VTech Phone Volume Too Low? (Here’s How to Fix!)

If you can barely hear the recipient because your VTech phone volume too low–don’t worry!

Many VTech users have reported repeatedly that their handset’s audio output suddenly becomes quieter or slowly gets muffled over time.

What we’ve found is that such a problem appears either due to the handset settings, speaker blockage, or interference.

By the end of this guide, you will confidently know how to:

VTech Phone Volume Too Low–8 Ways to Fix Instantly!

Note: Verify the handset is charged to maximum battery capacity before proceeding.

1. Increase the Handset’s Volume

There are volume buttons (VOL + and VOL -) on the side of the VTech handset that allow for manual regulation of the output’s strength.

The volume of your handset could be simply set to a low setting by accidentally pressing on “VOL -”.

So, press the “VOL +” button around 5–10 times to increase the VTech handset’s volume output sufficiently.

We even recommend setting the volume to the maximum just to check if that’ll help.

2. Try a Dialing Different Number

It’s likely that the volume of the line you’ve dialed is not audible or gets disrupted somewhere along the way.

For testing purposes, we recommend calling another number on your telephone line to check if the audio still sounds muffled.

For example, try calling a neighbor, a friend, or even another telephone line in your household that participates in the line.

Check if the dial tone is audible, wait for the recipient to pick up the call, and tell them to speak continuously.

Tip: While speaking, keep pressing the “VOL +” and “VOL -” buttons on the side to check if you can regulate the volume of your handset.

3. Check for Speaker Obstructions

Well, the VTech cordless phone volume too low issue could be because of an obstruction in the handset’s speaker units.

There’s a small speaker grille right above the display of your handset that could accumulate dust or debris over time and degrade the volume quality of your phone.

What Do I Need for Cleaning Handset?

You will need the following materials to clean the VTech speakers:

• A thin, soft-bristled brush
• Several thin Q-tips
• Isopropyl alcohol
• 1–2 cotton swabs

How to Clean VTech Handset Speaker?

First, apply the isopropyl alcohol to the surface of the Q-tip and identify the speaker grille above the phone’s display.

If required, remove some of the Q-tip’s cotton so it can fit through the small opening of the handset’s speaker grilles.

Now, perform circular movements to collect all dust and debris that has fallen in the grille.

Next, proceed with the soft-bristled brush to collect the debris that falls off and dry up the grille with the cotton swabs before testing the handset.

Note: Allow the phone’s speaker to fully dry up for at least 1–2 minutes before testing the call.

4. Power Cycle the Handset & Base

Assuming that there is a software bug with your VTech handset, you can resolve potential audio issues by performing a power cycle on your equipment. 

The VTech base connects with an electrical outlet over a metered AC adapter and the handset’s battery charges off the base.

Here’s how to power cycle:

VTech base power cycle:

1. Unplug the power adapter from the base’s rear connector.
2. Next, disconnect the other end from the electrical outlet.
3. Wait for a total of 60 seconds until the base is discharged.
4. Reseat both ends of the power adapter on the VTech base.
5. Place the handset on top of the base and test the volume.

VTech handset power cycle:

1. Remove the VTech handset from the base charging station.
2. Detach the battery compartment cover from the rear panel.
3. Then, safely eject the rechargeable battery from the panel.
4. Hold any button on the handset for about 15–30 seconds.
5. Reinstall the battery and reinsert the panel’s cover.

While your base and handset are discharging, carefully examine the equipment involved in the setup for potential defects. If all looks good, keep reading.

5. Check & Fix PoE Service Issues

Although this is rare, your VTech handset could be experiencing audio issues due to slowdowns in the service connection.

The telephone setup of your handset consists of several components:

• A synchronized VTech phone base
• A VTech handset paired to the base
• An Ethernet RJ-11 cable with PoE
• A service outlet connected to VTech

There could be a fault anywhere along the service line that is causing the problem with your handset’s audio output.

Here’s what to do:

• Sync the handset (press “HANDSET LOCATOR”).
• Check the RJ-11 cable’s connection on both ends.
• Verify that the service outlet is set to “On” or “Activated”.

All of these steps will improve the service of your VTech phone.

A potential disruption, outage, or maintenance of VTech’s service could last for more than several hours, so remain patient.

6. Factory Reset the VTech Handset

If you’re still having issues resuming the audio output of the VTech handset, then it’s time for a factory reset.

It takes less than 40 seconds for your handset to initialize all system settings and address underlying issues with the volume output.

Here’s how to reset the VTech handset to factory defaults:

1. Press “MENU/SELECT” on the VTech handset.
2. Go to “Menu” → “Admin Settings” on the page.
3. Press the “123” soft key on the phone’s keypad.
4. Enter the username and password for the page.
5. Scroll down to “Reset to Default” in the options.
6. Now, select the option and follow the instructions.

Before initiating the reset, ensure the handset is charged to maximum capacity and verify you’re using the correct login credentials for the admin tab. 

7. Identify and Resolve Interference

The VTech handset might pick up static or drop calls if it’s too close to other wireless gadgets, like routers or phones, that mess with its connection.

We recommend keeping it within 100–150 feet of the base and trying to dislocate other wireless electronics near your VTech phone/base.

The following devices could interfere with your VTech:

• Bluetooth devices: Wireless speakers, microphones, cameras, doorbells, headphones, mobile accessories, and computer peripherals.
• Reflective surfaces: Mirrors, metal furniture, metal coatings around windows, and a variety of kitchen appliances.
• Wireless frequency: Radios, RF transmitters, baby phones, and other devices emit similar frequencies. 

All of these could impact the connection quality of your VTech handset.

While using them, ensure that neither of these devices/objects is within a 50-foot range from the VTech handset and base.

8. Test the Phone via AUX Headphones

You can easily determine whether the VTech phone volume is too low is caused by the handset by connecting compatible AUX headphones to the handset’s jack.

Well, most of the new VTech cordless handset models come with a built-in 3.5mm jack that allows for connecting a headset.

To check compatibility:

• Ensure the headset matches the size and length of the 3.5 mm AUX connector port on the VTech handset.

To connect the headset:

• Plug the headset’s cable into the handset and allow for automatic OS calibration until it is specified as the default output of the device.

To test with the headset:

• Dial a proven number (a friend’s or neighbor’s) and check if the volume output will be as degraded as it was before connecting the headset.

If the handset’s audio normalizes only while a headset is connected, there’s a hardware defect with the speaker installation or grille.

If the volume is still low, perhaps the volume buttons on the VTech headset are stuck or not working.

In either case, that requires VTech’s professional attention, so we recommend getting in touch with VTech customer service.