The VTech MI6885 is a 5.8 GHz DSS cordless telephone system with digital answering machine, caller ID, and expandable design (up to 12 handsets). It features a backlit display, speakerphone, phonebook (50 entries), call log, redial (10 entries), intercom, conference calls, and voicemail indicator. Supports English/Spanish/French. Below are the key specifications, installation, operation, programming, and troubleshooting instructions.
Unpack the phone and ensure all components are present: telephone base, 3 cordless handsets, 2 chargers, 3 rechargeable battery packs (2.4V 600mAh Ni-MH), 2 charger power adapters, telephone line cord, belt clips, user's manual. Install batteries in handsets (align cover, insert pack, snap cover) and charge for 16 hours before first use. Place base away from water, heat sources, and interference. Use wall mount bracket if desired.
WARNING! Failure to read and follow all instructions carefully before installing or operating this control could cause personal injury and/or property damage. Save these instructions.
The VTech MI6885 is a 5.8 GHz DSS cordless phone with digital answering system (up to 99 messages, 15 min recording time). Features include backlit display, speakerphone, adjustable ringer, 50-name phonebook, caller ID log, 10-number redial, call transfer, conference calls, mute, headset compatibility, quiet mode, voicemail waiting indicator, call screening, and remote access. Supports English, Spanish, French. Handset and base layouts include navigation keys, volume controls, dedicated buttons for mute, redial, find handset, INT.
Applications: Residential cordless telephony; Compatible with DSL/Caller ID; Up to 12 handsets.
CAUTION! To prevent electrical shock/equipment damage, unplug before installation. Use only supplied adapters. If in doubt about wiring, consult qualified electrician.
WARNING! Do not use on circuits exceeding 120 VAC; improper use can cause shock/fire. All wiring must conform to local/national electrical codes. Avoid use during storms, near gas leaks, or with pacemakers without consulting doctor. Dispose of batteries per local regulations (RBRC program). Install DSL filter if using high-speed internet.
Shut off power if applicable. Remove old phone cover. Label wires before disconnecting. Disconnect wires one at a time; do not let fall into wall. Remove old base from wall.
Choose central location for base. Install batteries in handsets. Plug charger adapters into chargers and unswitched outlets. Plug base power adapter into base and outlet. Plug telephone line cord into base and wall jack (use DSL filter if needed). Place handsets in base/chargers to charge for 16 hours. For wall mount, snap bracket to base, align on wall plate, route cords. Register additional handsets: MENU > Registration on handset, FIND HANDSET on base for 4s.
Terminal Designations: Jacks for power and line cord on base.
Standard Setup: AC outlet to adapter to base/chargers; Wall jack to (DSL filter) to line cord to base.
Wall Mount: Route cords through bracket slots.
CAUTION! All wiring must conform to local/national electrical codes. Do not use switched outlets.
After charging, lift handset and listen for dial tone. Test by dialing a number and adjusting volume. Verify CHARGE light on base.
View via CID; new calls with NEW icon. Dial back with TALK/FLASH. Save to phonebook via STORE.
Access menu with MENU. Set date/time, program phonebook, configure ringer.
Enter menu via MENU. Adjust LCD language, key tone, ringer volume/tone, voicemail number, call block, quiet mode.
| Setting | Default | Options | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| LCD Language | English | English/Espanol/Francais | MENU > Settings > Language |
| Key Tone | On | On/Off | MENU > Settings > Key tone |
| Ringer Volume | Level 3 | 0-6/Off | MENU > Ringer > Volume |
| Ringer Tone | Tone 1 | 1-10 | MENU > Ringer > Melody |
| Voicemail Number | None | Custom | Service provider access |
| Call Block | Off | On/Off | Via directory/call log |
| Quiet Mode | Off | On/Off | Set ringer to 0 |
| Symptom | Possible Cause | Corrective Action |
|---|---|---|
| Phone doesn’t work at all | No power/line connection. | Ensure AC adapter and line cord plugged in; check for dial tone. |
| No dial tone | Line cord issue. | Reconnect line cord; try different jack. |
| Cannot dial out | No dial tone or wrong mode. | Ensure tone/pulse set correctly; wait for dial tone. |
| UNABLE TO CALL TRY AGAIN | Out of range or busy. | Move closer to base; ensure handset registered. |
| Handset doesn’t ring | Ringer off or cord loose. | Activate ringer; check line cord. |
| Noise/static/weak signal | Interference from other devices. | Move away from wireless routers/electronics. |
| Calls fade/cut in/out | Interference or range. | Install away from electronics; ensure full charge. |
| Caller ID not working | No subscription or area unsupported. | Subscribe to service; check line connection. |
| Answering system not recording | Off or full. | Turn on; delete messages if full. |
| Lost handset registration | Not registered. | Press FIND HANDSET on base, then register via MENU. |
| Low battery warning persists | Battery issue. | Charge 16 hours; replace if needed. |