VTech Baby Monitor Not Turning On? (Don’t Panic, Easy Fix!)

Is your VTech baby monitor not turning on, and you are wondering how to resolve it? Stay with us!

If your VTech baby monitor is not turning on, then surely something is wrong.

A startup failure is often caused by power issues, battery faults, or bad connections in the charging equipment.

Here are several different ways to restore the monitor’s functionality:

Keep reading for a complete walkthrough of the solutions above!

VTech Baby Monitor Not Turning On – [Best 6 Ways to Fix!]

Quick Tip: Check if the VTech baby monitor’s Power button is not stuck, sticky, or broken!

1. Force Reset the VTech Baby Monitor

The most basic approach to startup issues with the VTech parent unit is to perform a forced reset.

Baby monitors that are not reliant on a consistent power supply typically have a built-in “Power” button, including the VTech parent unit.

So, follow these steps to perform a forced reboot using the “Power” button:

1. Connect your VTech baby monitor with the charging cable.
2. Next, hold the Power button for a continuity of 15 seconds.
3. Disconnect the charging cable from the baby monitor’s jack.
4. Hold the Power button for 20 extra seconds to force a reboot.
5. Check if the unit’s display lights up after releasing the button.

It typically takes anywhere between 3 and 5 seconds for the baby monitor to start up when the Power button is pressed.

Holding the button for longer than 5 seconds shuts down the system!

2. Secure the Parent Unit’s Connections

If the VTech baby monitor not turning on even when plugged in, you must check the connection!

Unlike stationary baby monitors, the VTech parent unit uses a rechargeable battery instead, meaning it can be moved when not connected to the charger.

If your device fails to turn on, the problem is often related to improper charging or loose connections of the charging equipment.

The parent unit’s charger consists of the following connections:

• The connection of the charger with the monitor’s port.
• The connection of the charger with the electrical outlet.
• The connection of the charging cable with the adapter.

Although the baby monitor uses an all-in-one power adapter and charging cable connector, there could still be signs of wear or peripheral damage to the equipment.

So, verify all of the following connections are in the proper condition and test the monitor’s startup functionality. 

Important: Test in a Different Outlet!

Perhaps, the baby monitor is unable to charge because of an outlet insufficiency.

To test it, reinstall the charging equipment of the parent unit into a different outlet and avoid connecting the adapter to any type of third-party equipment (dividers/extenders) that could fluctuate.

3. Check the Baby Unit’s Connection

VTech’s monitoring equipment devices are designed to connect automatically once turned on and within range.

However, several factors including wireless interference and bad pairing may disband the connection.

If you’re uncertain if the parent unit doesn’t turn on or has simply failed to establish a connection with the camera, there are multiple steps to restore the live broadcast. 

3.1 Raise the Baby Monitor’s Antenna

The first and most important requirement for establishing a secure wireless connection with the baby camera is to raise the monitor’s antenna receiver.

By default, the antenna is folded in on the back of the monitor and uses a regulation latch for manual adjustments.

Note: Ensure the antenna is lifted all the way up and points toward the ceiling to connect the baby camera with the parent unit.

3.2 Place the Camera/s in “PAIR” Mode

To ensure the baby camera is discoverable by the monitor, press and hold the “PAIR” key on the underside of the unit for 3–4 seconds.

The camera must beep or produce a short-lasted sound, indicating that it is actively searching for the parent unit’s connection.

3.3 Set the Baby Unit in a Proper Range

Even during pairing, the baby camera and parent unit cannot be within a 10-foot range (3 meters).

If either of the devices is too close, the baby monitor will high-pitched, screeching noise, notifying of a disruption in the connection. 

3.4 Check for Interfering Wireless Devices

Wireless devices emitting Bluetooth or cellular radio waves in the path of the baby monitor or camera could disrupt the connection.

Hence, try to limit the amount of solid surfaces, walls, and large furniture in between the devices if the broadcast is weak or experiences reception issues.

4. Reset the VTech Monitor to Defaults

Perhaps, the issue with the parent unit could be software-related, instead of with the charging or the Power button.

So, a factory reset could be a reasonable solution to try if you’ve already verified that the charger is connected securely and the Power button is responsive.

Here’s how to perform a factory reset on the VTech baby monitor:

1. Ensure the monitor is connected to the charging cable.
2. Locate the “RESET” pinhole on the monitor’s underside.
3. Insert a sharp object that’s thin enough to fit in the hole.
4. Hold the RESET button for approximately 5–10 seconds.
5. Next, release after the monitor produces a beeping sound.

Note: If the factory reset was a success, the monitor should power off and reboot the system after several seconds.

5. Replace VTech’s Charging Equipment

If your VTech baby monitor screen not turning on, then the startup failure is almost certainly related to faulty charging equipment. 

• The VTech baby monitor and camera use an all-in-one electrical wire, meaning the charging cable cannot be detached from the adapter.

If either the charging cable or adapter goes faulty, you must replace the entire cable to restore the charging functionality of your baby monitor.

5.1 What Charging Equipment Does VTech Use?

The parent unit comes with a 6V barrel connector cable that charges the device from 0% to maximum capacity for roughly 8 hours.

Although the parent and baby unit’s power cords may look similar, they deliver a different amount of voltage and impact the battery in a different way.

5.2 Can I Use a Higher Voltage Supply With VTech?

We understand that 8 hours of charging time sounds quite a lot, but this preserves the battery cells and helps the monitor function for longer without running into faults. 

Note: While a stronger power supply delivering higher voltage may charge the baby monitor faster, it’s important to note that it could also overload the battery. 

6. Reinsert the VTech Monitor’s Battery

If you have been using VTech’s monitoring equipment for a while now, chances are that the parent unit’s battery might have begun to degrade.

• The more you charge and use the baby monitor, the faster the battery wears out, resulting in issues with the startup and functionality. 

Fortunately, accessing the monitor’s battery compartment and removing/replacing the battery is fairly easy.

So here’s how to do it:

1. Unplug the monitor’s charging cable and wait for 30 seconds.
2. Fold the unit’s antenna and lay it with the display facing down.
3. Locate the battery compartment cover on the unit’s backplate.
4. After that, slide the compartment downwards, until it comes loose.
5. Carefully lift up the battery pack from the bed in the VTech monitor.
6. Hold the “Power” button on the VTech monitor for 25–30 seconds.
7. Reinsert the battery with the sticker facing up and install the cover.

VTech baby monitors typically use 2.4V 800mAh replaceable batteries with external connectors. 

Note: You can test the battery with a voltmeter if you’re uncertain if it works by connecting the two points with the terminals on the jack.