VTech Phone Cannot Make Outgoing Calls? (Fix it Fast)

If your VTech phone cannot make outgoing calls, don’t panic, many users are also struggling with the same problem.

This issue can arise due to various reasons, ranging from PoE issues to synchronization failures.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most effective troubleshooting steps to get your phone working and calling in no time.

How to Fix When VTech Phone Cannot Make Outgoing Calls?

Note: Ensure your handset is within a 10–15 feet range within the base while dialing numbers. 

1. Check the Recipient’s Number

Before we proceed with complex troubleshooting, you should first verify whether the number you are attempting to call exists.

You might have entered one of the digits incorrectly, especially if you were dialing the number at a faster pace.

If you hear no dial tone, or you’re unable to forward calls, this is a typical sign of a wrong dialing number or a non-existent recipient.

So, press the digits of the recipient’s number slowly through the VTech keypad, and hit “Dial” to check if there will be an error code. 

Important: Try Calling Multiple Numbers!

If re-entering the same recipient’s number did not have any effect, we recommend testing with a different number, of a friend or a neighbor for example.

There could be an issue specifically with the number you were dialing, so it’s best to know for sure whether the problem is local or global. 

2. Resynchronize your Handset

Your handset may have lost connection to the base, resulting in a temporal blackout for both incoming and outgoing calls.

The handset maintains a type of radio frequency connection with the base that allows it to have landline access over a preset wireless distance (150–200 feet).

Note: VoIP VTech phones do not require synchronization.

Here’s how to ‘resync’ the handset with the base:

1. Press the “HANDSET LOCATOR” button on the base.
2. After ~2–3 seconds, press the “#” key on the handset.
3. Wait for roughly 15 minutes until the sync is complete.

Actions that could disrupt the synchronization include:

• Moving the handset outside of the base’s coverage.
• Unplugging the base or removing the handset battery.
• Temporal issues with the PoE phone line of the base.

Note: You will know that the handset is synchronized successfully with the base once you are able to receive and send calls on demand. 

3. Identify & Solve PoE Issues

One of the reasons why the VTech phone unable to call is due to a fault with the PoE cable.

The RJ-11 telephone wire connects the VTech base with the service outlet and grants your handset access to the landline network, allowing you to dial registered numbers.

A problem with the cable is typically illustrated by the no LINE error, so check whether it’s there!

Here are common solutions for PoE issues!

Inspect the PoE RJ-11 Cable

There are two cables coming out from your VTech phone’s base station–a power cord and the RJ-11 PoE cable.

The PoE cable looks like a standard Ethernet adapter and connects with the phone jack that’s connected with VTech’s service.

The cable is generally thicker than a standard Ethernet wire and blinks on both ends once it’s connected to the service outlet.

Ensure the cable is secured on both ends and check if there’s damage to the connectors. 

Test the Phone Jack

There’s a high chance that your VTech phone is failing to make calls due to a problem with the phone jack.

So, using an unsupported outlet or having the service set to “Off” are both potential reasons for the outgoing call failure. 

Verify that the outlet is connected to VTech’s service by looking for a sticker or a distinguishing sign.

Then, check whether there’s an “On” or “Off” switch for that outlet above or under the jack. 

Check the Splitter (Dual-Service)

If you’ve subscribed for VTech’s dual service (internet & telephone), you will have the so-called “splitter” component in your setup.

Well, this gadget splits the connection of a single telephone outlet into two entries–one for your VTech handset and one for your network router or gateway.

The setup of the splitter could go wrong in many ways–connecting the handset to the network router’s port, not tightening the jacks, or using an incompatible splitter.

So, to test, temporarily unplug the splitter and your network device, then connect your VTech phone handset directly.

4. Reseat the Handset’s Battery

You can address most of your VTech handset’s issues by simply reinserting the battery.

It is a way to “soft” reset the system without targeting sensitive data or erasing the dial list and options. 

Warning: Accessing the hardware of your VTech phone may void the warranty!

Here’s how to access the battery of your VTech handset:

1. Remove the handset from the VTech base unit.
2. Find the battery compartment on the rear panel.
3. Remove the cover to access the battery inside.
4. Eject the battery and wait for about 10 seconds.
5. Place the battery back in and reinstall the cover.

Holding any button on the handset while the battery is out accelerates the discharging process.

We also recommend unplugging your base station while your handset’s battery is removed to discharge all of your equipment simultaneously. 

Note: If your VTech phone is not charging after reseating the battery, make sure that you have inserted it correctly. 

5. Check VTech’s “BLOCK” Entries

Perhaps, you might be attempting to call a number that’s registered in the “BLOCK” entries of your VTech handset.

Once a number is blocked, you will no longer be able to send outgoing calls to that recipient, and neither will they.

• To check VTech’s “BLOCK” entries, press “Menu”, select “CALL BLOCK” on the handset and use the “▼ or ▲” to select “Block list” from the menu.

Once you’re on the list, check which numbers have been prohibited from getting in touch with your landline.

If you wish to unblock a number, highlight it using the “Up”/“Down” arrows and press “SELECT” to access options for that number. 

Tip: You can add and remove numbers on demand from your handset’s “BLOCK” list. 

6. Reset the Handset’s OS

If you’re still having issues, we recommend a clean factory reset to restore the default settings of your handset.

Based on whether you use a handset or VoIP, the factory reset is either done through the phone’s menu or the web GUI.

The reset is a very effective procedure that will not only resolve dialing issues but will also be effective against VTech ringing problems. 

How to Factory Reset a VTech Handset?

1. Press “MENU/SELECT” on the VTech handset.
2. Go to “Menu” → “Admin Settings” from the tab.
3. Hit the “123” soft key for the encoding letters.
4. Next, enter the admin and password for access.
5. Select “Reset to Default” at the bottom of the tab.
6. Follow the instructions until the reset has started.

How to Factory Reset a VTech VoIP Phone?

1. Access the phone’s menu and head to “Status”.
2. Select “Network” and save the IP address value.
3. Next, open a browser on your local PC or laptop.
4. Type the IP address into the browser search field.
5. Use “admin” twice to sign in to the phone’s panel.
6. Now, navigate to “Servicing”, then click on “Reset”.
7. Wait until the VTech phone initiates the OS reset.

Warning: Do not interfere with your VTech phone’s reset!

7. Update VTech’s Firmware (VoIP)

If your VTech phone cannot make outgoing calls, even after everything so far, you may need to manually upgrade the firmware’s version.

Similar to the VoIP factory reset, you would need a computer accessible through the local network to upload the new firmware build of your phone.

Here’s how to update the firmware of your VoIP phone:

1. Navigate to the official VTech firmware page on your PC.
2. Search for your model and download the latest firmware.
3. Press “MENU” on your phone and go to “System Setup”.
4. Scroll to “Network Info” and press “SELECT” to access.
5. Next, inspect the local IP address of the VTech device.
6. Open a web browser on your PC and paste the address.
7. Press “enter” and type “admin” to sign in to the web GUI.
8. Now, head to “Firmware Upgrade” from the side menu.
9. Select “Choose File” and upload the installed firmware.
10. Press “Upload” to confirm and wait until the OS uploads.

Note: Your phone is likely to restart several times during the update. Do not unplug or power off the phone’s web GUI displays a “Success!” or “Successful!” message.