Quick Start Guide

Go to www.vtechphones.com to register your
product for enhanced warranty support and
latest VTech product news.
Quick start guide
IS8251
IS8251-2
IS8251-3
IS8251-4
IS8251-5
What’s in the box
Connect the charger
Charge the battery
Install the battery
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
© 2021 VTech Communications, Inc.
All rights reserved. 02/21. IS8251-X_QSG_V1.0
Telephones identified with this logo have reduced noise and interference when used with most T-coil
equipped hearing aids and cochlear implants. The TIA-1083 Compliant Logo is a trademark of the
Telecommunications Industry Association. Used under license.
T
Compatible with
Hearing
Ai
d T-Coil
TIA-1083
12 hrs
Technical specifications
Frequency control Crystal controlled PLL synthesizer
Transmit frequency Handset: 1921.536-1928.448 MHz
Telephone base: 1921.536-1928.448 MHz
Channels 5
Nominal effective
range
Maximum power allowed by FCC and IC. Actual operating range may vary according to
environmental conditions at the time of use.
Power requirement Handset: 2.4V Ni-MH battery
Telephone base: 6V DC @ 600mA
Charger: 6V DC @ 400mA
Memory Phonebook: 1200 memory locations; up to 30 digits and 15 characters
Caller ID log: 50 memory locations; up to 24 digits and 15 characters
Call block: 1000 entries
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.
THIS SIDE UP / CE CÔTÉ VERS LE HAUT
Battery Pack / Bloc-piles :
BT162342/BT262342 (2.4V 300mAh Ni-MH)
WARNING / AVERTISSEMENT :
DO NOT BURN OR PUNCTURE BATTERIES.
NE PAS INCINÉRER OU PERCER LES PILES.
Made in China / Fabriqué en chine CR1939
Connect and install
1
Quick
start
guide
Introducing
Smart call
blocker
DECT 6.0 cordless telephone
with BLUETOOTH® wireless technology
Display
Handset:
The handset battery is
low and needs charging.
The handset battery is
charging.
The handset battery is
fully charged.
Handset or telephone
base ringer is off.
New voicemail received
from your telephone
service provider.
NEW
There are new caller ID
log entries.
ANS ON
Answering system is on.
Booster is turned on.
10/16
MSG #
Handset displays the
current message number
being played and the
total number of new/old
messages recorded.
MSG#
0
Telephone base
message counter
displays the total
number of messages.
ECO
The ECO mode activates
automatically to reduce
power consumption
when the handset is
within range of the
telephone base.
To use a Bluetooth enabled cellular phone or headset with your telephone, you must first pair and connect your Bluetooth cellular phone or headset with the telephone base. Before you begin, make sure that
you have cellular coverage and your Bluetooth enabled cell phone or headset is not connected to any other Bluetooth device.
Add a Bluetooth cell phone
Add a Bluetooth headset
HANDSET 1
ECO
10:30
PM
10/16
MSG #
NEW
ANS ON
The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by VTech Holdings
Limited is under license. VTech Holdings Limited is a member of Bluetooth SIG, Inc. Other trademarks and trade names
are those of their respective owners.
Telephone base:
Setup
2
After you install your telephone or power returns following a power outage and battery depletion, the handset and telephone base 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 July, 2019, and the time is 12:05 PM:
Voice guide for Smart call blocker / Answering system
After setting the date and time, the telephone base will prompt if you want to set Smart call blocker, and the answering system. For more details, see Use
voice guide to set Smart call blocker in the Introducing Smart call blocker leaflet and Use voice guide to set Answsering system in the online help topics.
When the telephone base prompts you to set up the Smart call blocker via
voice guide:
When the handset and
telephone base prompt
you to set the date and
time:
Date: MM/DD/YY
ECO
Date: 07/25/19
ECO
Press SELECT.
2
Time: 12:05 PM
ECO
Press SELECT.
4
Press YES on the telephone
base to start voice guide
setup.
2
Setup your answering system by
inputting the designated numbers
as instructed in the voice guide.
“This voice guide will assist you with
the basic setup of your answering
system“
“Hello! This voice guide will
assist you with the basic
setup of Smart call blocker“
Press YES on the
telephone base to start
voice guide setup.
1
Setup your Smart call blocker
by inputting the designated
numbers as instructed in the
voice guide.
Make a home call
Operate
3
End a home call
Volume
Handset:
Telephone base:
Handset:
Telephone base:
End a cell call
Handset: Telephone base:
Make a cell call
Answer a home call
Handset:
- OR -
Answer a cell call
Handset:
- OR -
Handset:
- OR -
Telephone base:
- OR -
Handset:
Telephone base:
- OR -
Date: 07/2?/--
ECO
Enter the date.
1
Time: HH:MM - -
ECO
Enter the time.
3
Enter the phone number.
2
Enter the phone number.
2
Press
1
Press
1
Press
Press
Press
Press
Press
Bluetooth
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:
1. Read and understand all instructions.
2. Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product.
3. Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth
for cleaning.
4. CAUTION: Do not install the telephone base at a height above 2 meters.
5. Do not use this product near water such as near a bath tub, wash bowl, kitchen sink, laundry tub or a swimming
pool, or in a wet basement or shower.
6. Do not place this product on an unstable table, shelf, stand or other unstable surfaces.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. Do not allow anything to rest on the power cord. Do not install this product where the cord may be walked on.
11. 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.
12. 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.
13. Do not overload wall outlets and extension cords.
14. 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.
15. Avoid using a telephone (other than cordless) during an electrical storm. There is a remote risk of electric shock
from lightning.
16. 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.
17. Only put the handset of your telephone next to your ear when it is in normal talk mode.
18. 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.
19. For pluggable equipment, the socket-outlet shall be installed near the equipment and shall be easily accessible.
20. 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.
21. Use only the adapter included with this product. Incorrect adapter polarity or voltage can seriously damage the
product.
Base unit power adapter: Output: 6V DC @ 600mA.
Charger power adapter: Output: 6V DC @ 400mA.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
Battery
• Use only the batteries provided or equivalent. To order a replacement, visit our website at
www.vtechphones.com or call 1 [phone].
In Canada, go to www.vtechcanada.com or call 1 [phone].
• 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.
Important safety instructions
2 sets for IS8251-2
3 sets for IS8251-3
4 sets for IS8251-4
5 sets for IS8251-5
1 set for IS8251-2
2 sets for IS8251-3
3 sets for IS8251-4
4 sets for IS8251-5
THIS SIDE UP / CE CÔTÉ VERS LE HAUT
Battery Pack / Bloc-piles :
BT162342/BT262342 (2.4V 400mAh Ni-MH)
WARNING / AVERTISSEMENT :
DO NOT BURN OR PUNCTURE BATTERIES.
NE PAS INCINÉRER OU PERCER LES PILES.
Made in China / Fabriqué en chine CR2022
THIS SIDE UP
S LE HAUT
Ni-MH)
ATTERIES.
R LES PILES.
CR1535
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 telephone base prompts you to set up the answering system via voice guide:
*Includes licenced Qaltel
TM
technology.
Qaltel
TM
is a trademark of Truecall Group Limited.
S
m
For more support information
Follow the following
steps to set the
date and time if you
skipped the prompt.
Press MENU.
1
HANDSET 1
ECO
10:30
PM
11/20
Press / to scroll to Set
date/time, then press SELECT.
2
Set date/time
ECO
Enter the date, then
press SELECT.
3
Date: 12/25/19
ECO
Enter the time, then
press SELECT.
4
Time: 10:59 AM
ECO
• 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.
Wall Mount Installation (Optional)
• If you want to mount your telephone on a wall, you have to purchase a wall mount bracket, which is
sold separately from IS8251. With a wall mount bracket, you can attach your telephone to a standard
dual-stud telephone wall mounting plate.
• The wall mount bracket is an accessory of IS8251 and it is available at
https://www.vtechphones.com/W2001. Scan the QR code for more details before your purchase.
Tips
Telephone base:
Telephone base:
12:45 am

Menu
1
Press MENU on the
telephone base.
Menu


Smart key
Shortcut of menu option, speed dial
number or emergency call. Option
displayed next to a softkey.
Press to select and there are six in
total.
Menu
Option displayed above a softkey.
Press or to select.
Smart call blocker is on.
Timer is set and counting down. It
flashes when the timer reaches.
Bluetooth device is active.
Bluetooth device is in use.
Wireless Bluetooth headset is in use.
Answering system is on.
Quiet mode is turned on for the
selected period of time.
Telephone base ringer is off.
The Home line is in use.
New voicemail received from your
telephone service provider.
There are new messages and the total
number of new messages displays next
to it.
There are missed calls and the total
number of missed calls displays next
to it.
Softkeys
Smart keys
2
Press / to scroll to the
next page, then select
Bluetooth.
MENU 2/3
Bluetooth
Timer
Set date / time
Smart key
Ringers
Settings
3
Press ADD DEVICE.
BLUETOOTH DEVICE
C1
<Empty>
C2
<Empty>
Add device
4
Press Add Cellular.
Add device
Select which type of
Bluetooth device you
would like to add
Add cellular
Add headset
STEP 1: If cell is connected to
BT device, please disconnect it.
ADD CELLULAR
Next
Press NEXT.
5
STEP 2: Place cell phone next to
base.
Next
ADD CELLULARADD CELLULAR
Turn on the bluetooth
feature of your cell phone,
then press NEXT.
6
Bluetooth cell phones
1 and 2 added.
12:45 am

Menu
1
Press MENU on the
telephone base.
Menu


2
Press / to scroll to the
next page, then select
Bluetooth.
MENU 2/3
Bluetooth
Timer
Set date / time
Smart key
Ringers
Settings
3
Press ADD DEVICE.
BLUETOOTH DEVICE
C1
<Empty>
C2
<Empty>
Add device
4
Press Add Headset.
Add device
Select which type of
Bluetooth device you
would like to add
Add cellular
Add headset
Searching for
bluetooth headsets
ADD CELLULARADD HEADSET
Set cell to search base
“VTech DECT 6.0”
ADD CELLULARADD CELLULAR
Once your cell phone
finds your telephone
(VTech DECT 6.0), press the
appropriate key on your
cell phone to continue the
pairing process.
7
STEP 2: Set headset to
discoverable mode.
Next
ADD CELLULARADD HEADSET
Set your headset to
discoverable mode,
then press NEXT.
6
Press NEXT.
5
STEP 1: If headset is connected
to cellphone, please disconnect it.
ADD HEADSET
Next
7
Place your headset next
to the base to continue
the pairing process.
Download a cell phone directory using the telephone base
3
Press Phonebook download
using the corresponding
Smart key.
Before downloading a directory, make sure the cell phone is paired, active, and
connected to your IS8251.
1
Press MENU on the
telephone base.
Menu


2
Press / to scroll to the
next page, then select
Bluetooth.
MENU 2/3
Bluetooth
Timer
Set date / time
Smart key
Ringers
Settings
LCD language setting
If you accidentally set the LCD language to Spanish or French, you can change the
LCD language back to English while the telephone is not in use:
• On the telephone base, press MENU and then enter 364#.
• On the handset, press MENU and then enter 364#.
2
2
Add a menu option
Smart key
On the telephone base, there are six Smart keys along the left and right of the LCD screen. Smart keys allow you to access the speed dial number, emergency number and menu
options quickly. You can reset the Smart keys anytime you want. Follow the steps below to set the Smart keys.
Menu


1
Press Add to add a
Smart key function.
SMART KEY SETTING
Speed dial
Which function
would you like
to have?
Emergency call
Menu option
SPEED DIAL NUMBER
SaveBackspace
800-595-9511_
Press Speed dial.
2
Enter the speed dial
number, then press SAVE.
3
Add a speed dial number
Add a emergency number
Menu


1
Press Add to add a
corresponding function.
SMART KEY SETTING
Speed dial
Which function
would you like
to have?
Emergency call
Menu option
Press Emergency call.
2
Enter the emergency
number, then press SAVE.
3
EMERGENCY NUMBER
Save
800-595-9512_
Backspace
Enter the name,
then press SAVE.
4
SPEED DIAL NAME
Save
Mike Smith
Backspace
Menu


1
Press Add to add a
corresponding function.
SMART KEY SETTING
Speed dial
Which function
would you like
to have?
Emergency call
Menu option
Press Menu option.
2
Press / to choose your
desired menu option, then
press SAVE.
3
SMART KEY ... SETTING
Intercom
Phonebook
Msg list
Voicemail
Caller ID log
Bluetooth
Ringer
Timer
Setting
Smart Cal.
SaveBack
Smart key
For operations and guides to help you using your telephone system, 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/is8251; 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.
You can also call our Customer Support at 1 [phone] [in US] or 1 [phone] [in Canada]
for help.
Need help?
S
m
BLUETOOTH DEVICE
Edit
Add device
Nick Geller
smartphone
Mike Smith
smartphone
Phonebook
download
C1
C2
Connect /
Disconnect
Downloading Phonebook from
Mike Smith
xxx
Stop
Activate remote voice control
Make sure your cell phone is paired and connected to your telephone system
via Bluetooth.
Using the cordless handset:
1
Press VOICE on
the handset.
HANDSET 1
ECO
1
10:30
PM
11/20
Cell phone X 0 0 : 0 5
ECO
1
2
When the handset or telephone base plays the confirmation tone as forwarded
by the cell phone’s voice app, start speaking toward the handset or telephone
base, and then wait for feedback. Make reply to the voice app’s feedback, if
necessary.
Using the telephone base:
1
Press VOICE on the
telephone base.
- OR -
Menu


<Cell device name>
REMOTE VOICE CONTROL
Stop
Voice guide set
Smart call blk?
No Yes
Voice guide to
set up Ans sys?
No Yes
Mike Smith
Entries added:
xxx
No Yes
Reset a Smart key
Menu


Press MENU on the
telephone base.
1
Press / to scroll to the
next page, then select
Smart key.
2
MENU 2/3
Bluetooth
Timer
Set date / time
Smart key
Ringers
Settings
Press the desired Smart
key you want to reset.
3
1 2
4
6
3
5
Press your desired
Smart key
( Hint : Click VIEW CURRENT to see the
current Smart key assignment in idle )
SMART KEY SETTING
View Current
Press YES to reset.
4
No
Do you want to reset
Smart Key 3?
Existing
Voicemail
Yes