vtech IS8121-2 DECT 6.0 2 Handset Expandable Cordless Phone User Guide

: June 7, 2024
: vtech

vtech

vtech IS8121-2 DECT 6.0 2 Handset Expandable Cordless Phone

product

Important safety instructions

When using your telephone equipment, basic safety precautions should always be followed to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock and injury, 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 or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning.
CAUTION: Do not install the telephone base at a height above 2 meters.
Do not use this product near water such as near a bath tub, wash bowl, kitchen sink, laundry tub or a swimming pool, nor in a wet basement or shower.
Do not place this product on an unstable table, shelf, stand or other unstable surfaces.
Avoid placing the telephone system in places with extreme temperature, direct sunlight, or other electrical devices. Protect your phone from moisture, dust, corrosive liquids and fumes.
Slots and openings in the back or bottom of the telephone base and handset are provided for ventilation. To protect them from overheating, these openings must not be blocked by placing the product on a soft surface such as a bed, sofa or rug. This product should never be placed near or over a radiator or heat register. This product should not be placed in any area where proper ventilation is not provided.
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 in your home or office, consult your dealer or local power company.
Do not allow anything to rest on the power cord. Do not install this product where the cord may be walked on.
Never push objects of any kind into this product through the slots in the telephone base or handset because they may touch dangerous voltage points or create a short circuit. Never spill liquid of any kind on the product.
To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not disassemble this product, but take it to an authorized service facility. Opening or removing parts of the telephone base or handset other than specified access doors may expose you to dangerous voltages or other risks. Incorrect reassembling can cause electric shock when the product is subsequently used.
Do not overload wall outlets and extension cords.
Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to an authorized service facility under the following conditions:
- When the power supply cord or plug is damaged or frayed.
- If liquid has been spilled onto 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 operation instructions. Improper adjustment of other controls may result in damage and often requires extensive work by an authorized technician to restore the product to normal operation.
- If the product has been dropped and the telephone base and/or handset has been damaged.
- If the product exhibits a distinct change in performance.
Avoid using a telephone (other than cordless) during an electrical storm. There is a remote risk of electric shock from lightning.
Do not use the telephone to report a gas leak in the vicinity of the leak. Under certain circumstances, a spark may be created when the adapter is plugged into the power outlet, or when the handset is replaced in its cradle. This is a common event associated with the closing of any electrical circuit. The user should not plug the phone into a power outlet, and should not put a charged handset into the cradle, if the phone is located in an environment containing concentrations of flammable or flame-supporting gases, unless there is adequate ventilation. A spark in such an environment could create a fire or explosion. Such environments might include: medical use of oxygen without adequate ventilation; industrial gases (cleaning solvents; gasoline vapors; etc.); a leak of natural gas; etc.
Only put the handset of your telephone next to your ear when it is in normal talk mode.
The power adapter is intended to be correctly oriented in a vertical or floor mount position. The prongs are not designed to hold the plug in place if it is plugged into a ceiling, under-the-table or cabinet outlet.
For pluggable equipment, the socket-outlet shall be installed near the equipment and shall be easily accessible.
CAUTION: Use only the batteries indicated in this manual. There may be a risk of explosion if a wrong type of battery is used for the handset. Use only the supplied rechargeable batteries or replacement batteries (BT162342/BT262342) for the handset. Do not dispose of batteries in a fire. They may explode.
Use only the adapter included with this product. Incorrect adapter polarity or voltage can seriously damage the product.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

Battery

CAUTION: Use Only Supplied Battery.
Do not dispose of the battery in a fire. Check with local waste management codes for special disposal instructions.
Do not open or mutilate the battery. Released electrolyte is corrosive and may cause burns or injury to the eyes or skin. The electrolyte may be toxic if swallowed.
Exercise care in handling batteries in order not to create a short circuit with conductive materials.
Charge the battery provided with this product only in accordance with the instructions and limitations specified in this manual.

Precautions for users of implanted cardiac pacemakers
Cardiac pacemakers (applies only to digital cordless telephones):
Wireless Technology Research, LLC (WTR), an independent research entity, led a multidisciplinary evaluation of the interference between portable wireless telephones and implanted cardiac pacemakers. Supported by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, WTR recommends to physicians that:

Pacemaker patients

Should keep wireless telephones at least six inches from the pacemaker.
Should NOT place wireless telephones directly over the pacemaker, such as in a breast pocket, when it is turned ON.
Should use the wireless telephone at the ear opposite the pacemaker.
WTR’s evaluation did not identify any risk to bystanders with pacemakers from other persons using wireless telephones.

About cordless telephones

Privacy: The same features that make a cordless telephone convenient create some limitations. Telephone calls are transmitted between the telephone base and the cordless handset by radio waves, so there is a possibility that the cordless telephone conversations could be intercepted by radio receiving equipment within range of the cordless handset. For this reason, you should not think of cordless telephone conversations as being as private as those on corded telephones.
Electrical power: The telephone base of this cordless telephone must be connected to a working electrical outlet. The electrical outlet should not be controlled by a wall switch. Calls cannot be made from the cordless handset if the telephone base is unplugged, switched off or if the electrical power is interrupted.
Potential TV interference: Some cordless telephones operate at frequencies that may cause interference to televisions and VCRs. To minimize or prevent such interference, do not place the telephone base of the cordless telephone near or on top of a TV or VCR. If interference is experienced, moving the cordless telephone farther away from the TV or VCR often reduces or eliminates the interference.
Rechargeable batteries: Exercise care in handling batteries in order not to create a short circuit with conducting material such as rings, bracelets and keys. The battery or conductor may overheat and cause harm. Observe proper polarity between the battery and the battery charger.
Nickel-metal hydride rechargeable batteries: Dispose of these batteries in a safe manner. Do not burn or puncture the battery. Like other batteries of this type, if burned or punctured, they could release caustic material which could cause injury.

What’s in the box

Box

Connect and install

Connect the telephone base
If you subscribe to digital subscriber line (DSL) high-speed Internet service through your telephone line, make sure you connect a DSL filter (not included) to the telephone wall jack.
Install the battery
Tip: See Mount the telephone base (optional) online for the wall mounting instructions.
Connect the charger
Charge the battery

Improve the telephone signal strength

NOTE: To avoid interference, place the telephone base in a central location of the house and at least 3 feet (1 meter) away from thick walls as well as other household appliances such as, TV, radio, microwave oven, Wi-Fi router, large mirror, metal furniture and fish tank.

Display

Basic operation

LCD language setting
If you accidentally set the LCD language to Spanish or French, press MENU and then enter 364# to change the handset LCD language back to English while the handset is not in use.

Phonebook

Phonebook
The phonebook can store up to 1000 entries, which are shared by all handsets. Each entry may consist of a telephone number up to 30 digits, and a name up to 15 characters.
Add a phonebook entry

Review phonebook entries

Caller ID

Caller ID
If you subscribe to caller ID service, information about each caller appears after the first or second ring.
The caller ID log stores up to 50 entries. Each entry has up to 24 digits for the phone number and 15 characters for the name.
Review caller ID log entries

Dial a caller ID log entry
When your desired caller ID entry displays on the handset screen:

Save a caller ID log entry to the phonebook

Delete a caller ID log entry

When your desired caller ID entry displays on the handset screen:

Setup

After you install your telephone or power returns following a power outage and battery depletion, the handset will prompt you to set the date and time, and to configure the Smart call blocker* and answering system through voice guide.

Date and time
Follow the steps below to set the date and time. For example, if the date is 25 December, 2019, and the time is 10:59 AM:

Voice guide for Smart call blocker
After setting the date and time, the handset will prompt if you want to set Smart call blocker. For more details, see Use voice guide to set Smart call blocker in the Introducing Smart call blocker leaflet.
When the handset prompts you to set up the Smart call blocker via voice guide

“Hello! This voice guide will assist you with the basic setup of Smart call blocker“
Setup your Smart call blocker by inputting the designated numbers as instructed in the voice guide.

Voice guide for answering system
After setting the Smart call blocker, the handset will display Voice guide to set up Answering system?
This feature assists you to do the basic setup of the answering system. You can follow the voice guide to record your own announcement, set the number of rings and the message alert tone.
When the handset prompts you to set up the answering system via voice guide

Setup your answering system by inputting the designated numbers as instructed in the voice guide.

Bluetooth

You can pair and connect your cordless telephone with Bluetooth enabled cellular phones. Before you begin, make sure that you have cellular coverage and your Bluetooth enabled cell phone is not connected to any other Bluetooth device.

Add a cell phone

Press and hold CELL 1 or CELL 2 on the telephone base for about four seconds until the CELL 1 or CELL 2 light flashes.
Turn on the Bluetooth feature of your cell phone and search for or add new devices.
Once your cell phone finds your telephone (VTech DECT 6.0), press the appropriate key on your cell phone to continue the pairing process.
When a device is successfully paired and connected, the corresponding status icon (CELL 1 or CELL 2) displays. The corresponding device light on the telephone base turns on.

Activate remote voice control

Press VOICE on the handset.
The handset then shows the remote voice control icon
Speak toward the handset and wait for feedback.

Download a cell phone directory
Before downloading a directory, make sure the cell phone is paired, active, and connected to your IS8121-2/IS8121-3/ IS8121-4/IS8121-5.

Answering system

About the built-in answering system and voicemail service
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).
Built-in answering system VS Voicemail service

Set number of rings
You can set your answering system to answer calls at least two rings earlier than your voicemail service. For example, if your voicemail service answers after six rings, set your answering system to answer after four rings. Thus, if you are on a call, or if the answering system is busy recording a message and you receive another call, the second caller can leave a voicemail message.

Need help?

For operations and guides to help you use your telephone, and for latest information and supports, go and check the online help topics and online FAQs.
Use your smartphone or mobile device to access our online help.

Go to https://help.vtechphones.com/is8121; https://help.vtechphones.com/is8122 OR
Scan the QR code on the right. Launch the camera app or QR code scanner app on your smartphone or tablet. Hold the device’s camera up to the QR code and frame it. Tap the notification to trigger the redirection of the online help.
If the QR code is not clearly displayed, adjust your camera’s focus by moving your device closer or further away until it is clear.

For C-UL compliance only

The RBRC seal on the nickel-metal hydride battery indicates that VTech Communications, Inc. is voluntarily participating in an industry program to collect and recycle these batteries at the end of their useful lives, when taken out of service within the United States and Canada.
The RBRC program provides a convenient alternative to placing used nickel- metal hydride batteries into the trash or municipal waste, which may be illegal in your area.

VTech’s participation in RBRC makes it easy for you to drop off the spent battery at local retailers participating in the RBRC program or at authorized VTech product service centers. Please call
1 (800) 8 BATTERY® for information on Ni-MH battery recycling and disposal bans/restrictions in your area. VTech’s involvement in this program is part of its commitment to protecting our environment and conserving natural resources.
The RBRC Seal and 1 (800) 8 BATTERY® are registered trademarks of Call2recycle, Inc.

FCC, ACTA and IC regulations

FCC Part 15
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the requirements for a Class B digital device under Part 15 of the Federal Communications Commission
(FCC) rules. These requirements are intended to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

WARNING: Changes or modifications to this equipment not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Privacy of communications may not be ensured when using this telephone.
To ensure safety of users, the FCC has established criteria for the amount of radio frequency energy that can be safely absorbed by a user or bystander according to the intended usage of the product. This product has been tested and found to comply with the FCC criteria. The handset may be safely held against the ear of the user. The telephone base shall be installed and used such that parts of the user’s body other than the hands are maintained at a distance of approximately 20 cm (8 inches) or more.
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian requirement:
CAN ICES-3 (B)/NMB-3(B).

FCC Part 68 and ACTA

This equipment complies with Part 68 of the FCC rules and with technical requirements adopted by the Administrative Council for Terminal Attachments (ACTA). The label
on the back or bottom of this equipment contains, among other things, a product identifier in the format US:AAAEQ##TXXXX. This identifier must be provided to your telephone service provider upon request.

The plug and jack used to connect this equipment to premises wiring and the telephone network must comply with applicable Part 68 rules and technical requirements adopted by ACTA. A compliant telephone cord and modular plug is provided with this product. It is designed to be connected to a compatible modular jack that is also compliant. An RJ11 jack should normally be used for connecting to a single line and an RJ14 jack for two lines. See the installation instructions in the user’s manual.

The Ringer Equivalence Number (REN) is used to determine how many devices you may connect to your telephone line and still have them ring when you are called.
The REN for this product is encoded as the 6th and 7th characters following the US:
in the product identifier (e.g., if ## is 03, the REN is 0.3). In most, but not all areas, the sum of all RENs should be five (5.0) or less. For more information, please contact your telephone service provider.

This equipment must not be used with Party Lines. If you have specially wired alarm dialing equipment connected to your telephone line, ensure the connection of this equipment does not disable your alarm equipment. If you have questions about what will disable alarm equipment, consult your telephone service provider or a qualified installer.

If this equipment is malfunctioning, it must be unplugged from the modular jack until the problem has been corrected. Replacement to this telephone equipment can only be made by the manufacturer or its authorized agents. For replacement procedures, follow the instructions outlined under the Limited warranty.

If this equipment is causing harm to the telephone network, the telephone service provider may temporarily discontinue your telephone service. The telephone service provider is required to notify you before interrupting service. If advance notice is not practical, you will be notified as soon as possible. You will be given the opportunity to correct the problem and the telephone service provider is required to inform you of your right to file a complaint with the FCC. Your telephone service provider may make changes in its facilities, equipment, operation, or procedures that could affect the proper functioning of this product. The telephone service provider is required to notify you if such changes are planned.
If this product is equipped with a corded or cordless handset, it is hearing aid compatible.

If this product has memory dialing locations, you may choose to store emergency telephone numbers (e.g., police, fire, medical) in these locations. If you do store or test emergency numbers, please:
Remain on the line and briefly explain the reason for the call before hanging up.
Perform such activities in off-peak hours, such as early morning or late evening.

Industry Canada

This device contains licence-exempt transmitter(s)/receiver(s) that comply with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada’s licence-exempt RSS(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

This device may not cause interference.
This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

Privacy of communications may not be ensured when using this telephone.
The term ‘’IC:‘’ before the certification/registration number only signifies that the Industry Canada technical specifications were met.
The Ringer Equivalence Number (REN) for this terminal equipment is 1.0. The REN indicates the maximum number of devices allowed to be connected to a telephone interface. The termination of an interface may consist of any combination of devices subject only to the requirement that the sum of the RENs of all the devices not exceed five.
This product meets the applicable Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada technical specifications.

California Energy Commission battery

charging testing instructions

This telephone is set up to comply with the energy-conserving standards right out of the box. These instructions are intended for California Energy Commission (CEC) compliance testing only. When the CEC battery charging testing mode is activated, all telephone functions, except battery charging, will be disabled.
To activate the CEC battery charging testing mode:

Unplug the telephone base power adapter from the power outlet. Make sure all handsets are plugged with charged batteries before proceeding.
While you press and hold FIND HS, plug the telephone base power adapter back to the power outlet.
After about 20 seconds, when the IN USE light starts flashing, release FIND HS and then press it again within two seconds. You hear a confirmation tone. The IN USE light turns off and all handsets display To register HS… see manual. Allow up to one minute for the process to complete.

If the phone fails to enter this mode, repeat all the steps mentioned above. The telephone base will be powered up as normal if you fail to press FIND HS within two seconds in Step 3.
To deactivate the CEC battery charging testing mode:

Unplug the telephone base power adapter from the power outlet, and then plug it back in. Then the telephone base is powered up as normal.
Put the handsets on the telephone base cradle to begin registration.
The handset shows Registering… If the registration is successful, the handset screen displays Registered and beeps. The handset is registered with the telephone base.

Limited Warranty

What does this limited warranty cover?
The manufacturer of this VTech Product warrants to the holder of a valid proof of purchase (“Consumer” or “you”) that the Product and all accessories provided in the sales package (“Product”) are free from defects in material and workmanship, pursuant to the following terms and conditions, when installed and used normally and in accordance with the Product operating instructions. This limited warranty extends only to the Consumer for Products purchased and used in the United States of America and Canada.

What will VTech do if the Product is not free from defects in materials and workmanship during the limited warranty period (“Materially Defective Product”)?
During the limited warranty period, VTech’s authorized service representative will replace at VTech’s option, without charge, a Materially Defective Product. If we choose to replace the Product, we may replace it with a new or refurbished Product of the same or similar design. We will retain defective parts, modules, or equipment. Replacement of the Product, at VTech’s option, is your exclusive remedy. VTech will return the replacement Products to you in working condition. You should expect the replacement to take approximately 30 days.

How long is the limited warranty period?
The limited warranty period for the Product extends for ONE (1) YEAR from the date of purchase. If VTech replaces a Materially Defective Product under the terms of this limited warranty, this limited warranty also applies to the replacement Product for a period of either (a) 90 days from the date the replacement Product is shipped to you or (b) the time remaining on the original one-year warranty; whichever is longer.

What is not covered by this limited warranty?
This limited warranty does not cover:

Product that has been subjected to misuse, accident, shipping or other physical damage, improper installation, abnormal operation or handling, neglect, inundation, fire, water or other liquid intrusion.
Product that has been subjected to contact with liquid, water, rain, extreme humidity or heavy perspiration, sand, dirt or the like; but then only to the extent the damage was not caused by incorrectly securing the waterproof handset’s protective elements, for example, failing to properly close a seal), or such protective elements are damaged or missing (e.g. a cracked battery door), or subjecting a Product to conditions beyond its stated specifications or limits (e.g. 30 minutes in 1 meter of fresh water).
Product that has been damaged due to repair, alteration or modification by anyone other than an authorized service representative of VTech;
Product to the extent that the problem experienced is caused by signal conditions, network reliability, or cable or antenna systems;
Product to the extent that the problem is caused by use with non-VTech accessories;
Product whose warranty/quality stickers, product serial number plates or electronic serial numbers have been removed, altered or rendered illegible;
Product purchased, used, serviced, or shipped for repair from outside the United States of America or Canada, or used for commercial or institutional purposes (including but not limited to Products used for rental purposes);
Product returned without a valid proof of purchase (see item 2 below); or
Charges for installation or set up, adjustment of customer controls, and installation or repair of systems outside the unit.

How do you get warranty service?
To obtain warranty service in the United States of America, please visit our website at www.vtechphones.com or call 1 800-595-9511. In Canada, go to
www.vtechcanada.com or dial 1 800-267-7377.

NOTE: Before calling for service, please review the user’s manual – a check of the Product’s controls and features may save you a service call.
Except as provided by applicable law, you assume the risk of loss or damage during transit and transportation and are responsible for delivery or handling charges incurred in the transport of the Product(s) to the service location. VTech will return replaced Product under this limited warranty. Transportation, delivery or handling charges are prepaid. VTech assumes no risk for damage or loss of the Product in transit. If the Product failure is not covered by this limited warranty, or proof of purchase does not meet the terms of this limited warranty, VTech will notify you and will request that you authorize the cost of replacement prior to any further activity. You must pay for the cost of replacement and return shipping costs for the replacement of Products that are not covered by this limited warranty.

What must you return with the Product to get warranty service?

Return the entire original package and contents including the Product to the VTech service location along with a description of the malfunction or difficulty; and
Include a “valid proof of purchase” (sales receipt) identifying the Product purchased (Product model) and the date of purchase or receipt; and
Provide your name, complete and correct mailing address, and telephone number.

Other limitations

This warranty is the complete and exclusive agreement between you and VTech. It supersedes all other written or oral communications related to this Product. VTech provides no other warranties for this Product. The warranty exclusively describes all of VTech’s responsibilities regarding the Product. There are no other express warranties. No one is authorized to make modifications to this limited warranty and you should not rely on any such modification.

State/Provincial Law Rights: This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights, which vary from state to state or province to province.
Limitations: Implied warranties, including those of fitness for a particular purpose and merchantability (an unwritten warranty that the Product is fit for ordinary use) are limited to one year from the date of purchase. Some states/provinces do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitation may not apply to you. In no event shall VTech be liable for any indirect, special, incidental, consequential, or similar damages (including, but not limited to lost profits or revenue, inability to use the Product or other associated equipment, the cost of substitute equipment, and claims by third parties) resulting from the use of this Product. Some states/provinces do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.

Disclaimer and Limitation of Liability
VTech Communications, Inc. and its suppliers assume no responsibility for any damage or loss resulting from the use of this user’s manual. VTech Communications, Inc. and its suppliers assume no responsibility for any loss or claims by third parties that may arise through the use of this product.
Company: VTech Communications, Inc.
Address: 9020 SW Washington Square Road – Ste 555 Tigard, OR 97223, United States Phone: 1 800-595-9511 in the U.S. or 1 800-267-7377 in Canada

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