into is working. -
Tip 5 of 10
You may have a defective telephone cord. Try replacing cord between the jack and telephone base. -
Tip 6 of 10
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 7 of 10
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. -
Tip 8 of 10
Recradle the handset for 15 seconds, then lift the handset and press PHONE. -
Tip 9 of 10
If the answering system is not responding normally, you may need to reset your telephone system. Complete the following steps to reset the telephone system:
Step 1: Disconnect the power to the telephone base.
Step 2: Disconnect the handset battery(s).
Step 3: Wait a few minutes and then reconnect the power to the telephone base.
Step 4: Reconnect the handset battery(s).
Step 5: Wait about one minute for the handset to re-establish a link with the telephone base and then test the phone again.
NOTE: After resetting the telephone system, you will need to reset the clock.
To set the day and time, confirm that the answering system is turned on and then complete the following steps:
Step 1: At the handset, press ANS. MACHINE.
Step 2: Press MENU (the 4 key) until you hear Set Day and Time.
Step 3: Press SELECT until you hear the correct day; then press SET. The system will announce the current hour setting.
Step 4: Press SELECT until you hear the correct hour.
Step 5: Press SET. The system will announce the current minute setting.
Step 6: Press SELECT until you hear the correct minute.
NOTE: Pressing +10 (the 9 key) will increase the minutes in increments of 10.
Step 7: Press SET to confirm. The system will announce the new day and time setting.
Step 8: Press ANS. MACHINE to exit programming. -
Tip 10 of 10
You may need to replace the rechargeable battery, especially if it has been in service for more than one year. To find a replacement, 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.
How do I record an announcement on my answering system ?
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Record your outgoing announcement at the handset by following these steps:
Step 1: At the handset, press ANS. MACHINE.
Step 2: Press MENU (the 4 key). Your will hear Set Outgoing Message.
Step 3: Press RECORD (the 7 key). After the beep, speak into the handset, then press STOP (the 2 key) when done. Your announcement will be played back to you.
How can I improve the sound quality on my cordless phone?
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If your handset has a CHANNEL (or CHAN) button, press it in order to improve the sound quality. You may need to press the CHANNEL button more than once.
The handset may be out of range. Try moving closer to the base. The handset(s) and base can only communicate over a certain distance which can vary with their placement, the weather and the operating environment of your home/office.
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.
A low battery pack may affect the sound quality. You may need to charge the handset. Also, try repositioning the handset against your ear until the sound quality improves.
Electronic products (i.e., 802.11 wireless networks, radios, radio and pager towers, cell phones, intercoms, room monitors, televisions, personal computers, kitchen appliances and other cordless phones) can cause interference with your cordless phone. Try installing your phone as far away as possible from these types of electronic devices.
Appliances or other cordless phones plugged into the same circuit as the telephone base can cause interference. Try moving the appliances or telephone base to another outlet.
Microwave ovens may operate on the same frequency as your telephone. You may experience static on your telephone while the microwave oven is operating. Do not install your cordless telephone in the same outlet or near the microwave oven.
Disconnect the telephone base from the modular jack and plug in a corded telephone. If calls are still not clear, the problem is probably in the wiring or local service. Contact your local service company (charges may apply).
If your phone shares a power outlet with a modem, or if it is plugged into a shared surged protector, try plugging in the phone (or modem/surge protector) at a different location. If this solves the problem, relocate your phone and modem farther apart from each other, or use separate surge protectors.
The layout of your home or office may be limiting the operating range. Try moving the base to another location, preferably a higher location for better reception. If your telephone base has an adjustable antenna, ensure it is pointing up.
Why won’t my Answering System record any messages?
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Tip 1 of 6
Make sure your answering system is turned on. When turned on, the ANSWER ON/OFF light on the base will be illuminated. To turn the answering on (or off):
Step 1: On the handset, press ANS. MACHINE.
Step 2: Press ANSWER ON/OFF (the 0 key) until you hear Answering Machine ON.
Step 3: Press ANS. MACHINE to exit programming. -
Tip 2 of 6
If you have a Telezapper running in "Advanced" Mode, it may interfere with your Telephone Answering System recording messages. You may need to change your Telezapper to "Basic" Mode. Please refer to your User’s Manual for your Telezapper for more information on changing modes. -
Tip 3 of 6
The ANSWER ON/OFF light will blink when the Announce Only feature is turned on. In Announce Only mode, callers hear an announcement but cannot leave a message. If you want your callers to be able to leave messages, the Announce Only feature must be set to OFF.
To turn Announce Only mode off, please complete the following steps:
Step 1: Press ANS. MACHINE on the handset.
Step 2: Press MENU (the 4 key) until you hear Set Announce Only.
Step 3: Press SELECT (the 6 key) to choose OFF (or ON).
Step 4: Press SET (the 5 key) to confirm your choice.
Step 5: Press ANS. MACHINE to exit programming.
For more information on configuring Announce Only and other features of the answering system, please refer to the ANSWERING SYSTEM OPERATION section of the User’s Manual. -
Tip 4 of 6
The volume for your Telephone Answering System may be turned down too low to hear any recorded messages. Press the VOLUME ▲ button to turn up the volume. -
Tip 5 of 6
If the answering system is not responding normally, you may need to reset your telephone system. Complete the following steps to reset the telephone system:
Step 1: Disconnect the power to the telephone base.
Step 2: Disconnect the handset battery(s).
Step 3: Wait a few minutes and then reconnect the power to the telephone base.
Step 4: Reconnect the handset battery(s).
Step 5: Wait about one minute for the handset to re-establish a link with the telephone base and then test the phone again.
NOTE: After resetting the telephone system, you will need to reset the clock.
To set the day and time, confirm that the answering system is turned on and then complete the following steps:
Step 1: At the handset, press ANS. MACHINE.
Step 2: Press MENU (the 4 key) until you hear Set Day and Time.
Step 3: Press SELECT until you hear the correct day; then press SET. The system will announce the current hour setting.
Step 4: Press SELECT until you hear the correct hour.
Step 5: Press SET. The system will announce the current minute setting.
Step 6: Press SELECT until you hear the correct minute.
NOTE: Pressing +10 (the 9 key) will increase the minutes in increments of 10.
Step 7: Press SET to confirm. The system will announce the new day and time setting.
Step 8: Press ANS. MACHINE to exit programming. -
Tip 6 of 6
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.
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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.