TelephonesCordless Phone
VTech VS122-16 Telephone Manual
Setup, everyday use, maintenance and troubleshooting for the cordless phone with Bluetooth, with verified specifications.
- TypeCordless Phone
- LineAnalog phone line
- Standby power0.24 W
- Est. yearly cost$0.36
About the VTech VS122-16
The VTech VS122-16 is a cordless phone with Bluetooth certified under the ENERGY STAR program for telephony.
It works on a standard analog phone line. The base is powered by an external AC adapter. The certification record also lists Bluetooth.
Measured standby power is 0.24 W — about 2.1 kWh or $0.36 a year if it stays plugged in around the clock, as phones normally do. That is lower than 94% of the 100 Cordless Phone models in our database.
Specifications
| Brand | VTech |
|---|---|
| Model number | VS122-16 |
| Phone type | Cordless Phone |
| Line technology | Analog |
| Configuration | Cordless |
| External power adapter | Included |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Standby (idle) power | 0.24 W |
| Off-mode power | 0.00 W |
Safety information
- Use only the power adapter and battery pack supplied with the phone or exact replacements from the manufacturer.
- Do not use the phone near water — for example near a bathtub, sink or swimming pool — and never handle it with wet hands.
- Avoid using any phone connected to outdoor wiring during a thunderstorm.
- Do not use the phone to report a gas leak while you are near the leak. Leave the area first.
- Use only the rechargeable battery type specified for the handset. Never install non-rechargeable (alkaline) batteries, and do not dispose of batteries in a fire; recycle them according to local rules.
- A cordless base needs AC power. During a power outage it will not work unless it has battery backup, so keep a mobile phone or a line-powered corded phone available for emergencies.
Setup
- Choose a location
Place the base near a phone jack and AC outlet, in a central, elevated spot away from microwave ovens, Wi-Fi routers and other cordless bases to maximize range.
- Connect the phone line
Connect the telephone line cord from the base to the wall jack. If you have DSL internet on the same line, install a DSL filter between the jack and the phone to prevent noise.
- Connect power
Plug the AC adapter into the base and into an outlet not controlled by a wall switch.
- Install and charge handset batteries
Install the battery pack in each handset and charge it fully in the base or charger before first use, following the time given in the manual.
- Set date, time and options
Set the date and time, ringer volume and language. If the model has an answering system or caller ID, configure them from the menu and record your greeting.
- Pair Bluetooth devices
Pair a Bluetooth headset or mobile phone from the Bluetooth menu. Keep the device within about 30 ft (10 m) of the phone for reliable audio.
Using your phone
Calls and audio
- Adjust the earpiece or speaker volume during a call with the volume keys; the setting is usually remembered for the next call.
- Return the handset to its charger after calls so it stays charged.
Handset battery care
Leaving the handset in the charger does not harm modern battery packs. If talk time drops noticeably, clean the charging contacts and, if needed, replace the battery with the type specified by the manufacturer. Remove the battery if the handset will be stored for several months.
Range and interference
Walls, floors, metal cabinets and appliances reduce range. If calls crackle or drop near the edge of range, move closer to the base or relocate the base to a higher, more central position.
Wireless and accessory connections
Bluetooth supports wireless headsets and, on some models, linking a mobile phone.
Power use
Phones stay powered all the time, so standby power is what matters. This model draws 0.24 W when idle.
Care and maintenance
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| Weekly | Wipe the handset, keypad and display with a soft cloth lightly dampened with water or a mild disinfectant wipe; do not spray liquids directly on the phone or use solvents. |
| Monthly | Clean the charging contacts on the handset and charger with a dry cloth or pencil eraser to ensure reliable charging. |
| Every 6 months | Check cords and plugs for damage. |
| When talk time drops | Replace the handset battery pack with the type specified by the manufacturer. |
Troubleshooting
Try these steps before calling for service. For model-specific error messages, consult the manufacturer's manual or your phone system administrator.
| Problem | Possible cause | What to try |
|---|---|---|
| No dial tone | Line cord loose or damaged; phone service issue; base not powered. | Reseat the line cord at both ends, check the adapter, and test the wall jack with another phone. If no phone works on the jack, contact your phone company. |
| Static or buzzing on calls | DSL interference; interference from routers or microwaves; handset near the edge of range. | Install a DSL filter, move the base away from other electronics, and stay closer to the base. |
| Handset shows "Searching" or "Out of range" | Base unpowered; handset too far away; handset not registered. | Check base power, move closer, and re-register the handset to the base following the manual. |
| Battery runs down quickly | Worn battery pack; dirty charging contacts; handset not seated in charger. | Clean the contacts, check that the charge indicator lights, and replace the battery pack if needed. |
| Bluetooth device will not pair | Device still connected to another phone or computer; pairing mode timed out. | Disconnect it from other devices, restart pairing on both, and keep it close to the phone. |
| Display or keys unresponsive | Temporary software fault. | Restart the phone by disconnecting power (or removing the handset battery) for 30 seconds. |
Energy use and running costs
The VTech VS122-16 draws 0.24 W in standby — the idle state it spends nearly all of its time in, measured with the handset charged and docked. Plugged in 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, that is about 2.1 kWh per year, or $0.36 at $0.17 per kWh.
Talk time adds very little energy compared with standby, because calls are short relative to the hours the phone sits idle.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of phone is the VTech VS122-16?
It is a cordless phone with Bluetooth for analog landline service.
How much electricity does the VTech VS122-16 use?
It draws 0.24 W in standby, about 2.1 kWh per year — roughly $0.36 at $0.17/kWh if left on continuously.
Will the VTech VS122-16 work during a power outage?
Not without AC power at the base, unless the base has its own battery backup. Keep a mobile phone or a line-powered corded phone for emergencies.
Does the VTech VS122-16 have Bluetooth?
Yes. The certification record lists Bluetooth.
Is the VTech VS122-16 ENERGY STAR certified?
Yes. It is on the ENERGY STAR certified telephony list, with a certification date of December 2021.
Sources and disclaimer
Specifications on this page come from the ENERGY STAR certified telephones dataset published by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (record certified December 13, 2021), retrieved October 7, 2026.
The setup, operating, maintenance and troubleshooting guidance is written by ManualHarbor's editors for this specific product type and configuration. It is an independent guide — not a reproduction of the manufacturer's manual — and ManualHarbor is not affiliated with VTech. Always follow the safety instructions, installation requirements and warranty terms supplied with your unit, and contact VTech or an authorized service provider for warranty repairs and replacement parts.
Running-cost figures use assumed U.S. average utility prices and are estimates for comparison only. See our editorial methodology for details.
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